‘God so loved the world …’ (John 3:16). I’m sure God loves the church too, but his love is much wider, it’s universal. Accordingly, we have to span our wings and ‘go to the ends of the earth’ (Acts 1:8).
Quo vadis? Where are you going? This is a question for our entire church, and of course also for us in Leicester. We try to spread our wings.
In May we have started monthly midweek evening services, 5.30pm, after work, yet before people settle at home. Thirty minutes meditating, praying, conversing, music … and then a bit of socialising, building friendships and enjoying refreshments. So far it has been a good journey, and a good mix with local community, Moravian and Methodist attendance.
The occasional ‘Talent services’ are another adventure. God has given us different talents in music, dance, poetry etc. It’s amazing to realise what talents we have among us.
In September, at the Harvest festival, we’ve had the joy of baptising Arayah Sherwood, and in October we received into membership of our church Srs Jeanne Moitt, Jenny DeYoung, Dorothy Whittaker, and Br Victor Ajaz. These were joyful services indeed.
For some time now, we have worked together with Wadadli Link UK, an Antigua and Barbuda association in Leicester. The island of Antigua is also known as Wadadli by the local population. In June we celebrated together the ‘Windrush’ commemoration service, and in November the 43rd anniversary of the Independence of Antigua and Barbuda. Even the High Commissioner joined us via Zoom from Antigua! What rousing celebrations!
Every year in November we celebrate our church anniversary. A sumptuous Caribbean meal and excellent Jazz live music draws about 70 people on the Saturday afternoon together! The anniversary service hits a celebratory tone like ‘Songs of Praise’.
Of course, our church life does not just consist of highlights, there are the ordinary Sundays, the networking and all the work behind the scenes for which we are grateful.
In everything we thank God.
Sr Jacqui Walker
