Showing your true colours…
June 2009
Hatfield Church has shown it's true colours! The truth has come out! The people of Hatfield Church have shown what they're really like! - a people full of love, encouragement and seeking to find the better way.
The address at the APCM caused quite a response - a response which was overwhelmingly one of support and encouragement and being determined to be a part of moving forward united together, united in living a different and better way as followers of Christ.
Overwhelmingly a response through which you affirmed me in my ministry here amongst you and showed me just how much you appreciate what has already happened and how our church has grown and is continuing to grow and move forward. Overwhelmingly a response through which people are listening more carefully and encouraging one another more.
Overwhelmingly a response where you are also determined to bring back into our church and fellowship those who have drifted away and to welcome and encourage those who are new.
A very small minority chose to respond in an unhelpful way. They will still be loved, valued and welcomed.
As your Vicar, I will continue to address the difficult, challenging and uncomfortable issues when I feel God is prompting me to do so. There is a better way. There is a different way. And, together, we must seek that better way - for God's and Christ's sake!
Our task as the Christian Church in Hatfield remains; to welcome and encourage into the Christian faith those whom God is calling to himself. And once here they must see, hear and experience God's people behaving in a way that is uplifting, encouraging and points people to Him.
Thank you for showing your true colours. Thank you for your overwhelming response of love and encouragement, and thank you for being determined, together, to find the better way.
Paul
© Copyright Hatfield Church / Tim Sweed 2008