Family, when we are going through tough times its easy to see the faith and the calibre of those of you serving around the church. With the promotion of 3 or four people in this last month I have heard such great testimonies and seen people face their promotion with such faith. With Anne Ling having such a serious (potentially fatal) call a couple of weeks ago and one of our special young mums, Katie Hughes, facing a huge health challenge, I have seen you all rally your very practical and faith filled support. We have a number of people who are sick and aging and to see how they approach illness and life’s priorities has been inspiring.
Our special members meeting yesterday was so well led by the Holy Spirit and Greg Mutton. I am so grateful for Shania’s willingness to serve (and skill to do so) and Brigitte’s willingness to go wherever God leads. Brigitte has said yes to our call and asked that we pray for her as she has some difficult conversations with people that she has served for many years. We must still try to keep our communications about Pastor Brigitte ‘in house’ until she has had those conversations. All of us are aware that though the job description is very detailed and full – Pastor Brigitte must be allowed to a large degree to shape her own ministry. There has been an amazing offer of temporary accommodation for them. Bruce’s question around how are we going to welcome them both are now in many conversations.
You will be aware that Sheryl Kitchen is now preparing lunches on the first and third Sundays of the month. The alternative Sundays we encourage you to take someone out for a coffee or home for lunch.
The elders just completed a very unified and faith filled, prayer focused day retreat. We are aware that the church looks very full on Sundays, which is off-putting for those who are new and want to slip into back seats. Ideally, we wait until Pastor Brigitte is well established and the new car parking built before changing things or looking at two services. However, we need to do something now so that our visitors and newcomers can feel that we have room for them, so we must tweek/ juggle things to allow God to grow the church in the mean while. Can we encourage everyone to consider sitting as far forward as you possibly can on Sundays, and filling up the middle of rows, leaving the back rows free. Big thanks to those of you who are parking off-site or near the high school!
As an eldership we are looking at strategies to keep the church growing, how to get back to a full-time youth pastor one day, issues around vision (wondering if slight amendments to wording may give clarity) etc. There is great harmony in the eldership and a real sense of trust that God will speak and guide each step of the way.
Evening services will restart again soon. At this point I am gathering the names of people who would like to be involved in some way. Hospitality/ music/ learning to preach/ prayer ministry etc. If God is speaking to you about this please let me know.
Over the past couple of months quite a number of our family have said to me that communion often feels rushed. I have taken this to heart and will endeavour to have some services when the children are in but with only one song before communion and some with more quiet times of reflection and prayer after they have gone out. Please note that communion in March has been moved to the second Sunday to give Richard Brunton time to minister.
This month we are going to launch and promote our Mentoring network and the Church Camp. Both activities will fit in neatly into what we are currently doing and bring about greater intergenerational relationships and growth in faith.
Frontline youth group is about to restart this week as is Rock Solid. From where I sit I it would appear to me that we may be a little short of leaders for Rock Solid which is a ministry to year 6-9’s at a critical stage of their lives. If you can help please contact Scottie 021782547or Chelc 0274208506.
We have the ladies’ brunch, Richard Brunton, Parenting 0-4’s, the Heap offering for the building coming up and so much more.
There will be multiple evangelistic opportunities this term. The ‘Relationship Matters Course’ will be advertised to the community. It will be good for all mentors and pastoral workers as well. I hope to do a street outreach again outside Reyburn house on Easter Saturday. Canon J.John outreach (bring a friend) on Easter Saturday. Youth and intermediate Easter camps. We will have follow-up discipleship and Alpha beginning the week after Easter.
Every one of us at every stage of life has gifts and talents that God will use to help us reach out to this community and make disciples/ relatives for eternity!
Your Brother and Fellow Kingdom Builder – Pastor Russell
