Our mission “Connect” has come and gone and what an intense but rewarding 9 days in the life of our Parish. Two thoughts dominate my thinking at present:

(1) “…I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel…” [Philippians 1: 4, 5]

I am thankful to the Lord for those who have partnered us in the Gospel in Christ Church before and during “Connect” and who will do so for the future:

· Roger Murphy our evangelist who spoke with clarity and passion and who got alongside us.

· Paul Hoey who urged us to consider the outreach and whose gifts in music and vision shone through.

· John O’Neill and Karen Webb whose work with the kids and leaders created a “buzz” around the hall each afternoon and brought great joy to the kids.

· Focus Group who planned the 9 days and I rejoice that all went smoothly!

· A big thank you to those who provided hospitality for Roger, Johnston and Yvonne Boyle and Paul, Ivan and Oonagh Soden as well as the people who welcomed Roger and Paul for meals or a home meeting.

· The many parishioners who provided the “tray bakes”. What generosity!

· All who helped as volunteers but as ambassadors for the Lord and Parish at the events.

· The people who prayed and invited family and friends to the events.

· The support from parishioners to the 40 events and services.

(2) “Taste and see that the LORD is good.” [Psalm 34:8]

I am eternally thankful that the Lord continues to touch lives, bringing change, transformation and hope. We saw evidence of this in Connect amongst children, teenagers and adults as they responded to the Gospel message whilst others were renewed in their faith. That vibrancy is seen in the numbers attending Christianity Explored and we trust will be reflected in our worship, leadership and support for the work of the kingdom.

At the Christianity Explored course the openness of our people to discuss, question and share is at a new level. People’s faith has been deepened and there is a greater freedom in people expressing their faith.

The Course continues throughout April on a Tuesday night and there is a possibility that we may have a further 3 or 4 sessions taking us into May.

The Parish staff team and the planning group have sat down to review our mission and allow us to listen to the Lord and rejoice in what the Lord did but also to shape ministry that will enable more of God’s people in Christ Church to exercise their gifts in the Church and Community. This is an ongoing process and hopefully more thoughts and direction will be presented at our Easter General Vestry on the 7^th April. The prayers and support of parishioners is vital in creating a Parish where the Lord is honoured and where our love for one another is evident.

“Connect” sought to connect people with the good news of Jesus Christ and one another in fellowship. I think we achieved those aims at so many different levels. The Gospel was presented and people responded. There was a sense of “being one together”. It was so evident especially when people worked together as well as the opportunities to have fun.

It was good to see that amidst the importance of presenting the truth of Jesus Christ that many enjoyed the new way of doing “mission” as groups of people were targeted i.e. children, ladies, men, teenagers as well as those events where all the family could join in. Fun was had by many and those memories are precious. Some photographs of the events do not lie and you can view them on our website.