Page 7 - Contact Spring 2021

Richard Marshall who heads up the finance Now if you are still reading at this point well,
subcommittee has been extremely busy and
productive throughout the past year and my
sincere appreciation goes to him. Recognition
must also go to the congregational committee
who all agreed to serve for an additional year
due to voting not being possible. They selflessly
give of their time and gifts on the
congregation’s behalf and so we owe
every one of them our gratitude.
Also, our staff very much need our thoughts,
prayers and appreciation. Norman, Willis and
Keith have continued to teach and challenge
us with quality sermons which we can easily
take for granted. However, please pause and
consider the spirit-lead truth they have and the
encouragement which flows from these
messages and so understand that this
important level of teaching is not always the
norm. (Sorry for the pun Norman ).
norm. (Sorry for the pun Norman ).
Lorraine, Keith, Stephen and Nikki have been
remarkably busy with pastoral care and much
needed social outreach. Congratulations to
Lorraine for her inclusion in the Queens New
Year’s Honours list which is testament to her
and the team for the work they continue with so
selflessly. The youth of our fellowship
continue to flourish under the enthusiastic and
committed effort from Clifford and Stephanie.
Rachel has led us into worship sensitively with
her passion for this ministry very noticeable.
Also, her commitment to the development
and support of the worship groups has been a
blessing to us all. Ian continues to carry through
professional care for our buildings, which have
increased in size and complexity. Ian receives
expert help from Tina which results in our
surroundings being still welcoming spaces.
The office has been busy when allowed to open
with Diane and Emily both showing flexibility
and commitment throughout their fragmented
working hours.
I am mightily impressed and so as a reward for
your grit I will leave you with a word of
encouragement I received recently which
lifted my head and so I pass on to you. These
are uncertain days and of course, God
wisely shields us from a knowledge of the
future and that importantly builds our
dependence on him. We can depend on him
completely because “O Lord, thou hast pleaded
the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my
life”. (Lamentations 3:58). This is from Jeremiah,
our weeping prophet, whose grief ran deep but
he can exclaim without any doubt whatsoever
that God is our defence. Satan will attack us but
even though we may doubt our strength and
resolve, we do not doubt Christ’s. So, in your
gravest conflicts with Satan be confident that
he is unable to seize even the weakest of saints
from the Saviour’s hand. God will never forsake
you and as we do battle in the valleys of life
through Covid-19 there is one close by, greater
than Moses, holding up his hands in heaven
and so we shall prevail. He has redeemed your
life and your eternity is secure. So, rest for He
has taken up your case and while it is human to
worry, we have nothing to fear in 2021!
David Kirk
Congregational Secretary.