Reflections on our anniversary

Dear Members and Friends

As we have celebrated our 96th anniversary as a church, the Elders have been reflecting on the many reasons we have to be grateful to God at this time. 
 

• We have seen a marked increase in new people joining us on Sunday mornings. Some of these have joined us in membership, and others are actively considering this step. 
• The Bible is being taught clearly and faithfully, and it is clear that people are engaging with the preaching and finding it helpful. We believe that where this happens, God will add his blessing. 
• The Tuesday Fellowship has expanded to over 30 attendees.
• Our profile in the community has increased, through a variety of church activities, including outreach and door-to-door work. 
• We have received positive comments from Mums at Up23, who feel cared for and supported.
• Many in the church are serving in a variety of roles and doing so sacrificially.
• We see a similar pattern in the generous giving of recent months, helping us to meet the church’s financial needs, and invest significantly in a number of large practical projects around the buildings. 
• We have moved on from being in maintenance mode during the difficult days of lockdown, to having a sense of progress and momentum. 

Alongside the many reasons to be thankful, there are of course challenges to face as well. We are stretched in several areas, and constantly need additional leaders and helpers for our various groups. A number in the Fellowship have been through very difficult times recently. 

We are very aware of the great privilege and the great responsibility of serving as Elders at this time,  and ask for your prayers for us and our families. We are human, we make mistakes, and there are times when we could do things better. Pray that we would know God’s help and that his strength would be made perfect in our weakness. 

Your brothers in Christ

Barnaby, Dave, John, Richard, Roland