I would like to start by thanking everyone once again who supports the work of Welton Baptist Church. I admit to sometimes being a bit fickle. If something’s not quite going to plan I may wonder why I ever bothered, but a simple encouragement in the same area makes me wonder why I ever doubted! I’m sure it could be similar with all of the ministries we’re involved with (especially when it comes to attendance figures!). Our NFest memory verse for 2014 was “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” Psalm 139:14. It moves me to think that with all our human faults and frailties, we can still say this verse with confidence knowing that God longs to work through us.
It was brilliant to have the Alpha course back and running again after N’Fest and a particular personal highlight of the year was baptising one of the attendees at our United Easter Service in Midsomer Norton High Street. The official formation of “Midsomer Norton Churches Together” is a sign of the closer friendship and desire to serve Christ as one, which has developed over the last few years between the five churches in the Town and also those beyond. Events are really a small part of this work. Having everyone involved as we once again brought the Nativity to the heart of the Town’s Christmas celebrations, the morning of “Hit the High Street” with generous acts, and the “Candidates Question Time” are all great. However, I see the really exciting stuff in the more regular opportunities to support and encourage one another, to pray together and share resources.
I have also been very encouraged to see people stay involved with the church who are still searching in their faith as well as those who could easily have completely walked away. Of course we’d love everyone to be fully engaged and active in their walk with Christ and the life of the church, but outreach isn’t something we “do” to people to make them join our “club”. Genuine love is consistent, allows plenty of space and relies on God’s timing and work. This love is often evident in our groups which meet regularly such as Playtots, Early Shift Café, First Thursday, Energy groups and housegroups as well as many other areas of church life.
We have been slightly ahead of the game with the creation of “All In Services” as the first “All In” resource book landed on my doormat last week (I knew we should have gone for copyright!). The aim remains to engage the whole church in these services and it’s been brilliant to see so many different people contributing. We’ve also started regular “NFest Go” afternoons which have been great fun and we hope to see more people joining in with as time goes on.
With the news that Mike will be finishing as Pastor at the end of 2015, the recruitment process has caused us all to consider not only who would be the person for the job, but what is God’s plan and purpose for the future of this church? Hearing so many diverse ideas and opinions can be both exciting and challenging. My main hope is that we won’t ever settle for what seems easiest or most comfortable but that we will see clearly how we can serve God in the most effective ways, whatever that looks like, and then fully support one another as we move forward.