tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333790952024-03-14T12:27:53.713+00:00JohnGlass ElimGSAn opportunity to share current issues on a regular basis for those within our Elim Network of churchesJohn Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.comBlogger561125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-28293478296098639332016-03-30T19:58:00.000+01:002016-04-07T11:06:28.591+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is very fitting indeed that the last post on this page, as I complete my tenure as General Superintendent, is of our home Church in Cheltenham.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Given that this is a monthly magazine, and when you count the number of places I visit, it will not come as a surprise to learn that I am very rarely 'at home' on a weekend. Marilyn who very often travels with me also however spends a proportion of her weekends in Cheltenham.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We value Gareth and Janet and immensely and I am always challenged and blessed when I hear him preach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was booked for the Easter Sunday morning service but this fortuitously coincided with the opening of the completely renovated and extended church facilities that took almost a year to complete. Previous ministers had talked about the possibility of putting a gallery in and have worked towards it - especially the previous pastor Phil Johnston. But it is during the years that Gareth has been in Cheltenham that the property portfolio has increased not only for this development but also in the acquisition of Elim's previous Headquarters offices. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you Gareth for your rich ministry and the fine example that you and Janet set for the church that you lead. Thanks too to the sacrificial support that the congregation has rendered in order to make this dream a reality.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-51967235347683081312016-03-23T14:26:00.001+00:002016-03-30T19:58:09.197+01:00One Church, Norwich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dominic and Catherine De Souza were only recently featured on this page when I had the joy of speaking at their induction into their new Church in Norwich<br />
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My visit on this occasion was the launch of their new church name "One Church Norwich" something that, far from being a cosmetic exercise, is a clear expression of their vision for this fine congregation.<br />
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They had left a thriving church family in Letchworth in order to take on the challenge on a new church that was about to enter a new cultural season.<br />
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Dominic and Catherine are excellent leaders who already are seeing marked evidence of fruitfulness both numerically and spiritually. <br />
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Marilyn and I were very warmly received by the church. This would not have been unusual in a church that had been in our Movement for many years. It was however a very gracious expression in congregation that had only recently become part of the Elim family.John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-4603023351638804352016-03-14T14:42:00.003+00:002016-03-14T14:42:44.531+00:00Sao Paulo, Brazil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Paul Hudson (pictured far left), our International Missions Director, organised the first Elim Global Conference in South America and it was a huge success with several countries represented. His full report is featured later in our magazine. The picture mostly features the worship team but also included is Martyn Davidson who acted as my interpreter and who for many years was an Elim missionary in the Amazon. He is shortly to move to Yate, Bristol as senior pastor of the church there. Also pictured are our missionaries in Paraguay and Bolivia (Top right). I spoke on seven occasions over the four days and much credit must go to Pastor Silvio of Sao Paulo Elim who organised so much of the conference locally.John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-22506603437765723062016-03-08T10:01:00.001+00:002016-03-08T10:01:23.174+00:00Letchworth Garden City Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although Carl and Danielle Johnston had only taken up their new pastorate at LGCC two months before my arrival, Marilyn and I were delighted to see how quickly their church had taken them to their hearts and how well they had bonded with those they were now committed to serve to lead and to serve</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently mentioned, when reporting on my visit to Bude, that I had known the pastor and his wife since they were born and the same applies to Carl and Danielle given that their parents have have been friends of ours</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for very many years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Danielle's father was a young leader in Llantrisant when I, at 21 years of age, became the pastor of my first church in 1970.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LGCC though in a small town has a great church and I have no doubt whatever that God will continue to bless Carl and Danielle as they minister there in the years that lie ahead.</span>John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-44084368298725193392016-03-02T15:55:00.002+00:002016-03-02T15:55:16.559+00:00Livingston, Scotland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The Livingston was the first of three churches that Marilyn and I planted during the time that I was the Regional leader for Scotland. To be present at their 30 year celebrations was a particular honour</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The church commenced with just nine people and after a year Roy and Jackie Monks took over the pastorate. Their input was foundational to the development of the church and under their ministry land was purchased that would later house the the current church complex. Ministering next was Geoff and Jane Blease under whose fine leadership the building commenced. They were followed by Pete and Sue Rimmer who for five years pastored the church until John and Clare Henson (pictured) were inducted into leadership eight years ago. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scores of people have been added to the church through John and Clare's pastoral and teaching ministry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weekend began with an Aspire Banquet attended by 120 of the women in the church and at which Marilyn spoke. The leaders of Livingston Aspire are pictured below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Sunday morning I had the pleasure of speaking at the anniversary service. Roy, who was present with his wife Jackie, brought a powerful prophetic word during the meeting.</span><br />
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John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-87812309679733908592016-02-22T16:47:00.001+00:002016-02-22T16:47:30.032+00:00Ryedale church, Malton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Situated in the picturesque Yorkshire town of Malton, Elim Ryedale is currently pastored by Andy and Andrea Boxall (pictured left) and their assistant Graeme Stewart pictured with his wife Jessie<br />
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Having long outgrown its original building, the church now meets in a local school.<br />
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Andy has previously been the worship leader at KT and Letchworth before coming as lead pastor to Malton ten years ago<br />
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A couple of years ago Andy shared at the Elim Leaders Summit his vision for impacting local schools with good Christian education and has since raised hundreds of thousands of pounds which now assists scores of schools on this part of Yorkshire - a huge vision based out of a town with a population of just 13,000 people.<br />
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I received a great reception from this warm and welcoming Yorkshire congregation and enjoyed quality time with Andy and Andrea after the service - great to be with pastors and church alike.<br />
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<br />John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-65570707065861523102016-02-15T21:30:00.001+00:002016-02-15T21:30:27.605+00:00All Nations Church, Wolverhampton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I reserve most of my weekend appointments for Elim churches but there are some exceptions and one of those was when visiting the AoG church in Wolverhampton. I first met its senior leader Steve Uphall, pictured here with his wife Esther, about twelve years ago at a Council meeting of the Evangelical Alliance. I spoke at all three consecutive morning services and had the pleasure of viewing the construction of a 1000 seater auditorium that is in the process of construction. On the previous evening Marilyn and I met with the core leaders over a curry at Steve and Esther's home. </span></div>
John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-19509109474684324472016-02-10T15:55:00.002+00:002016-02-10T15:55:23.188+00:00Liverpool (Kensington)<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul and Lynne Dunne have been in Liverpool (Kensington) for twelve years and have been committed to serving the church and the community beyond it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was good to be at a church with such a sense of 'family'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As so often is the case when I visit a church, we are able to spend some time together after the service has finished, usually over lunch, and chat about the blessings and challenges that come with pastoring a church in the inner city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always a joy to be with two such great people and to be with their congregation.</span></div>
John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-67690992428291072562016-02-01T14:09:00.002+00:002016-02-01T21:01:02.224+00:00Newquay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mike and Shelagh Robins have been in Newquay for almost twenty-five years and during that time have seen spectacular growth that has seen the purchase and development of several campuses and the formation of new congregations. The latest of these is in the nearby town of Redruth that, although being planted only a short time ago,it has 80-90 in regular attendance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWEPol-KB33_dKkSQPkEGTNzcG_KBhcJ4lFpjTUqZcpzp9Js4PnjqLsqsKzJtGg38LhsLH_tT-pAv9t8R2NIX32iVuSwsuYUs940-kXI8gW2bcevJaJoaEWS2UVreEiz7CPAPgg/s1600/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWEPol-KB33_dKkSQPkEGTNzcG_KBhcJ4lFpjTUqZcpzp9Js4PnjqLsqsKzJtGg38LhsLH_tT-pAv9t8R2NIX32iVuSwsuYUs940-kXI8gW2bcevJaJoaEWS2UVreEiz7CPAPgg/s200/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" width="134" /></a>I was speaking at the NCC home base - a former Methodist building on the main road through the town. The worship team led the meeting well and it was great to sense the atmosphere of a congregation that had been taught over the years to anticipate God's blessing and be part of God's purpose<br />
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A highlight of the day had to be 86 year old Doug Knight (pictured) who informed me before the service began that when he was 19 years of age he attended the crusade led by my grandfather, John Woodhead, from which the Newquay church was birthed and gave his life to Christ. He had attended the church ever since that day in 1948. It was a amazing to meet this great man who was born- again six month before I was born and was still faithfully serving God.John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-43481959303590152062016-01-26T15:10:00.004+00:002016-01-26T15:10:41.212+00:00Worthing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHY764jWcy8LTpV_dLtNxRtrcl5UXaBaxY7R_alEhU_4SOUOtmAokdyqYC_GcM5tKs-d9UTI-Lq1RbIrs2gB4P8o8cbWlXIzqJMNryNLqqxH5UgSigoVxCTSphl8u3SHPIjnodw/s1600/brough2+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHY764jWcy8LTpV_dLtNxRtrcl5UXaBaxY7R_alEhU_4SOUOtmAokdyqYC_GcM5tKs-d9UTI-Lq1RbIrs2gB4P8o8cbWlXIzqJMNryNLqqxH5UgSigoVxCTSphl8u3SHPIjnodw/s320/brough2+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrew Fadoju, pictured here with his wife Nicola, have been in Worthing for twenty years and has been the senior pastor for the past sixteen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of my ministry appointments involve either being with a church on a Sunday or with groups of leaders across a region during the week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Occasionally however I spend the evening with local church leaders. This helps me to get to know our churches better and also for them to get to know more about the Movement's vision and values.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The evening began with an excellent meal followed by ministry and interaction. It was great to be with such a welcoming grow of leaders from across the spectrum of the local church.</span>John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-81092305176058543042016-01-24T19:04:00.000+00:002016-01-24T19:04:02.338+00:00Barking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was a delight for Marilyn and I to spend the weekend with our good friends John and Trish Waller.<br />
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The Barking church has always been blessed with good leaders and the years in which John and Trish have served this excellent church have seen great growth spiritually and numerically. The two morning services see in excess of 400 people in attendance double what it was when they took over the pastorate.<br />
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Vibrant worship, a commitment to prayer, outreach and community engagement are four of the keys to the expansion that Barking it is currently enjoying.<br />
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<br />John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-75575271753671854052016-01-17T17:30:00.001+00:002016-01-17T17:30:13.480+00:00Connect Life, Caerphilly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It had been several years since I last visited Connect Life church that stands in the shadow of the historic Caerphilly Castle.<br />
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For the past few years Roger Rowland, pictured here with his wife Janice , have led the church whose congregation is now the largest it has been in its long history.<br />
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Apart from pastoring a number of churches over the years, Roger served for ten years as Elim's national youth director prior to the formation of Serious4God.<br />
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With a great family atmosphere and its commitment to the town through several community-based ministries, Caerphilly is well positioned for further growth and expansion in the future.John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-52920653083712997012016-01-10T20:58:00.002+00:002016-01-10T20:58:28.221+00:00Hastings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was eight years since I was last in Hastings though Paul McMichael pictured here with Pennie, his wife of just four weeks, has been the minister there </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for under two years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have known Paul since he was a small boy so it was a great opportunity to spend time over lunch and meet Pennie for the first time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a great family atmosphere in the church and it was good to meet a number of people who have been members for many years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a previous post regarding my visit to Ludlow I highlighted someone who had been dedicated as a baby in Elim and was now in his 80's. So what a pleasure it was to meet Joyce Cripps (pictured) who was brought to an Elim church 90 years ago, just ten years after our Movement was founded, and who is now 94 years old.</span><br />
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John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-80638601747805923062015-12-21T10:47:00.003+00:002015-12-21T10:47:38.465+00:00Living Waters, Chorley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Six years ago John Lacy, pictured here with his wife Michelle, took over as senior leader for Living Waters church in Chorley from his father Tony. I can well remember being present for the transition services - the farewell on the Saturday and the induction on the Sunday,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From that time the church has continued to see continual and sustained growth. It is a thriving and impacting church with strong links into the community and supporting mission works overseas. There were around 400 people present for the Christmas service at which I preached and which was followed by a hog-roast supper.</span><br />
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<br />John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-43796325393309371532015-12-08T11:53:00.002+00:002015-12-08T11:53:40.315+00:00Bude, Cornwall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are not many more picturesque places in Cornwall than Bude and it was great to return to the church which, for the past three years has been pastored by Steve Ellerington (pictured here with his wife Natasha)<br />
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Return visits give me the opportunity to appreciate how a church has developed since I was last there and, while always a pleasure to attend, I was aware on this occasion of an increased sense of church 'family' and appreciation of the worship team who, from point of view had stepped up to a whole new level.<br />
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From a personal point of view it was great to spend time with Steve and Natasha. Both of their fathers were Elim ministers before they retired and were fellow students with me in Bible college in the late Sixties. In other words, I have know this couple since they were born and to see them with three lovely children of their own, watching the pastoral care and fine leadership with which they serve the church was really something special. If you are holidaying in this part of Cornwall this year, Bude Christian Fellowship is a church you would not want to miss.John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-31358712259516076922015-11-30T22:41:00.001+00:002015-11-30T22:41:09.243+00:00Manchester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-57611380153978836942015-11-30T22:26:00.001+00:002015-11-30T22:26:26.431+00:00North of England ELIM100<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span>John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-61878738397168142022015-11-30T22:14:00.000+00:002015-11-30T22:14:14.006+00:00Guernsey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The three churches in Guernsey wanted to celebrate the Elim Centenary on the Island and it was a delight to speak at their event.<br />
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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.<br />
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Pictured with me left to right are Mick and Heather Leggett (St Peterport), John and Angie Roddis (Delancy) and Steve and Angela Mudge (Vazon)John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-52989936743500380042015-11-23T21:30:00.002+00:002015-11-23T21:30:49.023+00:00The Source, Malvern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Elim came to Malvern six years ago a small independent fellowship asked to become affiliated to us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span>John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-6371102075457309672015-11-23T21:14:00.002+00:002015-11-23T21:14:15.454+00:00North West Region<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every two years I have visited each of Kevin and Margaret Peat's two Regions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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</span>John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-23482165199819803822015-11-23T20:58:00.000+00:002015-11-23T21:01:09.308+00:00Ludlow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">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!.</span>John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-4731702330659614152015-11-16T18:48:00.000+00:002015-11-16T18:48:03.779+00:00RTC Graduation DayAs 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<br />
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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.John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-91964715592075791332015-11-15T20:48:00.001+00:002015-11-16T18:37:13.236+00:00Centenary Celebrations - Wales and South West<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is just a section of the 1600 people who packed the St. David's Hall in Cardiff for the ELIM100 celebrations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">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.</span>John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-38015106613206298222015-11-08T22:06:00.000+00:002015-11-08T22:09:13.955+00:00Eastbourne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was good to be with Stephen and Elizabeth Smith for the morning service at our Church in Eastbourne.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<br />John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33379095.post-7701290613815673712015-11-06T08:20:00.000+00:002015-11-06T08:20:49.917+00:00Elim Centenary, London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worship was lead by Sam Blake, Noel Robinson, Helen Yousaf and band plus a backing choir.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a the third time that I had spoken at one of these events, the previous two being in Birmingham and Scotland.</span>John Glasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494320415870333367noreply@blogger.com0