Ordination and Induction of Mark Herbert as Assistant Pastor at LCBC

Saturday 13th September  2014 was a day that has been long in coming for Mark.  Having completed a Geography degree and taught for two years while working with Christians in Sport he felt such a strong call from God that he then spent five years training for ministry in church placements and at Oak Hill Theological College.

Mark and his wife Steph have been living in the village for several weeks now, and he is already an important part of the pastoral team. Today he was ordained, and inducted as Assistant Pastor at LCBC. 

During the course of the service we heard from Paul Woodbridge, one of his tutors at Oak Hill, who noted both his outstanding grades and also his prowess at football(!), and also Pastor Neil Turton who shared the impression of the Elders at his interview of his sincerity, humility, spiritual maturity and pastoral sensitivity.

Mark spoke movingly of his call "God laid such a strong burden on my heart" and his time as a student at Oak Hill "I wasn't taught what to think, but how to think".

The official ordination and induction was carried out by Senior Pastor Jeff Steadman 

He and the elders then prayed for and laid hands on Mark, and also Steph.

Ray Evans from Grace Community Church in Bedford, where Mark had spent some time training, gave an inspiring talk. He reminded Mark that he should endeavour to live a Christ-like selfless life, and lead by the power of example.

Following the service a delicious lunch was waiting for members of the church family and the guests who had travelled from many different places to share in this very special day.

 

 

 

 

Introducing Mr and Mrs Mark Herbert

What a great day it was on 19th July, when our new pastor Mark and his fiancée Steph were married!

  

Several of the fellowship were able to attend this special and very joyous occasion. 

We look forward to the new Mr and Mrs Herbert moving to Long Crendon following their honeymoon, and Mark taking up his pastorship with us in September.

Many congratulations to the bride and groom, we wish them a long, happy and God-filled life together.

BLOCKS - commissioning the team

It's the beginning of our annual Children's Holiday Club - this year on the theme of Lego blocks.  On Sunday the team was commissioned, including leaders, helpers, and the very important kitchen crew!

Global Mission

What a very special Missionary Weekend we have just had! We were blessed with special guests Bishop Louis Muvunyi from Kigali in Rwanda, Simon Barrington executive director of Samaritan's Purse and Pastor Iulian from Calarasi, Romania.

Bishop Louis and Pastor Iulian in discussion at an Exhibition stand

On Saturday we reflected on the genocide in Rwanda 20 years ago, but also heard about what is happening there now, where churches using the Raising Families programme from Samaritan's Purse are enabling families to help each other, and themselves, cope with the ongoing aftermath.   

 We also considered our role in mission and what it means to be part of God's family.

The exhibition gave us lots of information about organisations we support and missionaries we are linked with, including video messages from several old friends.....

 

.. and lunch was enjoyed by all!

On Sunday we received  messages and good wishes from the church in Romania with which we are linked, and great encouragement from Simon Barrington to consider how LCBC should be involved in mission both locally and globally.

Thanks to everyone who made this such a great weekend, and especially to Simon, Bishop Louis and Pastor Iulian for travelling to share the weekend with us.

You can see more about Bishop Louis's UK visit here