It’s going to be hard to leave this church. It’s going to be hard because of how much our family loves it!
I love that you love each other. Paul says “And above all things put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Col 3:14).
And time and time again this is what I have seen. I love the way you look after each other – you visit people when they are lonely, pray for them when they are sick, support people through difficult times. I love that for every one of these that I have heard about, there are hundreds I haven’t – caring christian acts done humbly and out of sight without any earthly praise.
I love that God’s word is at the heart of all we do. Hearing what he says to us through his Holy Spirit, and cherishing all that he reveals to us about his great character. I love that so many aren’t content with just a Sunday message but meet weekly in Bible studies to share, grow and encourage one another.
I love the way there are countless volunteers for ministry, from the upfront teaching roles like SRE, Bible study and service leading, to the behind the scenes set up, the faithful crew in the kitchen or on clean up!
I love the there are people every week to look after the children and teach them the Bible, and when we have our Real Kids day there are so many ready to help.
I love that you have looked after our family. Leaving Sydney we left our church, our friends and our family. But it wasn’t long before this church became our family. The amount of grandparents our kids had multiplied, adopted by the grandparents of this church. Meals have been delivered along with toys for our kids, plants for our gardens, even a real live bunny!
I love that you have encouraged me, forgiven me when I have erred, partnered with me and been patient with me in my failings.
But for all these wonderful things there is a far greater reason, one that doesn’t depend on any of these things. I love this church because we are one in Christ, bought with his precious blood to make us brothers and sisters in Him.
– SIMON CHAPLIN