Dear friends,
In May, we celebrate Pentecost, 50 days after Easter. We
remember how the holy spirit came to Jesus’ first followers and
filled them to overflowing with light and life and how they went out
to share the good news of Jesus with everyone.
Some call it the Church’s birthday, it was the very first time that
groups of believers, filled with the holy spirit, shared the gospel
with others. This is the church’s central message- that Jesus lived
and died and rose again, of his deep love for each one of us and
in rising to new life, he broke the bonds of all the things that hold
us back, all the powers of this world, so that we too can come to
know him as real in our lives.
Pentecost is the birthday of the world-wide church but here in
Ormskirk Street we have had a little birthday or our own- 50 years
of the church in its current building. On 10th April 1976 the church
was opened, the week before Easter weekend – and as Easter is
a time of new life and possibility, so it was the perfect time to begin
in a new location with all its hopes and possibilities. Over 50 years,
the people of God have changed and developed and grown just
like the building. On the journey, we opened our doors to welcome
other groups to come and use the space- from social groups,
educational groups, leisure groups and other charities -yet with a
core group of believers still worshipping God in this place.
I wonder what those who were there at the opening would make
of our church now? I wonder what our hopes are for the future of
this place?
We began our anniversary celebrations with a special service on
12 April led by Rev Linda Elliott (see photos enclosed) and a
special anniversary cake and our celebrations continue with
special services for every Sunday in June plus anniversary meal.
We remember the past give thanks in the present and look forward
as we continue on our journey of faith. May God continue to bless
us as we go.
Your friend and minister
Cath
PS to celebrate Pentecost, Rainford URC invite us all to a ‘bring
and share’ lunch on Sunday 24 May 12.30 at Rainford church hall.
All are welcome.
Pastorate Letter May ’26
