Building Update July 2021
As I've spent time praying and considering 'what next?' has had approval from the council I felt very clearly that God was instructing me to draw a number of people together to enter into a period of discernment over the next steps for the building expansion. We have began a process/period of discernment over the next steps and are inviting wisdom from others who have experience in such church building developments.
Our most recent time together was spent with John Birchall, former Vicar in the Church of England in South London. There were many things to glean from our time with John but one thing, in particular, he shared with us is to keep at the centre why it is you're doing the expansion.
There can be a sense that the reason is both obvious but abstract. We assume 'of course we want to expand our facilities so we can do more' whilst at the same time wonder 'do what?'
I 100% believe that what God has called us to as a church does not start when the building is complete - the church is a continuation of the ministry of Jesus, to find the lost and mature the found. We're commissioned by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to restore, redeem, rebuild, recover that which has been lost and stolen. It is the role of the church to partake in the work of the kingdom of God to see lives and communities transformed by the gospel of Jesus. Glimmers of heaven in earthly places.
The building expansion is really a taste of the future. Something were seen ahead but that requires work now. Today counts for tomorrow.
The work of the kingdom - building expansion included - is not my project, my remit or the remit of a few of us but of all of us. This building expansion will not happen without you. Seriously. So I invite us afresh to do three things:
Pray for vision, insight and provision.
Offer any skills/gifts that could support us as we proceed.
Give financially either a monthly commitment or one-off donation - Life Church | Sort Code 80-02-83 | Account 10060865
Pastor Jacob
