Induction Service of New Minister

Dear All,

it has been a lovely afternoon in beautiful but rainy Ardingly for our induction to the ministry at Ardingly Congregational Church. We'd like to extend our warmest thanks to everyone who came and all those who worked so hard for it - well done! Special thanks to the leaders and church members of Southwick Christian Community Church, as well as John and Sally Crutchley (John is the vicar at Ardingly's Anglican Church), Mark Evans (Congregational Federation), and Alistair Scott (Pastor in Oxted). It was lovely to see ministers and believers from different churches come together in support of our tiny work which we seek to extend in the years to come. 'Two are better than one,' the Scriptures teach us (Eccl 4:9), so working together with a fine attitude of mutual respect despite our uniquenesses and differences will make the impact of the Church much stronger.

Just this week I was speaking to a nice lady, who is a kindergarden teacher, about the loss of values in our society today which is the main reason why things have been deteriorating so much in recent years. To teach children, the youth, and even adults decent values for a healthy community is but one of many important reasons why the Church and its biblical values are so crucial in society and its influence must regain strength unless we want things to become worse. During the Welsh Revival in the early 1900s, alcoholism and crime has virtually been extinguished due to people turning to God and embracing His ways of living which proved to be such a blessing for people: fathers would spend their money on their families rather than wasting it all on drinking and gambling - now that is something worth pursuing!

God wants His Church to be a blessing and positive influence for all people and peoples, and that is exactly what Ardingly Congregational Church is all about. Vicar John Cruchtley's fine affirmation of partnership in the village for God's purposes has been a tremenduous encouragement for my wife and me today, and we are very much looking forward to seeing its fulfillment - thank you, John and Sally! May the good Lord bless your labour and sacrifice.

So, we're happy to be here and are looking forward to fulfilling our part in God's plans for this village and area. May the love and truth of God penetrate our lives, families, villages, and nation!


Shalom,
Gordon & Family