The following day, we gathered to celebrate becoming one parish, Christ our Hope, Liverpool. Our diversity was illustrated by a range of differently, fabulous cakes, each designed to say something about each worshipping community. We delighted in our unity, gave thanks that over three years we’ve got to know each other better with each church committing to live out God’s call in their locality. We draw strength from each other and our ministry and mission is stronger. We praised God, for His goodness and faithfulness and His Spirit at work in us and committed to and prayed for our future.
There were over 100 people there. We voted for Churchwardens and PCC to serve across the parish. Archdeacon Miranda joined the celebrations and encouraged us as we move forward together. Ruth Hassall, our Fit for Mission coach, a familiar face to many in our churches, spoke from Ephesians 3 and 4, about the enormity of God’s call and His generous equipping. Helen Edwards, our Team Rector gave thanks for all who had worked with commitment and grace to enable us to become Christ our Hope Liverpool. She talked of how she felt like we have reached a summit on our journey together, a moment to pause. She invited us to look back at where we’ve come from, look around to see who we are sharing the journey with and look forward, to see the God who calls us and the communities we are to serve.
Generous God, we thank you for calling us together in the Parish of Christ our Hope.
We praise for you for the blessings of the past.
We seek the power of the Holy Spirit in the present.
We pray for ever-growing Christ-centred communities in the future.
Lord, by your Spirit, may we be renewed in hope and inspired to share the Gospel,
as we serve Christ and each other, in Jesus name. Amen
