On Sunday, the 10th of December 2023, Wellspring was delighted to welcome back Dr Phil Botham to lead our nativity service and help us launch our year-long celebrations. Phil preached at the first ever service in our brand-new building on the morning of Sunday 19th December 1993. The official opening was soon afterwards, on Saturday 8th January 1994.
At the anniversary service, candles were lit for the second Sunday in Advent and Phil outlined some of the early history of Wellspring, covering the coming together of Congleton's two Methodist Churches, Kinsey Street and Mossley.
Phil outlined how life had changed over the thirty years by way of technology and that in so many other ways things were very different. He challenged us to still “make way for Jesus” in these present and future times.
We were reminded that the vision for Wellspring, and the design of the building, was that of our late friend, Mike Eaton. Those of us who were around in those days know that he was supported throughout by his wife, Reverend Margaret, part of their great partnership in this wonderful enterprise.
To underline this we sang “Make way, make way for Christ the King”. Phil mentioned that this worship song was one of Mike’s favourites. The young people (and the oldies) enjoyed a short video featuring Mr Bean and a stable with model animals making animal noises – he even managed to introduce a dalek into the scene! This was a man-made story and we were reminded what really happened – a baby was born.
Phil wrote the excellent script for the 2023 nativity drama entitled “The Spirit of Christmas”, performed by Dianne, Alan and Stuart. As we did so, we were asked to turn our thoughts to JOY, PEACE and HOPE in our world today. Bible readings were included in the service and we concluded with a rousing hymn sung with gusto: “Tell out my soul the greatness of the Lord”.
Here’s to the next thirty years!
[Adapted from an article in Contact magazine
by Margaret and John Swinden]