We celebrated with Hill Top Methodist Church when they reopened their doors after renovations were completed following an outbreak of dry rot. Months of hard work have taken place and after 4½ months months of being closed, worship and praise were ringing out again, with the door open so that all could hear.
A greeting was shared from Revd Anne Coats and Malcolm Coats, which was much appreciated. The hymns were chosen by the members, Dorothy Wickstead gave testimony to the way she and the members had put their faith in God and drawn strength from Him and each others prayers. Thanks to everyone was shared but especially to Kath and Ian Bridget who tirelessly made phone call after phone call, sent and read many, many emails and have overseen the whole of the work.
Revd Yvonne J Pearson led the service and preached on building on the firm foundations of our faith, that is Jesus Christ, the sure foundation and cornerstone, the rock on which we build and bring glory to God. We responded to a liturgy of re-dedication and prayed together.
Revd Yanyan Case closed our service with prayers. The final hymn was Lord for the years your love has kept and guided. A new chapter has opened up with Hill Top's new minister, Revd Yanyan Case, and together they will discern the will of God for their future.
A prayer from our Liturgy today:
Go before us, Lord, in all that we do, with your most gracious favour, and guide us with your continual help, that in all our works, begun, continued and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name and finally by your mercy obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen