Cutting Edge Ministries Missioner Blogs

Christmas Gathering at Painswick

2012-01-25T14:06:00.002Z

As you may know Roger has been working on behalf of the West of England Baptist Association during the past nine months. This required actioning a visitation programme in the well-to-do area of Painswick, Gloucester.If you receive the CEM magazine you would have read that its proved to be a difficult area to make any substantial progress in planting a Church. However, Roger has persevered and decided it would be appropriate to have a house Christmas Party to encourage awareness that the intention is to develop a "Fresh Expressions" or "Emerging Church" community group.

The response to the selective invites was very positive with some twenty people attending. Roger engaged with Brian, his able team member, the people assembled in both single and group discussion. All this amongst the beautifully decorated venue, with excellent Christmas music and sumptuous food which made for a very worthwhile and entertaining evening.

We look forward with a great measure of optimism that new people from this event will swell our numbers in the new year. Giving us lift off to a new community group which will allow people to explore their lives and understand more fully the message of Jesus Christ and his impact on our world.

Trustees initiate Volunteer Team.

2011-08-08T11:27:00.004+01:00

Cutting Edge Ministries have always had the services of volunteers helping out the missioners with their work over many years. This invariably has come about through CEM working in a particular church or area which in due course, created interest from members of particular congregations to join with CEM`s wider ministry.

Recently the board of CEM Trustees decided it was necessary to recognise and include
all volunteers bringing them into a more intimate relationship with CEM, to achieve a greater sense of support and belonging. It was widely felt that all volunteers had been under valued and their voice of experience had not been heard.

Plans were made for meetings to take place where area trustees, a missioner and volunteers could meet on a regular bases to support and plan CEM`s ministry work. The picture here shows Rev Ken Davies. Trustee, with Roger and volunteers Brian and Brigite, Fran and Steve.

A further meeting will take place in September.

Visuals from joint CEM and Nexus Mission.

2011-06-17T14:05:00.005+01:00

Roger on Mission with Nexus (on View)

2011-06-17T13:32:00.000+01:00

For the second year running CEM with Nexus embarked on a joint mission at Beaufort School in Gloucester. A school with a strong Christian presence due to many of the teaching staff being Christians. The head teacher allowed us the opportunity to teach not only music but in addition R.E. lessons. The week was climaxed by three concerts, two in the afternoon and a third during the evening for the general public. All were a great success, with particularly the evening event which was evangelistic, with lots of Christian literature being distributed.
The picture here shows the the Nexus team in action as they perform secular and Christian music to the applause of the audience.

We look forward to a repeat mission next year which has proved to be a high profile event that enables the students not only to enjoy the subjects but educates in very relevant ways.

A short DVD has been produced for any who would like a copy. Price £3
Roger Leigh

Call to Higher Ground

2011-06-06T15:51:00.002+01:00

This Easter saw Paul and Alistair again gather predawn with some hardy souls for a march up to the summit of Glastonbury Tor. Scripture was read out along the way. The observance to glorify the risen Christ at this unique and profound location has become a perennial event and is as much an evangelistic opportunity as a traditional high point. As more people filtered up to the ancient tower of St. Michael the hymns "Before the Throne" and "In Christ Alone" were sung with fervour as the sun came up. Paul gave an address. It was interesting to see a line of bleary eyed people pop their heads out of mummy style sleeping bags roused by the celebration. Upon finishing their heads submerged again. Did they ponder the challenging message delivered, or just drift back into a catatonic state? Will one or two that morn be raised to the resurrection of the blest or the alternate? This, of course, goes for most of our work in the Gospel; we sow seeds through the Word commend to God's Spirit the outcome. Sometimes, just sometimes, one gets to hear and rejoice in how effectual some encounter became. Paul meets many people in Glastonbury throughout the seasons on spiritual quests/journeys, often from overseas. It seems each year there is usually someone who seeks him out for further consultation bringing them closer to knowing/trusting in Christ. The Medieval Chapel where Paul usually holds services is undergoing renovation so we pray that the closure for work will not be protracted.

Blog Log: West to East

2011-06-06T15:47:00.002+01:00

Paul and Carol had not visited family and church supporters of their ministry in the Eastern United States for some time, so flying west to do so was deemed overdue. This included travel between Tennessee and Ohio to address the large congregation in New Carlisle. The updates they gave were in the format of a panel interview for two services. Many congregants afterward were enthusiastic about what they heard and stuck around afterwards to ask more in-depth questions about the spiritual scene in the UK and CEM strategies employed. As with their previous visit to their sending church in Oregon, a genuine wave of Christian affinity and affection, with promises of intentional prayer reinforcement, was a powerful blessing. After returning to Somerset Rowena and Nigel Steady, Dave Nesbitt and others (above) helped Paul & Carol put a Celtic Christian Worship event at Bagley Church near Wedmore that covered a spectrum from rousing to reflective. The Saturday afternoon time slot was experimental and produced a 40 person response. They gave a ride afterward to a pagan seeker of all things Celtic who walked many miles to attend. He said it was as if God had directed him there. Paul feels this sort of service, i.e. contrasting worship moods with message, but all naturally focused on celebrating the Gospel, is what churches in Somerset need to offer. At the moment most fall into the categories of either stand up/sit down formal in antique edifices, or happy/clappy informal in uninspiring gymn-like facilities. It has to be admitted, however, that although the Bagley venue is modern, it boasts magnificent views over the Levels to the sea which add positively to the experience. It is believed that a repeat of this outreach can benefit from alternate window of time (that does not compete with a typical Sunday service of course). Also enhanced sign posting if so rural a location is opted for again.

Roger sharing currant news at WEBA meeting.

2011-05-16T11:42:00.004+01:00

Roger was invited by the powers that be to speak about his Painswick, CEM project that is under the oversight of West of England Baptist Association. Regional Ministers Nigel Coles and Alistair Longwell enlisted Roger with his new colleague Brian Niblette to plant a "new expressions" of Church to replace the existing Painswick baptist Church, which had recently closed its doors for the last time. Roger was given the opportunity to speak at Brunswick Baptist Church, Gloucester for the purpose of explaining the recent ministry developments CEM had created which WEBA had become aware. This resulted in Roger being invited to represent them in the Painswick area by working to plant a Church Community Group able to face the challenges of modeling different ways of being and doing Church.

Speaking to Church Leaders from across the Midlands, Roger shared in the strategies he has repeatedly adopted in reaching people who had interest in spiritual matters but know interest in attending Church. Rogers door-to-door work, and the process of creating subsequent community groups,caused a great deal of interest from other Evangelists as well as Ministers who were keen to speak with him afterwards.
Roger said, "it was good to see this kind of openness by the local Baptist Churches in wanting to receive news of this kind, to enable their understanding of particular ways they could adopt for their outreach programmes."

OUR MORE DETAILED NEWS LETTER WILL BE WITH YOU NEXT MONTH.

CEM and Nexus..... Plans for Future Mission.

2011-02-03T15:49:00.005Z

The Christian Music College Nexus, sent staff member Anthony Hippsley and second year student leader Joel Rhys Davies, to visit Roger recently to plan a schools mission for May 2011. You may remember Nexus and CEM, got together last year and it proved a pleasing success with ten young people finding Christ.

The plans for this year is again to visit Beaufort Comprehensive School, here in Gloucester but to hold the week long event in the school building. This will mean that the Saturday climatic evangelistic event will take place in the school, rather than last year in a local church building. Lessons in music and religious studies along with daily school assemblies will be the programme for the week reaching 1600 students. The fun side of the mission will come through the organising of a "X Factor" competition during lunch hours. In addition, a short twenty minute Nexus music concert, each day after school, will take place just to wet the appetite for the young people to attend the Saturday night concert.

CEM`s relationship with Nexus based in Coventry, developed through Roger`s son Nathan being a student there for two years. In fact you may remember the story in the "On the Edge" magazine last year.
Roger says, "the Nexus Music Team, has a great deal of STREET CRED with the students. Young people with the gift of performing music can at all times get on to the level of school children on occasions such as these. So that's pray the Lord will use this significant event to reach these youngsters with the powerful truth of His Gospel."

We all say "AMEN" to that!
Roger will oversee the event from beginning to end.

Living on the Cutting Edge

2011-01-29T13:08:00.007Z

The recent conversations with the West of England baptist Association, and the subsequent agreement for Cutting Edge Ministries to pioneer a church plant in the Painswick area near Stroud, from the 1st February, is about to commence. Brian Nimblette, (see picture) and myself, have agree to represent the Baptist Church in working towards creating a "new expressions" type church in a predominately middle to upper class area. That means we are going out into the community to listen to what people have to say about church and how they would like to see something new develop? Both Brian and I have have acquired a great deal of experience in this area. You know about me and what I have been doing over recent years, but Brian comes from a different background yet the Lord has spoken to him in a very similar fashion! Born in London Brian spent ten years in the Yemen with WEC, then returning 18months ago to finish his Masters Degree, and to allow his teenage daughter to continue her education in England. Brian and his Swiss wife Brigitte, came to Farmhill Church one Sunday morning when I was taking the service. In talking with him afterwards, Brian started to come to the Thursday group realising what I was doing fell completely in line with what he and a small number of missioners were doing in the Yemen. This has now developed into Brian joining CEM as a volunteer missioner, while he seeks the Lord for his ministry future. This of course could be with CEM?

Our remit from WEBA is to bring into being under their banner a community group who will effect their immediate community through friendship, goodworks and spiritual guidance in that order. How this will look in one years time we will leave to God? It will be a challenge that will take us on to the cutting edge, which is how we like it!

So please include us both in your prayers as we will be starting from nothing.

Roger

Cutting Edge Ministries New Year Dinner 2011

2011-01-24T18:57:00.006Z

Fifty people all from the Gloucester area met at Redcliffe College for the CEM, New Year dinner evening on Saturday 22nd January. An occasion which proved to be a very pleasant evening with wonderful company, good food, enjoyable music, story telling and a Morcombe and Wise sketch. The music was supplied by a Christian group from Coventry called "Fiction Fight." This group however included two young men from Gloucester, Chris Donald, son of our past Chairman Dr Ian Donald, on lead guitar and Nathan Leigh my son on keyboards. Nathan also performed a solo medley which was appreciated by all present. The story telling came from our two Glastonbury missioners Paul and Alistair. Regarding the Eric and Ernie sketch, Alex (third from the left in the picture opposite), Nathan and myself put our own interpretation on the Andra Previn sketch. it was fun to do! apart from the blunders which caused people to laugh even more at our inadequacy!

It was very encouraging to have a Trustee and her husband from a newly supporting trust situated in Bristol as our guests, alongside many folk who have supported us from the first days of our existence back in 1994. Fiction Fight, Nathan second from right.

The four course meal which was provided by an outside restaurateur in Gloucester, was well received by all present.

In short a good evening was had by all, including the fellowship of meeting folk who we do not see too often.

Mr & Mrs Derek Sweet. Chairman, (facing) speaking with our special guests.

We now look forward to 2011 to see what the LORD has in store for us in the coming ministry.

Roger.

Harvest Teamwork

2010-12-03T22:48:00.003Z

(JUST BEFORE THE SNOWS HIT) HARVEST TEAMWORK

Mary Green, proprietor of Lockhill Hall a Georgian House and estate in Ashcott invited Claire Laudicina (CEM volunteer), Alistair Pirrie (Missioner) and team of Harvesters to gather fruit over two mornings from the 60 year old trees in her garden. When Alistair and Lee had climbed down out of the trees we managed to collect approximately fourteen boxes of a variety of Hazelnuts, crab apples, cooking apples, conference pears, elderberries, yellow and black plums. Even the children joined in holding a sheet taught at the base of the tree for the fruit to be thrown into to avoid bruising. When the work was done, the group gave thanks for the day and shared a modest lunch in the late September sunshine. The mornings provided a good opportunity to build community, everyone working together towards the same end goal, we all felt it important that the food God provided did not go to waste. The Harvested fruit was later delivered to Paul Arblaster (Missioner) at the Bishops Palace, Wells to be sold to raise money for the Pakistan Flood Relief. The Bishops Palace had been busy Harvesting too, they managed to raise nearly £1000 from sales of their produce, we believe that approximately 10 –15% were contributions from the Ashcott Harvest.

Thankyou to Mary for allowing us to Harvest and sell her fruit, to the Harvesters Lee, Richard, Alan, Lisa, Joanna, James, Ruben and Tirza and to Tracy for delivering the boxes to the Bishops Palace.

2 Corinthians 9:10 And God who continually supplies seed for the sower and bread for eating, will supply you with seed and multiply it, and will cause your almsgiving to yield a plentiful harvest.

Winter Warfare

2010-12-03T22:41:00.001Z

Visits to the Glastonbury chapel by spiritual seekers, like water in frigid weather, usually slows to a trickle this time of the year. Of late, however, there has been a fairly steady flow leading to encounters with the Word of God, prayer, and praise that the Holy Spirit has used to begin the heart-thawing process. Locational tactics, however, will have to be rethought by the end of the month and for many weeks whilst restoration work is commenced on the Medieval site. Paul, Alistair and team member Claire have been working together dynamically to begin the fledgling outreach community associated with CEM. Following the closure of the secular RBT facility, a room on the same street (through Mid Somerset Community Church) has been employed for post chapel relationship building. At times homeless and other chance people have been provided with warm Christian welcomes and refreshments. One case in particular gives cause for praise and continued prayer. Indications unfolding of miraculous power in progress for shedding drug dependency is exciting to witness. Team-wise, spouses also benefit from requested prayer. Carol's wrist pain/numbness has abated considerably. She has been able to keep playing harp to God's glory and reports of people being blessed keep following. Paul & Carol recently offered the main Gospel representation at a community showcase evening at a Weston Super Mare theatre. Representatives of many faiths invited were present. The contrast of the Christian message to all others was marked. The unique opportunity offered through Jesus Christ to enter into relationship with God personally made all the religions of men appear bland and uninspiring in comparison, to say the least.

The Dark Continent?

2010-09-01T21:31:00.004+01:00

In days of the Empire England sent out missionaries to far off lands, even "darkest Africa" as it was then known. How ironic that today former colonies are now bringing the Gospel back to illumine Britain, which seems to a great degree to have lost it's way to say the least. As it turned out, a mixed race Christian performance group of South African teens (who had been invited to by Riverside Church in Taunton to visit) had desired to end their UK stay with a push for Jesus. What better way than come on their final day to visit the country's darkest place, spiritually speaking? As it turned out none of the clergy in Glastonbury happened to be available at the time, so it came down to CEM (to help them unleash their spiritual gifts most directly there). Paul hosted them on the appointed morning to do routines in the midst of the market square, whilst Alistair saw them on to the park for lunch and then on up the Tor. Their powerful synchronized dance arrangements were punctuated with personal testimonies to the gob-smacked crowds about coming to faith. Many of these young folk had come out of amazing situations of abuse and deprivation, so their stories of finding Christ came across all the more powerfully. It just goes to prove that although a lot of planning can often go into outreach efforts, there's nothing like being open to the Holy Spirit's serendipitous sway!

A Fond Farewell

2010-08-20T13:17:00.005+01:00

I have had a two year working relationship with Merid and his wife Grace who came to CEM via Ethiopia and Oxford University. Merid wanted to gain some practical missionary experience particularly with the community groups and door to door work. It was great to have him working with me as we learnt from each other. Merid wants to implement his CEM experience back home in Ethiopia.

Now he must devote the rest of his stay in the UK to finishing his degree in Christian Theology and Sociology at Oxford. We pray that he will be successful in his studies.

Roger

End of the road for CEM

2010-08-20T12:38:00.006+01:00

Cutting Edge Ministries has just ended its work through Roger and his volunteer team with a farewell barbecue at Farmhill Baptist Church. After a record length of time for CEM of over four years, it was decide by the Church Deacons and the membership that the time was now for the Church to take over all the running of the ministry and release Roger to other Church opportunities. Finances were of particular concern along with a genuine thinking that CEM had fulfilled its mission to the Church. This is always a sadness for Roger however, on the positive side, to leave a Church in a much stronger position to face its missionary challenge is always full of personal satisfaction and gratitude to God. So we pray Farmhill will continue to build on that which CEM has grafted into place for its future.

Roger wishes to thank Farmhill for the freedom to experiment with cutting edge style community groups, social events and Sunday services. "This I will be able to use with confidence as I now know what really works in reaching and disciplining people for Christ."

Taking it to the New Age

2010-08-01T22:17:00.003+01:00

The week after our small but successful gospel themed art exhibition in Glastonbury we headed down to Devon again to present during Quest 2010 at Newton Abbot Racecourse. The Gospel was probably the last thing people there expected to encounter, but some wonderful interactions took place. We worked together well again with local Christians to help pull it off. It seems each time something (positively) supernatural takes place by God speaking directly into lives. One woman was so thankful that we were there to bring to culmination her spiritual search through the music and teaching. She believed she had recently experienced a Bridgit call, but didn't understand what her vision meant. The presentation we did was on this Patrick-era pagan priestess who became a devotee of Christ. We thank God for astounding encouragements such as these, as well as more subtle ones! Paul & Carol Arblaster.

Reflections at Lee Abbey

2010-07-20T12:25:00.008+01:00

Kay organised a church weekend at Lee Abbey over the weekend of the 17th & 18th July and what a precious time it proved to be! Just to be able to find ones-self again, away from the pressures of ministry, in a wonderful Devon setting was like a touch of heaven. To be able to be alone listening to the sweet songs of the birds and watch the gentle roll of the sea proved a splendid environment to be with God. I remember when I was at bible college many years ago, we were encouraged to disappear with our bibles to step off the world, and be alone with the Lord. Unfortunately, this for me seems to go on the back burner when I am engrossed in day to day ministry. So, it was wonderful to be reminded of the spiritual blessings there are when you set aside time for yourself to receive what the Lord has to reveal to you. After all, Jesus did this often as an example!

However, those of you who really know me, would understand the occasion represented an opportunity to do some networking with some of the other churches present. And sure enough it happened by me sitting next to a lovely lady at one of the evening meetings. As we got talking about my work with CEM, she became very excited by the vision and success of the community groups. This prompted her to immediately organise a church leaders meeting for me to share in the next day.

This meeting went on for two hours and concluded with me being invited to meet with them again at the beginning of September, to plan a possible way forward. (Watch this space for further developments). Please would you pray for this, and two other opportunities which are pending?

God bless you and thank you for your interest and support.

Roger

Moorlands College Conference

2010-07-01T14:37:00.004+01:00

Derek White (Vice Chairman) and myself spent a very worthwhile day at Moorlands College at a leaders conference. We experienced some excellent teaching on Biblical exposition and interpretation. In addition we met up with some local church leaders that, plus the surroundings brought back some happy memories as one of the two training colleges I attended was Moorlands.

The World in Relation to Biblical Prophecy.

2010-06-23T11:19:00.004+01:00

Hi Supporters and Friends,
It was my privilege to welcome one of my field team Alex Clennett to speak at the Thursday Live Group this week. His subject was as the title above indicates, and was based on the prophecy from Zechariah 6:1-8 followed by Revelation 6 concerning the seals being opened by Jesus.
The subject proved very interesting with much discussion there-after. New people also attended which was encouraging to see.
If you are interested there are written notes which are available, so please contact me through this blog page or by e-mailing me on the CEM website.

Our next subject is "The Meaning of the Cross" taken from an excellent BBC programme broadcast recently. We have had some very good meetings lately, which has helped un-churched group members get a hold on what Christianity stands for both spiritually and practically.
Roger.

Story telling in Glastonbury

2010-06-22T14:28:00.002+01:00

Hi friends.
David Muir has arrived in Glastonbury to start five days of traditional Scottish storytelling with a gospel twist. I and some of the Doorway team will be alongside him doing outreach to the many pilgrims coming through the town at this busy festival time. We hope to visit traveller sites as well, festival traffic allowing! God willing this will be a fruitful time and we pray for miraculous healings and God- ordained meetings.

Cutting Edge Ministries New Contacts

2010-06-12T11:09:00.000+01:00

I just want to inform all my supporters that I have been in negotiations with two new churches in the last month. I am rejoicing in the Lord that my support base has increased with some new folk showing real interest and commitment to me personally and the work of Cutting Edge Ministries.

Please remember for more information we have now produced a video recording explaining the work of CEM, this is available at the Cutting Edge Minisitries Website.
Roger

2010-06-12T10:52:00.001+01:00

Welcome to the Missioner blogs of Cutting Edge Ministries. We are aiming to provide more frequent updates on missioner activity, missioner thoughts on evangelism in England and in particular the South West of England.
This blogs will supplement the proposed bi-annual newsletter.
We will endeavour to update you with points of interest for prayer, support, events and current news as it develops.

Roger