This is the month of my birthday (every year!) and so my discipline is to look back at the events, experiences and relationships of the year past, to see what can be learnt from them and to inform me of where I am now, then to look forward and begin to plan the year ahead and identify the preparation needed.

This past year, in ministry, has been dominated by the new church building; the erection, packing, moving, setting up, closing of the old, opening the new and getting things established. While some of that work is complete or ongoing, we are now moving into a new stage in our ministry together.

We are continuing to worship regularly, nurture children and care for people and now we are learning about and practicing sharing good news in the “Faith for Living” program and the “Faith Sharing” weekend seminar of the 10th to 12th of November run by O.A.C. Ministries. We continue to prepare for the Advent Workshops – called “Christmas Club”, an after school activity for primary aged children on the 23rd and 30th November.

This will lead us into Advent proper and the special worship celebrations planned for that time.

Amongst these will be a special Children’s Christmas Worship on December 10th at 10am, Carols on the Lawn Service on December 17 at 7.30pm, “Welcome the Child” service on Christmas Eve at 11.30pm and “Celebrating the Birth of Christ” Service on Christmas Day at 9am.

All in all, a busy time for children and announcing Good News.

I would like to invite you to consider your place in all of this. Will you be a passive observer, or will you be engaged and contribute your gifts, skills and time, to this special time of year?

I believe that people are searching for meaning, identity and belonging. I believe that God has something to offer in this searching. As we give the gifts that make up who we are, we discover the answer to much of our searching.

May this be a time of preparing the way for….?

Your friend,