Holy Trinity Church, Frome

You might think that I would have learned by now.  After 38 years since I chose to be a follower of Jesus, with all that I have experienced by way of adventure in the faith, I really ought to have been more trusting.  But no, I have to confess that although I knew that we had to consider a Gift Day target of £10,000, there were some doubts deep within me, surely it was too high wasn’t it?  But still, that was what we had to go for, so we prayed about it, did our best to keep people informed, and as the subject set for the gift day turned out to be “Trusting God, Constantly “  I had quite literally to practice what I preach and trust God.

So how wonderful to discover that when the day came gifts and pledges were given amounting to £10,004!  That was amazing in itself, but it gets better as to that sum we can add Charities Aid Foundation Vouchers and tax refunds which will push the total through the £11,000 barrier.  All this means that, provided all else remains equal, we can meet our church housekeeping commitments this year.  Praise the Lord! And a huge thank you also to everyone in our church family;  all who have joined in this partnership of trust with God to make it possible.

There will be many more challenges for us to face together, and it is sometimes quite scary just to think of it all!  But then, our faith is not a static stone-built affair, and part of the message of the Bible is that we should always be ready to move on to the next stage of what God has in store for us:  as new people are  led to join us or some to move away from us to minister in other places;  as new possibilities and activities sprout up, and some others change their shape or come to an ending.

At the time of writing, our PCC and Ministry Team Leaders are preparing to spend a whole day taking the Searchlight process on to the next stage which will mean making practical, and in some cases difficult and complex, decisions.  I am hoping to be able to provide a full up-date for you on how we are getting on just as soon as I can, but if you were a member of a Searchlight team earlier in the year, I do want you to know that your work is still very much at centre stage.

Whilst thinking of all that we can give thanks for,  I have especially in mind the major event that will be taking place in the life of our church on 4th July as we gather together as one congregation at 10.30 to say farewell to Jane who will be leaving us in order to fulfill her exciting calling to the people of Bathford.

Much more will be said on 4th July, but Jane is certainly going to be very much missed by everyone at Holy Trinity, and also many others from the local community.  She really has given her all to the ministry here, and in truth it has been (especially during the Vacancy) massively more than would normally be expected of someone who is with us for training.  So, may I offer Jane our heartfelt congratulations and thanks for all that she has achieved and given.  We pray for her, Charles, and their family,  that they may have every happiness in their future lives, and also we dare to hope that as Bathford isn’t so very far from Frome, we might even see something of them from time to time.

So much to give thanks for, so much to give thanks to God for!

Every blessing,

Graham