We heard Kevin’s news that he has been appointed to be Moderator of our Yorkshire Synod, leaving us in February 2008, and gave him our warmest congratulations. We will need to work together as a strong team over the coming months and years.
We gave further consideration to the paper on Development of Worship and Mission and agreed that it reflected the Elders vision for the growth and development of our ministry and that it be circulated to the congregation for information. In order that it reaches all members and friends, it follows this report in the Source. We also considered a report on the Church Development Project; the relaunch of our outreach into the community and continued fundraising. We resolved to have a day of celebration for the completion of the hall refurbishment, after the partitions are installed, on Saturday 28th April, followed by a Renew Gift Day on Sunday 29th April.
We received a report from Ponteland Churches Together on working more closely with each other: the Ponteland Local Ecumenical Partnership. The paper sets out the broad vision for close cooperation and what we would hope to achieve over the next eight years. The proposals are now even more important for us, following Kevin’s news; and they are also timely for the Anglican community as Revd. Michael Jackson retires soon and the framework proposed needs to be in place before his departure. The report will be put before the congregation for approval.
The Elders have completed a study course of eight sessions, based on the DVDs “Christ Empowered Living” by Selwyn Hughes. We have found the material stimulating and Christ centred, giving us insights into living a Christian life in today’s world. We look forward to further study courses in the coming months.
Fred Milligan
Secretary, Elders Meeting
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