As we look back on 2014, different people will have different perspectives. For some, it has been an exciting year, full of promise. For others, it has been a difficult year, with illness or bereavement predominant. Everyone has a different view based on what has happened to them.

For Christians, however, the constant in every year is the presence of God with us and because of this we can rejoice and give thanks in every circumstance. Last night we looked at some of the highlights of the year:

1) fellowship through parties and special services

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA2) increased fellowship with other churches through the ‘Churches Together’ meetings held in January, March, May, September and December, as well as the Easter March of Hope and our ongoing involvement with the Salvation Army food bank ministry, which culminated in Christmas hampers being given out last week:

Photo0244Photo0200IMG_0966IMG_05113) ongoing teaching on a number of topics (including ‘Growing Up In God’, ‘Joseph and the Dream’, ‘Prayer’, ‘God’s Heroes’ and ‘Everyday Church’, as well as Bible studies on 1 John, the photos below looking at litmus tests, which John describes in 1 John 2)

IMG_0456IMG_04594) family services looking at a range of topics in fun and innovative ways (including ‘New for Old’, ‘Mountains’, ‘Mirrors’, ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘Whiter Than Snow’, with Garry leading a James Bond service on ‘The World Is Not Enough‘):

IMG_04415) anniversary celebrations with our ‘Big Birthday Bash’ weekend in June celebrating 50 years since our church first moved into its own building on Beever Street:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERADSC_02586) ongoing missionary support, with a visit from Fredrick & Reeba in November:

resized7) development of people’s ministries, with new additions to the coffee morning team, Sunday school team, music team and Mums & Toddlers.

8) ongoing refurbishment of the building, including the installation of cavity wall and roof insulation, the removal of old boilers, the decoration and refurbishment of the children’s room and stage area and the boxing-in of piping:

IMG_1007These are just a few of the highlights of the year and we are sure that each person will have their own memories and their own highlights. We are particularly grateful for the new people God has drawn into fellowship with us and for the old friends who have returned to the area. We are also immensely grateful for the family spirit which is so evident and the way that each person is willing to give sacrificially to the church in terms of time, service and money. There is so much to be thankful for as we look back and because of God’s continuing faithfulness, we can look forward to 2015 with hope and joy.