Martongate Community Church

At Martongate we have just celebrated our first five years and the this reading from Isaiah was given to Angela on the morning of our very first service.
Isaiah 41 v 10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand
At a time of so much uncertainty and opposition we were afraid in our natural state but God was/is calling us in a supernatural way, He has strengthened us He has helped us and He has led us victorious in His right hand throughout the disappointments, throughout the criticism, throughout the opposition.

It also says in Isaiah Ch 42 v 16
I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will make the darkness bright before them and smooth out the road ahead of them.
Yes I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them

It certainly was a new path we were venturing along as it was the first network church of Christ Church. As a house group, meeting at Tom and Beryl’s, we had captured the vision which Jonathan had laid before us, we had to step into that vision having faith in the Lord and also a burning desire in our hearts to launch a platform to bring the Love of Jesus into people’s lives in the martongate area, also fulfilling a dream of Len and Ann Straker which they had hoped for many years earlier.

We were like blind Israel going down a new path, the territory and terrain was so unfamiliar to us all, but thoughout all our mistakes, thoughout all the opposition, those 15 members of the initial house group ‘stuck at it’ they knew that the Lord was with us, the support we received from the Bishop of Hull, The Archdeacon, the Rural Dean and the PCC brought the pervading darkness into light. “I will make the darkness bright before them”.

As Andy Hall spoke about the new wells bring opposition Genesis ch 26 v 20 but the herdsmen of Gerar quarrelled with Issac’s herdsmen and said “The water is ours”. Wells are blocked by relational conflict, All churches should drink from the same well, but when the quarrelling still exists despite many efforts to resolve the conflict we have to move on. v22 He moved on from there and dug another well and no one quarrelled over it . The herdsmen moved on geographically, but when Jesus came the springs of living water flow for all to drink, wherever they are, the early church multiplied at an extraordinary pace when the Gospel of Jesus Christ was preached, that is our only focus. “For I am your God”

The Lord has indeed strengthened us for that first 15 is now 50/60, All our ministries have flourished, Mums and Tots, Senior Citizens, Craft Fayres, House groups, Worship, Preaching, Refreshments, Data Projection and especially in the area of administration
We have also been blessed by many from the Christ Church network who have supported the music and preaching we are so grateful.

So what of the next five years
Isaiah 41 v 10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand

This isn’t a message for the past or the here and now it is a message for God’s Church here at Martongate, it is foundational. The well is dug the future is secure Genesis ch 26 “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land”

Because of Jonathans vision and direction, and the willingness and obedience of all concerned we have a land where the Lord can flourish.

God Bless you all

Roger





On the 28th November we celebrated our 5th Anniversary and we would like to thank all of the people who have supported us over the years, especially those who have supported us with music; Craft Fayres; Mums & Tots etc.

The Mums and Tots will meet on the following dates at Bridlington North Library 9.15 to 11.45 a.m. This is a Social get together for Mums, with soft play for pre-school children.
11th December 2009
8th and 22nd January 2010
12th and 26th February 2010
12th and 26th March 2010

The Signpost Club meets every 4th Friday of the month at Bridlington North Library from 1.30 p.m. to 3 p.m. All Senior Citizens are welcome to call in to reminisce, chat or seek help. Refreshments are available.