How does Wallington Baptist Church Work?

Like all Baptist Churches, WBC is a congregational led Church. What this means is that we hold firmly to the belief that the Church is a priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9), where the decision making and responsibility for the mission of the Church is shared by all who call Jesus Lord. So, we meet to discern the mind of Christ through prayer, study and discussion at the Church Members Meetings.

Membership at WBC is open to all who call Jesus their Saviour. Membership is not just about attending on Sundays, it’s a commitment to support the whole of church life. This means attending, being involved in church life and supporting through regular giving and practical service. You become a member by asking to join and being accepted by the existing membership.

Your participation in Church membership is vital to the life of the Church because your perspective matters. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, likens the Church to a Human body (1 Corinthians 12). Like a human body the Church has lots of different parts all with different jobs and uses but all one body. In the same way the Church is meant to be diverse and different for we are all unique creations of God, and the membership should reflect that.

One of the parts of the Church body that is different and set apart is that of leaders. Of course, we have Matt our pastor, but he could not do everything, nor would it be wise for him to try. At WBC the leadership team are known as Deacons. Their job is to ensure the smooth running of the church, seek God’s will for the future, and encourage us all in our walk with God.

To be a deacon you must have been a member for at least 6 months and be elected by the church meeting. This is an area where we now need you to consider your calling. This year two of our deacons will finish their stint on the leadership team, and do not feel they are called to stand again. This would leave us with a very small team. Are you the person that God has been speaking to about your role within WBC? If you are not sure or would just like to talk things through, do arrange a chat with Matt.

Similarly, if you feel God calling you into formal membership, or taking on a task within church life, don’t wait to be asked but chat to Matt about taking a new role, anything from making tea to leading the service. God made you to be an important part of the fellowship and without you we all suffer. Many of those who hold practical roles within the church are getting older, their experience and knowledge are key to our continued development as a church, and now is the time for you to walk alongside them so that the long-term witness of WBC is assured. What is God calling you to do?

by Pastor Matt Banthorpe

Men’s Cycling Group

Two main church activities are available to men within the church, although they mostly seem to involve retirees.

On Tuesday morning, when the weather is suitable, a ride from Wallington to Merton Abbey Mills for coffee allows for some gentle exercise and a chance to chat. Group size is usually about 5 but it can vary, and we are often joined by two non-church members.

The same conversations reappear as they have for the last 10 years, but in addition there are more meaningful and supportive interactions.

On Tuesday evening there is the chance to meet for a meal together, numbers are about the same and again there are helpful conversations and a chance to chat with others who use the pub.

We would love others to join us and frequently review what we are doing to ensure it meets the needs of those who attend. If you have an idea of how to extend these meeting or want to join us then do chat to Chris, Dave or Ed.

by Chris Poole

World Day of Prayer

A women led, global, ecumenical movement.
Informed Prayer; Prayerful Action.

On the first Friday in March, there is a wave of prayer around the world.  This year the service has been written by the Cook Islands based on Psalm 139 “I made you Wonderful”.

Mary and I are your church representatives, which enables us to meet with women from all Christian denominations in Wallington and Carshalton, so that we can jointly hold 2 services; 1  in the afternoon and 1 in the evening on this day.  There is also a service in Sutton during the morning. 

Please see the poster below for the details of this year’s local services on Friday 7th March 2025.

From October to January each year there are regional days held across the country.  In January we hosted 1 of the Southeast regional preparation days.  It was lovely to share fellowship with Christian sisters from other denominations, exploring the Bible passage in more detail and find out more about the writing country.  From the National Committee we welcomed the Chair, Carole Bourne, who led us through the service material and how to prepare it ready for March, as well as updating us on National and International News of the movement.

In January we used the children’s material with the Young Disciples and Stars children, who made a lovely poster about the Cook Islands and Psalm 139, which we displayed and used at the preparation day, and it will also be taken to the hosting churches for the services.

I will also be doing a talk to our ladies Contact Club, sharing the background pictures and information of the Cook Islands, along with a shortened version of the service, later in March. 

In May there is a conference called Y-Pray? to explore prayer creatively.  In 2024 this was held on zoom, with activities that had been emailed to us.  Our speaker led us through Psalm 139, using these activities, while Winnie used her technical skills to play the worship songs.

In October we hosted a local Y-Pray? creative prayer morning, a space for ladies to come and just sit quietly, reflecting on the bible passage and Winnie led some worship.

This May, Y-Pray? is a residential weekend in Northampton, which 6 of us will be attending. We are looking forward to enjoying the fellowship time together, but also to have the space to reflect and be quiet with God, as individuals.

   
More information and updates on the organisations our grants support, from the service offerings, can be found at  https://www.wwdp.org.uk/
 

by Jan Stone