Dear Church Family
Last Sunday I spoke about vision for the Liberty Church family: where do we see ourselves in five years’ time? I know that vision can be a very personal thing, as we look at our own lives and our dreams and passions, but it is also something we share together, something that together gives us a picture of the future, a picture which stirs passion within us to want to see that vision become a reality, that takes us forward in God’s plans.
I spent some time talking about my own vision for this church family; what I would like to see in five years’ time. Allow me to share some of those thoughts with you again, in writing:
• I see us firmly established in our new home, a place where we are worshiping God together, growing in community, in faith and devotion to God, and reaching out to the community around about us with the life transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ
• I see us with Sunday and mid-week worship gatherings to accommodate a growing church family
• I see people of all ages and stages becoming part of the family: young families, youth, single men and women and single parents, the grey-haired, the dyed-haired and the no-haired!
• I see people regularly coming to faith in Christ and being baptised
• I see our friends and families, those we love and pray for, making commitments to Christ and joining us on our journey together
• I see environments where we can all be equipped, encouraged and empowered to grow in faith and devotion to God
• I see a growing experience and expectation of the supernatural power of God in our midst to heal, to restore, to transform and to bring breakthrough in our lives and in the lives of those we reach out to
• I see us growing together in community as a family through friendship, fellowship and through serving together
• I see new opportunities to serve and reach out to our community with the Good News of Jesus Christ, as the visions and passions that God has placed within the church family begin to be worked out in so many different ways amongst the homeless and lonely, young families, businesses, men and women, youth, unemployed, the older generations………
• I see us stepping out boldly with the life-changing message of the gospel.
• I see outreaches being planted in the communities where God has placed us
• I see people finding acceptance, hope and freedom like they have never known
This afternoon we have received confirmation that our change of use application for Liberty Centre has been rejected. As you know, this was not unexpected and we will challenge this decision through the appeal process. However, although we have a way to go before we move into a new home that doesn’t, and mustn’t, stop us pressing forward to make our visions a reality. We have a great, united church family who are ready to take the next step on our journey, and our visions will become a reality as we trust in God and give ourselves to seeing his kingdom come in this generation. It is a blessing and privilege to share this adventure with you.
Much love and blessing
Jon |