As I sit down to reflect on the last seven months of our church life together, I am filled with a sense of awe and gratitude. The journey we’ve embarked upon as a congregation has been nothing short of transformative, both individually and collectively. Through the highs and lows, joys and challenges, our faith has been tested, strengthened, and ultimately, grown.
One of the most remarkable aspects of our church life in these months has been our sense of community. We have developed new groups, extended the playgroup with an additional session and found innovative ways to connect and support one another. Our virtual gatherings, prayer meetings, and digital outreach efforts keeps us united when physical proximity for some is not possible. It is incredible how technology can bridge the gap and bring the body of Christ together, no matter the circumstances.
The trials we have faced as a church community also brought to light the resilience of our faith. Many among us grappled with personal challenges, financial difficulties, health concerns and the loss of loved ones. Yet, in the face of adversity, our faith in God remained a beacon of hope. We prayed together, shared our burdens, and saw God’s hand at work in providing for our needs. It was a beautiful testament to the power of a community standing firm in their trust in the Lord.
During these months, we have continued to implement our church’s mission and vision. We have overcome some of the physical limitations as we sought to think creatively about how to better serve our congregation and the surrounding community. We adjusted our outreach programs and we discovered unique ways to be a light in the darkness.
Moreover, the last seven months have seen incredible spiritual growth within our congregation. Our House Group Bible studies and devotionals brought us closer to the Word of God. We engaged in various sermon series tackling deep theological issues, which have been challenging our beliefs, whilst taking time to learn from one another. We are looking at ways to cultivate an environment of openness and understanding, as we want to respect differing perspectives while holding fast to the unifying core of our faith in Jesus Christ.
However, we also experienced moments of tension and disagreement. It is only natural for a diverse group of individuals to have different viewpoints and preferences. We will continue to walk and work together as we seek gracious and generous conversations, maintaining a Christ-like attitude even amidst disagreements. Our church life will be enriched by these challenges, reminding us that true growth often comes as we work through difficulties together.
As I look back over these seven months, I am filled with hope for the future of our church. Our collective journey will enable us to deepen our faith and strengthen our unity through the power of love that binds us together. We have weathered storms and danced in moments of joy, always with Christ as our anchor.
As we move forward, let us cherish the fellowship we share as a church family. May we continue to be innovative in our outreach, never losing sight of the hurting world around us. Most importantly, let us remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God will lead us through any challenges that lie ahead.
Together, as a church family, we will face the unknown with courage, knowing that the Lord has faithfully led us thus far and will continue to do so. As we journey onward, let us embrace change, celebrate growth, and hold fast to the unchanging truth of God’s word. Our story as a church is still being written, and I am excited to see how God will use us in the days, months, and years to come.
Grace and Peace
 | David Skeet is our church team leader. Taken from the latest edition of our bi-monthly church newsletter. |