Despite the average age of church members heading towards the higher end of the scale we continue to see good numbers of young people being involved in the brigades and the pre-school toddler group (Little Fishes). In the brigades we are particularly grateful for the amazing young leaders who have wisdom and maturity.
We thank God for the unity in the church and the leadership at this time as we look forward to seeing new ways in which we can impact our community for Jesus. We are trusting God to see the words of Isaiah 43:19 come true in Margate:
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
Gatwick network
Reigate Baptist Church
It’s been a particularly fruitful time at Reigate Baptist Church. We continue to see numerous families join our families, and salvation and discipleship are a familiar pattern.
We now have a monthly evening service which has given us more space to minister in the Spirit; we have recently begun to plant into a church in Horley which is slow but gathering pace day by day (this requires patience and sensitivity as there is already a precious family in place there); our children’s work and youth are growing and bearing much fruit; Alpha is thriving; and there is much to be thankful for including our football outreach which sees circa 18 attend weekly from the local community & church.
We have 2 new Children’s leaders joining our team, and a new youth leader, aimed at taking these ministries to greater heights and depths. Our preaching course with SEBA has been a great encouragement as we seek to train up 15 new preachers at RBC to expand our gospel message. Further to this, we have a new trainee Pastor and an intern for 2025.
Pray for us, it is never easy sailing. We recently lost a young mum to cancer which has impacted the whole church. It’s been amazing to see how the church family has pulled together and supported the family.
We are encouraged, thankful, and expectant. To God be the glory, and may it continue.
East Sussex network
Union Church, Heathfield
A huge hello from Union Church in Heathfield. We would like to share some really good news and hope that it is an encouragement to you all.
Back in 2020, despite low finances and low membership numbers, the church took the brave decision to call a full-time minister. At the current trajectory of spending, this would have only allowed for a three year full-time stipend to be paid before having to take difficult decisions about the future of the church. This was made particularly challenging as the church occupies a large 'shop-front' in the centre of the town and the members took their prime spot seriously, it would not be a good message to the town about the presence of God if the building became another converted block of flats.
Despite the majority of the membership being elderly and not too affluent, they were brave and willing to try new things. They began to throw open their doors to the community and partnered with other forces for good in the town offering the premises and resources for their use. A bit like a small boy with a lunchbox, they offered the little they had to Jesus and he took it - and did amazing things!
The church still isn't large but it has doubled it's membership and almost tripled in attendance. There are NEW believers coming to faith and this year we have four baptisms booked. We are well known in the community and often asked to be involved by our town council when town-wide events are going on and the first port of call when people need support or help. For the first time in many years, our income for 2023 exceeded our outgoings (don't ask for it - it's already earmarked) and the church never had to break into the reserves it held back in 2020. Praise God!!!!
So, our message is, don't give up. Be brave. God is not dead and He still works through the local church - be inspired and be imaginative - give your 5 loaves and 2 tiny fish to Jesus and trust!
All is not perfect though, please pray for younger people to join us. We are now getting a few but they are lonely and yet adamantly stick with us! We could also do with musicians -
Isingworship just doesn't always cut it and our organist is over 80. Thank you all of you. Vicky
I attach a photo of our recent christmas tree festival. We had over 1000 visitors and approx 45 local organisations and charities take part! A great time of networking.
Also, a photo of me at our Food Waste Project where we collect 'past by it's best before date' food and put it outside for people to take.