Dec 2010/Jan 2011 Minister's Message
Last Updated on Tuesday, 23 November 2010 12:47
Dear Friends,
So another year draws to a close (where did it go?). We begin the period of Advent which nudges us to remember that the God we have come to know in Jesus Christ is a God who comes among us, and who will one day bring all things to an end as his Kingdom stretches into eternity. It is so good that we have seen glimpses of his kingdom in our midst, people coming to new faith in Christ, generosity of time and resources, commitment to prayer, acts of loving service, coming alongside people young and old (and in-between). This calling we have to make Him known is a big challenge and we need God’s help so much. Recently the following Bible verse came to me:
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:5-7 (NIV)
We have a great opportunity this Christmas and New Year to Glorify God in our personal and community life together. Just look through this newsletter and see what you can be involved in and bring friends to.
2011 will be a significant year for our church, we hope that by this time next year, by God’s good grace, we will have finished paying for our new buildings. It will also be a year where we can take stock of our life and mission and prayerfully make plans for the next phase and also how we can support mission projects outside the church in thankfulness for God’s faithfulness to us.During the first three months of the year we will be giving time to do this as a whole church. This will happen in home groups, Sunday worship, other groups and teams, conversations with those who use the buildings and in a one off consultation open to all (date to be confirmed). I have given this time of reflection, prayer and planning the working title ‘Forward in Faith’. It is not about complaining about things that have not happened, nor is it about coming up with 101 good ideas which are not achievable. It will only produce fruit if we engage together with openness, prayerfulness and a willingness to commit to and follow through the plans we make – all for God’s glory. I do hope that you will get involved and play your part and may God bless you this Christmas and into 2011.Yours in Christ,
Eddie
