Shalom Israel with Colin Symes
With the developments in Israel over the last week, we've interrupted our planned schedule to talk more about this difficult topic with a great longstanding friend of mine, Colin Symes.
Born in London, Colin spent his first two years a stones' throw from Kings Cross Station which accounts for his love of transport, particularly trains and trams. The family relocated to Billericay, Essex and Colin committed his life to Christ at the age of 10 and quoting Colin, Jesus not only became his best friend but also the "Managing Director" of his life.
From 1975 he studied for a Bachelor of Divinity at New College, the University of Edinburgh and during this time attended the Pentecostal church which later became Edinburgh City Fellowship.He developed from Housegroup leader to Congregational leader and eventually gave up full time work at the DHSS to become Elder i.e. Minister of the church. He married Ann in 1983 and fathered three children, all of whom were in the kids church that I used to run.
From 1975 he studied for a Bachelor of Divinity at New College, the University of Edinburgh and during this time attended the Pentecostal church which later became Edinburgh City Fellowship.He developed from Housegroup leader to Congregational leader and eventually gave up full time work at the DHSS to become Elder i.e. Minister of the church. He married Ann in 1983 and fathered three children, all of whom were in the kids church that I used to run.
You can get an insight into Colin by looking at his profile on Facebook and checking people Colin likes of which there are 5; St Cuthbert, St Mungo, St Aidan, St Columba & Jesus Christ.
We want to be clear that this Q&A isn't about the detail of the current conflict - you can get that from news channels and commentators and we're recording this on Wed 11th Oct so a lot may change before it drops on Saturday. The objective is to dig into the spiritual and biblical background of what's happening which isn't generally in the mainstream media.
If you want a MUCH deeper understanding of Jewish history, please get hold of the three volumes of "The Story of the Jews" in which Simon Schama details the story of the Jewish experience, tracing it across three millennia, from their beginnings as an ancient tribal people to the opening of the New World in 1492 to the modern day.
UPCOMING ASCEND EVENTS
A night out with the boys
We have a minimum number to make this event viable - if you're thinking of signing-up but leaving it to the last minute, please get your name down NOW (along with any guests) otherwise we may cancel it before you get a chance.
Venue: The Lounge, 2 Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1LZ
7:00 – 9:00pm 21st October 2023
Sign up here
An evening of entertainment with local hero and man of music, a brain teasing all age quiz with ‘interesting prizes’ and a special guest appearance by our very own Steve Campbell.
An evening not to be missed. Bring as many friends as you can but let us know first when you register. There are no ticket prices so that any man of any age can attend but do please buy drinks, cakes and snacks to help us cover the cost of the venue. It will be fun, friendly and generally fabulous.
Unschooled Ordinary Men - Christian Vision for Men
Venue: The C3 Church, Colchester, CO2 7FD
7:00 - 9:30pm 25th November 2023
Tickets here
“When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marvelled and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13
Men of Essex you are invited to come and see, to be part of a gathering of men looking to Jesus. CVM are launching a series of men’s events in 2024 which all point us to Jesus, and we start here.
The evening will be hosted by the CVM team, Carl Beech and Nathan Blackaby will be speaking with Graham Kendrick leading worship.
Find out more about our other upcoming events here.
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WHAT IS ASCEND MEN?
Imagine a community of men who are challenged, inspired and equipped to live passionate lives for Jesus. A place where men-care-for-men through a small number of honest personal relationships initiated and supported by regular male-oriented events. Relationships are built shoulder-to-shoulder doing stuff in preference to eye-balling each other!
Ascend Men is that community.
Our podcasts reflect that desire to challenge, inspire and equip our men. Some are light-hearted easy-listens. Some deserve to be digested and pondered. If you love them, tell us - we could do with the encouragement. If you can see ways they could be improved, tell us - feedback is a gift.
Join our Facebook group or email us (ascend@thec3.uk) to hear more about our fantastic breakfasts in Cambridge, Bury and Colchester as well as our annual Summit in February and Camp in July.
