THE KIBBES » ministry

A word for 2007

Stu — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 21:16:39 +0000

“The church of Jesus Christ is not a pleasure boat, but a life boat for saving souls.”

I had the pleasure and honor of speaking to the evangelical church in Orbetello this past Sunday (31-12-06). The Word of the Lord to the congregation was clear. It is time for all of us to recalibrate our compasses to point towards true north. We cannot continue to be a part of the “Church” which exists only for itself. We must look, love, live beyond ourselves. We must be prepared, to go. We must go boldly.

If you are interested in hearing more, do contact me.

Harriet did a fantastic job translating the message into Italian, carefully choosing specific words and paying careful attention to keep the correct intonation. Thanks beautiful!

I thought I would post a few photos from a recent trip we all took, out 30mns north of Orbetello.

We enjoyed the most flavorful steak I have ever had in my life at a local Italian restaurant. (for all of you who think Italian food begins and ends with pasta… you are MISTAKEN!) The steak is called “Steak Fiorentina”.

Harriet and I, enjoying the Italian wilderness, after a massive meal.

The weather has been so beautiful… it could be classified as paradise!

Joey has been working his upper body, and can now balance himself sideways.

Mr Clean Team

Stu — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 11:23:26 +0000

ICF has a new ministry, dubbed the “Mr Clean Team”, which serves all Sunday ministries by overseeing the cleaning of the building after church. (This used to fall on the shoulders of several teams who would clean the building after an entire afternoon and evening of preparation and other work) The team aims to model and encourage excellence at every level of service, whether it be in the spotlight or behind the scenes.

Yesterday, we unveiled our new ministry logo.

Ian Duncan Smith.. know him?

Stu — Wed, 16 Nov 2005 21:24:25 +0000

I had tea with Ian Duncan Smith yesterday. We had some important things to discuss, so we met up at the Houses of Pariament to chat. For those of you who don’t know Ian, he was the opposition (Shadow cabinet) leader (the second most important political figure in the UK) from 2001 to 2003. He also established the Centre for Social Justice.

He’s a good guy. Anyhow, we took some of our mentees down for a tour of the Houses of Parliament, and our connection (Philippa Stroud, now the director of CSJ) asked Ian to come for a drink and meet the youth. He graciously accepted. It was exciting and educational!
In this photo, I am unfortunately behind the camera (as usual!). From the left: Philippa Stroud (Director of CSJ), David Ahern (Managing Director of CJ’s), Ian Duncan Smith (MP Chingford/Woodford Green), Okan, Stephen, and Julio Mekki (Chairman of CJ’s).

Just call me Mr. Chairman

Stu — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 23:54:12 +0000

At our pastorate meeting today (which brings together all of the small groups in the church) we changed gear and had a unique experience: We had a debate. Carefully dividing the group into balanced teams, we all prepared for an exciting ride… one I would have never imagined happening through a debate! The debate brought us together. It was a great community building excercise at that time! Some were challenged to “give a reason for the hope they profess” (if they were on the “House” team). Others were forced to think critically at why they believed what they believe, and then to create an argument contrary to what they believe!

The motion:
“This house believes that man was meant for interdependence.”

The opposition, grumbled at the idea, because we have been pushing community for the past 2 months. Still, graciously, they put up a great fight and ended up losing by only two points!! (24/30 – 22/30) Each team had 2 rounds 0f 2 minutes to make their argument and 2 minutes to sum up.

Everyone had a great time.

Here are a few photos of the set up and teams:

THE DEBATE FLOOR SETUP

THE HOUSE

THE OPPOSITION

Late Nights

Stu — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 01:33:17 +0000

dang it. I *stu, work a long time preparing sermons, but can never seem to finish them more than (at most) a day before the actual teaching. Tonight, i had a dinner invitation, so we were there, and, of course, its 11:30 before we get home… and… i didnt feel great about my materials; they needed some review.

Now its 2:30am!!! I dont know why this happens. I have worked LOTS on this sermon-ay. Anyhow. I am happy.

Anyhow, i think i will put up a page with my sermons, and notes on topics i think are important. (in my free time.) heehee.

OK ok… i will leave you with a snippet of what i’ve been working on:
——————————————-
What’s the main thing?

“God is personal with us, and we must be personal with Him.
Being personal with Him can only happen through faith, and in our personal growth thereof.

As we individually develop our faith, we move towards God (who is community) and away from individualism, the self-centered, self-gratifying mindset which the world owns and promotes.”

Amen. and stuff

IN THE STATES AGAIN!

Stu — Thu, 11 Aug 2005 04:43:09 +0000

Boys and girls, yes, Stuart is in the USA. This is the longest I will have been away from my beautiful wife since we were married. I can’t wait to see her.

In the meanwhile, I am in Chicago, IL, at the Willowcreek Leadership Summit, 2005 – On site with 7′000 others and together via satellite with over 45′000 others around the country! I feel honored to be here. Oh yes – and I met Bill Hybels today. What a God fearing, humble and wise man.

Please check the links to the right for daily updates on the conference.

All my love –

Stuart

MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY

Stu — Sun, 31 Jul 2005 22:28:14 +0000

http://www.makepovertyhistory.org/

Fire-Fighter Stu

Stu — Sun, 31 Jul 2005 22:03:38 +0000

I’ve always wanted to be a fire fighter. I guess probably never seriously, but the whole “helping people” thing is pretty engraned in me. So anywho – I was running down the canal this evening, and just 1 mile into my run, i look over and this pile of rolled up carpets is on fire. I am thinking to myself, some idiot is trying to burn his garbage uncontained. What a SILLY thing to do. So i am assessing this thing to see if it will contain itself, but my instinct tells me something isn’t right. The flames are now about 5 or so feet in the air, right next to the kitchen window of the council estate appartment, right next to the front door.

I hop the railing, and bang on the door. This lady, probably in her late 60s early 7os, in walker, on oxygen no less, answers from her lazy-boy chair. she lets me in and i tell her to call the fire dept. i ask her for a fire extinguisher,… she doenst have one. so i look out in the garden, and she has a hose. i throw it over the fence and turn it on. SO i here i am dousing this flame which is now more like 7 or 8 feet tall. (*with my mini hose) (interesting) Yes, so anyhow, a guy came by and called the fire dept as well, and they arrived 12 mns later. *(pretty good for inner city ghetto London!)

It was still smoldering so i wasnt comfortable leaving. The fire had stained the brick with smoke, and had cracked the kitchen window, not to mention melting the extractor fan in the kitchen. The house smelt rank. I left after the fire doods got there. I did my run loop and on my way back i stopped and talked to them again. They congratulated me and i felt all warm and fuzzy inside, and they awarded me with the London Gold Medal of Courage and then i had an interview with the mayor and then i got invited to Big Brothe….. —- sorry. yeah, so i went home. all in a day’s work i guess!

i have to thank God daily for the small things in life. How sweet.