Jon's Pastor's Letter, October 2016 

Dear Friends
 
Over the last few Sundays we have been looking at our relationships with “one another” as believers and how God invites us not only into a life changing relationship with him, but also into life changing relationships with each other.   We started the series by looking at some of the Biblical pictures of the Church that emphasise the importance of building strong relationships, and one of those pictures, which I believe is particularly important for us, is that of the “Family”, that God is our Father, we are his children and we are brothers and sisters in Christ.  Being Family together is such a vital part of our DNA (to use “body” language) and you will often hear me use the language of “the Liberty Church Family.”
 
As I was reflecting on this and what it means to be Family, I was again struck by how blessed I feel to be part of the Liberty Family, and I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you to you for making the Liberty Family so strong.  In a society where loneliness and isolation is so prevalent, we often take for granted the incredible support network that is available in our Church.  Whether it is inviting people into our homes, praying for each other, befriending, hugging, comforting, encouraging, baby-sitting, ironing, cleaning, providing meals, hospital visits, providing transport, sending a card, a gift, or simply a text to let someone know you are thinking of them.  I am aware that all these things, and more, are happening throughout our Church Family, often unnoticed but always hugely significant.  I am aware personally how often I have been on the receiving end of other people’s love and generosity, and I am hugely grateful.
 
These are exciting and challenging times for us as a Church, as we embark on our building development and as we move into new areas of ministry, and I am aware that our unity as a Church Family is so important in the days ahead.  Paul writes to the church in Ephesus (Eph 4:3) “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” and I firmly believe that our love and support for each other as a Family is such a vital part of that, and provides a firm foundation for us to live out the purposes of God in this generation.  So thank you again for being such a wonderful Family and may God continue to bless you as you, in turn, bless others.
 
Much love and gratitude
 Jon