A live band leads off the meeting with upbeat songs that generally speak of God’s goodness, power and works. We then listen to what’s going on in church with Church News. The kids head off to their own sessions, packed with more songs, games, quizzes, stories, videos and loads more, whilst the band continue with some slower-paced songs, more reflective and focused on Jesus.
Then there’ll be a message, usually given by Pastor Mike, or by one of the other leaders, or occasionally by a guest speaker (we’ve had guest speakers from all over the world come visit!).
At the end we’ll finish with an upbeat song, with the kids coming back to join us, and then there’s the chance to catch up with everyone over a cup of tea or coffee. Church is as much about our relationships with each other as it is about our relationship with God.
Pastor Mike Smith leads the team at New Life Family Church, Stowmarket, now in its 16th year of impacting the county of Suffolk. Mike also has a passion to see lives changed in Uganda and Rwanda, regularly taking God’s message of hope and love to the people, planting churches and building orphanages and schools. Mike’s desire is to see lives changed through God’s Word, “raising champions in life to fulfil their full potential!” Mike is married to Hazel, and they have three children, all grown up and married, and seven grandchildren.
Simon has over thirty years of senior management experience in the Private, Learning and Skills and Third (Charities) Sectors, in particular the Telecoms, Airline, the Further Education and the Adoption, Fostering and Social Care Sectors. As well as being a Trustee of New Life Family Church, Simon is Chair of Governors at Combs Middle School and a Parent Governor at Hardwick Middle, both in Suffolk. He has four children, and enjoys playing and watching most sports including cycling, golf, cricket and motorsport, and is also a solo BGA glider pilot. In his younger days, he played semi-professional football and has also completed four marathons.
David is married to Gwen. They have four grown up children and nine grandchildren. Throughout their married life they have always played an active role in church life. After a 30-year career in banking, specialising in private banking in the later years, David left in 2012 to take on the leadership of an English-speaking church based in Perpignan, France. When they returning to Suffolk at the end of 2017, David took up employment with a local Christian Care Home. David and Gwen lead the local Sozo (inner healing) ministry and are also part of Mid-Suffolk Healing Rooms. David is an enthusiastic birdwatcher, enjoying hours walking in the East Anglian countryside looking for birds.
Richard Fenning is a businessman in the UK with over thirty years experience in agriculture. He has had involvement in Church planting and preaching, with a focus on prayer and intimacy with God. He is married to Alison, who holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Biblical Studies and Cross-cultural Mission. She is an itinerant evangelistic preacher and mission leader. They are both devoted to God and travel internationally, investing in extending God’s kingdom.
Ray is a retired accountant and tax adviser of 45 years with the same Ipswich firm. He and his wife Lorraine have been part of the New Life Family Church for over 15 years since moving to Stowupland. They have been blessed with a son (20) and daughter (19). “Our desire is to see the people of Suffolk saved and stand with our Church and all Christians to be ready for the revival that is to come.”