1. Aquachurch The Threat of Shipwreck

5. The Church in the West is heading for shipwreck Number of Christians in Global South is growing Number of Christians in North/West is in decline The culture is becoming less tolerant and more anti- Christian (eg way of marking Christmas) The Church of Scotland is heading for shipwreck Losing equivalent of one congregation a week Average age is increasing – can it last beyond 2030?

6. Priestfield Parish Church is heading for shipwreck ‘Raw’ numbers – falling Average age increasing – fewer ‘active’ people In time, knock-on effect on finance

7. Preparing for Shipwreck – Acts 27 Sometimes you can see shipwreck coming – prepare work as a team strengthen the body with food throw unnecessary things overboard Looking at the trends and looking ahead to the future, anyone who EXPECTS Priestfield not to face shipwreck is foolish BUT...

8. ...Christ is King What can happen when Christ is King?

9. Storm on Galilee – Mark 4 Disciples – we are going to be wrecked; Jesus, do you not care?

10. Christ the King can calm the storm Are there signs of the ‘Priestfield storm’ becoming calm?

11. Signs of Christ the King at work...the Gift Day...the little shoots of growth...ideas for serving (5 Dec)...continuing to build links with the community

12. Shipwreck may be ‘expected’ but it’s not inevitable because Christ is King Be cognisant of the danger of shipwreck – it’s wild out there! Be prepared for the eventuality of shipwreck – we can survive it! Pray that Christ the King will calm the storm around us – he rules Look and work for signs that Christ the King is active in the world around us – he is!