If you missed the Moving Forward meeting on Sunday, then have no fear – this is where you can catch up and find how to get stuck in!

This year is hugely significant for the long term shape and future of Church at Barking Riverside. On Sunday we held our first Annual Church Meeting to share the situation with anyone invested or interested in this community. We shared the story so far, our current situation, and the challenge we face, before giving a chance for everyone to think what our next steps – together and personally – may be.

It’s more about FAITH than FUNDING…

Practically 2024 is significant because our initial funding from “SDF” comes to an end…this has been like a greenhouse providing a safe place to begin growing something new. But the way we have started, our vision, values and shape, have all been led by faith, listening to and joining in with God from the beginning. And He is still speaking, still moving. As we’re now being planted out of the greenhouse, in the ground, we’re listening to Him, trusting His leading, and moving forward with faith.

Read, listen and respond to keep joining us on this journey!

Everything you need to catch up:

If you only read one thing…

This doc takes you through all you need to know – with pictures! We set out the story so far, what’s happening right now, the challenge we face, and how we move forward.

Find your place…

There are a number of ways to get involved whether prayer, practical help (regular and one-off), financial support, and being involved in our decision making. Pause, pray and use this form to take a next step.

From the horses mouth

You can hear all that Sam shared here.

Honest about money

As a community we want to be transparent, honest and biblical in the way we approach finances. You can find our End of Year Accounts here spelling out every penny. We believe that:

• Giving is a key part of our worship as Christians
• We give in response to God’s unconditional love, not to earn blessings
• Each person gives according to their means, in a manner that is between them and God – never forced or cajoled
• Use of finance needs to be for God’s kingdom, with decisions made as a community and transparently

One last word? Wheeeeeee!

We often end meetings by asking each person to share one word describing how they feel…what’s yours?

I’m left with the feeling of being at the top of a roller coaster….nervously excited….full of expectation…. Let’s keep our eyes of Jesus, join in with what He’s doing together, and be ready for something incredible to grow in our community.