September 2010

Letter from the Minister

In writing for this particular edition of Inform magazine I am aware that Lynn and I have now lived in Royston for one full year which seems astonishing! During that time we have begun to adjust to a different ministry and surroundings and come to know a large number of new people. Coming to terms with change is never straight forward. There are some who read this edition who will be thinking of moving to a new area and a church and will be full of uncertainty about what the future holds. The congregation of any church is always changing shape, some slower than others. The future is never totally in our control and so it is important to pray and plan for the years ahead and wonder what our church will look like even ten years from now.

In July we attended the preview of a locally made film which was shown at Petersfield School in Orwell and received a fantastic response. Some of the people interviewed in the film were from the Methodist Chapel and are now local movie stars! The film showed how life in the village has changed over many years and even how the local doctor once had to meet patients in the village pub. There is nothing new under the sun!

In 2009 we tried the campaign “Back to Church Sunday” at Orwell and now in 2010 we attempt it in Royston on September 26^th. Across the UK in 2009 some 4,650 Churches took part in this nationwide campaign. Statistics showed that 80,000 extra people attended Church on that Sunday. The longer term result was that 10,000 people were added to the Church as a result of one day nationwide. The emphasis is NOT on a dynamic preacher brought from distant lands or on vast sums of money or even on new music. The emphasis is on you and me bringing along one friend or neighbour. This is not easy! It is important to have expectations for new people and to welcome them as much as we would have liked to be welcomed ourselves. Please say a prayer for this Sunday and consider who you could invite along. Many of us were taken to a church by someone else at the very start of our Christian faith and to them we owe a debt.

At the Bible study in Foxton recently we discussed the need for PERSISTENCE and how we have needed this quality at various times in our lives. In facing obstacles of health or work or relationships we can so easily step back from a direction unless we hold onto a persistent stand. May the power of God’s spirit help us persist in being a church where we are and not give up the pattern of regular witness each Sunday.

Rev Chris White