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Dear Friends, November is always a month that encourages reflection. It’s a time when we pause to remember - those who have given their lives in war for our freedom, those who have gone before us in faith, and the many ways God has shown His goodness to us through the years. This year, November holds particular significance for me personally, as it marks 35 years since I became your pastor. It’s hard to believe that more than three decades have passed since I first stood behind the pulpit here. Much has changed in that time - faces, fashions, even a few furnishings! -but the Lord has remained faithful every step of the way. As I look back, I’m filled with gratitude: gratitude for those who welcomed me in those early days, for those who have served so faithfully through the years, and for all who continue to love and support one another in the work of the gospel. Most of all, I’m thankful to God, whose grace has sustained me and our fellowship through both joyful seasons and testing times. Remembrance, though, is never just about looking back. It also calls us to look forward - to continue the work entrusted to us. The psalmist says, “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done” (Psalm 78:4). As we remember God’s faithfulness in the past, we are reminded of our responsibility in the present: to keep proclaiming Christ, loving His people, and serving our community in His name. So as we wear our poppies, share our memories, and thank God for all that He has done, let’s also recommit ourselves to the work ahead. May the Lord continue to use us as a church family to shine His light in a world that so desperately needs hope. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your pastor these past 35 years. It has been one of the great blessings of my life, and I remain as thankful - and as reliant on God’s grace - as ever. With love in Christ, Pastor Tim 
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Dear Brothers and Sisters, October has arrived, and the shops are full (rather dishearteningly!) of Hallowe’en merchandise. But there is a much better reason to remember October 31st: it is the anniversary of when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517, an action that would start the Protestant Reformation. This is why, for me and many others, the 31st October will always be known as ‘Reformation Day’. Around the time of the Reformation, times were very dark across Europe. There were several outbreaks of plague, severe economic instability, growing poverty, and many had become disenfranchised with an oppressive Roman Catholic Church, which had abandoned the teaching that it is faith alone in Jesus Christ that saves us. Times were so difficult that the city of Geneva adopted a motto - stamped on official government documents, coins and signs: ‘Post Tenebras, Spero Lucem’, which is Latin for ‘After darkness, I hope for light’. People were so lost in the darkness and the sadness of the times they were living in that they clung to the faintest hope that better days might someday return. As the Reformation grew, many were converted as the wonderful truth that salvation is only by Jesus’ work on the cross exploded across the continent. New Churches were founded, and the Bible was translated into many languages so that everyone could read it for themselves. As a result, people found freedom from the weight of the Roman Catholic Church’s erroneous teachings. This led to Geneva changing its motto to ‘Post Tenebras Lux!’ - ‘After darkness, light!’ For the people of Geneva, and many across Europe, ‘the light that shines into darkness’ (John 1:5) was no longer a vague and uncertain hope; it was a steadfast confidence that they had a Saviour who had defeated sin and who would one day banish the darkness forever. When I think about our Church, one could say that we, too, are going through some difficult times. Many of you are grieving or have concerns about the future, some of you are exhausted by the daily pressures of work, and others of you may be struggling mentally or spiritually. But we have the same confidence as the Reformation Church: after darkness, light will always come. Jesus reminds us in John 8:12 that “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”. So despite all of the darkness around us, we as a Church can have confidence that although we may not know precisely what the next chapter holds for us all, we have complete confidence in the glorious final chapter that awaits us: Jesus will come back, He will take us home and we will worship Him in the new Heavens and new Earth where there will be no more darkness. Post Tenebras Lux! Jonathan  Dear Friends, One of the last things Jesus said to His disciples before He went back to heaven was this: “Go and make disciples of all nations... and surely I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:19–20). We call that the Great Commission, and it’s Jesus inviting us to share the best news in the world with the people around us. This month, we have a wonderful chance to do that here in our own neighbourhood. As a church family, we’ll be going out to drop leaflets through doors and invite people to come along to church. Now, a leaflet might seem like a small thing - but God can use even the smallest seeds to grow something beautiful. For someone down the street, that leaflet could be the first step in discovering God’s love. I’d love to encourage you not just to be part of the leafleting, but also to think about who you could personally invite. Maybe a neighbour you’ve chatted with, a friend, or even a family member. Often it’s a simple, friendly invitation that makes all the difference. And here’s the best part: we’re not doing this alone. Jesus promised, “I am with you always.” That means as we hand out leaflets, as we talk to our friends, as we welcome people into church - He’s right there with us. Let’s be praying together that God will open doors, open hearts, and let our community see His love through us Yours in Christ Pastor Tim  Dear Friends, Summer is here - and we do seem to be doing well with warmth and sunshine so far! In the summer, the pace of life seems to slow down a little bit and some of us may be packing our bags for a well-earned break. Whether you're heading to the coast, the countryside, abroad or simply enjoying some days off at home, I pray this season brings you rest, refreshment, and some much-needed time with those you love. But let me gently remind you - while we might take a break from our routines, we never take a holiday from God. Spiritual rest is not the same as spiritual neglect. In fact, times of relaxation can offer some of the best opportunities to draw closer to the Lord, without the usual demands of daily life pulling us in every direction. So here are a few simple encouragements as you enjoy this summer season: Stay connected with God. Take time for prayer and Scripture each day, even if it’s just a few quiet moments with a coffee in hand and our Bible open. Pack a good book. Holiday time is perfect for getting stuck into that Christian book you’ve been meaning to read all year. Whether it’s a devotional, biography, or something to strengthen your faith, use the time to be nourished spiritually. Find fellowship wherever you are. If you’re away on a Sunday, look up a local Church to visit. It’s a joy to worship with the wider body of Christ, and you never know who you might encourage just by being there. And speaking of Sundays... just because the Pastor is away on holiday doesn’t mean you should be too! Church doesn’t stop when I’m not in the pulpit - God’s people still gather, the Word is still preached, and your presence matters. It’s a sign of our love for one another and our shared commitment to worship the Lord together. So enjoy the break. Rest well. Make memories. But most of all, keep Jesus at the centre of it all. With every blessing for a joyful summer, Pastor Tim  Dear Friends, Easter is a time of great joy and celebration as we remember the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It reminds us of God's boundless love, who gave His only Son so that we might have eternal life (John 3:16). Through Christ’s victory over sin and death, we have been given the ultimate gift of hope, redemption, and new beginnings. As we gather to worship this Easter, let us reflect on the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for us. His resurrection is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and promise of new life. No matter what challenges or trials we may face, we can hold fast to the truth that Christ is alive. Because He lives, we, too, can face tomorrow with confidence and faith. This Easter, I encourage you to share the joy of the resurrection with those around you. Whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or invitations to our Easter services, let us be a shining light in our community, demonstrating the love of Christ in all that we do. May this season fill your hearts with peace, joy, and renewed faith. Let us rejoice together in the hope of our risen Lord! He is risen! He is risen indeed! Yours in Christ, Pastor Tim   Dear Friends,
As we approach our annual Week of Prayer, I want to encourage us all to reflect on the power and importance of praying together. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus reminds us, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” There is something truly special about joining as one body in prayer— lifting our voices in unity, seeking God’s guidance, and interceding for one another. Prayer is not just a routine; it is the heartbeat of our faith. It strengthens us, deepens our relationship with God, and unites us as a church. In a world filled with distractions and challenges, coming together in prayer reminds us that we are not alone - God is with us, and we have each other. I encourage you to set aside time this week to join us, at the inperson meetings and in spirit each day at 8am and 8pm as we seek God’s will for our church, our community, and our world. Let us approach this time with expectation, knowing that God hears and answers the prayers of His people. May this be a week of renewal, faith, and deeper connection with our Lord. With every blessing Pastor Tim |
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