We're a vibrant and relevant church with a passion for you to find hope, and know Jesus.
We are a friendly church so whatever your age, background or previous experience of church, if any at all, we invite you to come along. Join us at our Sunday Services or other activities and receive a great welcome.
We would love to welcome you as friend, a visitor or part of our family..
The style of worship at the Vine is contemporary and informal. The range of music is wide and varied from lively and loud praise to quieter worship songs. Worship is led by members of the worship team and often comprises of drums, keyboard, guitar or Ukele. Everyone is encouraged to take part no matter how off key you might think your voice is.
At the Vine, we try to use language that is appropriate to the situation. So if someone is reading an account from the past it may have thee' and thou's in it but for the most, we use contemporary language and we read from a number of Bible translations including the Christian Standard Bilbe (CSB), the New International Version (NIV), the Message,
The New Living Translation (NLT), and even the KJV.
On most weeks we have Shiners our Sunday Morning Childrens work, find out more about our what to expect at our Sunday Morning Meetings
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This weeks service will not be streamed but you can catch up on previous services on our Watch Again page or watch on our Youtube Channel
Some events and groups will have adaptions to accomodate Covid-19 guidance
Sometimes I don't know...I truly hope that by the time you get to read this, the world will have calmed down a little.
I write this following the tragic events in Southport and the aftermath of violence, fear and uncertainty that has spread the country.
Nearer to home, the last few weeks have been filled with great uncertainty as friends and family go through challenging circumstances. I am certain that others will be going through similar experiences too. In these times of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel lost and unsure of what to do next. Life often demands answers and decisive actions, but there are moments when the right path remains unclear. Whether it’s a personal crisis, a difficult decision at work, or the broader challenges in the world around us, the complexities of life can leave us feeling paralysed by the sheer magnitude of it all.
These moments of uncertainty are a natural part of the human experience. Many of us find ourselves in situations where we simply don’t know how to move forward. Recently, I’ve found solace in a simple yet profound practice. Someone introduced me to the “I don’t know” prayer. It’s a prayer that acknowledges our limitations, our fears, and our uncertainties. It goes like this:
You just go off somewhere quiet and hidden, and you turn to God and you say, 'I don’t know.'
‘I don’t know where to go from here.’
‘I don’t know how to process this.’
‘I don’t know what to do with these emotions.’
‘I don’t know how to handle this situation.’
It covers a lot of 'I don’t knows.
And with whatever dusty, little sand grain of faith you have, you say, 'But You know.'
And you leave it there."
This prayer has become a lifeline for me. In the last few weeks, I’ve found myself praying it often. The world feels more chaotic than ever, and the news has been filled with situations I simply don’t know how to navigate.
In these quiet moments of prayer, I find peace in admitting my limitations. The “I don’t know” prayer is a reminder that it’s okay to feel lost and not have everything figured out. It’s a way of releasing control and placing trust in something greater than myself. By saying, “But You know,” I am reminded that there is divine wisdom at work, even in the midst of chaos. The prayer doesn’t offer instant solutions, but it provides comfort and reassurance that I am not alone in my uncertainty.
So, if you find yourself struggling to know what to do, don’t be afraid to admit it. Even give the “I don’t know” prayer a try and trust that, even when you don’t know the way forward, all is not lost because God does.
As this article is published we will be a few days from a general election. While I am going to steer clear of any partisan comment something that cannot escape anyone is the frenetic activity that goes into an election campaign, a level of effort that must leave those involved ready for a holiday. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's all too easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of doing things. We're perpetually juggling responsibilities, deadlines, and the constant buzz of notifications. Amidst this relentless pace, it's crucial to remember that we are designed for more than just work. We are meant to experience a balance of work, rest, and play—a rhythm that aligns not only with our physical and mental needs but also with timeless wisdom that has echoed through the ages.
Consider the creation story from the Bible: after six days of creating the heavens and the earth, God rested on the seventh day. This day of rest, known as the Sabbath, wasn’t just a divine afterthought. It was an integral part of the creation narrative, emphasising the importance of rest.
In our, fast-paced world, the principle of "work, rest, and play" is as relevant as ever. It’s easy to fall into the trap of constant productivity, but this can lead to burnout, stress, and a significant decline in overall well-being. The Mars Bar slogan encapsulates this balance perfectly, reminding us that life is not solely about working hard but also about taking time to rest and enjoy the simple pleasures. Rest is not a sign of laziness or lack of ambition. It’s a necessary component of a healthy, productive life. When we rest, we give our bodies and minds the opportunity to recover and rejuvenate. This replenishment allows us to return to our work with renewed energy and creativity, ultimately making us more effective in the things we do. Moreover, taking time for rest and play nurtures our relationships and our spirit. Whether it’s spending time with family, enjoying nature, or pursuing hobbies, these activities enrich our lives and bring us joy. They remind us of the beauty and wonder that exist beyond our to-do lists, professional and family obligations.
Even in the workplace, the importance of rest is increasingly recognized. Companies are starting to understand that well-rested employees are more productive, innovative, and satisfied. Encouraging breaks, vacations, even moving to four day compressed weeks. A healthy work-life balance is not just good for employees; it’s good for business.
So, whether you’re a believer who finds inspiration in the Sabbath or someone who simply understands the value of a well-deserved break, the message is clear: we are not meant to work without end. Embracing a rhythm of work, rest, and play helps us lead fuller, more balanced lives. It’s time to give ourselves permission to rest, to take that break, and to savour the moments of play. After all, life is about more than just work; it’s about living fully and joyfully.
* Other chocolate bars are available, you may even want to enjoy one while you work, rest or play.
