Psalm 31 v14

Dear Friends,

It feels as though we are taking some small steps forward, having now had a service where we can sing together (albeit behind masks) and without the need to book a place. It’s going to take considerable time for us to build up to the kind of communal life we once had, but I feel a great sense of hope and trust that, no matter how slow and winding the journey is, God has hold of us and in every circumstance is working for good. It is good to be able to say with the Psalmist that our times are in God’s hands.

The summer tends to be a quieter time in church life, and this year especially I pray that God will bring refreshment to each of us as we (hopefully) enjoy some good weather, perhaps a break away or time with family and friends. We remember and pray for the Youth Camp which will take place from 2nd-6th August, this year as just a day camp rather than residential. We pray for the leaders, young people and children, that they would be encouraged, refreshed and blessed by their time together.

I will be taking some time off, initially to do some reading and planning, and then to spend time with my family. My thanks go to those who will lead us in worship during that time, I know that God will speak to us both words of encouragement and challenge through them.

Finally, I am thrilled to be able to share some really good news! We are delighted that after a rigorous recruitment and interview process, Alison Warlow has been appointed to the part time role of Children’s Worker at Woking URC. If you read the job advert you’ll have seen that we were looking for either a full time Children and Youth Worker, or two part time workers with the job split between children and youth. Alison will be able to start work with us in January 2022, having just recently given birth to baby Eloise. We so look forward to Alison’s work among us as part of the staff team and thank God for his provision for this new chapter.

We realise this still leaves the issue of a part time Youth Worker outstanding. We hope to be able to appoint someone to this part time role eventually and encourage your prayer for this. As this post remains vacant, and Alison not being able to start until January, we will have to work together as a church family to support both our children and young people in this coming period. If you feel called to help with this, even just in an interim way, please let me know. We are confident that God will provide and we fully intend to maintain the focus we have always placed on our children’s and youth work.

Yours In Christ,

Lucy