Ignition Blog: May 2012
Gentlemanly Conduct.
Last Sunday night saw the latest episode of One Church Ignition men’s events with an evening of fun, education, inspiration and general blokey nonsense, shared by over 100 men from One Church and beyond.
Compered by a pair of (rather dashing) Victorian-themed ‘gentlemen’, the evening included a hands-on tutorial showing how to grow your own chilli peppers; their different types and heat ratings; ably demonstrated by a number of brave volunteers, some of whom were doubtless still regretting that decision the following day!
One of our resident chefs, Steve, then took 3 ‘willing’ chaps into the kitchen for a basic cookery challenge, during which a not-so general knowledge quiz was laid on with some unusual thought provoking themes.
Our special guest for the evening, Gloucester and Scotland Rugby’s Jim Hamilton, gave a brilliantly honest chat about family, rugby and life in general, during which time he birthed a new twitter legend – Zoltan – (or #hungariannutter as he was named) for his ability to consume so much fiery food without crying!
Simon Jarvis wrapped up a great evening with a typically inspiring talk. If you didn’t come, don’t worry; add your details to the One Church mailing list so you get plenty of notice about the next Ignition event.
Ignition Blog: October 2011
Can you help?
We need some chaps with DIY skills to help a needy local family that desperately need their house decorated. We are running the project over several Saturdays so at least one date should work! Give Rob Lowe a call or contact the hub if you can help.
Also, there’s another curry night coming up on 16 October. Contact Dan Yates for the details, Or leave your name at the information desk and he’ll find you.
Excellent feedback again on the Dads and lads camping weekend. Big shout out to Rob, Steve and Paul who helped organise the show. We experienced swimming in the lake, a football competition, a Malvern walk, a beer or two around the campfire, Steve’s rendition of “Wild thing” (which, worryingly, is becoming an annual occurrence) and a mini tornado! My favourite part is how easily the spiritual aspect slips into the fun and activity.
On a personal note, I want to thank all those who supported the Marriage Challenge. Well done fellas. Your marriage and your future will be better for that, particularly if you put what you’ve learned into practice.
Live big
Simon Jarvis
June 2011
May 2011
There’s a buzz going on among the fellas of One Church and more than another great curry night!
We have the opportunity to get our hands dirty and get involved with some community projects. Rob Lowe is currently organising a small team to help decorate the home of a family in desperate straits. This is what we do.
If you can paint, DIY or generally help out, then drop Rob a line or contact The Hub for further information.
Five fathers and sons have signed up for the next ‘boys to men Snowdon Challenge’. This is always a brilliant day and we are all getting into training. The plaque is now established in the foyer next to the information desk. It’s a testament for generations to come. Maybe you can bring your son next year?
Build friendships
Love your family
Stay accountable
And always live big
Simon Jarvis
Ignition Blog: February 2011
Looking back over 2010, we have had a brilliant year.
Who can forget the exceptional breakfasts, curry nights, outdoor cooking on the camping weekend and of course, the totally outstanding A-men Conference.
2011 brings change and new opportunity.
After serving the team for the best part of five years, Karl Hayward stepped down as Ignition leader. He set out an agenda to get real conversation interacting between the men. I’m sure you’ll agree that this has been achieved with outstanding success.
Thank you, Karl.
The team has been re-shaped and, in the short term, I will oversee the men’s activity with Rob Lowe’s assistance. We are currently reviewing where men can add most value to the overall vision of One Church. Without question, the camping weekend, Snowdon challenge and various food related activities will be on the agenda for the next 12 months!
Watch this space – and men, don’t wait to be asked! Jump in and add value wherever you see the need.
Simon Jarvis
Ignition Blog – November 2010
It was the penultimate Ignition event of the year.
On 30 October, we enjoyed a challenging and compelling teaching session from Jon Jarvis followed by an amazing pub lunch at the Royal William in Cranham. The food was excellent, the venue was perfect, the company was great and more importantly, the message was clear.
Jon challenged us to think about how we so often speak over our lives with “I can’t because…” or “I would if I could, but I can’t.”
In God’s strength, with a little faith and determination, we can start to say “Yes, I can” and “Yes, I will”, whether you’ve got a habit to break, a physical condition that holds you back, or maybe you just lack confidence or self belief.
We all had a great opportunity to open up to each other in smaller groups and talk about the things to which we say ‘I can’t’. This provoked some really good connection between the men as we took time to encourage each other in our common struggles.
Life sharing and connection continued as we lunched together. Guys were chatting, laughing and getting to know one another better whilst shovelling food into their mouths…
Any men’s event should have all these things and it was so good to see them happening so naturally. Christmas meal next…..
Jonathan Feltham.
Ignition Blog – September 2010
So it was the time of year again when we grabbed our camping gear and set off to enjoy the great outdoors with our friends, Dad’s, sons and any other guys who wanted to tag along.
What a great weekend it was – from helping to put each others’ tents up – to finding out who could really play cricket! The time spent away from the usual routine of life was invaluable. You could see guys of all ages getting to know each other better, whether on the football field, the 4 mile walk or around the barbecue…
Particular highlights: the football tournament, even though the referee was given a hard time (that’ll be me); the way that food brought everyone together in the evenings; and the prayer time shared between fathers and their sons on Saturday night.
So much was gained from another fantastic Ignition event. The weather was good (Sunday morning aside!); relationships were strengthened; and time and space for Dads and Lads to relax and have fun in a great environment.
Looking forward to next year already.
Jonathan Feltham.
Ignition Blog – June 2010
This month saw One Church host it’s first Men’s Conference, and what a success it was! From the bacon butties on arrival to the closing words of Mark Ritchie, no one could fail to enjoy the 1st leg of the A:men Conference. The event was brought together in partnership with Riviera Life in Torquay.
A lot of work and preparation went into the day to create the right atmosphere and allow plenty of room for God to move….
Simon Jarvis challenged us to be gatekeepers – to bully selfish culture, protect morality and release the gifts in those close to us. Such a great opening word!
Ian Williams encouraged us not to describe our situation but define it – to become men and take responsibility at home, in our church and in our community. What an important message this is for us men!
Mark Ritchie posed the question ‘what are some of the ‘buts’ that are stopping us from flying?’ He fired us up and asked us to passionately give our best to everything, so that we may pass the can to the next generation. In his second session, Mark challenged us with another question – ‘Do you want to be marked by this generation, or do you want to leave your mark on this generation?’ Mark laid down the gauntlet and implored us to leave our mark on the lives of others, make a difference with our actions, and put aside our own, often over protected, reputations. It was impossible not to be inspired and stirred up by the delivery of both of his messages.
Added to the godly words of these 3 men, was some fantastic worship and also a range of great activities during the break times, including a 30ft high climbing wall! Backed up with great food, it all contributed to yet another exciting and thought-provoking Ignition Men’s Event.
So bring on next year’s Conference I say!
Jonathan Feltham.
Ignition Event – Hike and Curry
If there are 2 great ways to get men chatting and sharing lives then a good walk and food have to be top of the list.
So it was great to get such a positive response to this latest Ignition event. About 30 men gathered at The Kings Head in Stroud for a 5 mile circular route. The weather was perfect, conversations sparked up immediately and Karl Hayward successfully managed to get us back without any wrong turns and without losing anybody.
Then after trading our muddy boots for trainers, it was off to the curry house. First man in was John Maine, who ordered a pint of milk (as you do), and second man in was Mark Wilding – simply because food was on the agenda!
We all sat on the longest table ever assembled – everyone managed to get the food they ordered – thanks to Jon Perry!
Once again curry was the catalyst for a great evening of friendship building, connecting with new people and just good fun.
It was another successful Ignition event, simply because men were opening up to each other, and learning that without doubt – together we’re stronger. Glory to God.
Jonathan Feltham.
Ignition Blog – February
“IGNITION MEN’S BREAKFAST was a great combination of physical and spiritual food with a room full of top blokes.”
But before I get on to Simon’s message, I must begrudgingly congratulate him on his table tennis challenge victory. On the day, Simon was tested to the limit with the best the men had to offer in a short game of table tennis – well done Simon, beating Steve in the final!
If that wasn’t impressive enough, the way he shared God’s heart with us certainly was. How great it was to be encouraged to ‘step up’ in the way we serve our wives, our families, our church and at work.
Karl summed up and encouraged us not to be dogged by the failures of our past.
So let’s improve the way we serve the people in our lives, and be conscious of the fact that ultimately it’s God we are serving, and He is everything we need to be a success.
Article by Jon Feltham
We look forward to seeing you at the next event on Saturday 27 March. Don your walking boots for an afternoon hike where we’ll work up an appetite for an early evening curry!
Karl Hayward
