This is such a strange day – for the first time in 27 years I am not responsible for the conduct of public worship in St Peters. Of course I have been away from St Peters before on a Sunday – but this is different. Then I was returning – this time we have left. As someone said last week – ‘this is like a funeral without a body’! Last Sunday was our last Sunday here – it was a very emotional occasion. Our Church family were loving, kind and generous. St Peters is a church full of talent. Annabel received some lovely jewellry made by Lizzy Humble – a lady who was the British young jeweller of the year. We also received this painting by Robbie Macmillan – a brilliant artist in the congregation (to own a Macmillan is a joy…have a look at his website – https://www.robertmacmillan.co.uk/
And we also received this beautiful gift and very moving gift – its created by Davie Macleod, another artist in the church, with the help of all the children who leant their thumb prints. What a great reminder to pray for each of these precious children.
Meanwhile we finished the series on Romans with two sermons on Romans 16 – a great way to finish….the praise was wonderful. Thanks to all who came from all over the country (the furthest travelled was from Wolverhampton)….May the Lord continue to bless his people in St Peters – you will be forever in our hearts and on our lips…
Morning Service:
Evening service:
This was my final Monday Message the following day:
David’s final Minister’s Message:
This is my final Monday message and it will be my shortest. I could make it a very long one by listing the many ways in which Annabel and I appreciate and love you – but there is no need. We are so deeply grateful for the way that you said goodbye yesterday. It was deeply moving for us, sad yet joyful. And what a lovely way to finish – looking at Romans 16, singing God’s praise and having fellowship together with a lovely meal. And we loved your gifts – thoughtful, loving and meaningful. We will of course pray for one another – and God willing we will be able to visit you again here, or you visit us in Sydney and wherever the Lord calls us after that. May the Lord richly bless each one of you….and may he send you a minister of his own choosing.
Rom. 16:25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
I leave with a couple of songs…first a personal prayer
And our theme tune…a corporate prayer
Romans 15 – Gospel Ambition; Proverbs 4 – Sinclair Ferguson; Psalm 126
Thank you for challenges and encouragement. Lord bless you and Annabel as you move to pastures new.
Anne
David wish you and Annabel Gods richest blessing as you head to pastures new down below. PLEASE never give up using your God given gifts to challenge where necessary. Wishing you every blessing health and happiness together.
David, thank you very much for your posts, and this farewell Sunday must have been an emotional bereavement for you and your wife. I have sometimes wondered if you manage to get any sleep, as you are a ubiquitous pastor and ambassador for the faith. You critique books, films and art. You are an apologist and travel widely. You engage bravely in the public square. I have especially admired your courage, and do see you as a contemporary hero of the faith in the U.K. You look at the whole of life under the Lordship of Christ. Praying that this new chapter of life will prove very fruitful and productive for you, both in contending for the faith, and in seeing lives drawn to the Saviour. With very grateful thanks, and prayer for your continuing health, and ministry. Graham Cotter, retired Vicar from St. Andrew’s, Buckland Monachorum, after thirty four years.