Tim and Tanya Davies - UK |
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Christ Church Central Prayer Letter Summer 2009
Dear Friends
As we look back on another year in ministry at Central we have much to thank God for, not least our multiplication after 5 years into two congregations last October as we became Central at 4 and Central at 6. The transition was not without pain as we struggled with smaller numbers carrying heavy equipment across the road and missed seeing friends so regularly. However, God has helped us to adjust and the space created has enabled us to see growth at both congregations and challenged us to grow in maturity as a church.
Other highlights of the year for which we praise God
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Pete and Claire Jackson’s first year back with us from Oak Hill with Pete heading up the Gamma Teams (small groups) as well as our training ministry.
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Purpose for Life Mission in March involving 3 open evenings at Starbucks with live music and a talk. These were well attended
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Christianity Explored led by a new team and well attended with 3 members going on to follow up courses and one considering Baptism
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A team from Central helped at Rotherham Evangelical Church with a week of outreach in March
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Growth Groups courses 1 and 2 led by Pete Jackson equipping members for Bible ministry
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Matt Thompson, Pete Jackson, Dave Crofts and Paul Robinson all attended the Reform panel of reference in March with very positive commendations.
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Chris Houghton has nearly completed his year as apprentice working in music and with children and youth and will be staying on in a part time capacity for another year
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The generous gift of another double-decker bus after the one we purchased proved irreparable and a willing team of volunteers refurbishing the interior
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The launch of 14 + youth work
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International Ministry- for Jerry and Hannah who returned to their home country in December who said “Sunday has become a special day for us…it is for coming to church and learning about God”. May there be many more like them
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A community of Iranian Christians now use our building weekly for worship in Farsi
Challenges and Changes ahead for which we value prayer
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Passion for Life Mission March 2010 with Frank Retief – for members to be developing friendships now which can lead to Gospel opportunities then
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Church on a Bus ministry to homeless and vulnerable - that we would be able to complete the refurbishment, get the bus on the road with qualified drivers and reach the very needy with the gospel
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International Ministry –pray for the likes of Jerry and Hannah who return to a home country hostile to Christians and where church membership is difficult and that our ministry at Central may equip others like them for a life back home
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We are considering new developments in both our ministry to men and women which needs wisdom in planning and leadership
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Dave and Layne Crofts starting at Oak Hill this autumn and Paul and Karen Robinson entering their final year at Oak Hill.
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Pete Jackson will be adjusting the membership of Gamma teams over this summer as we face the annual migration to jobs and study elsewhere and (we pray) the arrival of others looking to settle in a church. Gamma teams are the core of our church; serving, witnessing and studying the Bible together. Pray that they might fulfil the objective of growing Christians and growing the church.
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Chris Houghton in his second year as Apprentice will be leading the Club Central children’s work. Pray for him in the challenge of this growing area with lots of young children coming into the main Sunday work and the crèche growing all the time!
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Paul and Jennie Jones (nee Harmer) will be taking on the leadership of the student work
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Welcoming is a vital ministry that all members take ownership of – pray that we may continue to be “a church for people who don’t go to church” where there is always a warm welcome, the opportunity to learn about Jesus and find a spiritual home.
Thank you for your partnership and prayer.
Yours in Jesus fellowship and service,
Christ Church Central