Thank you for the opportunity to share this reflection on our ministry here at St. Mark’s & St. Phil’s.
First Liz & I would like to express our deep thanks for the welcome, fellowship, support and care extended to us from both St. Mark’s & St. Phil’s since we arrived in July 2022. Thank you!
We and the Ermington congregations’ are also profoundly thankful for the practical and spiritual partnership with St. Phil’s as one Parish with 2 centres. This has been expressed in many ways including site development via the new playground, other site improvements and maintenance of the grounds and facilities.
We, as is also true for St. Phil’s, are very aware of the profound contribution Josh & Anna Hoole made to our ministries. They are much loved, greatly appreciated, and are greatly missed as they move to St. Paul’s Canterbury. Thank you Josh & Anna.
While I am involved in the 6.30pm service and Growth Group development my prime responsibility is the ministry at St. Mark’s Ermington. The last 8 months have been a time of settling, learning and praying about growing the ministry of St. Mark’s as we seek to present every person mature in Christ. Both our services, though small, are warm, friendly and enthusiastic. The 10am service is showing signs of growth in 2023. Our challenges in growing St. Mark’s are significant but there is a tangible sense of fellowship and enthusiasm coupled with an expectant outlook as we look forward to ministry in the coming year.
We look to build on the success of the ‘Biker Carols’ event and Christmas service as we anticipate Easter and outreach in this year of evangelism. Please pray for our plans to visit community, run an outreach course and perhaps establish a local ESL class. Your prayers for wisdom, energy and perseverance would be appreciated.
Thanks again for your fellowship and partnership in ministry!