Hi all, I hope you’re all well.

 

I just wanted to flag up a few things:

 

Firstly, we’re hoping that most home groups will do the newly formatted Alpha course. Sue will be co-ordinating it, so more details will follow. For now, the main thing to realise is that it will all happen in your normal home group time and venue. And while you may want to cook a meal, I’d suggest coffee and cake would be easier.  This Sunday there will be invitations available. Please all try to invite at least 3 people along. If they don’t come, well not to worry. But this is not just for group, it is also an invitational event.

 

Secondly, thanks to all those who attended the APCM. It was well attended by those from the first congregation, and poorly attended by those from the Family Services. This needs to change.

I highlighted several things that I think we need to focus on over the next 12 months. These are:

• Prayer with a missional focus, always looking out, praying for growth, for greater maturity and for greater opportunities as a Church to serve.

• The goal of being a diverse church, with a multi- generational focus. This requires work to see how people of different ages, as well as cultural, racial and social backgrounds can learn from each other as they serve.

• Increases lay teams and leadership, with greater participation and 10 congregational leaders across the three services.

• A renewed focus on families work, building on existing strengths, and working with parents to see them as guiding their families spiritually.

• A form of discipleship that people at all levels can engage with effectively.

 

I’d be grateful if people could get their questionnaires to me as quickly as possible. It’s been really helpful, informative and will result in change. But we need people to get their views to us.

 

This weekend, we have no Saturday evening service.

Sunday is of course Palm Sunday and we look forward to it. We have our regular 9am and 10:45am services. In the evening, we are having another Youth Event, which is going to be great! So, all young people are welcome. The theme is ‘Unique’.

 

Then a reminder that all home groups (and everyone!) are invited to come to the Maundy Thursday service next Thursday at 7:30 pm in Church.

 

On Good Friday (next Friday) we have a 10:45 Family Service. And in the afternoon at 2pm, the 'Hour at the Cross' service.

 

Next Saturday, we are trying out an 'Easter Walk' at 5pm in Church (this is in place of the 5:30 evening Service). It’s a dramatic interpretation of the whole Easter Story and it’s going to be terrific.

 

At 6am on Easter morning, we have our Vigil Service, followed by breakfast, and then a wonderful Family Communion Service at 10:45am, complete with two baptisms. Can’t wait!

 

Finally, I previously mentioned plans for my sabbatical. During this time I will not be using my usual mobile phone or email address. For issues related to worship and pastoral concern, please contact Sue McWhinney. And for issues relating the Church, Church grounds, and the practical issues, please contact Sandra or Dan, our wardens.

 

I think that the next 3 months are going to be very exciting for our Church (and for me).

 

Blessings,

Phil