Minister's Reflections - July 2009

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Another busy year of mission and ministry is drawing to a close.  It is difficult to assess what has been the highpoints but I am sure that you will be able to think of your own.  Here are some of mine.

As I review the year, I must celebrate the development of the work amongst children and young people. The recent family spot on “King’s Club” revealed the work that Gill and her team are undertaking week by week and the way the children are growing in their faith.  Junior Church continues to flourish thanks to the loyal team of teachers and helpers.  The development of the Youth Band and the spiritual growth of our teenagers have been nurtured by Ruth and Alison. They lead worship with great enthusiasm and depth of spirituality.

If you measure church-growth in numbers, our monthly congregations in Abbeyfields, Ash Court, Beechwood and Sharston House have surpassed all expectations. Attendance doubled on some occasions and we had to move to bigger rooms!  This is a ministry which Alison and I undertake to ensure that people unable to attend church receive Communion and pastoral care.  Coupled with the lunches on Tuesday and Thursday and Tuesday Fellowship, KMC has a fruitful mission to older people in Knutsford.

The visit of Gbile Akanni for three evenings in June was very special.  His teaching was refreshing and the worship and prayer times brought us into the presence of God. I valued the opportunity to minister alongside Gbile and also to receive spiritual direction from him. I hope his ministry will encourage us to experience renewal and a desire to share our faith with the wider community.

I am sure that, like me, those who heard the testimonies of Clara and Bud, and shared in the commissioning service of Alistair as a Local Preacher, will have been challenged by their testimonies and the way God is moving in their lives. I encourage those who feel prompted to give their testimonies to let me know so that we can include them in worship.

We thank Ben Clowes for facilitating and encouraging us as we tentatively begin our café-style worship on the first Sunday evening in the month. These are relaxed evenings, sitting around tables with friends, discussing various issues over a cup of coffee. We have averaged around 35 people to each Café church. The Café church in July is “Cabaret” with music and times of sharing.

The church continues to move forward with “Money Matters” from providing a purely in-house guidance to offering a service to the wider community. The online Job Club continues to be available for support in difficult times.

The last year has been busy, fruitful and seen God challenging us to do new things. We have been obedient in following his leading. I take this opportunity to thank you all for the part you play within the life of the church.

During the next few weeks we gather our breath, take a well-earned break and enjoy a time of re-creation.  I pray that God will bless you in your travels, keep you safe and bring you back rejoicing at the things God has shown you.

Have a wonderful summer,

Love and God Bless,

Pau