Welcome to the March 2018 prayer letter for Freedom Church Mereside. You are receiving this email because we thought you might be interested in knowing what is going on with our church but you can unsubscribe from this list at any time and you won't receive any more.
I know it's been quite some time since our last newsletter but things got busy!
We appreciate your prayers for all that God is doing through us on the Mereside estate.
Here's what we've been up to:
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Our church family is growing in numbers as well as depth of faith. We've had twelve baptisms and seven confirmations. We would appreciate prayers for Rosie, Keri, Amy and Jack as they prepare to be baptised on 18th March.
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Last summer we went on our first camping trip as a church family! We went to Guy's Farm, near Lancaster, and had a lot of fun! We tried many new things, including archery, orienteering, abseiling and raft building. We also spent time getting to know each other on a deeper level and building relationships within our church. One of the highlights has to be singing worship songs around the campfire as the sun set.
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The three Blackpool Ministry Experience participants moved into their new home in September. Alex (L) is part of chaplaincy at St Mary's Academy, Lizzie (C) is on placement with us at Freedom Church Mereside and Josh (R) has finished 5 months at St Peter's and is starting at St John's. Please pray for them as they spend the year exploring their vocation.
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As well as having Lizzie full time at Freedom Church Mereside, we were also delighted to receive funding for Pete to work with us full time! He was commissioned in November as our Community Evangelist and continues his training with Church Army.
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Also in November, we held the first ever Act of Remembrance on the estate. More than 50 community members gathered on Remembrance Sunday, including members of the 53rd Blackpool Scout Troop and veterans. This was a moving service and it has been requested that it is held every year.
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Following the success of our Christmas Angels last year, we made and hung over 600 Christmas Boxes around the estate on a cold December morning. Each included a chocolate coin and a message that the receiver is more precious than gold in God's eyes.
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On Christmas Eve we held our very own nativity service, complete with a three course dinner! We were delighted to welcome 30 people to hear the Christmas story and share in fellowship as we celebrated the birth of Jesus.
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It has been a joy to start a youth group within our church! MYPlace meets every other Friday, and alternates between teaching and social. We've covered friendship, Christmas, Jesus Light of the World and the Lost Sheep, as well as enjoying baking, film nights and bowling!
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Every Tuesday morning we gather for a brew at the Toby Carvery to spend time in each other's company without any agenda.
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Capacity, our Bible Study/Discipleship group, meets every Thursday at 10am and 7pm, led by Pete. He has taken us through the Lord's Prayer, the book of Philippians, an Advent course, a Lent course and the Start Course. As part of the current Lent course, the group have been taking on challenges, such as litter picks, supporting the local food bank and organising a light service.
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Mereside Community Gospel Choir has enjoyed a busy year of rehearsals and performances. It was a particularly busy time leading up to Christmas, including raising over £200 carol singing at Tesco.
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We've enjoyed many social events throughout the year, including Ride the Lights! We have seen friendships and support for each other flourish through social events and it is something we strongly believe helps us to grow as a church family.
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Our relationship with St Paul's Marton continues to be mutually supportive. As well as attending each other's social events, we came together for a joint carol service. As Associate Priest, Rev Linda has been able to support St Paul's through their vacancy, as they await the arrival of their new vicar Rev Lesley.
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As part of our vision for the future, we are looking into the possibility of re-opening the old church hall as the Freedom Centre. We are only in the early stages of this and so please ask you to pray that if it is God's will then it will happen and the funding will be available. One of the main drivers for the re-opening is the mission possibilities, something our church family is passionate about.
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Pray for our Church
- For our church members as they continue to grow in faith
- Pete in his Church Army studies
- Lizzie as she continues to seek God's will for her life
- MYPlace as our young people continue to learn about God's love for them
- Applications for next year's Blackpool Ministry Experience
- Discernment about the Freedom Centre plans and resources
- That people may encounter the crucified and risen Christ in our Holy Week and Easter activities
- Continued engagement in the community so more may hear the Good News
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Thank you for taking the time to read this prayer letter.
With blessings from
Rev Linda & Pete Tomkinson
& Lizzie Haydon
For more information on our work you can email
revlindat@hotmail.co.uk
or phone
07784 325537
or come visit us at
Freedom House, 8 Langdale Road, Mereside, Blackpool, FY4 4RT
or follow us on Facebook using the link below
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