What a year it 2010 has been for us!
January – Saw the arrival in the Gambia
February – Two of our church fellowship visit the Gambia
March – As we continued on our journey towards appointing a Minister, for us at CEBC a major challenge was becoming apparent. We felt God asking us to reflect upon our church rules to enable the leadership team and members to seek the right person rather than the right man. Over a series of many weeks we were able to gain views upon bible teaching and have open lively debate. Through dialogue, prayer and discussion we have now been able to make this change and thank the members and fellowship. We also launched our Mum and Tots project (see the April Blog) which has been great – we have been able to get alongside Mum ’s at the local school.
April – Was business as usual (if there is such a thing). Like other churches during the year we have seen some of our fellowship move to other places of worship and have had new people come along. Much like the pruning of a fruit tree or vine, as we read in Ecclesiastes 3 there is a natural season for such things.
May – it was all systems go preparing for the Pop Connection Church
June – the Pop Connection folk were here at the local school. What a brilliant week that was. It was so evident to see God working through the Pop Connection Team. With much electronic equipment and great enthusiasm from the school, teachers and our church the concert was held (following 4 days of practice and of course the cutting of the CD). The church was at bursting point – so many mums, dads, grannies and Aunties etc. It’s important to highlight that the message of Gods’ love was not in any way diluted and I am sure some that came were challenged.
July – a little respite but preparations were underway for our King of the Castle Holiday Club.
August - Yes it happened the Holiday Club unlike any other. The whole outline for the weeklong event was written by the leader of our children’s team and what a success it was. There were two main characters Hester and Lester (Court Jesters) who were to say the least a bit wacky. Upon the back of this event was have been able to lunch children’s Activity Sundays.
We also held our first Sunday Brunch (phew!). A great leap of faith sparked by some preaching (thank you Dave from Vale Community Church). The mornings are great its an opportunity for us to “serve” in the real sense of the word have a chat and enjoy being in the community.
September – The local primary school had a new head and it has been great to get to know her and offer our support.
October – School Harvest in the church.
Some of our fellowship supports the local speedwatch activity. Those who come along chat to the team while we are “doing our thing” it’s good to have discussion. So much so that with one of the speedwatchers we were able to have quite an open debate about our church. Our speedwatch involvement has enhanced our relations with the local community police – we thank them for their support.
November – Nearly at the end of the year but we upped our Minister recruitment drive. We felt God was calling a part time person to work alongside us for around 3 to 4 days a week. So it’s watch this space for more details!
December – We were involved in the local Victorian Fayre and were able to support the school with some fund raising. Thanks to some very artistic folk we were able to exhibit a dressed tree as well.
Reflecting on the year that was 2010, we have had highs but there have been lows as well. One of our dearest and longest serving members of our fellowship died at the age of ninety-one.
Church Secretary
