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8/3/2019 CU Newsletter Spring Issue
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/cu-newsletter-spring-issue 1/6
Hello! Welcome to Chester University Christian Union’s first newsletter of the
academic and calendar year!
The purpose of this newsletter is to keep local churches, and those who support us
updated with the goings on within CU. We really hope that you find it interesting,
and once you finish reading have a real sense of excitement having witnessed the
amazing work that God is doing here.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch email
Sarah Mayers on [email protected] , we would love to hear from you.
Issue 1 January 2012
A Warm Welcome
N E WS L E T T E R
Fresher’s FORTNIGHT
As a CU, Fresher’s Fortnight is such an important time for us as we have an opportunity to meet
so many new people. Through God’s love we want to help these people settle into university life,
meet new friends and feel welcome in Chester.
The two weeks were jam-packed with events. We did Feed-a-
Fresher, Walk the Walls, a BBQ, Bowling, Guys & Girls Social, Late
Night Worship, Church Breakfasts, Text-a-toastie, Societies Fair
AND our CU Main Meetings!
On the whole the events were a huge success, we managed to
reach a number of people, have a lot of fun, and got to know
one another so much better. As a committee we really
wanted to build a community within our CU and the first
two weeks really did start the ball rolling.
We’ve been really blessed, to have so many Freshers this
year, and currently we have 138 registered members, with an average turn out to meet-ings of 100. GOD IS GOOD!
However, as a second year I can sit here, write this and tell you it’s great. But it might not
be. So the following is written by a fresher new to Chester this September;
“Before I started I heard from many people before going to uni how pro -active the
Christian Union in Chester was. I met some other Christians from my
course on our first day so we all went to the CU together that night,
which made it a lot easier, as I had some familiar faces to go with me. I was amazed at how many people
went, and I felt really comfortable and settled after what had been quite an overwhelming first week!
The CU has had played a huge part in my first term. It was really good to have an alternative to the
expectations that fresher’s week often promotes, and I’ve definitely valued meeting loads of likeminded
people who have become really good friends – particularly after the weekend away in December.
There’s so much to be involved in with the CU and there’s always loads of things going on which is great!
Moving away to uni can be a really overwhelming experience, particularly having to live with people that
you’ve never met before. But by meeting people through CU and getting involved with different events,
it’s really helped me to feel more grounded at uni generally, but more importantly, more involved in God’s
missions and plans in Chester!”
Freshers Fortnight
Late Night Worship
Small Groups
Man Up!
Queen of Puddings
Football
Words from Warrington
Weekend Away
CU Formal
Christmas in CU
Mission Week 2012
President’s Word
Inside This Issue
8/3/2019 CU Newsletter Spring Issue
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Wow!! What an amazing term God has given us. Late Night Worship is an opportunity where emerging worship leaders
can do just that, lead worship.
This term Late Night Worship has been God inspired, and what God has been doing is awesome. I have sensed a freedom
in CU this year that I haven’t felt before. People are just letting go of their fears and worshipping God in their own way, and
that has been the focus of LNW. New things that have never happened have been tried at LNW. We have hadspontaneous rapping, beat-boxing, and stories of God working in
people’s lives within extreme circumstances to name a few.
I have to say that the most amazing moment for me this term has
been seeing people’s passion and determination to worship God
even in the darkest of situations, and LNW has been an
environment where this has happened.
Late Night Worship has been attended by more people this year
than my previous two years in the CU, maybe this is because of
the growth in size or maybe it is God’s people’s excitement to
meet together, worship and pray in fellowship, either way I’m so
pleased.
Over the next term I would LOVE to see that passion, and thatlove for God grow even stronger, and people would worship
God in ‘spirit and in truth’ (John 4:23) together as one body!
P A G E 2 N E W S L E T T E R
Small groups have undergone a structural change this year, which thus far seems to be working well. Small group leaders
now work in pairs, so that they can support and pray for each other; and the practical burden of hosting the group is
shared between two people. God has really blessed this change, and the friendship between the small group leaders has
deepened and grown.
So with nine small groups operating, there are currently eighteen small group leaders, which, logistically, is a bit of a
challenge to co-ordinate: especially as we all eat together every Tuesday night! Having our studies in the context of a meal
has really helped to develop a relaxed atmosphere in which small group leaders
can be honest, accountable and free to grow in their leadership. Northgate
Church have been very kind to let us use their Bistro and kitchen for our meals
every week, which has been a massive blessing to us.
So it has been a season of change for the small groups, but God has really
honoured the steps of faith we have taken and the small groups are largely
flourishing, both in terms of attendance and positive feedback. When we were
planning our vision for small groups at the start of the year, one thing that came up often was that small groups should be
like families; and there is really a sense that that is what's happening. It's so exciting to see so many quality new leaders
raised up from within CU.
Prayer Points:
* This term we will be starting a new series of teaching on Issues Facing the Christian Student. This will be written and run
by our new UCCF Staff Worker, Sarah Oliver. Please pray for Sarah as she takes over from our previous staff worker, Matt;
and that through this series small group members are able to reflect on how to live out their faith at University.
* The new small group co-ordinator will take over in March. Please pray for a smooth transition, and wisdom for me in this
time of handing over!
* One of our small group leaders has recently undergone some surgery. Please pray for a quick recovery for them.
“Small groups should be like families;
and there is really a sense that that is
what's happening…”
Late night worship
Small groups
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Man-Up first started at the end of the last academic year. With a largely female populated Christian Union the
importance of masculine fellowship and discipleship was evident!
Man up is aimed at all Men in the Christian Union and is run monthly. We usually start by
providing a cooked dinner, as food is such a good way to build fellowship. We’d thenstudy the Bible from a ‘manly’ perspective. In doing this we have expected to see
accountability and Godly male friendship growing.
We started this academic year by having a curry and
FIFA night where our vision was put across and shared.
Since then we have discussed ‘True Manhood’ talking
about stepping out and assuming the responsibilities of
manhood. We had a session on what it means to be the
salt and light of the earth, looking at our calling to be
witnesses and stepping out in faith. We unpacked the
armour of God and literally challenged each other to
put it on and to be equipped against whatever the university lifestyle hasto throw at us. And finally we looked at Jesus and the fellowship he had
with his disciples, and the importance of this unit around him during his ministry.
Please pray for continual guidance in running the events. Pray that as young men we would grow in our
challenge to become Men of God.
P A G E 3
Man-Up
I S S U E 1
QUEEN OF PUDDINGS
The MAN-UP Vision:
To become Men of God,
through fellowship, being
accountable to one another,
and importantly through
studying His Word.
As women, queens of God’s Kingdom, we are called to support each other. I once heard women were
described as the support personnel in an army, noting that without them it would most certainly fail. We were
made to support and protect one another and that is exactly what this women’s ministry has been aimed atthis term. Encouraging and challenging ourselves to support one another and be a true family.
Queen of Puddings is an opportunity for women to come together, share in puddings on a Saturday evening
every other week, and explore what God has called us to be. As women we hope to grow together as a unit
supporting one another, the CU and shinning out into the University of Chester.
This term we have been looking at what characteristics a Christian women should have, looking at how to
cope in times of hardship, and finally about living as a community. Despite relatively the
low numbers the discussions have been amazing, and collectively I think it is fair to say
everyone present was challenged by God through these different meetings.
The highlight of this term I think is fair to say at the CU weekend away we started off with agroup bonding activity, followed by a look into David and Jonathon’s God centred
friendship. We broke up into little discussion groups and discovered what worked in their
friendships. We then looked at Romans 12 to get practical examples of how to be
accountable, how to be trustworthy friends, and how as Christian Union we can build each
other up and be an example of Christ in all our friendships.
It has been such an encouragement to share and learn about God in all our lives and for
that reason alone Queen of Puddings has been a success.
Prayer Requests:
Please pray for the planning of this term, so we can understand what God wants to make of these sessions.
We’ve had quite low numbers at times this term, and it would be fantastic if we could bless more women with
God’s word, please pray for this.
8/3/2019 CU Newsletter Spring Issue
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Football is something that is very close to a lot of people’s hearts. A group from within the
CU and have stepped out and formed a football team. Chester Christian’s United.
The purpose of this football team is to try and be a witness to God. Every time we step out
to play there is a challenge given to all the players to play in the Godly manor. One that is
loving to others, respectful of decisions made, and to enjoy it.
It’s a fantastic ministry because football is something that ‘Non -Christians’ can relate. The stereotype of
Christians is that they are Bible-bashers and geeks who don’t enjoy life. We want to show that Christians
are different in how they live their lives but still enjoy the gifts that we have on this earth, one of course
being football.
The team is not inclusive to Christians, in the squad we have 5
Non-Christians, so for them to witness God in us is amazing. The
conversations and the relationships that have been built through
football has been incredible.
God has really blessed us with 3 fixtures already this term and already 4 planned for
next term. God is really working in this team and that has been apparent in the
availability for fixtures.
Please pray for the continuation of this fantastic ministry, and the continued work
that God is doing. If you want a game please get in touch too!
P A G E 4 N E W S L E T T E R
A lot has happened in the past year and especially within the past term.
G o d h a s r e a l l y b l e s s e d u s a t W a r r i n g t o n .
We got our 'Wazza CU' logo designed, and witnessed a 100% increase in
our CU, not many CU's can say that! (technically it was an increase of 2,
but that's still a 100% increase and we thank God).. We had a busy Freshers week, each kitchen on campus got a washing up
bottle with our logo, a short welcome and our contact number stuck on it.
Later that week, at the Freshers Fair 304 CU packs were handed out,
complete with noodles, sauces, shampoos, pens, post-its and an ultimate
questions. 12 people signed up to receive more information. However, when we e-mailed about meeting up,
only 1 came. Please pray that God will work in lives of the other 11, and that they might join us.
At the Freshers ball we did Cuppa. Lots of students, bouncers and even the club owner made use of this and
chatted away to us about why we were doing it. One lad Tom told me "I
don't want to be preached at." I simply smiled and handed him tea
saying "that's fine. But have a cup of tea." After a sip of tea he looked at
me and echoed "no preaching?" "nope". He looked at us and the table
and then said to me "tell me everything!". What an opportunity! What a
fantastic night! And what an incredible God we serve! Please continue
to pray for Tom.. Coming up to Christmas, we felt that something had to be done. A
Christmas dinner was what I had envisioned but it seemed like too mammoth a task! However, after a meeting
with our UCCF worker, we decided to give it a go. We found the perfect venue, decorated it and cooked a 3
course dinner. 20 people came, ate and listened to a 10 minute talk from God's word..
God is working! Please pray that He continues to work and use us in whatever way he wants. I would like totake this opportunity to thank the churches who gave us the financial support: Bethesda Evangelical Church,
Oasis 21st Century Church and Crumlin Evangelical Presbyterian Church. And thanks to those churches who
have supported us in prayer and meeting with us.. May God bless you in 2012.
Elspeth and Slou
“If you'd told us a year ago that this
would have happened, we would have
called you crazy, but with God all things
are possible!
FOOTBALL
Words from Warrington
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P A G E 5I S S U E 1
A benefit of Christmas is people naturally like to celebrate! We are no different
within CU and saw it as a great opportunity, to put on the glad rags, enjoy a
night of partying and dancing and share the love and appreciation we have
with one another.
It was held at Off The Wall in town, we had a fantastic live band and a DJ to
keep us entertained throughout the night. Over 120 people attended, to help
make it the night it was!
Having been on our weekend away just days
earlier, there was a brilliant sense of community
in the room, which was also extended to
those who were not able to make the weekend.
As well as this, there has been a recent growth
in dance ministry, which was shared with the
CU at the weekend away, something which
was very evident at the Formal when the DJ
played a few Christian songs, such as ‘Shackles’
by Tim Hughes ‘Kingdom Skank’ by Guvna B.
This produced a great reaction from the CU,
during which many members enjoyed a time of
worship in a very different style and location.
All in all it was a very good night!
Christmas formal
Weekend away
Every year we, as a Christian Union, go away for a weekend to get away from the
pressures of university and have a weekend focussed solely on God. This year we
had or biggest yet, with over 70 people going to Quinta Christian Centre, in
Oswestry!
The Weekend Away is a fantastic opportunity for us to get together as a CU to
worship God, learn more about living out our faith, as well as getting to know oth-
er members of our community better. This year our theme was ‘Our God, Our
King’ where we looked at the book of Psalms in our main meetings. We had two blocks of seminars, the first
block you had the choice of looking at God’s love, God’s wrath, or His faithfulness and goodness .And in the se-
cond block we looked leading a life of Worship, Evangelism and Giving God Your All.
The Weekend Away this year really brought us
together as a CU, and the sense of community
had never felt stronger. God changed people
on this weekend. The Facebook page (Chester
University Christian Union) for the next few days
was covered in posts of how excited people
were for God, and what the weekend meant to
them. One person wrote “It was absolutely
amazing!! I can't believe how on fire I am now!
because I felt him! AAAHH! amazing!!”
What a brilliant way to finish the first term of the
year! Our hope is that the feeling of dedication
to God and to the CU will continue to grow in
the coming term so we may bless the University
and continue to share our faith.
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In the summer edition of the newsletter, I said next term we will be trusting God for a greater experience in his
presence. Little did I know the CU was going to encounter God in such a way where the fruits of the spirit (joy,
peace, long suffering, community, unity, and love) can be felt among us.
I am meant to be writing about my views on how the CU is doing and looking backover this past term however a lot has happened and I can’t put it into words. All I can
say is God is good and he has been good to us!
The CU is doing well, the committee is blessed, the fresher’s are getting involved, we
have support from members of the previous committee and there is a real sense of
community, love, unity and accountability within the CU.
It seems God is taking the CU on a journey, and it’s exciting to think where he is taking
us. My personal favourite is the new culture of dance and expressive worship emerg-
ing. If there is anything to pray about please thank God for how far he has brought us,
but most importantly, pray that CU will not lose the hand and presence of God among
us..
It’s the time of year where we beginning to think about new leaders for CU, please pray
God will give us the grace to discern who he is calling to lead and serve.
Much love, Prince Asiamah
President’s word
MISSION WEEK 2012
Christmas in cu
During this coming term Mission week will be taking place! Mission week is the whole week commencing the
5th March dedicated to serving the University Campus and sharing the truth about his amazing
grace for us. This year we will be challenging the campus to think about who Jesus really was
and who he is now, and we aim to show them why we think he is so great.
Last year’s mission week involved free toasties, free flowers and free hot beverages. Given with
the message of grace these are just a few ways that we try to imitate the great gift that He has
given us. The CU provided a platform for anyone to come and ask some of those difficult
questions in ‘Grill a Christian’.
This year we aim to offer similar opportunities. By God’s grace we aim for everyone on campusto have been reached in some way by the CU during this week in March!
Please pray for the planning of it as we look to see how we can best serve and love our campus. Pray for funding
that we don’t have to fall short of God’s ambitious plans because of finance! Thank you and watch this space!
Christmas, the time where we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We cannot deny the fact that Christmas is
such an exciting opportunity for people to hear the Christian message.
For some reason, those who wouldn’t normally feel obliged to come
along to Church because it’s what they do. How exciting!?
During the lead up to Christmas we had a number of events. The first was the
University Carol Service where both the CU and Chaplaincy came together to put
on a carol service at the cathedral. We are so thankful for God’s blessing on thisevent were approximately 450 heard the message of Christmas!
We also held our own Carol service - ‘Beer and Carols’
service in the SU. It wasn’t quite as large, with realistically
more like 35 people coming, however the sense of community and proclaiming the
birth of Jesus was brilliant. Taking the church to the people in the SU was what it was all
about.
Text-a-Christmas-Toasty was in full flow too, we delivered about 400 toasties across
Chester and Campus on one night, and was really able to show the gift of love that God
has given us.
Christmas is always a period in any Christian environment, but God gave us the strength
to do his work and we are truly thankful.