Update From Your Pastors

Hello Welling Church family,

Almost 3 years ago, Welling Church was close to permanently closing its doors. Though it seemed like this was a possibility, thankfully, God had other plans. He brought in new pastoral leadership who desired to rebuild the church and re-establish it as a lighthouse for the Gospel in our community. Loads of hurdles were overcome and many changes were made. New paint, some remodelling, and better technology have helped give the building a face-lift, but the real change can be seen in the lives of those who attend. Many people have come to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour, followed in Believer’s baptism, and are learning about the Bible in one-to-one discipleship. Welling Church did not have the greatest of testimonies a few years back, but now we’re known as a church that preaches the Gospel and cares for the people in our community.

The events of last year have made meeting together nearly impossible and changed loads of our plans. Ministry teams, High Street evangelism, and community outreaches all have had to be cancelled, and yet, we persevere. We’ve used new and inventive ways to continue worshipping God together and to stay connected. God is still at work and reaching people through the ministry of our church. We are confident this will continue as we look to better days ahead.

Last Sunday, Josh announced that he accepted the position of pastor at Coldharbour Evangelical Free Church. It may have come as a bit of a shock to some and even a bit sad, but ultimately, it’s exciting news! It’s exciting because God is using Welling Church to not only make an impact in Welling, but also in other areas of southeast London. We can be proud that one of our own will be leaving to lead and minister in another local church. Yes, it will be difficult to see the Bell family go, but it presents our church with even greater opportunities.

Here are 4 opportunities this provides:

Pray - Please pray for the Bell family and for the ministry at Coldharbour Evangelical.
Support - Starting September, find a Sunday to go to Coldharbour and support Josh and his family in-person.
Think - Take time to prayerfully consider how God might use you in the future to answer His call.
Give - Beginning today we are starting a collection for a gift to say thank you to the Bell family for their many years of ministry service at Welling Church. You can be a part by giving to the church and putting in the memo “Bell Family”. Whether you give £5, £10, £20, or more, it all goes a long way to show our appreciation to this lovely family. Please make your contribution by the 31 March.

Josh and his family’s last Sunday will be 28 March. This will not only be a great opportunity to say goodbye but also a chance for our church to properly send them off well with celebration and prayer. Tarl, Justin, and Josh all encouraged you last Sunday to make a plan for returning to church in-person. You may even want to adjust that plan (if you’re able) so that you can say goodbye to the Bells in-person.

We look forward to the time when it is safe for us all to return and gather for worship in-person. Until then, keep praying, keep studying God’s Word, and continue to either join us online or in-person. Remember that God is still in control and His work will continue. Make sure you are part of that great work!

The Elders:
Tarl Reeves, Justin Rhoades & Joshua Bell

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