Support Services Update - January 2024

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to read our latest Monthly Update.

The New Year can bring a range of emotions. Whilst Christmas is often referred to as the season of hope, January can be a post-holiday-blues period. Flooding has significantly affected many in our country, (including some who are reading this). And the situations in Ukraine, Russia, Israel, and Palestine might lead us to think we live in dark times. But in the darkest times, and darkest months, we can affirm that our Christian hope shines brighter.

Jim Packer famously wrote: “Optimism hopes for the best without any guarantee of its arriving and is often no more than whistling in the dark. Christian hope, by contrast, is faith looking ahead to the fulfilment of the promises of God.”

Our Support Services team members continue to encourage me and each other with their dedication, cheerfulness, and hope. We are also encouraged to hear the uplifting stories of outreach, Baptisms, and community impact from Churches, and greatly appreciate all the hard work done on annual returns. Thank you and God bless all you do.

Our monthly updates aim to provide you with helpful support in your mission and ministry. Please do email us with any topics you would appreciate articles on. This month's update includes articles on:

• General Counsel Vacancy
• Baptists Together Annual Returns
• Baptist Insurance
• Baptist Assembly
• Utility Aid
• ACAT Membership
• Pastoral Fund

May we be encouraged by these truths:

‘God has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. … For we live by faith, not by sight.’ 2 Corinthians 5: 5 & 7.

‘Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.’ Isaiah 43: 18 – 19.

We pray all of you will know God’s blessings throughout 2024,

Chris Jones
Support Services Team Leader


Click here to view the full January Support Services Update