This has not been the easiest year in many ways – we were kicked out of our Sunday home and there have been disappointments, and difficulties for us as a church family and for individuals, but, in many ways, that is life. However, we have many things to thank God for.
We have seen a number of people healed this year and a number of people start their walks with Jesus. We have seen the continued development of Church@Coffee#1 with a whole new set of people accessing our community. We have an awesome new youth and kids intern in Rebecca and are beginning to see Rock becoming an awesome group of teenagers who are influencing and taking part in the life of the church. Our MASSIVE Kids’ ministry has continue to be incredible and grow under Steph’s inspirational leadership. The Old Chemist is being used by a very diverse cross section of the community and it is increasingly impacting the local area. We ran a great conference with New Community where Brad Jersak came and spoke. We have seen Bags of Mercy start to flourish and so many people starting to get involved with it, as well as a very successful event this summer.
I could go on (and I normally do), but suffice it so say that SVC has made a difference to people’s lives. I remember many years ago having a conversation with the Southampton City Missioner and him saying that he often wondered whether, if his church closed down, would anyone in the local community actually notice. For me, that is the plumbline for what we are doing – would anyone notice if we were not here? In looking back at 2017, my humble opinion is that they most certainly would notice. That being the case, let’s carry on!
Thank you all for being a wonderful church. It is my privilege and pleasure to be part of this community.
God Bless you all and have a great Christmas and New Year.
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