The Vicar writes...

Dear All,
This last year has been a year when God is taking us onto a new level. The new events in the year include Awards for the Learning Departing and also the County Chairman’s Award for CCS for making a difference in society. Bishop David Pytches, and Peter Gladstone of the Church Army both on separate occasions in September described Christ Church in the same words “a secret treasure” . David Pytches said also that he wants what is happening here to be more widely known as he thinks it will bless the rest of the UK.

Over the year we have experienced a greater depth of presence in our worship, and have valued Rob parker’s willingness to go “the extra mile” in pursuing God personally, as well as teaming up with June Lee to form a mid week “filling station” for all who desire God’s presence . We have also this year further cemented with the Diocese our Network strategy to reach the people of Bridlington with the gospel and in so doing have welcomed Dave and Debra Chislett to West Hill. It has been great personally to be able to spend more time at West Hill during the “interregnum” and to see that congregation continue to grow, and there is a great team there whom God is expanding into the community at West Hill in many ways. A thank you to Dave for all he is starting to do there.

New developments this year include a successful pastoral training course which Polly Hart led for counsellors from the wider region. We have facilitated a ballet/dance performing school in the Key Centre, and transformed the garden to a place where it was part of the Bridlington in Bloom bid which achieved a silver award this year. We have also been given responsibility for St Andrews, Ulrome which has grown under Chaz and Margaret Walker from being closed to a regular congregation of around 20. The 11am service at Christ Church has planted out two new Network churches (Youth Church with Rob & Jo Parker which incorporates freestyle under Alistair Robertson and Play N Do Church with Andy & Moira Jefferson). The 11am church service itself has transformed into a new shape whilst Trax still operates successfully teaching the children of junior age within this service. The new services have been matched with remarkable growth as all three services have welcomed new members each week since it started in its new format. God is indeed “adding to our number those who are being saved”. It is Martongate’s fifth anniversary at the end of November and we are delighted that the commitment of this congregation has brought about a Christian presence in that part of Bridlington which is benefiting many. Applegarth continues to provide a place where the Bridgeway church meets. This is a church where people can belong in a secure pastoral context whilst at the same time welcome friends and neighbours to join us. In addition we have been part of supporting the Yorkshire Prayer Conference which is being repeated next year and is now being rolled out to Derby, Lincoln and possibly Lancashire next year. Thank you for all you have done which has helped to bring about so much of God’s blessing through us.

We are now at a point where we are cautiously seeking to develop conferences so we can welcome to this county International speakers who can bless this town and nation. We are seeking to combine a National Conference ministry with our local Network, so the DNA of our church life shows through in this bigger setting. This is a big task and in 2010 will be an experimental year towards that end. This is still at it’s early infancy, but please pray for this development.

During the year we saw Darron Lawer leaving as our Youth Worker, and we are grateful to those members of the congregation who at short notice have been willing to shoulder parts of the job Darron was doing . The plan is to reappoint a Youth Worker in 2011 to help bring the Kingdom of God amongst young people.. The Boys’ Brigade goes from strength to strength, and has grown in both size and quality. So many parents in Bridlington support this because they recognise the good it is bringing to their son. The Christ Church Youth Club meets on a Friday and is currently heaving in numbers. Andy Gradwell the leader of the Youth club writes “In running the Youth Club at Christchurch I want it to be a place where young people can meet in the knowledge that they are not going to be judged or condemned for being themselves. A place where those with low aspirations and self esteem can see an alternative future, have access to events that raise their self esteem and show them that they can achieve. A place where they can safely express themselves without ridicule, can seek advice on issues that they may feel unable to ask other adults. Or yes and have fun! All of this within a Christian environment.” A big thank you to Andy & Mandy and the Team.

It has also been great to see Ben Couper’s recitals and music taking a place of mission in the town. Thank you to Paul Lowe for his vision and implementation of the Christian music festival, and also to Anthony Clarke for all he has done in Christian musicals this year (and the passion play next year in the town)

We look forward to all that God is going to do this year. The task before us is great and we need prayer every step of the way if we are going to take our place within God’s plan for the region as well as God’s plan in the town. Pray for me and the others meeting at Bawtry next year, and also the new partnerships with leaders around the nation we are exploring in order to bring about different initiatives to facilitate the kingdom of God in this land.

Jonathan