After Easter my attention turned towards Pentecost and prayed that God's Holy Spirit would be with me as I continued with my Presidential duties.
My first Eastertide engagement was the Spring Council Meeting. Here I contribute to the business of the Council as an elected Trustee and importantly, ensure that our time together is prayerful and spirit led.
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| A break in the formal proceedings |
It was a very full agenda and details will be circulated in due course. But part of the discussions were about our Assembly in June and the way we present the findings from the recent examination of council business as mandated by last year's resolution in the Swansea Assembly. Personally, I pray that this will be well received and allow us all to move to the next stage of our journey.
On 13th May it was my delightful duty to preside at the Anniversary service in Greenacres Congregational Church, Oldham. This is one of the oldest continuing congregations in the Federation and a very warm welcome was given to me by a packed congregation. The service was followed by a wonderful lunch served in the church hall.
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Revd David Lampard, Minister at Greenacres with President Martin Spain
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The pulpit, choir area and Communion Table at Greenacres
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| Post worship lunch |
The weekend of
Saturday and Sunday 19 and 20 May saw me travelling across the severn estuary to the South West Area gathering at Crediton Congregational Church. It was good to be part of the Area meeting and to participate in some of the workshops. The following day saw me in the pulpit for two services, 9.30am and 11am. No rest for the wicked ... so the saying goes. Here is a church that has adapted to meet the needs of younger people whilst not forgetting its traditional roots, hence two distinct services. The same sermon was preached (almost) and it was a new experience for me to have the sermon applauded in the 11am service. I took it as a compliment for the Spirit does move where it wishes. My grateful thanks to Pastor James Gregory and team for an uplifting experience. Good on you!
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| Crediton Congregational Church |
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| This was the 'warm up' before the 11am service |
