Pastoral Letter - November 2009
Dear Friends
As part of Central's preparation to build up a profile of our church, we have been encouraged to look back at the last sixteen years and to look forward to the possibilities for our future ministry.
It is comparatively easy to look back, to remember the influences of particular events and eras in our lives, but we know that there are certain experiences that have enriched our lives more than others. Perhaps it was the joy and deep satisfaction through singing and making music, the privilege of hearing great Preachers, the dignified and uplifting worship of the sanctuary, and the many friendships made over the years. Also there is a great debt we owe to God for his faithfulness in being with us through the ups and downs of our spiritual lives.
Whatever we feel for the past, however, we cannot live in it and we have to move on. The pressing problems and difficulties of today and tomorrow challenge us now, and we have to find new ways of deploying our resources.
We are indebted to the faithful leadership team at Central and to so many members of our fellowship who are willing to minister to us week by week during the absence of a Minister. The work of our Centre in serving the local community has expanded over the years and there is no doubt much more that can be achieved in the future through this mission. The children's work through Sunday Club and ALF is an important part of our witness. We pray that our work can attract young people and teenagers, and also encompass the challenges presented by the large student population in the city. Our building is a great asset and its rooms are in regular use.The Tuesday evening Bible Study and Prayer Group meets weekly on the premises, together with a number of social groups meeting in the daytime. There are also other small groups meeting around the city for Bible Study and Prayer. Our location on the edge of the Cultural Quarter means that the church building could be used as an entertainment venue. We pray we can find ways of attracting some of the many residents now living in the city centre apartments. We have to maintain our strong welcoming ethos at Central so that the Holy Spirit can continue to work amongst us and bring people to faith.
All our visions and dreams are useless unless we sustain our friendship with God - or rather allow him to sustain it within us. The launching pad for all our adventurous thinking and experimenting must be our personal relationship with God in Christ.
"A vision without a task is just a dream
A task without a vision is a drudgery
A vision and task is the hope of the world"
Some of these thoughts were inspired by a letter originally published in the magazine of the former Victoria Road Church over forty years ago during an interregnum. The letter was written by George Bradley, a member of the church, who later went into the Ministry. The message arising from these thoughts seems entirely appropriate to our situation here at Central and it is hoped it will stimulate prayerful thought about our own future.
Yvonne Beeby
Magazine Editor
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