Pastor's Letter July 2011
Dear Friends,
As the school Summer holidays begin and I look back on the year that has been, I believe it has been a significant time for the church. We have, of course, moved location for our Sunday meetings, and, although Queen Anne is not a place for us to set up home, it has shown us that we are not defined by our surroundings. I believe that the process of moving venue has breathed fresh life and expectation into the church whilst retaining our DNA. We have seen new people join us in the last year, people coming to faith and taking the first steps in their walk with God. We have seen a change in our Treasure Zone environment. We have seen an increase in giving and the financial health of the church. We have seen the release of gifting in the church in many ways. We have seen a growth around the town in churches working together for the kingdom of God. We have seen a new exciting website which I hope you will take time to explore (and comment on).
As we have been putting together the website it has caused us to look again at our vision, our purposes, our beliefs and values. I encourage you to read through these statements and to allow them to sink in. These statements define who we are, what we believe, what is important to us and where we are going. As I read them I get excited at what lies ahead for us. Our vision statement talks about a family of all ages and all stages of their walk with God. Our purposes set a way forward for us as we seek to see lives continually being changed.
I believe that the next year will be another significant and challenging year for us as we see ministries grow and develop, as we engage in Impact World Tour and see people coming to faith and being connected into the church, as we seek a more permanent home for the church. In the midst of all of this however our God is unchanging and our vision, values, beliefs and purposes remain the same, providing a rock solid foundation on which to build.
I am so grateful to be a part of this church with so many wonderful people who love God and serve so faithfully. I hope that over this Summer you find some time to be restored and refreshed and re-envisioned, whatever you are doing. Over this next month we will be taking some holiday time and also some time to draw back and hear God as we plan the next year. We would value your prayers as we prepare for this next year and we, in turn, pray that you have a fabulous sunny! Summer.
Much love and blessing
Jon
Jon Farrimond, 02/07/2011