On Fire through Word and Sacrament
We stand firmly within the Trinitarian tradition of the mainstream Christian churches, proclaiming the three-fold revelation of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We acknowledge the creative acts of the Father and the redemption of humankind by the Son and welcome the renewing power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, enabling us more fully to fulfil Jesus' command to his disciples to preach, and to teach and to heal in his name.
We seek the Holy Spirit's direction equally in Word and Sacrament, as expressed in our worship, and are open to receive those of his gifts he chooses to give us.
We recognise and welcome the priesthood of both men and women.
What we stand for...
'On Fire' is dedicated to spreading the Charismatic renewal in the Church, especially the more liturgical and sacramentally orientated churches in the Anglican Communion.
We are a Bible based organisation and have a strong emphasis on scripture through the use of daily lectionaries and private bible study.
We are also sacramental. The Christian faith is a sacramental faith, the Incarnation being the greatest and most wonderful sacrament of all-God clothing himself in human form so that we can know and experience him and so that, as one of us, he can offer himself for us on the cross, “the one full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice, oblation and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world.” All our worship is based on this sacramental principle.
But scripture that is not enlivened by the Holy Spirit is just words. Unless our eyes have been opened to the riches of his word by the infilling of the Holy Spirit, we will get little benefit. So, too, with the sacraments we receive-unless they are administered in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, they are dead rituals. So, through scripture and sacrament, we are renewed daily in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is at the very heart of our life and liturgy.
We believe that the Liturgy, far from being a straitjacket, is enlivened by the Spirit and becomes a powerful and power-filled medium for worship. The Liturgy is the work of the people of God, and, offered by a “Spirit-filled” people is wholly acceptable to God.
We believe that the Holy Spirit is given in Baptism, Confirmation and the Sacraments of the Church, as well as at other times of God's own choosing. Baptism (or release) of the Spirit is God's way of releasing this gift in our lives and ministries. This fire of the Holy Spirit can be either a tiny ember or a glowing sun. The release of the Spirit (Baptism of the Spirit) means receiving more of God's power so that we can glorify his Name through our lives and bring in his Kingdom by our ministry.
We aim...
To encourage a deepening and growing spirituality and prayer life as a foundation for challenging individuals to move on and outwards from the churches and engage in the work of the Holy Spirit where people are, across the boundaries of denomination, culture, nationality and class.
To act as an agent of renewal within the Church by holding an annual conference and by encouraging like-minded groups to organise weekends and days of renewal.
To use all possible means to promote the renewal movement, especially but not exclusively within the catholic wing of the Church of England.
To inspire our fellow Christians to rely upon the Holy Spirit in all aspects of their lives by our own practice and example.
What we offer...
An annual conference with excellent speakers at which we endeavour to encourage one another by prayer, worship, teaching and fellowship together.
Regional conferences and days of renewal. We are always looking for ways to help local regions, dioceses and parishes by providing teams to lead such events.
For More Information...
General Enquiries
07981 145034
A postal address for the office of our Chairman, The Revd. David Picken is
Oakley Hall
8 Castle Street
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP13 6RF
