Minister’s AGM Report

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that God who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 1:3-6)

Reflecting on our shared journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities we have had to grow together in faith and community. This year has been a challenge and a testament to our collective effort and the ways we have partnered in the Gospel. We have much to praise God for and many reasons to pray.

Our endeavours this year tell only part of the story. My report will highlight just a few of the reasons we have to come together in prayer, in praise, and in partnership.
One of our significant efforts was to engage with young people and families in Cheshunt to establish a youth program within the church. We were blessed to have the Synod Children’s and Youth Development Officer join us, and I had the privilege of meeting with the families to plan this vision. A youth-led service at Cheshunt was a remarkable moment, showcasing the potential within our young people. However, the program was put on hold due to the relocation of one family due to work commitments and the subsequent departure of another. We remain hopeful and open to where God will lead us next in ministering to youth and families.

New leadership has also emerged within our congregation at Cheshunt. Two members have stepped forward to serve as church leaders. The church has passed a resolution supporting their leadership, and both the Local Area Group (LAG) and Synod have recommended them for training. They will be formally commended for this journey at our next LAG meeting. We ask for your prayers as they prepare for this vital role.

In Broxbourne, our church community continues to move forward. We have received three requests for baptism, which remind us of God’s work in drawing people to faith. Our weekly events provide spaces for togetherness and spiritual growth, and our junior church is flourishing. We are thankful to all who help make this a safe and enjoyable space for the young people. This year, we had the joy of welcoming a new member to our church family by baptism. As our children grow, we must prepare to meet their evolving needs, ensuring our programs and support adapt accordingly. We are now actively seeking new ways to engage with the young people.

At Hertford, we have appointed a local firm of accountants to manage the church accounts, relieving our devoted, long-serving treasurer of this responsibility. The launch of a bowls club has provided a new way for members to connect, and our Thursday open house continues to be a welcoming space for all. The food bank hub remains a crucial service, providing essential support to those in need.

We have celebrated two baptisms conducted by one of our committed worship leaders. Additionally, our efforts to reach out to a local school have been fruitful, and we are working to establish closer ties and a collaborative relationship with the school. This partnership opens new avenues for outreach and ministry.

This year, we also successfully appointed our Pastorate Church Administrator, who has hit the ground running. Their hard work and dedication have already made a significant impact on our daily operations and ministry effectiveness.

Our elders have been working tirelessly, and their dedication has been instrumental in sustaining our church activities and ministries. I am very thankful for their work. However, as you know, they are extremely stretched, and we need more people to answer the call and step forward to help with this important work that God is calling us to. Has God been calling you? It’s time to answer the call. Your involvement and support are crucial as we continue to serve our community and fulfill our mission.

All these endeavours, along with our Pastorate conference in February, have led us to our 2024-2025 initiative: HARMONY. Harmony signifies the essence of forming a pleasing and consistent whole, agreement, and unity. Spiritually, it means living in peace and accord with others, especially within the community of believers. As we move forward with this initiative, let us strive to embody harmony in all that we do, reflecting the love and unity that Christ calls us to.

Thank you for your faithfulness, your prayers, and your dedication to our church community. Let us continue to seek God’s guidance, support one another, and reach out in love to those around us.

May the Holy Spirit empower us to be a beacon of hope and a testament to God’s enduring love.

Blessings,
Mark