Review of 2010

A glance through my diary proved what a full year it was !!

Throughout the year our Church Mission Statement has remained prevalent:- “ We want our Church to be a place where everyone is welcome and made aware of the Love of Jesus”. With this thread running through our vision and backed constantly by our faithful weekly prayer group, we give the praise to God who has guided us throughout the year.

Our congregations have increased, as has our weekly giving. We have a Talent Scheme in place to raise the funding needed towards our new heating system. From the youngest to the oldest member of our fellowship there has been opportunity for everyone to join in and be part of our Church Family. With Toddler Group, Junior Church, Friday Youth Club, Men’s Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Chess/Scrabble, Fellowship Lunches, monthly outreach to Garson House by the Music Group, meaning there has been opportunity to serve our community here in Lynton. Added to this, times of Prayer & Devotion in Minister’s Bible Study, Home Groups and weekly Prayer Group where we have experienced challenge and received answers to our prayers to strengthen our Faith and help bring us to a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. I am sure Mary and Alan would agree with this and will never forget their Italian Experience where they felt God’s Presence throughout.

Thinking back over the year, many special times spring to mind. Our Church witness at Easter. It was Mary Hawkins’ initial suggestion that we place a Stark Cross outside our Church on Maundy Thursday and then cover it in daffodils to see it bloom on Easter Day. The number of passers-by who were halted in their step must have caused folk to stop and think of its meaning. (By the way, there is a story attached to that Cross which I will save for another time!!)

Our Church involvement in the George Newnes Celebrations in June, our Church packed with local people for Lexi Dyer’s Baptism 23rd August, coinciding with our Church Anniversary, to be full again in November for the Civic Service and Shoebox Dedication of over 130 shoeboxes, then standing room only for our Carol Service on 19th December. It was amazing to see folk walking to Church in the snow & ice to be part of this celebration. Our Community Choir making its debut with such a wide age range joining together in song. Our Junior Church once again reminding us of the Nativity and even the Friday Club youngsters coming along and taking part. I found it very emotional and I’m sure others did as well.

There were times of fun at our Church Picnic down at Heddon Valley, the B.B.Q. in the Church Garden, not forgetting the hospitality of Nick & Annita at their home in Withypool last July. The use of Nick’s dinghy & kayaks provided a time of hilarious laughter, especially when Eileen was suspended between dinghy & riverbank!!! We shared fun and food that day and made firm friendships.

Looking beyond Lynton, we supported Dr. Patriot from Albania, London City Mission, Air Ambulance, Samaritan’s Purse , plus other local charities and outreach, offering financial help.

In the Autumn our 2010 Alpha Course began. The tremendous input of the Ford Family regarding the catering made each week a very special time. We thank them for their commitment in this. As the weeks progressed, many challenging situations arose, culminating in our Holy Spirit Day held at Lee Abbey on 4th December, where decisions for Christ were made, and for some, a new beginning. It was good to have the support of Sister Mary Magdalene from the Convent , also our friends from St. Mary’s throughout the 12 week course. As a Church we witnessed in the Town the same night, having been invited to sing Carols by the organisers of Lynton late night shopping. A very cold night, but afterwards, many thanks for Luke & Becca’s invitation to drink hot tea & coffee in the Butter Churn to warm us up !! Talking of which, they have also opened their restaurant for free tea and coffee as a regular Café Church witness in the Town on Wednesday Mornings.

Recently, Rev. Jeff and the Church Elders took a close look at the year, it was a time of rapid growth, but our utmost prayer now is to nurture the “green shoots” and ask God‘s help to make these shoots grow solid, with their roots firmly grounded in His Wonderful Love.

What will 2011 have in store for us at Lynton URC ? If we put God first, leave ourselves in His Hands, rely on His Wonderful Grace – there is no limit to what can happen.

God Bless, Janet Mogford