2024 This far the Lord has Brought Us, End Of Year Pastoral Report
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. What a joy it is to stand before you today as we reflect on a year filed with God’s grace, mercy and abundant blessings.
I want to begin by giving thanks to our Lord, who has been faithful through every challenge and to each one of you.
Your love, service and commitment to the Kingdom are the foundation of all that we have achieved together in 2024 – our theme has been steadfast in Christ; building on the solid rock! 1 Cor15:58.
This year, we have seen remarkable growth in our spiritual journey as a congregation. I have witnessed how your hunger for the Lord has deepened and it has been inspiring to see new faces join our spiritual family.
Towards the end of last year, the church experienced an exit of the ministers as the church bid farewell to 5 pastors from Junior church, youth, Church Minister, Superintendent Minister and our Kisii Minister. The Leadership is grateful and thanking God for allowing our current Ministers to come and serve the church in a full house capacity of Pastoral team.
Most of our district’s fellowships have continued to flourish and we appreciate the district Co-ordinator and all the district convenors for their good work. Some districts participated in giving for the completion of the new sanctuary last month on November 10th and we truly appreciate.
All groups in the church Men/Women/International Community/Dove/Senior Citizens/Urafiki/Youth have all come forward to minister in our church this year and also give for the completion of the New Sanctuary. May God richly bless all the groups.
Jesus said my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. This has been encouraging to see us living this scripture by participating in prayer programs in this Church. We thank God for all the prayer sessions in our church and thank the congregation for the participation at 5am daily, five days in a week. The Thursday prayers, The Youth Prayer Thresholds, Friday on line Bible Study by the Women Fellowship are all commendable.
God has also used us to make tangible impact in our community and beyond through the social service pillar and we thank the Lord for the success.
Social Pillar Dinner on June 7th was successful and through our Social Pillar, the education and sponsorship department with the help of the Education and Sponsorship Stewards have continued to educate and support children from less privileged families. By God’s grace our education sponsorship kitty is growing within the Trust Fund under the Finance Pillar.
The grannie’s food baskets program has continued without fail and so is the Relief fund by the grace of God.
Health steward organized a medical camp at Gatina United Church and over 300 patients were treated during the free camp services that were offered.
Through the mission pillar, we were able to carry our mission with AEE mission, TEE Kerugoya and Mwea, Kilifi and Tanzania missions.
We are currently in the process of settling LUC Naivasha. So far, we have been able to raise 2,675,618/-million. We trust that the remaining balance will be settled soonest.
We continue also to support our Church in Kisii and Gatina Church. Lavington United Church Academy is growing as well as Lavington United Church Academy at Gatina.
We are open and ready to be sent by God where He may need us.
Your support for the New Sanctuary has been commendable. Fundraisers on March 10th and July 14th during leaders Sunday were done successfully for the glory of God and pledges have been redeemed faithfully and continue to be redeemed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This year we have been able to receive 18 new members and we welcomed them with open arms.
We were able to confirm 39 into full membership of the church last Sunday.
Our children and youth ministry have grown so well, planting seeds of faith to the next generation. We appreciate Rev. Dr. Nene, Rev. Joyce, Carol Ndonye – Junior Church Ministry Steward and all the teachers and volunteers. Next week is our Junior Church Services and a comprehensive report will be given later.
You will agree with me our worship team led by Pastor Peter has led us in spirit filled praise making our service more vibrant.
While we thank God for all this and celebrate these victories, we also recognize that this year has not been without challenges. But even in times of uncertainty God has been our refuge and strength.
This year we lost members of this congregation and people who are close to us. We continue to uphold those families with prayer.
Our grand journey of faith of building the new sanctuary has not been easy but I am happy to report we can now see the end. We are confident that early next year we shall move to the new sanctuary. Thank you for your unwavering support.
As we look ahead, I believe God is calling us to even greater things. In the coming year I plan to share our vision for our Church which may include: -
- How to make our district more vibrant.
- Expand our ministry to reach more people
- How we can engage the community more
- Discipleship/How to grow deeper in knowing the power of God through His word
- How to encourage more brethrens to serve God
Let us continue to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us always seeking His will above everything else.
On behalf of the Clergy, we are proud to be your Pastors and deeply grateful to each one of you.
Let us remain united at LUC, steadfast in faith and passionate in our mission to share the Gospel
Together let us press on towards the goal to win the prize which God has called us heavenward in Christ.
As we come the close of the year, we thank the Lord for the grace that carries us into the new year.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
