Each month, the South Eastern Baptist Association’s News from the Networks page shares stories about what’s happening in Baptist churches across south east England. We’re part of the Gatwick Network, which includes churches from Dorking to Haywards Heath and from Godstone to Horsham.

In July 2023, it is the turn of Life Community Baptist Church, and the article written by Pete is reproduced here.

Gatwick Network

Life Community Baptist Church

This year, we celebrate 30 years since LIFE Community Baptist Church held its inaugural service in a school hall in Horsham. A report from the day recorded the excitement, expectation, and trepidation of starting something new. After COVID, we began a process of re-envisioning what our church community could look like, and over the past year, we’ve been exploring new ways of gathering and worshipping together.

So, on the first Sunday of the month, we’ve focused on gathering outside the church walls, meeting in a town centre café for themed conversations or venturing out for a Walk, Talk & Prayer session. On the third Sunday of the month, we now meet around the meal table, sharing communion and table fellowship. After dessert, we explore the meal’s theme – such as “Bread of Life” – which included a live cooking demonstration making flatbreads for our communion. It’s been a joy to share these meals with those who won’t otherwise come to church.

This all flows from our focus on Whole Life Discipleship, as we seek to encourage and equip people for the frontline mission field of our everyday lives.

Prayers

• Give thanks to the Lord, for his faithfulness over the last 30 years of LIFE Community Baptist Church
• Ask the Holy Spirit for His wisdom and leading as we look towards the future
• Ask the Lord to provide for the financial challenges we are facing.
• Pray for all the churches in Horsham, as we meet and pray together under the missional banner of Hope 23-24.