Minister's Bi-Monthly Message

Last month a number of the Church were at Spring Harvest, a Christian convention and holiday. The theme for this year was HOPE. "

We live in a world where many are hopeless for the future and yet, the truth is none of us need to feel hopeless, for the message of God is one of great hope. "
The God of the Universe loves us and wants to bless us with his love and care and to give us hope. Of course, life won’t always be easy, but even in the difficulties we face there is always hope for the future. "

For Sandra and I the privilege was to stay on and be part of the pastoral team, and we worked hard talking and praying with people who had deep needs. " Of course, we were but one part of the chain in their healing, but it was wonderful to see people recognising hidden pain and suffering, and asking God to act. They found a new hope."
Indeed we also found hope as on the last night we heard that Sandra’s mother was unwell. The pastoral team were so supportive and we know that we were blessed to serve with them. "
Indeed since we’ve been home we have received emails and phone calls of support. It’s a reminder that God always raises up the support we need, although of course, to receive it we need to tell someone else about our need."

Certainly those who went to Spring Harvest found hope as well as a good break, so why not come next year when the theme will be ‘apprentice -"walking in the way of Christ’."

In the meantime Hope 2008 is happening and as a church we will be offering food on Saturday 5th July, outside the Church. " In so doing we will be giving hope to our community and challenging the world to realise that some gifts are an expression of love and service. Please let Sylvia know if you can help."

Over the next few months we will also start to think through the changes that God is leading us into as a church. " The most significant is my additional appointment as Minister with pastoral charge of Addlestone Methodist Church. I am grateful for the support of the Leadership Team (formerly the Pilot Group) here as we work through the implications for Knaphill. "
Our initial thoughts are that the impact on Sundays will be minimal, but moving forward it does mean some rearranging of my diary, and the members of the Leadership Team will, I know, take on additional responsibilities. " Please pray that we will manage the transition well. "

In June we will commence a new series of studies on a Sunday morning asking the question: What does it mean to be Church? We will be using Steve Chalk’s book Intelligent Church as a basis for our thinking. " I believe this will be an exciting time and it is fitting to do this as we move into a period of change. Please do engage with the series and let us know your views as we work through the series both before and after the summer holidays."

May is Pentecost, when we are reminded of the activity of the Holy Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit is active in the Church now through Spring Harvest, Hope 2008, the changes at Knaphill and Addlestone, and in our personal lives. Come and join the celebration and invite God through his Holy Spirit to guide you on the journey we take together."