A little more than
three years ago, it was evident that the church in Netherfield was in difficulties.
All of the four mainstream churches that then existed were small in number
with ageing congregations. Within ten years or so, unless something
happened, there would be no Christian presence in the town. A meeting
was called of the mainstream church leaders, and prayer began. At
the time, it was hoped that the churches might find enough common ground
to consider moving together - perhaps merging. This was not to be.
However, from that time, regular meetings were held at which the four denominations
were represented, and thoughts arising out of prayer were shared.
We all felt that God's will was for revival of the church in Netherfield
- and that this would be an exciting new phase!
In July 2002, one of
the church leaders felt called by God to start a new church. He contacted
some other Christians to ask them to pray and see what they felt the Lord
was saying to them. As a result, a group of about six Christians
from various denominations began to meet together, and after several meetings
and much prayer, they placed a press release in
the local newsletter beginning "Netherfield
to have a new church"
After
some nine months of regular prayer meetings, this small group felt that
it was being led by God into a new way of 'being church'. It also
felt that it should join with the old United Reformed Church members in
the move towards revival. As a result, there is now an enthusiastic
new church in Netherfield which is part of the United Reformed tradition,
but is very different in spirit from the traditional churches - although
it values and uses much of the resources of the mainstream denominations,
as well as those which the URC has to offer. In September 2003, the
first of the expected church closures took place. The Methodist church,
which had met for many years in the premises on Dennis Street, held it's
final celebration service on September 13th. In the United Reformed
church, however, the members are full of hope for the future. Exciting
things are happening, and the church has been full on a number of occasions.
You can see for yourself some of the
things that are happening.