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Looking back over my report from last year, there were several phrases and steps that stood out to me. I spoke about the leadership praying into increasing our staffing capacity, and I am pleased that we have now appointed a new Operations Manager. We are now feeling the benefit of that appointment in releasing pressure in other areas of staffing and adding a new way of thinking into the mix of the staff.
We have seen so many new volunteers come into role and add so much value to the life of the church, along with new small groups starting. I used the phrase: ‘growing smaller to become larger’, an example of this is the huge step that we are taking as we step into offering two identical morning services from November 24th. This will ‘make space’ for new people to come to our services, and for young people and children to continue to experience God in their programs. I am sure that we will not get it all right straight away, we need to hold the methods lightly, but keep the vision and the ‘why’ of making Jesus known central. We may need to tweak a few things as we go, but I am sure that God will respond to the step of faith we are taking.
“…we need to hold the methods lightly, but keep the vision and the ‘why’ of making Jesus known central”
The gravitational pull of the church is usually inwards, with the temptation to do what will make the constituents of the church feel loved, comfortable and happy. However, the central mission of the church is to keep ‘going’ into the world, and I am always encouraging you as individuals to strive for personal growth as a disciple of Jesus, to become more effective where He has placed you. We need to foster a ‘go’ mindset that reflects the heart of Jesus for the lost.
The following reports are a reflection of health and life, and I hope that you rejoice with me as you look through them.
Emma writes…
Well, as the saying goes, ‘time flies when you are having fun’, and it’s certainly true for Limitless Kids. Time has flown and along the way there has been a lot of fun, faith and flexibility in our programmes.
I have to give credit here to the team who remain committed and responsive to the needs. Growth in number has meant the need for greater support, with many of the team giving ‘above and beyond’. We have also been supported by a greater number of youth volunteers this year, who the children really look up to.
Not only are we seeing fruitful growth in welcoming new children and their families, but also spiritual growth individually in our children.
Wasn’t it great to see five children baptised this year? To see them share their testimonies and hear from their young hearts what it means for them. Thank you for celebrating with them what God is doing in and through their lives.
“Not only are we seeing fruitful growth in welcoming new children and their families, but also spiritual growth individually in our children.”
This year saw us return to creating our own material for a Sunday, linking in with the wider church teaching and creating opportunities for families to discuss and grow together at home as well as at church. We have included ‘take away’ activities to bring the family together and help extend that focus in simple yet applicable ways throughout the week.
We have also collaborated with the Worship Team to have live worship in our room once a month. It has been fantastic to see the children’s freedom in worship and the value they have felt from someone coming in especially to lead worship with them.
‘Kids Work’ in our church is more than one group of people. This report evidences how so many different areas of church life, be it as a member of another team or as an individual who prays, encourages and takes interest; you are a pivotal role in building and affirming our children in their faith. Thank you for this most precious of gifts.
Sonia Writes…
As always, I would like to start with a word of thanks to all who serve faithfully on the Tots and Babies Team, without them, this provision would not be possible. Each week they all serve so willingly, with a real heart for the youngest of our church family. This will be unseen by many in church, unless they have a child attending Tots and Babies. So, I want to publicly acknowledge all their dedication in providing such a wonderful provision.
This year we have continued to see significant growth in the number of children attending the Tots and Babies provision on a Sunday. At our highest, we have had 20 children, under the age of 4 years. While this is great, it does present us with some issues. This is why we have had to cap the numbers we are able to accept on a Sunday, in order to ensure the safety of everyone. This is not something we want to do, which is why the need to move to two services, is even more apparent. We want to make room for everyone.
The call to equip the Tots and Babies room for two services, has been met with such positivity, willingness to serve, and desire to make room in God’s house by all of the team, and I am so very grateful.
“The call to equip the Tots and Babies room for two services, has been met with such positivity, willingness to serve, and desire to ‘Make Room’ in God’s house by all of the team, and I am so very grateful.”
While we already have a fabulous team, we are always happy to have new volunteers join us. This year we have had more youth volunteers join us on team and they have become such a valuable support. So, if you feel that this is an area you would like to serve in, then please come and speak to me. We can never have too many volunteers!
A few months ago the Tots and Babies provision moved in to our new room. Church have invested in new toys and decoration, making it a warm and welcoming space for the young children. Many thanks to all those who helped me in decorating, building furniture, moving toys and so much more, to make the room so lovely.
It is my privilege to head up the Tots and Babies provision with such an amazing group of people and as we step in to this new season, we look forward to all that God has instore.
Pastor Ben writes…
This past year has been an incredible season of growth and transformation for our youth ministry. We have seen God move powerfully in the lives of our young people through various events thanks to the faithful service of our growing Youth Team. Being a youth leader is not just about fulfilling a rota; it is a commitment to walk alongside our young people week in and week out, helping them grow in their faith and navigate the challenges of life.
It has been a joy to witness several young people take the significant step of baptism, publicly declaring their faith and commitment to follow Jesus. This is a testament to the spiritual growth and discipleship happening in our young people. We have also seen a number of young people come to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour for the first time which we should always celebrate.
Since my last report, we made a significant change by switching rooms with the Tots and Babies programme. This move has provided our youth with much-needed additional space, allowing for greater flexibility. The extra room has made a noticeable difference in the overall experience for our young people and allowed us to create a younger group called FIRE (Year 7-9’s) and an older group called FURNACE (Year 10+).
We have seen a significant increase in the number of young people stepping up to serve in various areas of the church. Whether it’s helping with tech, worship, café, or kids ministry, our youth are growing in their leadership and proactively serving the church.
This August, 51 of us went to Limitless Festival (39 young people, 8 Youth leaders and 4 leaders’ kids). This is always a highlight of the year for us and many young people experienced the power of the Holy Spirit. It was a life-changing time for all who attended.
“We have seen God move powerfully in the lives of our young people through various events thanks to the faithful service of our growing youth team”
Thanks to your generous giving, we were able to raise over £2000 towards the festival, making it possible for many of our youth to attend and encounter God in a fresh way.
Some other key highlights from the year:
Matt writes…
The last year has been a year of growth and stretching for the Worship and Production Team. We have seen new members join the team in all disciplines and it is a blessing to lead this group of people who are hungry to see God glorified through worship. Some of those newer to the team have been given the opportunity to lead us in worship and bring their skills and experiences to enhance our team. We have continued to explore a diverse range of musical material, and we will continue to do so over the coming season.
Over the coming year, I will be looking to strengthen the team further so that whatever the church and leadership require of us, we are prepared.
Music and the visual arts are expressions of our hearts of worship. From those who program lighting, to preparing visuals, playing instruments or finding creative shots on cameras – we, as one team aim to give God our very best each time we come to serve and we pray that this creates an environment where all can enter into His presence unhindered.
Finally, I would like to thank all members of the team for their commitment to high standards and we will continue to bring our best as an offering to God each week.
“Music and the visual arts are expressions of our hearts of worship. From those who program lighting, to preparing visuals, playing instruments or finding creative shots on cameras – we, as one team aim to give God our very best each time we come to serve”
Julia writes…
We aim for the café to be the heart of the church—whether it’s enjoying a coffee after a Sunday service or a healthy nutritious meal on Tuesdays and Fridays. It’s a welcoming space for everyone – the public, those who visit the LW Storehouse foodbank, and our church family during meetings and fellowship. Our café caters to all and hosts numerous groups and events, and over the past year, we’ve seen a notable increase in its usage, with regular groups gathering here.
Thanks to the First Fruits offering, we’ve completely redecorated and refurbished the café space. We’ve added soundproofing and power outlets, creating a much more inviting atmosphere. We are so appreciative of the generous First Fruits giving which has transformed the café.
“…we aim to create a welcoming space that embodies the spirit of the church, offering delicious food at affordable prices”
As the church addresses capacity, we also recognise the need to open on additional days to better serve our community. With the help of our dedicated staff and volunteers, we aim to create a welcoming space that embodies the spirit of the church, offering delicious food at affordable prices. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who volunteers on Sundays and throughout the week, whether on the refreshment’s rota or as part of the café team, you are so appreciated, and your contributions are truly valued.
As Psalm 34:8 (NRSV) says:
“O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in Him”
Jennifer and Tony write…
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations’ .
Matthew 28:19
This year has seen our overseas missions work continuing to grow and develop. The main areas that we are involved in are India, Zambia, and Liberia.
This year Pastor John made a visit to Kenya to see the work of Compassion, which is a Christian child development charity. Elim supports this work and some of our members sponsor children through this charity.
INDIA
The work in India is headed up by Pastor Prince and his wife Meera. Under their leadership the Living Waters Institute of Theology has continued to grow and we see many students (young men and women) complete their studies and celebrate their graduation ceremonies. These men and women have gone into various vocations and church planting, they are now equipped to teach and share the Gospel. Our prayer is that they will see many souls come to faith through their witness.
Our boys home can house up to eight boys where they are given a loving home environment and placed into local education where they have a great opportunity to learn and develop. The boys take part in all the LW church activities. Pastor Prince has great vision to continue to develop the work in the ministry centre in Punalur.
A highlight for the students and children this year was a day trip to a snow and ice park.
We also support a large church in Northern India founded by LW India and run by a female Pastor who has been with us for many years. Kiran is a very Godly young woman who has been one of our main Pastors over the years.
The aims for this coming year in India are:
Please pray that this year it would be possible to bring Prince and Meera to the UK.
“This year has seen our overseas missions work continuing to grow and develop. The main areas that we are involved in are India, Zambia, and Liberia.”
ZAMBIA
Pastor John Kiseba and Judith head up the work in Zambia which is named ‘Stir the Fire Ministries’.
This is an amazing work, so many people are being reached with the Gospel and many young lives are being transformed. They have a large children’s feeding programme, reaching hundreds of children on a daily basis, and feeding many poor families. John and Judith also oversee a number of growing churches throughout their region, whilst also training men and women in ministry through the LW Bible School and their links with Prince in India, making this possible.
Running schools is also a significant part of the ministry in Zambia, and we are so blessed to see all of these things making such a huge difference to people’s lives, and for God. Please keep John and Judith and their large family in your prayers, pray for strength and health.
LIBERIA
Pastor Moses and Ruth
The church in Monrovia continues to grow and reach out to the community. LW helped to put Pastor Moses through school, college and bible school many years ago. He is now an avid church planter and has a large central church which he pastors. Moses regularly prays for our church in Chorley and often rings to say, ‘Hi Dad how are you all?’ We continue to send support to Moses and the family to help with health and other needs as they arise.
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