News for 2005
January - December:
In February, a major new initiative started up. The children's club, initially with no name started on the 23rd February, venue - the church, on Wednesday evenings at 6pm. This group has steadily grown and by July the total number of children amount to a fifteen. Lilian and David Ryecroft have both blessed the children in the work of the Lord, and we too have been blessed and encouraged by news of the children's enthusiasm, willingness to attend and get involved, and the news that the children are encouraging their friends to come and get involved too. The club - through the suggestions of the children is called the Fishes Club - and we earnestly pray that God will continue to bless this work and that the children and their parents will experience the blessings of Christ.
During March and April, Andrew led a course at the church about being a Contagious Christian. This course originates from Willow Creek Community Church. Those of us that attended the course learnt such a lot about ourselves and what strengths we have and how we can use these to convey the good news of Christ. We were all challenged into speaking with each other about how we came to know Christ. We also practiced how we might be able to share with our friends what it is to become a Christian, and also put across the good news that they themselves can seek out, question and ultimately, take the life changing decision to follow Christ.
Through March to May, Keith led the church on Wednesday evenings through a series of studies entitled 'A life worth living'. This is a nine-session course based on the book of Philippians. This course is aimed specifically at those starting out in the Christian life and is ideal for those who have just completed an Alpha course. Each talk explains how it is possible to live the Christian life positively, practically and joyfully, covering such topics as ‘New Attitude’, New Friendships’ and ‘New Responsibilities’.
March saw a good number of us travel to Lindors for a weekend away, to enjoy some quiet times, praise God, learn more of what it takes to be a Christian, and to enjoy fellowship with each other. The experience was really uplifting, and we were blessed by good teaching by our Church neighbours. This was our second time to Lindors, and the facilities, quality of food and service, coupled with the surroundings within which Lindors is placed did not disappoint.
In April, Peter Hall left us (the church family) and his own family to take a partial 'gap' in his education year. He travelled to South Africa to spend time working with Project Gateway
During the months of April and May the small room at the rear of the church had it's roof repaired, and retiled. Additionally, the opportunity was taken to provide proper roof space insulation - this has significantly improved the heat retention within the room. Some new kitchen facilities were 'plumbed' in, together with new worktops and cupboard spaces. Primarily, this is to be used for provision of refreshments (teas, coffees, and minor food preparations), as the other existing kitchen facilities were judged not to be operating within health and safety guidelines. These older facilites are now used for cleaning and flower preparations.
The period of the second half of the year was a little quieter for the church community, although we still enjoyed a few regular events and staged a new one at the Church.
July saw us once again revelling in the by now customary summer cream tea at Eddie's house. Scones, strawberry jam & cream washed down with a few cups of tea on a summers afternoon - what more could you ask for? Thank you Eddie & Helen.
In October we experienced a new venture for the church. We laid on a 'Meal with a message'. This event was hosted at the church, where we invited friends who might not know anything about the Christian faith, to join us for the evening. We enjoyed a 3 course meal and listened to what the Christian faith is all about. As a result of this, a few people expressed an interest in returning to the Church to attend a 'Christianity Explored' course (which is scheduled to run in January 2006).
December saw the regular and popular range of Christmas celebrations, with Carols by candlelight, the young children's Nativity service on Christmas Eve and the Christmas morning celebration.