Update from Richard - 18 December 2011Posted by Phil Marshall on 18/12/2011 10:00
Dear friends
As the year draws to a close, may I begin this letter by thanking you, on behalf of the staff team, for all your prayers, support and action over the last year. So much of the ministry we offer at St John’s relies on volunteers and we are most grateful for the time, commitment and prayer support that you generously give. As we enter 2012, I pray for God’s continued guidance and wisdom as we seek to follow Him to deepen and grow our ministry and service to the community. Our new motto verse (Mark 12: 30-31), supported by text cards and wristbands, reflects this desire. These will be available in the New Year.
I also write to update you on a few developments in our church life. Firstly, to let you know that as from January 2012, services at St Cyprian’s, Hoscar will be on a monthly basis, on the second Sunday of each month. This will be a communion service. This unanimous PCC decision has the kind support of the Hoscar congregation.
Secondly, you may remember that back in 2007 the Harvest Appeal raised money for the Isubilo charity working in Zambia with those affected by AIDS. A large proportion of the money (£9,500) raised was sent to Isubilo soon after the appeal and put to good use. But due to problems with communication and not being able to ensure that future money would be spent as intended, the PCC decided to withhold releasing the final instalment of £2,500 pending clarification. In recent months, we have actively sought to resolve these concerns. Following investigation and prayer, the PCC have now decided not to send the final portion of the money for AIDS relief to Isubilo but rather to another Christian charity, Hope HIV, which works with AIDS sufferers in Southern Africa. We have confidence that Hope HIV is a well run charity that will use the donation effectively. All of the money given to support AIDS relief in 2007 has now been sent for this work. If you have any questions about this decision please do speak to me.
Finally I would like to advise you of an exciting event happening early in 2012. On Sunday 5th February we will be holding our first ‘Vision Sunday’ when we will come together as one church for a combined service at 11am where we will thank God for all he has done through St John’s, learn more about some aspects of our ministry and outline how we feel God is leading us forward as a church. In the evening there will be a Songs of Praise service when we can come together to share favourite songs and hymns along with accompanying testimonies. Further details will follow early in the New Year but can I encourage you to put this date in your diary and make every effort to attend.
May you know God’s peace and love this Christmas and in the year ahead.
In Him
Richard
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