Trinity Mount Barker

 God has brought many people into our church in the nearly two years that we have been together.  This growing community of young and old and in between has been one of the great blessings we’ve received from God’s hand.  I’m constantly hearing of people’s excitement at being part of a growing family where God is at work making himself known and drawing people to himself.  A growing family also presents challenges! This year our children’s and youth ministry has grown to six separate groups at three different addresses and on Sunday mornings, the kids in our Children’s Ministry have taken over yet another room in the Molly Miels building.  And as was especially evident over the holidays when the children stayed in the service, we’re heading steadily towards capacity in the gymnasium.

Since July 2011 the Leadership Team have been considering ways for us to continue to accommodate the growing number of people that God is drawing into our community, and as you will be aware, our plan is to grow to two Sunday morning gatherings, at 9 AM and 11 AM from the 29th of April.

 Having made that decision, I think there are two important steps for us to take.  The first is to thank God for building his church, not just at TMB but in every place where the good news of Jesus is proclaimed.  Secondly, we each need to consider the part we will play in this growth phase.  I know that many people have already been thinking about which gathering to become a part of and some have already decided.  For many, the “convenience factor,” what will work most easily for us or our family, will be a key criteria in deciding which gathering to become a part of and serve in, but can I encourage you not to make that the only criteria?  The paper And Then There Were Two … outlines some of the other considerations we ought to keep in mind as we work out which gathering to serve in.  If you haven’t got a copy or you’ve misplaced yours, you can collect one from the Welcome Table on Sunday or download it here.

On Sunday February 19th we will be having a meeting after church to give you a chance to ask questions and hear more about our plans. We plan to introduce some of the people who will be leading different ministries at the 9 AM and 11 AM gatherings so you’ll be able to see who to talk to about serving God and his people at whichever gathering you’re involved in.

Please join me in giving thanks to God for the Leadership Team who wisely saw this need and started preparing for change nearly a year before these things will actually happen.  And please keep praying for the team as they lead us through this time of growth and transition.