The Seventh-day Adventist Church Erdington hosted the community for a fun-filled weekend of activities on June 4th and 5th to celebrate the Queen's 70th Jubilee.
It was a total church involvement programme organised and led by the Personal Ministries and Community Services departments. The celebrations started on the Sabbath with the choir singing in the local high street to the community's delight. Church members witnessed to and prayed for the shoppers, who were glad to take time out from the hustle and bustle of life. During this time, the shoppers graciously received literature, including Steps to Christ and other books and pamphlets.
On the Sunday, there was a buzz of activity as the Church put out a lovely spread of food and drinks for the community, focusing on healthy eating. Although the rain threatened, it did not dampen the spirit of the people who came out to participate in the feast. Much to their delight, there was a fine array of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
As with any special event, special guests were invited, including the Queen's representative, Vice Lord-Lieutenant Professor Helen Higson OBE. Professor Higson's typical day job is the provost and deputy Chancellor (Academic) at Aston University. We were also blessed with the presence of the Counsellor of the Gravelly Hill district, Counsellor Mick Brown.
Both guests spent a good portion of the day with us and were happy to participate in the gospel singing and fun auction. They both commended the Church for its work in the community, with Professor Higson saying she would welcome another invitation to future events. Counsellor Brown was likewise impressed with the Church's work in the community and would like to use our facilities for his monthly surgery when meeting with his local constituents. Our sister church, Sutton Coldfield, was also invited to the event and had their Pathfinder Department present a gift to Professor Higson, which was graciously received.
The pastor and members would like to thank ADRA UK for its generous financial contribution to support Erdington Church's community activities. The community, local businesses and the Church all came together to make this event the roaring success it was. The business community donated items to the charity auction, which raised over £300, which will go towards a minibus appeal.
New contacts have been made, and seeds have been planted. To God be the glory, great things He has done.
