Monday, November 30, 2015

Manchester

In 1968 I left my home church in Elim Manchester that had been pioneered by my father and went to Bible College to begin my training to be a minister.  It was more than fitting that 47 years later, and shortly before retiring as our Movement's leader, the final large gathering at which I would be preaching in that capacity would be the church where it all began that is now located adjacent to Media City Salford - the part of Manchester where I became a Christian as a child 62 years ago

For the past thirty years Paul and Mags Hallam have led the church and it is during their ministry that the major growth and development has taken place that has brought this significant church - that now has branches throughout India and Romania that, apart from churches, include schools and orphanages - to the place it is in today.

During their tenure which has been hallmarked by huge vision, faith and sacrifice they have built a first class team of top quality leaders around them.  They are truly amazing people.

My Sunday began with an interview with BBC radio Manchester to talk about Elim's Centenary and then on to minister at the 11am service.

North of England ELIM100

Over nine hundred people packed the Lighthouse Christian Centre (Elim Manchester)  from our churches in the north of England for the final centenary celebration that have seen around ten thousand people in attendance during 2015

The event was convened by Regional leader Kevin Peat and the worship led by Mark Stevens.  It was the perfect finale to a great year of celebration.  Many thanks to host Pastor Paul Hallam and for the amazing team at the Lighthouse who hosted the event.

Guernsey

The three churches in Guernsey wanted to celebrate the Elim Centenary on the Island and it was a delight to speak at their event.

The day began with an interview with BBC radio Guernsey, followed by lunch with the leaders and their spouses before going on to the celebration meeting in the evening.

Pictured with me left to right are Mick and Heather Leggett (St Peterport), John and Angie Roddis (Delancy) and Steve and Angela Mudge (Vazon)

Monday, November 23, 2015

The Source, Malvern

When Elim came to Malvern six years ago a small independent fellowship asked to become affiliated to us.  

A year ago Dan and Rachel Bennett came to take over the leadership of the church and during that time have developed the culture of the congregation that has a heart to engage with the community.

Having spent time with this fine young couple afterwards, I have every confidence that the church will see continued growth in the days that lie ahead.

North West Region

Every two years I have visited each of Kevin and Margaret Peat's two Regions.  

On this occasion the venue was a golf and country club in Blackpool.  This residential retreat was subsidised by the Region in order to create a memorable, relaxing and well-deserved break for the leaders and their spouses.

As a Mancunian it is always a pleasure to be back in the North West and particularly so as the pastors in this area are so open to everything that God has for them.

During one of of my messages I gave an illustration of a baby that makes its first steps.  A young couple came to me to stay that, while I was speaking, their child had done just that!

Thank you everyone in the NW Region for the warmth with which you received Marilyn and I during the time that we were with you and Kevin and Margaret, thank you for the opportunity you have given me to minister to your leaders in the years I have been the GS

Ludlow

Our centenary celebrations have been held in  some of the largest venues across the country but this special occasion has also been replicated throughout the Movement in individual churches large and small

Ludlow, pastored by Tim Coles pictured here  with his wife Judith, had around forty special guests in addition to their normal congregation.  These included the Bishop of Ludlow and several other local clergy, and various local dignitaries from the town.

Tim convened the service with a balance of warmth and dignity and the morning service at which I preached was followed by lunch for all who were able to attend.  It was a special joy that the centenary was able to be celebrated in their newly acquired facilities which are a great credit to the congregation who have prayed and sacrificed to bring their vision to completion.  Ludlow has one of the longest serving Elim members in our Movement.  David Smith (pictured) was dedicated as a baby in an Elim church 85 years ago!.

Monday, November 16, 2015

RTC Graduation Day

As the final months of my role as General Superintendent come to a close I commence officiating at a number of our Movement's national  events for the final time.  One of these was speaking at the Graduation service  of Regents Theological College held in Malvern Priory

The service was conducted by Elim's Director of Training Dave Newton and vice Principal Peter Read.  Fifty five students graduated and received their degrees.  RTC is blessed with a faculty who are godly people as well as being consummate professionals.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Centenary Celebrations - Wales and South West


This is just a section of the 1600 people who packed the St. David's Hall in Cardiff for the ELIM100 celebrations.

This was without doubt one of my personal favourite venues on the Centenary tour.  Chris Cartwright, Regional Leader for the area convened the meeting which balanced songs from the early days of Elim as well as the latest contemporary music.  

The contribution of the Choir led by Myra Harris added so much to the evening.  The level of worship and sense of the presence of God was extraordinary.  I have preached the identical message in all of the celebrations I have attended to this point and nowhere did I feel a greater rapport  with this great congregation of Elim people.  The evening was an absolute pleasure to participate in.

Sunday, November 08, 2015

Eastbourne

It was good to be with Stephen and Elizabeth Smith for the morning service at our Church in Eastbourne.

There were a number of testimonies in the meeting of the impact that the church is having upon the local community as a result of their heart for the marginalised including that of an award presented to a member of the the congregation at the House of Lords that will feature in a future edition of Direction.

During the service I led in prayer for  assistant minister Ashley Steinschauer and his wife Rachel as Ashley prepares for chaplaincy in the armed forces.

At the close of the service Marilyn and I spent  some time over lunch listening to the plans that Stephen and Elizabeth have for the church in the days that lie ahead.


Friday, November 06, 2015

Elim Centenary, London

Two thousand five hundred people attended back-to-back meetings in the iconic Westminster Central Hall for the Elim100 celebration in the London area hosted by Colin Dye (KT and NLT member) and David Campbell (London Metropolitan Regions and NLT member.  Dominic De Souza (TLC Norwich) and his team worked tirelessly over many weeks to ensure that the day was the success that it turned out to be.

Worship was lead by Sam Blake, Noel Robinson, Helen Yousaf and band plus a backing choir.

This was a the third time that I had spoken at one of these events, the previous two being in Birmingham and Scotland.