Christmas 24 Message

Dear Church Family,

 

I hope you’re well and getting some space over this Christmas season to reflect up on the amazing truth that is Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. As I said in my sermon this Sunday, it’s often easy for clergy to become so busy over December that we forget to marvel in the truths we are celebrating. I was struck again this last week as to how strongly the love of God is exhibited in the incarnation. It demonstrates his passion for us to know him and be in relationship with him.

 

This Sunday gone I spoke on the message of John the Baptist in Luke 3, and how it was preparing the ground for Jesus, and how it can be interpreted prophetically for us, as a way of preparing the ground for the next move of God in our time. I am increasingly convinced that God is about to do something amazing in our midst, and I want to ensure in my own life, that I am spiritually ready for it. Is my heart postured in such a way that it is good soil to be planted in by God. My worst fear is that God will move in our time, but that it will bypass myself and us in Blandford because the soil isn’t ready.

 

As I started this month in celebrating my birthday, I have also committed to seeking God in a deeper way than before. I want to do as much in my own power and ability to enable my life to be one that can be shaped and used by God for His purposes and plans here in Blandford and Beyond. At the 9am service, I invited others to join me on this endeavour and a significant number responded. My hope is that as we collectively commit to seeking the Lord and crying out to him that he would move in power in our church and across our community then he will hear our prayers, and indeed we will see something amazing in our midst. Maybe you would like to join me in this?

 

As we enter a new calendar year, we have a number of things that I want to highlight to you.

 

Small Groups

If you consider yourself to be a member of BFPC and aren’t currently in a small group, can I encourage you to consider joining one. Small groups are the primary place of belonging to the community of God, a space for encouragement, challenge, care and growing in our giftings. Talk to Will or Debby for more information.

 

Alpha

Alpha was one of my highlights of last term. We’re running it again on the back of the Christmas season – but on a Tuesday instead of a Wednesday. Please be praying and asking the Lord who you might invite to attend. You can pick up invitations at the back of church, and point people in the direction of the church website to sign up and attend. www.bfpc.org.uk/alpha

 

72 Hours of Prayer

I am firmly convinced that it’s good to start the new year praying together. This year we’re going to have a hybrid approach by operating a 24 hr prayer schedule for 3 days, but with this also including some corporate prayer gatherings. The dates/timing for this are as follows:

Start: Sunday 12th Jan @ 9am

Finish: Wednesday 15th Jan @ 9am.

We’ll send out more detail in the new year.

 

Building for the Future

Thanks to everyone who participated in the workshops this term. We’re currently waiting for all the feedback to be consolidated into a report, which hopefully be done by mid Jan in time for the next PCC Meeting. We will then start the difficult task of writing the business case for the changes we think need to be made to ensure the building meets the worship and community needs to ensure it’s use for the next 200 years. Only after we’ve done this will we then start to think about possible solutions and of course, we will try and engage you in that process.

 

Giving for Growth

Firstly, thankyou to everyone who has responded to the call and increased their giving. If you have done so, but have yet to let Philip know, then please can you do so, so we can plan accordingly. So far we have increased the regular monthly income by £1000 which is half of our £2000 target. Obviously we’re grateful for the increase, but worried that we will have to make some difficult financial decisions which will inevitably have an impact on mission and ministry with the risk of stalling growth and the ongoing viability of the church. 

 

The simple fact is that if everyone who considers themselves as members of BFPC committed to giving 5% (not even 10% as the bible instructs) of their income we would be financially secure as a church. The testimony of the last few years is that God has been good and has provided financially – against the odds in some cases. We trust that He is able to provide for what we need, but I think we’re also called to be part of God’s solution. He gives to us individually, so we can give and be a blessing! And maybe at this time, God is asking us to grow in our faith and trust in him as we give?

 

Ministerial Tenure

Just to confirm with you all that my license as Priest in Charge for Blandford Forum has been extended for another 3 years – up to Jan 2028, which provides a level of security for the parish in terms of being able to continue the exciting journey of growth for the forseeable future. In due course we hope that my role will be made permanent, upon which I can be licensed as Rector. I will try and keep you updated when I have further news.

 

Finally, I hope and pray that you would all have a lovely Christmas and find time to have a break and dwell in the truths of Emmanuel – “God with us!” 

 

Many Blessings

 

Chris