Monthly Message (May 2007)- Our Centenary Month and church history

Dear Friends,

One hundred years is something to celebrate. It was on May 9th 1907 that the Christians who gathered in the newly built Henleaze Congregational church signed the roll of membership and were commissioned to be a church to serve the developing neighbourhood.

Earlier in January of that same year, at a service they had heard from the Revd. Silvester Horne, who had challenged, "Will you believe with me that our power in this place of Christian worship to convince and to convert, to change the mind, to create faith where there is not, and awaken love where love is asleep or even dead - our power to do these things depends not on this pulpit.... but on the reality of our worship, the intensity of our faith and common prayer...". On 9th May the first 50 church members answered that challenge with their commitment to be a lively, active Christian Community in this place.

It is that covenant, that sacred covenant, that we celebrate this May.

It has been fascinating to participate in researching the 100 year history of the Church. In the book, published this month for the anniversary, I hope that you will enjoy reading of how that sacred commitment has been built upon over the years.

I mention just a few of the strands of the story and character that emerges in our history.

Firstly, fellowship. The story of this church is grounded in its members building a good life together. Throughout the 100 years people have cherished their friendships and shared the unfolding of their life histories in this community of faith. Through times of joy and celebration, and times of difficulty and sadness, friendship and an open honest welcome have been profoundly important in enabling the life of this church. There has been a lot of fun - and many times we came across the words, 'a lovely time was had by all'. A sense of good will and encouragement makes a healthy foundation for life together.

Then, the church has known that it is here to reach out to and serve its neighbourhood. In 1907 Henleaze was far from the busy residential neighbourhood it is today, very few houses and buildings were here then. Over the century, as the different streets, estates, and areas have been built and the neighbourhood has taken shape, the church has always been concerned to send invitations, welcome new comers and be in touch with the people who live in Henleaze. Built on a lane that became the main road, there has always been the idea that being planted in the middle of this community was about more than an accident of geography.

There has always been a concern to share the faith, particularly with children... and it's interesting to see how the times and attitudes change towards children. From the 'seen and not heard' days of the early century, to the integrated 'all age' world of today.

I hope and pray that this anniversary helps us to reflect, not only in celebration of the past, but for the purpose of building the present and future. We inherit the faith, courage and missionary vision of those who have gone before us... and are called upon to take up the commitment, imagination and passion that is our Christian calling for today.

I wonder what they'll say of us - when celebrating the bi-centenary?

Happy anniversary,

Yours,

Tracey.