Tilehouse Street Baptist Church,
Hitchin Tilehouse Street Baptist Church,
Hitchin
OUTLOOK
We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
Dear Friends
In Jane's last contribution to Outlook, she referred to the "Ongoing Journey", the update to Tilehouse Street's history produced for our 350th Anniversary in 2019. We are conscious of the responsibility and the opportunity we now have to take part in and contribute to that journey.
But first we pause to recognise and give thanks for Jane's wonderful and distinctive contribution to our journey. The many friends and colleagues that joined us for her farewell weekend give testimony to the high regard in which Jane is held within our Baptist denomination and also by churches and Christians in our town. She takes our very best wishes for her future back to Rugby and as she travels to Australia for a well-earned holiday.
As Deacons, we are ourselves very aware of our responsibility and intention to enable the church to maintain and develop our ministry, our care for each other and our contribution to the community. But we know that leadership in the church is much deeper and wider than just the Deacons. On the first Sunday of our new era, John Maguire and Carol Ward led us in a Songs of Praise Service featuring some members' favourite hymns. They spoke of the Baptist emphasis on "the priesthood of all believers", that is that each of us has the privilege and responsibility of sharing in the leadership and mission of Tilehouse Street Baptist Church.
John & Carol lead 'Songs of Praise'
During Jane's ministry, we have been able to come to church each Sunday knowing what to expect, maybe sometimes too "hands on" for some of us, but we knew it was Jane and that she knew us. Now that we will have a variety of ministers preaching each week, we will have a God-given opportunity to experience different styles of worship and preaching as they bring God's word to us.
It is a hallmark of our church that when visitors come, there are many who make sure they feel welcome. Indeed, as Meg reminds us in the News of the Community, this of course extends to both regular members of the congregation and those who are unable to attend. We are indeed known as a "welcoming church", something that drew me to Tilehouse Street over 50 years ago. That's who we are!
As we engage in the process of seeking and calling a new Minister, we are putting together our Church Profile, as we shared at the recent Church Meeting. Its aim, as we reflect and develop it, is to let any minister thinking about Tilehouse Street know who we are in many ways.
Mary Moody
As Deacons, the first person we turned to for advice, was Mary Moody, our Regional Minister. As John Richardson so memorably put it when he preached, quoting Miss Higgins from "Call the Midwife "what we need is Love! - and Administration". Mary is indeed helping us with the administration.
During a Pastoral Vacancy, it is normal for the church to appoint a Moderator to guide us. (Some of you may remember David Ronco, our last Moderator in the time before Jane came.) After making enquiries, Mary put forward Graham Clarke's name. He is a retired Baptist Minister, formerly at Marshalswick in St Albans. We had a very helpful and constructive and meeting with Graham and we have invited him to preach on Sunday 5th July. Then at our church meeting on 26th July, we will have the opportunity to decide whether to appoint him.
As we enjoy the longer evenings and the warmer weather of Summer (not to hot please), perhaps we can take a little time to reflect on the part each of us will play in the "Ongoing Journey" of Tilehouse Street Baptist Church. As Keiron reminded us when he preached, it is often the small things - a listening ear to a stranger, a mention that you go to Tilehouse Street most weeks, an invitation to Open Church - that speak of our faith.
Every blessing,
Martin Stears-Hanscomb
You might realise this copy of Outlook is slightly larger than normal. I thought you would appreciate some photos of the end of Jane's ministry. If you go online you will be able to see them in colour! I should warn everyone that I no longer have Jane's eagle eyes to spot typos or issues with full stops and so apologise in advance.
