## **Session Report 2018** ## **Work of the Session** We can look back on the year 2018 and truly say that we are “… satisfied with favour and full of the blessing of the LORD.” Deuteronomy 33: 23. Session met on five occasions during the year in its role of congregational oversight and pastoral care. On each occasion prayer was offered for the families, members and ministries of the congregation. Session was also constituted for the three annual communion seasons. Session continues to carry out pastoral visitation on an ongoing rota ensuring that each family is visited at least once a year. The Reverend Watterson, his wife and the elders continue to be attentive to our more elderly members and those confined to their homes who receive more regular visits. Members of Session continue to represent the congregation at Presbytery and Synod Meetings. ## **Work of the Minister** The Rev. Watterson continues to faithfully carry out all his duties and responsibilities. During the year preaching topics included Genesis Chapters 1-11; Colossians, Philemon and Genesis Chapters 12 – 25. Evening services on the first Sabbath of each month took the form of Psalm expositions while on the third Sabbath evening guest services the “I Am” sayings of Jesus were preached. Sermons are made available on the Church web site. We are pleased that The Rev. Watterson continues to have opportunity of speaking to the children in Anahilt Primary School once a month throughout the year. Mr. Watterson also continues to lead the mid-week Bible Study, Sabbath School, Adult Bible Class, the Bible Club and the Youth Club. He is a member of the Public Morals Committee and represents the Denomination on the Council of Christian Witness to Israel. ## **Congregation** During the past year a number of our members suffered family bereavement. For others the past year has brought health issues. We are thankful to God for the faithfulness of several members who despite such difficulties attend the times of Worship. As a Session we continue to remember them before the Throne of Grace. Session commends the Committee members for their diligence and care in the temporal affairs of the congregation including property, grounds and finances. We are thankful for the service of many of our members, including agents for magazines, secretaries, precentor, Church cleaning and those who perform vestibule duties. ## **Sacraments** The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was held on three occasions, with an average attendance of twenty two persons. Topics for the Communion seasons included “Who is the Person they Crucified?” John’s Gospel Chapters 19 and 20; “Hope through Suffering” Romans Chapters 5 to 8; “In the Meadows I will not Lack Anything” Psalm 23. ## **Adult Bible Class** The Adult Bible Class led by Reverend Watterson meets weekly prior to the morning service. It is well attended with around ten adults and young people attending on a regular basis. Topics included an in-depth study of the ‘Protestant Reformation’ and ‘Creation Apologetics’. On the first Sabbath of each month the class takes the form of a missionary prayer meeting for mission work at home and abroad. ## **Sabbath School** Currently the class size is six and Session prays that God will increase this work. The Reverend Watterson leads the children in singing portions of the Psalms and in teaching Scripture verses and the Catechism, after which the children disperse into their classes. We continue to be thankful to God for the children and for the work and diligence of our Sabbath School teachers. ## **Prayer, Bible Study, Fellowship** A Thursday evening Midweek Meeting is held and is attended by up to nine adults. This takes the form of a bible study and a time for prayer. This year a study of the Ten Commandments was completed and a new topic ‘Paul and the Person of Christ’ is continuing. Session is thankful for the preparation and compiling of Prayer Topics prepared on a monthly basis for congregational use. This continues to be a useful resource especially for our housebound members. Members of the Women’s Fellowship have been invited to attend several ladies meetings in other local congregations of our denomination and beyond. ## **Outreach** The monthly Sabbath evening Guest Services continue throughout the year and it is encouraging that a number of visitors attend these meetings. Winter and Summer Bible Clubs continue throughout the year with up to forty children in attendance. These meetings are a great encouragement to Session and they are thankful to God for the many children who attend and also for all the leaders and helpers who take responsibility for this work, several of whom are from outside the congregation. A Youth Club is also held on Saturday evenings for teenagers. This also is well attended by about sixteen young people who enjoy fun, food and fellowship together. ## **Missionary Interest** The work of Mission both at home and abroad is constantly brought before the congregation with intercessory prayer regularly offered from the pulpit. The Thursday evening meetings have in the past year included speakers from European Mission Fellowship and Christian Witness to Israel. These meetings have been informative and inspiring as we heard of God at work in other parts of His world among other peoples. The Session is very thankful for God’s presence and power among us, and we pray that God will continue to bless, enlarge and use us in the work of His Kingdom. As we enter the year 2019 we look forward to God’s continuing blessing and gracious guidance in our lives as individuals and as a congregation. Joe Watson Clerk of Session