2009/10: the year in review

The 2010 Annual Report was published last Sunday. It declares the goodness and faithfulness of God and recounts endless stories of transformed lives.  Grab your copy from the entrance tables this week or click the link below and read about all that God is doing through His church here at ashgrove.

Kevin opens the Annual Report with these thoughts...

Throughout the year God has impressed on me His intention to restore all things; to establish a 'well watered garden' where there will be no more sorrow.  As you read this report I trust you will see hints of that garden.  For me I see the garden emerging in the way God is at work in people's lives now and in the opportunities He is placing before us to be signposts pointing to His Kingdom.    

As I look back at 2009-2010 three things in particular give me great hope for our future:   

ashgrove ... a people committed to the vision God has given us

I am convinced more than ever that God has called ashgrove to be a people whose whole purpose for being is 'transforming communities through Jesus'.  This report highlights a multitude of different communities where ashgrove is involved and the common factor on the part of those who are ministering, regardless of the situation, is a longing to see people being transformed. 

ashgrove ... a people committed to serving God
One of the overwhelming aspects of this report is the number of people it represents.  While we know we are living at a time when people are under enormous time pressure and attendance habits at Worship Gatherings are changing, we never-the-less see more people putting their hand up and getting involved.  This report is a celebration of the many who faithfully serve God as a part of ashgrove.

It is important to acknowledge that underneath all this activity is a quiet dependence on God. Throughout the report you will see a constant acknowledgement that it is God who is at work in our midst, you will read about people seeking God through prayer and I trust you will be encouraged to look forward in faith together with the various ministry leaders. 

ashgrove ... a people served by a committed ministry team
For many years now we have intentionally used the language 'ministry team' to describe those people who are employed in the service of ashgrove.  Modelled on the idea Paul highlighted in Ephesians 4, we have, in a similar way, sought to put in place a team of people who are gifted in different ways and function in different roles.

The year under review has seen three additions to the Ministry Team - Stewart Beveridge, Dan Paterson and Tim Sweetman.  One of my greatest privileges is leading this team of highly motivated, hard working and committed people.  As you read the reports which follow, you will see their influence coming through constantly as they 'prepare God's people for works of service'.

When I commenced this role God encouraged me through the words spoken to Esther ... who knows but that you have come to this position for a time such as this.  Consequently over the years I have taken the view that God has put me here for this moment in time.  As I look back over this past year I am still very conscious of that word.  And I trust that you similarly are conscious of your call to ashgrove for a time such as this.  I believe God is doing something wonderful in our midst and I'm looking forward to all that He has for us in our future.

Kevin Bird
Senior Team Leader/Pastor 

Click to view ashgrove's 2010 annual report