2008 has been a year of highs and lows. In March a very successful reunion was held at the Formby Hall when former members of the Church gathered to renew friendships. This contrasted with the 'Back to Church Sunday', which was held in October when there was little response to the invitations sent out.
After many years of small numbers attending it was good to see the Church full on Easter Sunday morning. This was an international gathering as we had four visitors from America worshipping with us.
One area that has become a cause for concern has been the decline in those attending Sunday School. Whilst reasonable numbers attend Youth Club on Thursday evenings so few want to attend on Sunday mornings. To all members of the church I would ask that you pray earnestly for the teachers as they seek God's will.
Another low point is the decline of those attending worship on the first Sunday of the month. Again this must be the subject of much prayer by members of the Church.
From some of the above it could easily become a report of doom and gloom but within the fellowship there is much hope. Besides having major work done to the premises to improve access and fuel efficiency there have been successful events to raise money for these improvements.
In April there was a folk evening with Bram Taylor and later in the year there were visits from Warrington Salvation Army Songsters and Bethel Newtown Choir.
Looking at the Reports from various sections the Women's Auxiliary reports another good year with an increase in numbers. Monthly devotional meetings have been held along with keep fit, craft nights and a number of evenings involving food. The visit by the Air Ambulance was informative although there was disappointment that they did not arrive by helicopter. Their year ended with a party with games and carols shared with the Mens Fellowship
Whilst only a small group, the Men's Fellowship, continue to meet monthly and enjoy good times of fellowship. Talks on gardening and the Citizens Advice Bureau were among their meetings and the highlight of the year was another good day of fellowship with all the church at High Legh. Connexional President Ken Irwin was the speaker.
The choir report a year when things have remained static. One member resigned and a new member joined. They concluded their year of involvement by presenting the Christmas musical 'Away in a Manger'. The Choir Secretary in concluding her report by saying "We not be the biggest or the best of choirs but we sing from our hearts to give our praises to our God". As a church we are grateful for their contribution to our 'special' services.
Early in the tear one of our members was diagnosed with cancer. After surgery and further treatment we are glad to report that Jayne is now recovering. As a fellowship we thank God for the way He has been with Jayne and we pray that her recovery will be complete. As a leader in the Sunday School, Youth Club and also a Church Leader this meant members of the church taking on extra responsibilities and we thank God for their willingness to share the work. Withinthe Youth Club numbers have remained static. The programme of structured epilogues means that the seed of the Godspel is sown and we pray that at some time this will bear fruit. Just before Christmas a request was made for the young people to make Birthday Cards for Jesus. It was good to see that they understood what the true meaning of Christmas was all about.
The Sunday School year began with a Covenant Service. Sadly this year there were no new Junior Members. During the year there had been trips to a local Bowling Alley, High Legh, Blackpool Illuminations and the Octagon Theatre. In June Gail and Daniel Castro led the morning worship and spoke to the children of some of their experiences. As has already been stated, the main concern of the leaders is the decline in numbers attending Sunday School and they ask for the prayers of the church as they seek God's guidance.
Towards the end of the year we were sad to lose one of our members, Mark Buckley. For a number of years nw Mark had been confined to a wheelchair but attended faithfully week by week. All will miss Mark.
As I bring this report to a conclusion it would be remiss if I didn't thank all those who have faithfully brought God's word to us week by week. During the last year there has been much we have to thank God for. We now look forward to 2009.
In most of the reports there is a call for prayer by the church. Members of this fellowship are invited to our monthly Prayer Meetings and also to take the opportunity to lead our Prayers of Intercession during our morning service. Finally to our brithers and sisters throughout the Connexion you are asked to pray for us as we seek God's plan for this church. Acts 2 verse 42 reminds us that the early converts, 'Devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers'