Winter Direction

This is our first winter season as a community and a team, and we're definitely still figuring things out! The past few weeks have entailed a lot of prayer and wrestling and listening, and through this we've finally sorted out what Fishes will be this winter season.

Fishes N' Loaves is first and foremost a community: centered on Jesus and his life and work among us, committed to inviting others to be a part. This journey began last Advent season, and so it is appropriate that the new beginning starts in that time as well.

We've been meeting inside at Wellspring for the past month, tweaking our rhythms to fit the new space, but in actuality it is time for a little something different.

As a result, we will continue to meet on Sunday afternoons, at around 2pm for prayer and study of Scripture. It looks like we'll be digging into 1 Corinthians, and absolutely anyone is welcome to come. We are praying that this will be a time for renewal and re-centering. We hope that you will be praying with us and for us as well - that God will move in and around us according to His will.

So, come join us for a meal at the Well on Sundays at 12:30 and gather with us to see what God is calling us to through His word!

We've Moved!

Our website has been a bit silent the past few months, but we have not been! We'll fill you in soon on all our goings-on, but in the meantime...

We've moved inside for the winter!

Since the weather is so unpredictable (and can get bitterly cold when it wants to!), Fishes N' Loaves will be meeting at Wellspring Anglican Church until the spring.

When: Sundays from 2:30-5ish
Where: Wellspring Anglican Church
4300 S. Lincoln St.
Englewood, CO 80113
(corner of Lincoln and Quincy)

Celebration!

The story of God's people is filled with moments that God calls us to remember, moments when we can look back and remember God's faithfulness and His goodness. Last Sunday was one of those days for Fishes N' Loaves - our brother Dan was baptized at the park.

Billy, one of the pastors at Wellspring, came out to perform the baptism.

And many of us gathered around as witnesses and participants in Dan's story.

...Faith is the gift of God to his people.

In baptism the Lord is adding to our number

those whom he is calling...

As Billy reminded each of us of the significance of baptism,

Our Lord Jesus Christ has told us

that to enter the kingdom of heaven

we must be born again of water and the Spirit,

and has given us baptism as the sign and seal of this new birth.

Here we are washed by the Holy Spirit and made clean.

Here we are clothed with Christ,

dying to sin that we may live his risen life.

As children of God, we have a new dignity

and God calls us to fullness of life.

there were signs of what was to come.

Billy said a prayer

... We thank you, Father, for the water of baptism.

In it we are buried with Christ in his death.

By it we share in his resurrection.

Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit...

and Dan settled into the chilly water.

I baptize you...

in the name of the Father...

and of the Son...

and of the Holy Spirit...

Amen.

May God, who has received you by baptism into his Church,

pour upon you the riches of his grace,

that within the company of Christ's pilgrim people

you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit,

and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory.

Our Easter Skit

Part of our group organized and performed a skit for Wellspring's Easter service this year. The song is "Everything" by Lifehouse. The performance was amazing to watch in person, particularly in view of the things that God has rescued us from.

Sunday Afternoons

Sunday afternoons have seven basic components:

Fun
We always have a few options (and willing participants) available for just horsing around as the afternoon gets underway! :-)

This summer, we've played Bocce Ball, horseshoes, basketball, catch, and frisbee. It's been a great time for conversation and just enjoying each others' company...

If fun's your forte and you'd like to get involved, talk to Liz!




Music
Music is just one of the ways we come together to worship God and encourage each other.

Jeri coordinates this part of our time together and often shares his gift for speaking truth through music.

If you'd like to get involved, just ask Jeri!



Food
Sharing a meal together is another integral part of our Sunday afternoon gatherings; it's part of how we follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Eating together meets a physical need that each of us have, but it also provides a place for connection

Dirk is our talented cook and master of the grill. If you'd like to help or contribute to our meals, just let him know!



Prayer
Prayer is a theme that is threaded throughout the afternoon. God invites us to draw near to His heart in prayer, and so we do:
- as we come together for the meal,
- as we settle down to listen to Scripture and teaching, and
- as we part ways at the end of the evening.

We also want to be in prayer both for and with everyone who comes, and so we make this invitation known. We would appreciate the prayers of others for us as well!

If you'd like to know more or get involved, just contact Liz.


Life Stories
Every Christian has a unique story of how God has moved to bring him or her from places of death into the real and abundant life that He gives through His Son, Jesus. Among our ranks are stories of God's relentless grace and the way that He completely changes lives.

If you'd like to speak with someone about sharing your story, contact Scott.


Teaching
We are committed to speaking the truth and hope of Jesus. Sometimes, this takes the form of a traditional message; other times it looks more like a discussion. Regardless of the shape it takes, this time is rooted in Scripture.

If you would like to find out more about this time, contact Jeromie.








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There's also a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes...

Whenever possible, we hope to connect people with the resources they need to break out of destructive cycles (our seventh component).

There are two other outreach ministries at Wellspring that play a huge role in meeting these needs:

The Well - Wellspring's compassion ministry. At present, the volunteers at The Well provide prayer, a hot meal and three meals' worth of groceries to those in need. The Well has also partnered with DenverWorks to provide assistance in finding employment.

Celebrate Recovery - Wellspring hosts one of many meetings in Celebrate Recovery's network of "bible-based Christ-centered recovery ministries" (www.celebraterecovery.com).

To find out more about these two ministries or to contact a Wellspring staff member, visit Wellspring's website (www.wellspringcolorado.com).

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If you have any general questions or would like to make a donation, please contact our director, Marlene!

Work in Progress...

Check back soon for updates!!

Up Next:
- our story
- a peek at Sundays in the park
- and perhaps some new pictures :-)

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Our Vision

We desire to see people of all backgrounds joined together in the community of God.

Our little part in this great big story means:
- sharing a delicious meal
- having fun together
- fostering a safe place for discussion
- being willing to know and be known as we are
- showing love in words and actions
- sharing our stories & giving the reason for the hope that we have
- and so much more...

Rain or shine.
Come as you are.

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