News from the Networks
West Kent network
Bessels Green Baptist Church
Last year we bought a wood! About 7 acres near the Church building, it's been incredibly exciting and not without challenges, but on Sunday, 22nd June, we held our first ever Forest Church meeting in the woods. Around 50 of us gathered in this beautiful and precious wood to pray, chat, get our hands dirty, climb trees (yeah, the kids loved it), and hear a short reflection from the story of Moses' encounter with the burning bush and the idea that all ground is "Holy ground".
As we move forward with this adventure, please do pray that the wood will offer a chance for the Church and wider community to connect with God in new and different ways. That it will be a place of adventure for both the young and old, and that we can be good stewards of the land while it's in our care.
East Kent network
Newington Free Church
Over the last two years we’ve been encouraged to see some new faces in our church, including a family with two delightful children. A young lady and her mother rejoined us after many years away, having felt God prompting them to renew their faith. Sometimes we are joined by residents and carers from a nearby home for people with severe autism, and on other occasions by overseas language students. We are enriched by all of them.
Many of our congregation have ongoing medical and personal issues, yet remain resilient and joyful. The love and care they give one another is remarkable. Two of our members can no longer attend due to limited mobility, so each month a group of us go to their homes and share a time of worship and communion.
We still have no children’s or youth work (please pray!) but in November 2023 we introduced monthly all-age services, in which we aim to communicate biblical truth in a fresh and engaging way. These have been much appreciated across the board.
At the end of last year, one of our longest-serving deacons felt she had to step back from most of her duties. Reallocating them seemed a daunting task, but several people stepped forwards and by April the handover was complete.
The state of our building has been a headache, but God has provided, our members have given (and given), and we’ve been able to have our leaky flat roof replaced. This summer our seriously cracked walls will be repaired.
Meanwhile, we are privileged to work in partnership with ACTS (Active Christianity in Thanet Schools), Tek Ura (a Christian project for marginalised people in Albania), and Helper Trust (a Christian school in Tanzania). Our monthly coffee mornings also raise money for many other projects.
Once a month we have what we call Saturday Night Out – an opportunity to relax, do something fun together and introduce friends to the church. Events have included quizzes, board games, barn dances and (last month) a strawberry tea. Our sad old website www.newingtonfreechurch.com has been completely revamped and we have a new Facebook page.
Our motto text this year is 1 Peter 1:15: “Just as he called you is holy, so be holy in all you do”. In July our Sunday morning services will focus on this theme, so please pray that God will show us more clearly what holiness means. Pray too that people will come to faith, grow in faith, and join as members.
South Kent network
Brabourne Baptist Church
Three years ago we were a very ageing, very rural Church family of around 40 loving folk who, although very faithful and with no Pastor, were waiting for God and working out who might be last so we made sure the lights would be turned off!! Through God's love a large Baptist Church a few miles away (Willesborough) came to us and said, ‘What can we do to help?’ Well since that moment we have never looked back or been so blessed as those words saw the launch of a three-year partnership and an agreed Memorandum of Understanding between us.
Over the three years BBC has come back to life with energy and expectation, covered with prophecy and scriptures galore. We were loved and cared for by our brothers and sisters who helped us;
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by providing us with ministry support though their Pastors,
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by sending us worship leaders and preachers,
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by supporting us in reviving our prayer life,
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re-launching our midweek community café,
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launch a Community Fun Day (now in its third year!),
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launch a school summer holiday Fareshare programme,
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launch a Mums and Tots to run alongside our Community Café,
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recently launch a village youth club, the first in many years,
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refurbish our PA and AV systems, projector and screen,
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refurbish our side hall and Church interior and so much more!
And having achieved so much the village could see that we were loving our neighbours, our village and surrounding rural villages; that we cared for them especially spiritually and that we prayed for them. Attendance is up and new members appointed. Next stop is to open the baptistry and get it refreshed and ready! Mission is our next objective, and we have our sights on the next rural village from us who have no Christian gathering.
Over these three years God has guided, blessed and equipped both Churches to the point that we have agreed to amalgamate more formally and become 'One Church - two congregations' under a new name to be launched in the Autumn: "New Wells Church Family". For BBC it means we will no longer have to manage policy, finance and governance to name a few things all of which will allow us seniors to concentrate on Mission!
Prayer
- Please pray for the amalgamation and all those involved, both churches leaders, the Baptist Union and The BU Solicitors and SEBA for who we are very grateful for their support of us and for the collaboration with the SEBA Partnership in Mission Initiative.
- Pray for our new Youth Club only six weeks old.
- Pray for our ageing membership who have been so brave in grasping the vision, accepting change and experiencing the Lord at work in their lives despite age!
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Gatwick network
Redhill Baptist Church
Redhill Baptist Church welcomed Jonathan Hardwick to the fellowship as their new Minister, marking a new and hopeful chapter in the life of the church. Jonathan began his ministry at Redhill at the beginning of February this year, and we are grateful for God’s guidance in leading him to serve among us.
A memorable induction service was held on April 5th led by Andy Twilley. The occasion was marked by joyful worship, heartfelt words, and a strong sense of community. Members and friends from both Redhill Baptist Church and Earlswood Baptist Church gathered together, as well as Jonathan’s family and friends, to rejoice in this new beginning. Andy Twilley spoke warmly, encouraging all present as Jonathan stepped into his new role.
As we look ahead with anticipation, we invite the wider Baptist family to uphold Redhill Baptist Church in prayer. Please join us in lifting these points before God:
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For Jonathan as he settles into his ministry: That he would be granted wisdom, strength, and a clear vision as he leads and serves the congregation in this season of transition.
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For unity and love within the church: That the whole fellowship would be drawn together in deeper bonds of love, mutual support, and a shared sense of purpose, reflecting Christ’s love in all they do.
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For fruitful engagement with the local community: That the church, under Jonathan’s leadership, would be a beacon of hope, compassion, and gospel witness in Redhill and the surrounding area, reaching out and making a positive impact.We give thanks for this new beginning and trust that God will continue to bless Jonathan, the church, and all who are touched by its ministry.
Mid Sussex network
Shoreham Baptist Church
Shoreham-by-Sea recently welcomed Kevin Mills as their new pastor. Kevin's induction took place on Saturday 28th June.
East Sussex network
Welcome Baptist Church, Heathfield
Welcome Baptist say goodbye to their senior minister, Andy Caldwell, as he moves to a new role. Pray for the church as they enter a period of pastoral vacancy.
North Downs network
Crondall Baptist Church
Please pray for the fellowship at Crondall.
North Kent network
Gillingham Baptist Church
Please pray for the fellowship at Gillingham.
West Sussex network
West Worthing Baptist Church
Please pray for the fellowship at West Worthing.