I hated history at school. Got an “E” for it on my Matric Certificate. I have asked myself why, and concluded that it was because (a) I was forced to take it as a subject when my school dropped Art, which I had chosen instead; and (b) I found the history of Europe in the 19th Century to be more than a little irrelevant to my life.

When I investigated my family’s roots in Greece, England and Germany, and finally got my father to
tell me about his experiences of World War II, history took on a new meaning for me. I began to read Military history and historical novels, especially about the origins and wars of Britain and Europe, including my Father’s war. The subject now had resonance with my personal story. Their story has become my story.

Also, loving the Church has made me love to read its story, to learn from its mistakes and to celebrate its victories. And so my story becomes “Our” Story, and finds its place in God’s Story.

One of the implications of “learning from history” is that we show the humility of bringing its lessons, consciously and unconsciously, into the room every time we teach others. We honour the martyrs when we affirm the creeds, or read the Bible many of them died to secure for us; and we identify with the Christ whose love is only fully appreciated “together with all the saints”.

When we gather as the South African Vineyard family in Port Elizabeth in October, we will celebrate a short story which is part of a much greater one. I will celebrate my story, we will re-tell our story, and both will be swept up again into His Story.

And we will worship the Author of all stories, and be challenged and drawn on to Live the Story which gave us life, into the future which is our Destiny.

Think again about your church’s leaders, young and old. Who else should you encourage to come? Who knows whether they have a role in an unwritten chapter of our story?

And your invitation may be all it takes to start that chapter for them…

This years conference presents an exciting opportunity for all involved in worship to connect and sharpen their skills through daily workshops presented by Tony Sanchez, worship leader from Yorba Vineyard Church California. The workshops will focus on the core values of worship and songwriting. Come and share in this wonderful opportunity to connect with and learn from other worship leaders.

Calling all Vineyard teenagers! Cool teen hang out space with all the relevant fun just for you! This year we encourage all teenagers to be part of, rub shoulders with the leaders and participate in ministry opportunities during the Conference.

< click for an update from Costa in Kenya >

Let’s continue to pray for those attending the Conference, the nation of Kenya & the continent we love.

We are planning our first FUNdraising Auction, to be held during the final evening of the Conference, which is also our annual banquet. Costa will be our very entertaining auctioneer, and this is an event you don’t want to miss!