A church is born

The story of the last few years.


    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.