January’s Newsletter

02/01/2025

Below are excerpts from this month’s newsletter including events and activities. If you have any queries, just click on the Contact Us tab on the top menu and fill in our form.

Reflection on 2024

by Pastor Matt Banthorpe

This past year has been a year of change, my eldest son started reception, my youngest started to walk, and I started as pastor here and Wallington Baptist Church. Throughout all this change two things have remained a constant, firstly the faithfulness of God and the way that he has seen me, my family and this Church through this transition. And secondly, the love and support of my wife, without whom I would be lost.

The change that I have experienced this year has been both a challenge and a cause for great joy. The balancing act that is working for two churches has taken some getting used to, but I think I am getting there. But this period of change has shown me just how supportive the Church of God can really be. My family and I have felt so welcomed and loved by WBC since we started here, and I know that without your prayers and support none of this would be possible.

Furthermore, it is because of your prayers and support that we have reason to give thanks for what God has done in the last year. We’ve seen a steady stream of new faces enter our building, we’ve seen God answer prayers, we’ve also welcomed a number of new babies, and we’ve rejoiced as we had a baptism. But as we give thanks for all God has done for us, we look ahead to the future, in eager anticipation of what God is going to do next. We look forward and pray that God will continue to build His kingdom here and we pray that we would all be bold enough to join with God in His plan for our Church and the world around us.

James 8:4: ‘Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts…’

I give thanks for you all and pray that you and your families have a very happy and blessed new year.

Our Services for January

Come and join us!

Sunday, 5th January 10:30 a.m.- Matt Banthorpe | James 1:1-18
Sunday, 12th January 10:30 a.m.- Naomi Mungroo | Christians Agaisnt Poverty (CAP)
Sunday, 19th January (Communion) 10:30 a.m. – Matt Banthorpe | James 1:19-27
Sunday, 26th January 10:30 a.m. – Barry Clist | All age service

Pastor’s Schedule

Here is Matt’s availability for January.

Every Tuesday – Church Office

Every Thursday – Church Office

Matt will also be leading and preaching on Sunday, 5th and 19th January.

Members Meeting

The next members meeting will be on Wednesday, 22nd January at 8 p.m. in the small hall.

Weekly Church activities during the month

Knit & Natter Group, meets every other Monday between 2-4pm in the Lounge (Parkgate Road entrance). If you would like to join and know which mondays the group meets please speak to Brenda Manuel-Warner.

Mens Cycling Group. Meets every Tuesday morning for a gentle ride up to Abbey Mill’s. If you would like to join please contact Dave Usher, Ed Brown or Chris Poole.

Meeting at the Pub. Join some of the men at The Whispering Moon, Wetherspoons in Wallington at 6 pm, every Tuesday for an evening meal and a proper catch up!

Paddington’s Toddlers Group. Continues to run every Wednesday Morning, 9:30 to 11:15. If you would like to join please contact Maureen.

Leechcroft Road House Group. Meets every fortnight Wednesday in person or via zoom at 8:00 p.m. Please contact Ben Fabunmi for more information about dates and details on how to access the meeting.

Ladies Contact Club will meet again, on 6th March 2025. For more information speak to Maureen.

Craft Club will meet again in February 2025. For more information please speak to Fran.

Y-Prayers House Group once a month on a Friday via zoom at 8 p.m. For December’s date please contact Winnie Essel or Jan Stone for more information.

Hospitality at WBC

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Fellowship is an important part of church gathering, which was deeply missed during lockdown when we could not meet. Social gatherings are just as important as the formal service. Joining together informally allows us to slow down and connect. We can welcome newcomers, greet each other and build support networks. And, of course, we all like eating!

The act of sitting down to a meal or drinking tea/coffee with someone feels good and releases serotonin, which is important for emotional & mental wellbeing. This positive interaction and bonding encourages us to do more.

In 2024 we had a successful bring-and-share lunch in April, served over 100 meals at Holiday at Home, and enjoyed many, many cakes.

Thank you to the following members for their help: Asabea, Bettie, Bev, Danielle, Debbie, Fran, Ian, Jan, Joaquina, Judy, Juliet, Lyn, Mary, Meg, Pat, Ryesha, Sandie, Sandra and everyone who brought and shared.

by Delsie Akaki