Dear Friends,

As this year draws to a close I find myself reflecting on the things that have happened during the past 12 months. I am amazed that I’ve now been the leader of the church for 6 months and although I haven’t checked the statistics the church seems to have grown despite the statistical expectation of a decline during a transition in leadership. God is so good!

As a church we have so much to celebrate that it’s difficult to know where to begin. Our work with children, youth and families continues to grow, our missional communities remain the foundation of our outreach blessing the communities in which they work, our debt centre and mercy ministries continue to bless people who need a little help and our pre-school has been accredited ‘good’ in a time when the standards have been raised again and again. I could also talk about Good Companions, Bezalel, Our Place our Worship Group, Welcome Team, Prayer Ministry, Sozo, Refreshments, Catering, Sound and Visuals Teams, the trustees of our 2 trusts and so much more that I really worry I might miss someone out. You are an extraordinary demonstration of a truly servant hearted people. God is most definitely at work in this church. I am constantly surprised and excited by the things He has been doing in us and in the things He holds in store for us.

I would like to take a moment here to express my sincerest thanks to everyone for your support through this year. Whether you recognise it or not you are a wonderful church to lead and it has become my great privilege to be called to fill the role of leader. I am truly humbled by all that I see you do in partnership with God. 

Christmas and the New Year will be upon us very soon and we’ll have a great opportunity to celebrate the birth of God’s Son, Jesus. We should make the most of this time to share the story of the gospel with people, to invite our family, friends and neighbours to enjoy the celebrations and events we have already planned and to take time out to rest. Taking time out to rest is very important and I’d like to encourage you to take the opportunity to do that seriously. In the New Year we will begin again to explore the new possibilities and opportunities God is leading us into as we work to grow His glorious kingdom. I am certain that there is much, much more to come that we have not yet seen because the spiritual atmosphere in Norfolk and in Breckland has changed and is changing still. Please pray and wait upon God in this season as we look to see His kingdom come and as we look for His will to be done here.

I am reminded that Jesus came to give us life and life in abundance (John 10:10) and that “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3) As we come to this season of celebration followed by rest may we be soaked in His unending love and grace.

Abundant blessings,

Paul