Three months into full-time ministry, life has continued to be both busy—busier, in fact—and fruitful. I’ve found a renewed sense of focus and have become more single-minded in purpose. I’m now leading with fresh energy, stronger faith, and clearer direction for the team.
In the midst of all this, I had the privilege of attending and sharing the story of The Higher Place at an event for pastors and leaders in Germany. It was especially meaningful that four of our team members could join us. We were deeply encouraged by the prayers spoken over us and the sense of support from ministries from far and wide.
Since I last wrote, so much has happened in church life. Mission Month brought inspiring guest speakers who helped deepen our passion for mission. Our three Super Sundays, beginning on Easter Sunday, brought fresh faith and flexibility into the life of our church. We’ve heard many praise reports—the unchurched trying church for the first time, the dechurched returning after time away, and others giving their lives to Jesus. It’s been especially encouraging to see many of them now taking next steps in the church.
The “Anxious for Nothing” series has also been a real blessing. Many have shared how it deeply spoke into their current situations, and it’s been encouraging to hear ongoing conversations around what God is doing through it.
It’s been wonderful to welcome new members, see more people serving, and experience a growing sense of unity, faith, and togetherness.
I’ve also started a monthly write-up for our men titled “Discipling Men: Growing Faith, Building Brotherhood.” I’m looking forward to continuing that journey with them.
As we look ahead to May, I’m looking forward to training the next cohort of leaders through our Basic Leadership Training. We’ll also be hosting Men’s and Women’s evenings during our usual prayer times—similar in spirit to last year’s “Pray and Dine” meetings.
As I shared in my sermon titled “God at Work” during Mission Month, there is a growing desire to intentionally support and encourage the professionals and business people within our church community. I’m therefore really looking forward to our Professionals and Business Forum on 13th May, which will be a great opportunity to connect and be equipped.
I’ll also be setting aside time to prepare for our upcoming 10th anniversary series. I hope you’ve already saved the date for the anniversary. In the lead-up, we’ll be sharing “10 Stories of Changed Lives from 10 Years” starting mid-May, alongside other events including the Greenwich Fun Day on 11th July, all building toward our grand celebration on 19th July.
As always, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you—our leadership team, all the leaders and everyone who gives, serves, and believes in this vision. Thank you for being part of this journey—what God is building among us is truly special, and I’m expectant for all that’s ahead.
I hope to see some of you at the Life Group Weekend this weekend. Please remember that due to London Marathon road closures, we’ll have an online-only service this Sunday 26th April at 10:15am.
The Best is yet to come!
Much love,
Paul
PS: Below is a forward look at key dates for your diary (also available on our website -https://www.thehigherplaceuk.com/calendar):
Forward Look
Life Group Weekend – 25–26 April
Online Service Only – 26 April
Youth & Young Adults Service – 3 May
Alpha Course for Students Starts – 3 May
Women’s Evening – 8 May
Young at Heart Afternoon Tea with Pastors Paul & Debi – 10 May
Professionals & Business Forum – 13 May
Basic Leadership Training – 17, 20, 24 & 27 May
Men’s Evening – 22 May
Pentecost Sunday – 24 May
Young Adults Hangout with Pastors Paul & Debi – 31 May
Father’s Day – 21 June
Leaders Assembly – 27 June
Greenwich Fun Day – 11 July
10th Anniversary Celebration – 19 July
Sports Day (After Service) – 16 August
Women’s Weekend Away (TBC) – 21–23 August
Mobilisation Sunday & Back to School Sunday – 30 August
Multigenerational Month – September
Multicultural & Multigenerational Sunday – 27 September
Freedom Weekend – 2–4 October
Christmas Service – 13 December
New Year’s Eve Service – 31 December