Pastor's Report for the Annual General Meeting 2007
As
we move closer to the Annual General Meeting, my thoughts reflect back to what
we have achieved over the years. I took on the role of lay-pastor in October
2004 and since then we have walked on our faith journeys through an incredible
two and a half years of growth… growth in spiritual maturity as well as
growth in numbers in the fellowship.
During
the last twelve months, we have seen three baptisms, two weddings, eight new
members, and many more regular visitors. God is certainly blessing us as we
follow Him in obedience to "love one
another as I have loved you".
Last
year, we went through 40 days of Purpose Driven Life which taught us of our five
purposes in life. We also discovered that each one of us is unique with the
experiences of life, our skills and character, and the gifting God has given us.
And it is when we bring all these unique pieces together, that God reveals our
true beauty as a church. Our diversity as individuals provides a rich form of
fellowship as each of us shares who we are and serve each other together.
Following
the 40 Days, we studied how God equips us to serve Him, and we looked at the
gifts of the Holy Spirit. We had seminars on Pastoral Care, Prayer Ministry,
Gifts of Healing and Prophecy... just some of the gifts that are used in the
church today. We discovered how God uses each of us to minister to each other,
providing encouragement, support and sometimes correction.
It
has been a fascinating journey and one of many blessings, and I am encouraged
that they are continuing in recent months and we should expect more in the
future. But as you may know, my time at SBC is drawing to a close as the Lord
moves SBC into a new season. Kim and I firmly believe that we have served the
purpose God gave us over two years ago, and now our journey is going to go down
a different path.
However,
we still need to look forward to the work God has for us to do, and the current
Lent Campaign of 40 Days of Community is helping us to see what that is! We have
five groups meeting, one on each weekday, where we are discussing what we
believe the Lord is calling as to do as individuals, as small groups and as a
church. God is starting some new things with us and it is exciting to see so
many of us engaged, so as we look forward to the year ahead, God is going to
lead us into new territory.
11For I know the plans I
have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans
to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come
and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and
find me when you seek me with all your heart.
(Jeremiah
29)
Grace
& Peace,
Peter
