2024 - What we did
Key activities in support of our vision:
Preaching and teaching ministry was principally delivered by Rev Dr Jacky and we were blessed to have a number of visiting ministers throughout the year, who invested into the life of the church including:
- Rev Winston Bygrave, Regional London Baptist Minister
- Rev Ron Nathan, International Minister to Kenya and the Caribbean
- Bejoy Pal, CEO Ascension Trust,
- Rev Dr Girma Bishaw, Co-Director The London Project
- Louise Isaac and Rev Les Isaac OBE, President The Ascension Trust
Our focus for evangelism included:
The Alpha Course online - given our heart to share the gospel out-with our walls, we began the year with an 8-week series of interactive sessions that created space for the curious to explore the Christian faith in an open friendly environment. Each session included a short film, reflections and opportunity for questions and small-group discussion on matters of faith, life and meaning.
We also held an Evangelistic Service, with one of our members David, sharing his story of a cancer diagnosis and how his faith in Christ helped him and his wife through to a place of complete healing and thankfulness for life.
Our 111 people initiative continued, with prayers, relationship and support to a growing number of people in our network; we started with 111 individuals who we were committed to, but by year end this had grown to 126 people!
We also had the following thematic initiatives to encourage spiritual growth:
The Wisdom Challenge, with members reading and reflecting on one chapter of Proverbs each day of the month, with one person sharing their learning on our Whats App group each day. There was strong engagement with this initiative and many were strengthened and encouraged in their by the content that was readily applicable to their daily lives
Devotional Studies: We have been studying ‘Men of the Bible’ and ‘Women of the Bible’ by Ann Spangler, as a focus for disciplined personal prayer, bible study and reflection, with the opportunity to share insights and perspectives for mutual growth and development.
Special Events:
7th August - Jesus Heals Today @ Ellel Glyndley Manor, East Sussex - A group of us travelled together to Hailsham for a day set aside to allow the Holy Spirit to minister ‘healing and wholeness’ via reflection, creativity and prayer. We had a great time of fun, food and fellowship and everyone spoke of how the day had helped, strengthened and encouraged them
8th September – Thanksgiving Service with Keynote Speaker Rev Everton McLeod, who spoke on 2 Timothy 1:1-10
‘A Legacy of Faith’, reflecting on the life of our founder, Rev Dr Curdell McLeod and her forebears and encouraging us all to be faithful in raising up successive generations that love the Lord and walk in His ways. Video tributes were shared and a Fellowship Dinner was enjoyed by family and friends in attendance.
3rd-13th October – Mission to Ghana – Rev Dr Jacky went on her second mission with The Ascension Trust to Ghana. The whole church partnered in support, through prayer and donation of finances and specifically requested resources such as clothing, shoes and sanitary products. We built on our holistic work in partnership with local civic and church leaders amongst the Kayayei girls in Accra. We also leveraged strategic partnerships with The National Apostolic Church and local healthcare workers. to provide medical services and undertake outreach in three areas of deprivation in the city.
15th December - Baptismal Service in partnership with Hither Green Baptist Church. Three of our young adults shared their testimonies and demonstrated their commitment to Christ by going through the waters of baptism. It was a day of great celebration, with specific prayers and words of encouragement given to them. Afterwards our two churches shared a fellowship meal, together with guests, family and friends.
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22nd December - Jubilee Celebration and Recognition Service followed by Christmas Dinner. We marked our 25th year with a celebration service, giving thanks to God for His faithfulness, His provision and blessings. We were able to appreciate the commitment of members past and present, with recognition of their specific contributions. It was a special time of love, joy and unity that was continued over Christmas dinner!
29th December - Final Service of Blessing, Anointing and Release. This was scheduled as our last service at St Peter’s Church Lee, due to change of use of their building. It was a sombre occasion given our longstanding historical ties to the church and surrounding area, however God had been preparing us to recognise that we are in a season of transition and we should go out with joy and be led forth with peace (Isaiah 55: 6-13). Members made a special effort to be there; some friends of LWCF came in support. Rev Dr Jacky gave a word of encouragement from The Word and Louise Isaac pronounced specific prayers for the congregation. Rev Les Isaac OBE and Louise anointed each church member, lay hands on them and prophesied into their lives. Each one also received a written personalised scripture to encourage their hearts in the days ahead. Rev Dr Jacky pronounced a fulsome benediction in conclusion. We marked the end of this chapter well, trusting God to use this apparent adversity to bring increased fruitfulness as we are scattered into different congregations to be a blessing and fulfil God's plans and purposes where He leads.