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Prayer Letter
September 2005 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25) This is my first contribution since becoming minister of Christ Church! The months have flown past, since we arrived in April, to a very warm welcome. Thank you! The last few months have been a time of settling in and discovering how things are done in the parish and, at times, discovering how they are definitely not done! It is lovely to be part of such a new venture, and surrounded by a congregation of such committed people. This October the Church celebrates its third anniversary, and it is clear that God has really blessed the efforts and prayers of Christ Church members and friends. Shortly after I arrived we began a process of reflection and consultation about the way ahead for us now that the start has been well and truly made. This identified some areas that as a church we will want to try and address in the coming year. One such was the desire to deepen the fellowship of the congregation. At present the Church council is examining the possibility of developing small group work within the congregation to help meet this desire. With such a strong emphasis on mission I recognise it is important that as a church we do not lose sight of the pastoral dimension to our fellowship. Praise
God, space has also become an issue – particularly as a consequence of the
growing youth and children’s work, this requires some careful planning.
Consideration is now being given to the possible reorganization of the
children’s work on a Sunday. Ultimately however it is an issue that will
require us to think again about building requirements for the future. One final item for your prayers - and maybe for more than that? It is clear that whilst the harvest is plentiful and opportunities abound, the labourers are very few. From the busy Tot’s and Co. group that runs on a Friday Morning, to the Youth Groups in the evening, and the Thursday Café we could do with extra assistance. Indeed, it is clear that our greatest need is for the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into the harvest.. Have you got your sickle handy? – your church needs you! David Reachout
Door-to-door visiting on
Tuesday evenings during the summer months. Give thanks …
·
Praise God
for a number of good contacts made over the summer months. Please pray …
·
For wisdom
about the next step in following up each of these new contacts. Christ Church Café
Light
lunches are served after the Thursday service. Give thanks …
·
For the new
contacts that were made at the end of the Summer. Please pray that these
people return & bring others with them! Please pray …
·
For the new helpers in the team, and for
the commitment of the whole team. ·
For more
helpers. We are currently a small Tots & Co.
Every Friday morning. Give thanks …
·
For the the summer drop-in sessions; God provided sufficient
helpers. ·
Many
adults and children came (total of 84 children over the 4 sessions!) ·
For the
practical help that adults gave over this summer in getting out/putting away
toys and prep of drinks etc. Please pray …
·
For sufficient
helpers for the Autumn Term (wisdom for Janet re using a mum whose child starts
school this term but wants to help us). ·
That some would
go to the parenting course being run on Tuesdays at 'Woman to Woman'
(Jigsaw's new name). ·
For the
children starting school/playgroup and no longer coming to Tots & Co.- that
the Bible truths they heard will stay with them. OnTrack
Every Friday, 6-7 pm during termtime for ages 7-11. Give thanks …
·
For the many children God has brought
through the doors of Christ Church. ·
For the opportunities to talk to parents
at the “Special events”. ·
For the ongoing contact through visiting
over the summer. ·
For the commitment of
the leaders & helpers. Please pray …
·
That the children will learn more about
God’s amazing love for them. ·
For Chris as she takes a break, her
continued healing & that she will be able to join us some Fridays. ·
For Morag as she leads the group, for
strength, wisdom and a humble approach. The Junction
A meeting point on a Friday night for all those of High
School age. Give thanks …
·
For the successful and safe trip to Formby
beach during the summer holiday. The youngsters were from a core group who the
leaders are increasingly getting to know. ·
For contact made with parents through
visiting this summer. Please pray …
·
For God’s long term plan for this
ministry, in particular how to bring the Gospel into the weekly meetings and
share the Gospel more deeply with those who show an interest. ·
That the leaders will work effectively as
the Body of Christ using the varied gifts that God has blessed them with. 24/7
Fortnightly socials, bible studies, speakers &
discussions for women from all walks of life. Give thanks …
·
For all the informal women’s work done
at Christ Church to date. ·
For those offering their homes and their
time to support this ministry. Please pray …
·
For enjoyable fellowship and encouragement
in our faith. Further Afield
Those from our fellowship in other places. Helen Greaves (Reading University)
Give thanks …
·
Praise and
thank God that he has made me better and fit enough to return to University at
the beginning of October. Please pray …
·
That I will be
able to cope with the course and take care not to become ill again. Dave & Jean Jones (France)
Give thanks …
·
For the
opportunity to celebrate 40yrs of marriage with their family. Please pray …
·
For safety as
they undertake various outdoor activities. ·
For safe travel
as they return home. Adam & Penny Burt (Singapore)
Give thanks …
·
That they have
settled in well in their new home. ·
For Penny’s
job teaching yr 4 at Chatsworth International School. Please pray …
·
That they will
settle into their new church. ·
For a trouble-free pregnancy for Penny as
she & Adam await the arrival of “Baby Burt” in March. |
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Last updated: October 20, 2006. We aim to update this site weekly.
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