Minister's Update April 2025

Hello everyone – The series on the seven miraculous signs performed by Jesus in the Gospel of John concluded at Easter. The response to it has been very positive, and we have seen people growing in faith through the ministry of the church. Our Easter Sunday service was very encouraging, with a good, varied congregation, with a number of visitors, and good range of different ages. We were especially encouraged to see fourteen children in attendance, making for a lively Sunday School. We are so grateful for our Sunday School volunteers, who work so hard to minister to our children. It's a difficult job because, although we have quite a number of children who enjoy church, they are not yet coming regularly or consistently. This makes it difficult to plan for Sunday School lessons, and the team do an excellent job of being prepared for every eventuality. Please pray for them and thank God for them as they faithfully serve God, the church and the children.

Church meeting – On Tuesday April 15th, we held a church meeting for the purpose of informing our fellowship about where we are as a church and some of the issues we face. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed. We are currently undertaking a review of every area of the life of our fellowship, with a view to exploring ways in which we might be able to take steps forward. The review will take some time, since there is so much to consider, but we have made a start in considering our Sunday morning services, identifying some areas where we might be able to make some changes. We have had some ideas and others were raised at the meeting, and there was a positive and enthusiastic response to these. Please ask if you would like more specific details. We are exploring ways in which we can engage with people outside the church, in outreach and in our everyday lives, so please pray that we can be fruitful in this. We continue to build relationships in the local pub, through Toddle in to Church and in the care homes, but we are aware that, however much we do, no one comes to faith in Christ unless they are drawn by God, so our communication of the Gospel must be underpinned by prayer. Please remember to pray for the people you are in contact with in your own lives, that your life and words will carry the good news of Jesus into their lives, and that God's Spirit will draw them to Christ. Another open mic folk night is planned for Thursday July 17th at the pub.

Although we are seeing generally smaller congregations and fewer new people coming in, we are encouraged to see that God is working and showing us the way forward. We believe that he will build his church, and that we need to create the space for him to do it, and we must remain alert to the ways he is leading us so that we can act in obedience.

Romans Course – This is continuing as part of the Discipleship Group on a Thursday evening at 7:30 in the upstairs lounge (the Romans course happens every other week). It is being received very well and is proving to be highly stimulating.

Lunchtime Group – This continues to be popular and happens every Thursday lunchtime at 1;00 in the coffee lounge. Please ask for details if you'd like to join any of these groups (or just show up, and bring some lunch with you).

Bible Discussion Group – We have called a halt to this group, which has met on Zoom for some years. It seems to have run its course, and we would like to use the time on a Thursday evening for something else. We are not sure what yet, but watch this space.

Working with other churches – We continue to enjoy good relationships with the other churches in Fence, Wheatley Lane and Barrowford, as we work together to express our unity in Christ, share the gospel, encourage one another and raise funds for a charitable cause in cooperation with the local community. This year we are raising money through various events and activities for Christians Against Poverty in Burnley and Pendle.

Toddle in to Church – Once again we thank the people who work so hard every Monday morning. Please pray and consider whether you would be able to offer to help when regular helpers are away, and also whether you might be able to come in for a little while at any time during the morning to spend some time relating to those who attend.

Prayer – Prayer meetings continue at 7:30 on Tuesday evenings on Zoom and at 9:45 on Sunday mornings, now downstairs in church. Please consider joining us.

Don't forget that we are always available for prayer and ministry. You can call Matt on 07597 387719 or Tammie on 07871 322632

Matt and Tammie