'God delights in working through ordinary people in ordinary places' 

Reflecting on the past year at Dormansland Baptist Church, Surrey, we see faithfulness. Cups of tea served, chairs set out, prayers prayed, songs sung and time given generously. And in all of it, we see God quietly at work, writes minister Jac Parson

It’s been a real joy to see how God has been at work in and through our little church over recent months. We’ve been reminded again and again that God delights in working through ordinary people in ordinary places.

Our regular Friday Hub continues as a warm, welcoming space with chair exercises, coffee, cake and lunch; but more than that, a place of belonging. Our lunch club offers the same welcome and a real place of community. Our youth and children’s groups, formerly Urban Saints, continue under a new name, with a residential weekend planned for June and our annual Fireworks Night now a real highlight in the village calendar; a wonderful expression of community and connection.

We’ve begun visiting local care homes to sing familiar songs and pray; simple gatherings that allow everyone to join in. At Christmas we took the local school choir with us to sing carols as one of our deacons helps to run the school KS2 choir. Our minister also takes regular assemblies.

Christmas was a special season: we ran a Community Christmas Choir who sang at our Carols by Candlelight service, we had fun dressing up for a ‘pop-up’ nativity, and sang carols in the local pub. All gentle but powerful reminders that the message of Christmas is for everyone.

Inclusion has been a key focus. We long to be a church where everyone knows they belong. Our activities for children with special educational needs and their families have provided a safe, understanding space where children can be themselves and parents can relax, knowing they are among people who “get it.” Our "Parent Carer Café" has grown to be a real place of peer support. Inclusion isn’t an add-on for us; it’s at the heart of the gospel. We are committed to lowering barriers and making our services accessible and welcoming to all.

We also celebrated a baptism in November and have welcomed new members, always signs of encouragement and new life.

When we look back, we don’t see flashy programmes or big numbers. We see faithfulness. Cups of tea served, chairs set out, prayers prayed, songs sung and time given generously. And in all of it, we see God quietly at work.

As we look ahead, with Easter just around the corner, our prayer is simple: that we would stay rooted in Jesus, open to our community and committed to inclusion. We want to keep noticing opportunities, responding with creativity and courage, making space for those on the edge, and celebrating every sign of new life. We would appreciate prayer for all of the above! 
 

This article originally appeared in the monthly South Eastern Baptist Association (SEBA) Association News, and is republished with permission