It was so encouraging to be able to meet together online and also onsite at Upminster Baptist Church for the induction service of Rev Claire Blatchford and Rev Gale Richards as Regional Ministers in the Eastern Baptist Association on Sunday 14th November 2021. During the service, we heard from our team leader, Rev Beth Powney, Gale and Claire about how God has been at work leading us all to this point. The induction, which was conducted by the EBA moderator, Rev Fiona Heddle and Beth Powney, was followed by prayer for our new Regional ministers before Jeniya Gwendu, who was until recently the EBA moderator, prayed for the new EBA regional Team. Rev Jane Day preached a sermon that was encouraging, uplifting and challenging. She spoke to the whole congregation but also offered personal encouragements to Claire and Gale and as a part of this, she also noted that Gale …
Letton Hall diversifies to protect core ministry It will be no surprise to learn that without guests and income, Christian conference and activity centres suffered badly through the pandemic. There was some small Government help and the furlough scheme was certainly essential. However, the impact of extended closure due to Covid-19 presented an enormous challenge. It also presented an opportunity to re-assess and to think differently. The Trustees at Letton Hall remain very committed to their historic vision of welcoming church family groups, church youth groups and, during the week, school and charity groups. Hosting small prayer, leaders’ and mentoring retreats and running occasional Bible weeks, is also a priority. The hope and prayer is that all who stay at Letton Hall will sense God’s presence and hear His voice. Looking forward, the need to exercise prudence, implement bold plans and walk by faith, seem together to make a lot …
The past year has been one like no other and many of us are in need of a rest. In the next few weeks, we will be holding events across the association that will allow a break where we can rest, recharge and reconnect with God. Each will have a different emphasis and you are welcome to come to one or all. Lunch and refreshments will be provided and there will be plenty of space to find rest and to reconnect with God and one another. Monday 11 October (10am-3pm) – Worship, facilitated by Josh and Floss Bishop Hall who have led worship at our Ministers Conference worship for the past few years During the day, Josh and Floss will be leading us in some extended times of worship as well as helping us to reflect on our identity and calling. There will also be opportunities for prayer ministry with …
The theme for the Gathering and the Week of Prayer is “Listening to the Voices”. Each day we will bring to you a recorded interview from a voice that sometimes is not heard and reflect on how as church communities we can be a place of welcome and sanctuary for everyone. You can access the recorded interviews on the EBA You Tube channel Below you will find links to a reflection for each day with bible references and questions which you can use for yourself, with your church or in small groups. We also invite you to join us each day at 9.30am, and Wednesday evening at 7pm as together we pray into each theme Topic: EBA Prayer Zoom Meeting Time: 9.30am (and Wednesday evening 7pm) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88201290903 Meeting ID: 882 0129 0903 Passcode: 794152 Monday – Welcoming Racial Diversity Tuesday – Creation Care Wednesday – Welcoming women in ministry Thursday …
