Accra: Andy Gorman
It’s December! For many people across the city, this time of year signifies the end of a season, but for Hope City Accra this is just the beginning!
Christmas is a time for family and friendship; for
sharing some great moments together and reflecting on the best of the year.
It’s no different for us in Hope City Accra – but there’s
also a unique sense that we’ve only just started and alongside many of those
cozy ‘Christmassy reflective feelings’ that normally accompany this season of
life. Our church is riding a wave a growing expectancy that has got us all on
the edge of our seats!
This month work begins on our new church venue in Osu, just off
Oxford Street. Our Christmas BIG WEEKEND with carols by candlelight is set to
be so much fun and is a fantastic opportunity for you to invite your friends to church. This month we've also got Connect Christmas parties and our biggest church family lunch
ever! We are so enjoying getting to know those of you have been with us in
recent weeks and made this church your home. I can’t wait to say a big
‘Akwaaba’ to each one of you.
So, the next small step is a simple change of gear. We are almost bursting with anticipation
for what God is going to do through our church and the amazing ways He is going
to grow, strengthen and use our congregation in this city.
When I’m in a car driving or in a taxi being taken around the
city, I’ve noticed that the driver changes gear many times. No matter what the
journey, the driver will shift up and down the gears to efficiently get me from
place to place. This helps me out a lot when it comes to thinking about our own
lives and especially our church. It’s not about whether you shift UP a gear, or
whether you shift DOWN a gear – what’s important is that you just choose the
right gear for the stage of the journey you’re on.
When things are speeding up
and you hit the open road, then you have to shift UP, go up another level in
your life. Similarly, when transitioning in
life – going from the end of one season into the beginning of a brand new one –
it’s important to drop down a gear, catch your breath so-to-speak in God and
allow Him to stretch you, re-invent you, change you or simply speak into you to
prepare you for what is ahead. It’s like sitting on the bench during a soccer
match – the coach has moved you off the field for a period of time – you’re
still on the team, in the game, but just taking a moment out on the bench.
For many of us in Hope City Accra right now it is
a time for us to shift up a gear! It’s just one gear and it’s not about speed
but all about momentum. As we stride boldly and confidently through December
and into 2011, our breakthrough is at hand. God didn’t intend Hope City Church
to be contained in a little hotel room in the corner of the city – but he’s set
us apart to be a bright light in the very heart of the city. We’re not racing,
just moving forward in the will of God and everyone of you is invited to join
us on the journey of a lifetime. Karen and I love doing life with you!
Don’t forget that Connect this month is a brilliant opportunity to
join in the life of the church, make some new friends and the Carols by
Candlelight Christmas service on Sunday 12th December will be such a great night
for all your family and friends. If you haven’t signed up for the ‘Painting
Parties’ to help renovate our new church venue, it’s not too late because
there’s plenty to do! As we look after the House of God, I'm sure He’ll
look after you and your house!
Merry Christmas and a very
Happy New Year, all our love
Rev. Andy Gorman
Congregation Pastor of Hope City Accra
.