September 20 21
Church Report
2 Corinthians 3:12-18
Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For, to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
It has still been a very odd year to say the least. I’m sure it doesn’t come as a surprise that we write a church report that includes difficulties and delights. The beginning of 2021 was difficult and we all would have had a sense of dread at times because of the uncertainty that was facing everyone. The lockdown continued and deaths rates grew and yet we were blessed that we missed the worst of it all. However there was still worry and concern over loved ones in and out of the church family. We did continue to pull together to worship in whatever form it took and we pulled together even more to make as much of our opportunities as we could.
As the months rolled on there wasn’t always a sense of delight in the circumstances but we never let go, or relinquished our hope in a God who has seen us safe this far and would do so again. And so we saw the slow and sometimes frustrating opening up of lockdown. The chance to see each other face to face and eventually some form of Sunday worship that lifted our spirits albeit with face coverings. Those changes and relaxing of restrictions have continued and it is a real encouragement that both old and new faces can now be seen without multicoloured masks on. Slowly and surely we grapple with what might have seemed so automatic 18 months ago but now is a little odd.
The church has been a blessing over the months of difficulties and shown it’s faith is strong, if a little dented at times, as we step up to offer ourselves physically, financially and spiritually to glorify God in who and what we do. We have seen ourselves give when it’s been hard to those less fortunate and been a blessing to each other as we share this changing life of faith together.
There are still hurdles to overcome as we grapple with changes to, and in us, as a church and as we must come to terms with WSCC’s likely removal of Children and Family Services from The Wave. But if the last uncertain months have taught us anything it is more than ever that our Heavenly Father can, will and does continue in His promise to always be with us And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, Romans 8:28-29a
You may wish to read the whole of Romans 8 but these quoted above do not deviate
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from those verses in 2 Corinthians above. We have the veil removed from our sight so that we can see Christ more clearly and we have God’s Spirit with us to aid us in all we do for Him. So I hope that in the coming year we all might work with God as He makes us and His Church in Broadwater “the best it can be”.
God Bless
Jason
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JOHN MUSSELL Wl)K'IFtIN(i We5l.Sussc BNI 121-111 (01903152Crf)()I .Ma".].1l}Ussel1,ll,nllThor]d.¢4)rn 11 May 2021 To Whom It May Concem Broadwater Ba tist Church Accounts Year Ended 31 December 2020 Following a request from the Treasurer & Deacons of Broadwater Baptist Church to make an examination of the accounts for the year ended 31 Dernber 2020, this I have completed and report my findings. Whilst a full audit has not been undertaken. from the examinats'on of the records, papers and other information supplied, l find everything to be in order and l am happy to endorse the published aCcUnt infomiation. Queries that arose from the examination have been referred to the Treasurer and have been answered or dealt with to my satisfacts"on.. The accounts and financial affairs are maintained to a full and high standard. Yours faithfully J H Mussell ACIB