It was an extraordinary day, full of excitement and bliss, on Sabbath 17th August 2024. This was the day that Knowsley Church Plant was dedicated and organised as a fully-fledged Seventh-day Adventist Church. The theme, "This Far by Faith," stands as a testament to how God has grown this small community from the initial five families who began worshipping together in 2017. Since then, the church plant has persevered under the direction and leadership of Pastor Romel Ricarte. Not even the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic could stop this faithful group of believers from continuing their worship services, first through online Zoom meetings and later, with the return of in-person gatherings in 2021.
Like many churches that experienced the effects of the pandemic, Knowsley Church Plant faced ambivalence and stalled attendance, which triggered discouragement and hesitancy among church members. However, despite the challenges, the families responded to the "higher calling" with vigour and enthusiasm to serve their community. As a result, they boldly moved forward. By 2024, the original group of nearly 20 had grown to approximately 60 regular members, with numbers continuing to rise.
This beautiful occasion was graced by the presence of several notable individuals. The Mayor of Whiston Council, Mr Stephen Henry, attended alongside his Consort, Mrs Kathleen Oakes, and her husband, representing the Whiston community. Senior ministers of the North England Conference, including Pastor George Kumi, Pastor Emanuel Bran and Pastor Patrick Herbert, presided over the ceremony. The event took place in a packed hall, filled with friends, families, and visitors representing the churches in Area 2.
A resounding rendition of "Then Sings My Soul/How Great Thou Art" by the church choir captured the congregation's gratitude and praise to the Lord. Pastor George Kumi then delivered a powerful sermon titled "Lord, Send the Power." The programme highlighted the multinational ethnicities and diverse cultures within Knowsley Church, showing how they worship as "one body, with one Spirit, having one hope, to glorify one God" (Ephesians 4:4-6). This scriptural theme was reflected in every song, every presentation, and even in the impressive variety of sumptuous foods prepared for everyone in attendance.
The event concluded with an afternoon programme featuring music and a short talk by Pastor Noel Apugan, based on Exodus 25:8: "Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them." It was a fitting close to a joyous Sabbath event, leaving the newly established Knowsley Seventh-day Adventist Church with a rekindled spirit and an invigorated mindset for continued service to God and the community.
