This is a copy of my article for the JUNE 2013 edition of the Billericay ‘Around Town Magazine’

We all love a celebration don’t we?  Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, you name it we easily find an excuse to crack open the bubbly, light up the BBQ or put on our ‘glad rags’ for a night out.  Celebrations and hospitality are an important part of our social gathering.  They strengthen our relationships; make significant contributions to our well being; and, in an age of ‘impersonal’ social networking, they help to rekindle the lost art of conversation and community.

Jesus spent a significant amount of time ‘eating, drinking and celebrating!’ In fact, Jesus rarely said no to an invitation for a meal and many of the significant episodes in Jesus’ life, and a great amount of his teaching, took place around a celebration which usually involved food. You may remember some of them: The Wedding at Cana, the Feeding of the Five Thousand, and the Last Supper.

Here at Emmanuel we celebrate our 21st Birthday in June (yes, amazing isn’t it?) and we want to invite YOU to join with us on:

Saturday 15th June from 3.00pm: A Family Time event in the church grounds – including a Bouncy Castle; Hog Roast; BBQ; Games; Craft Activities and more! 

Saturday 15th June at 5.30pm: ‘Magic You Will Never Forget’ with Steve Legg – this amazing magic and comedy show is suitable for ALL ages!

Sunday 23rd June at 10.30am: Family Communion with ‘After The Fire’ – who will lead us in an accessible, inspirational and unique Service of Thanksgiving for our 21st Birthday.

In addition, Churches Together in Billericay, after the success of last year, are hosting another ‘Fun in the Park’ celebration at Lake meadows on Sunday 30th June from 12.30pm onwards which will be another excellent community event.

All of these are great opportunities to have an enjoyable ‘free’ day out, meet new friends and, who knows, you may have reason to celebrate learning a little more about the one who gave up his life to become a friend to the friendless.