When I started as Curate in Charge in May 2023 at Christ Church, the song Goodness of God was repeating in my mind. You can listen to it here. I am thankful that I became a Christian as a teenager and have been able to journey from that point on with God as my loving companion and guide. I marvel at the life I have had so far, much beyond what I could have imagined it would be. Life with God is the best choice any of us can make. It doesn't make for an easy life. I have experienced more challenges in my life since becoming an ordained minister than I ever had before. But it makes for a fulfilling life, where you go deeper and are enriched by living a life with an amazing God. As an Oversight Minister, my passion is to see people grow in their Christian discipleship. That is, for people to develop a sustaining intimate relationship with God, where he regularly ministers to them through his loving Spirit. And as a result, for people to grow in their love for Him and others, as well as developing their confidence in the many gifts He has given them. In Christ Church, I have found people who have a genuine relationship with God and a generous heart. It has been as though I have joined with something where God is already at work. Since coming to Christ Church I have enjoyed running small groups centred on prayer, the bible, and discipleship. I have made it a priority to encourage more regular prayer in the life of the church including Monday morning prayer meetings and monthly prayer walks. I have sought to ensure that people have felt welcomed and cared for by training up a team of Pastoral Care Assistants. I have also encouraged people to use their gifts in service leading and preaching. It has also been a joy to see the bereavement ministry take off with a team of eager and gifted volunteers, and the Blokes ministry wonderfully providing a valuable space with Rev Philip.These things have only been possible because of the faithful people of Christ Church. Their openness to God, and desire to follow where he leads. Their heart for people to come to faith and be transformed by God's love. Their ability to offer a warm welcome and genuine care. Their gift of being encouragers, especially to those in leadership, and celebrating the gifts they see in others. With all that said, there is still much to look forward to... Over the next year, I am looking forward to seeing the development of Growth Growths, which are midweek gatherings of small groups of Christians who encourage one another in their faith. I am also hoping to release more people in their gifts, by training people in leading worship and preaching. I hope, as well, that we can continue to develop our prayer and worship life with new expressions and a greater prevalence of prayer ministry. I also hope we can take steps in areas of social justice. It's exciting that people are taking on new roles with us. This includes Al our Curate, who as a trainee will be growing in and using his gifts as an ordained minister, and Kerry who will be helping us develop our provision for children and families'. In looking forward, we remain committed to being good stewards of the resources we have and upholding appropriate safeguards to ensure people are in an environment where they can flourish. I hope, like me, you are excited for all that God will lead us into in the coming months. Do be holding Christ Church in your prayers, particularly pray for:* Protection (Lord, please keep us safe in body, mind and spirit)* Unity (Lord, help us to be of one heart and mind)* Growth (Lord, help us to grow in our love for you and for those who join us)* Discernment (Lord, give us wisdom that we may hear your voice and follow your leading)
In July, Alasdair Mundy will be ordained as a Deacon and will be licensed to do his curacy training at Christ Church Hackenthorpe. We are delighted to be welcoming him and know he will be a valued member of the team. We have met him already and love his kind friendly approach, his creative energy and wonderful relatability. He says, "Hi, I’m Al. I’m married to Jess, who will also be starting a curacy in Sheffield. We have a 4-year-old son named Ezra, and we are expecting a baby girl soon.I am very excited to join the team at Christ Church Hackenthorpe. Before my training, I had been living in Yorkshire since I left home in 2010, and it truly feels like home to me. I look forward to returning and working alongside you as we seek to share Jesus’ love in Owlthorpe and Hackenthorpe.Please pray for us as we plan our move in July and prepare for the arrival of our new family member."Please be praying for Al, Jess, Ezra and the baby girl they are expecting, as they finish their theological studies and prepare to move to Sheffield for this exciting new season.
We are delighted to announce that Diana Gillott will be the new Church Administrator. Diana is a local lass having lived in the parish for nearly 40 years and has been regularly worshipping at Christ Church for the last decade. Diana comes to us with over 40 years of experience working in administrative and customer service roles. We believe that she will be a great asset to the team and will help us to continue to serve our local community. Diana says, 'I am excited about my new role and can’t wait to get started working with the rest of the Christ Church team and for our church family.'Diana starts on Monday 4 November 2024.
