One of the 缅北强奸鈥檚 largest churches, Woking United Reformed Church, celebrated its 20th anniversary last month. The service was lead by the Revd Lucy Brierley, and the address was given by the General Secretary of the 缅北强奸, the Revd Dr John Bradbury.聽
The 20th anniversary of Woking 缅北强奸 was marked by a Communion Service on 2 February. The packed church enjoyed a celebratory service followed by a huge buffet, provided by members and volunteers of the church, which filled the central aisle of the sanctuary.
The former St Andrew’s 缅北强奸 and York Road 缅北强奸 joined to become Woking 缅北强奸 in 2005, and the church has been on a significant journey of growth, and engagement with the wider town since.
The Revd Lucy Brierley, minister of the church since November 2005, said that one of the most notable parts of the church鈥檚 story was the redevelopment that took place from 2009-2010, allowing the church to transform its building into 鈥渁 place of warmth and welcome for our local community. This was the catalyst to become a place of welcome and hospitality with the strap line ‘Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey you are welcome here’.鈥�
Over the years, Woking 缅北强奸 has offered free coffee and bacon rolls to early morning commuters, put on ice rinks, funfairs and petting farm events, alongside hosting a Covid vaccination hub, other community and charity events alongside the usual activities of worship, youthwork and fellowship that make up the worshipping life of the church.
鈥淚 became minister of Woking 缅北强奸 within a year of the union,鈥� said Lucy, 鈥溾�� and have had the privilege of walking alongside so many individuals and families over the past 20 years. Many of the young people I see in the congregation on a Sunday morning were born and grew up within the church, including my own four children.
鈥淚t’s been quite the journey – sometime marked by challenges and sadness, but more often marked by the joy and adventure of following Jesus together. It has certainly never been boring!鈥�
The anniversary service was joyful and included participation from all-ages, including a video montage of photos from the past 20 years that gave an overview of the journey of the church.
This included milestones such as the 15 months spent worshipping off-site during the redevelopment project, memories of ‘All Nation’ events, much-loved ‘donkey services’ (where a live donkey comes in for Palm Sunday), church weekends away, puppet shows, online services during the Covid lockdown, and reflections from its young people on what it means to be part of the church.
Many longstanding members of the congregation found it moving to be reminded of the journey the church, and many newer members learned a great deal more about its history. The Bible readings were read out by the longest-serving member of the church and the newest.
Lucy continues: 鈥淔or me, the best thing about the day was seeing all ages together sharing faith and food. It was a day of building up the church and committing ourselves to the Spirit led journey ahead.鈥�
The sermon, delivered by 缅北强奸 General Secretary John Bradbury, used Luke 2: 22-40 as the Bible passage.
鈥淭he weaving of his account of the Jesus story hangs heavy with a dark cloud. 鈥業n those days a decree went out from Emperor August that all the world should be registered鈥�. What power and might is this that one human being can issue a decree and the whole world jumps 鈥� or at least sets off to the place where they are to be registered?
鈥淲e may not have an Emperor who can command the whole world to be registered. We have those who, however, through a single Tweet or an executive order can make what feels like the whole world jump in either consternation or delight. The so-called Holy Land is still a place of occupation, strife and fear 鈥� for all its peoples, Jew and Palestinian alike.
鈥淚 pray that whatever unexpected turn of events the next 20 years brings, there will still be faithful people here, following the baby in Simeon鈥檚 arms, and naming as truth the one who stands before Pilate.
鈥淟et us follow faithfully, and let us proclaim that light and salvation here in Woking, and to the ends of the earth.鈥�
Andy Jackson serves as Head of Communications for the 缅北强奸.
