We are grateful for Jon’s dedication and commitment to Sutton Vineyard for the past 10 years! Much of what Jon does is unseen but vital for us as a community to thrive and grow. He serves the staff, team, and church with diligence and love. Jon, we love and appreciate you so much!
If you would like us to pass any messages on to Jon or missed the opportunity to contribute to the gift we gave him, please let us know, and we will facilitate this for you.
Our First Year
A year ago, we stood before you, filled with a nervous excitement as we became part of Sutton Vineyard to become your Senior Pastors. It feels both like yesterday and a lifetime ago. This past year has been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and deepening connection with this wonderful church family.
Taking on this new position wasn't simply a change in job or role. It was a step into a new chapter, not just for us, but for our entire congregation. Change can be daunting, but we are so incredibly grateful for your trust in us, and your openness and willingness to walk this path together, it has truly inspired us! We have told many people over this year that the success of transition has as much to do with how a church receives the new pastor(s) as it does the incoming leader(s). We have felt so much love and welcome from Sutton Vineyard, and are so grateful for all of you!
As we have been reflecting, a few key themes emerge from this first year:
Jesus at the Centre
The consistent thread that we see throughout Sutton Vineyard is the heart of every person to keep Jesus at the centre of all that we do. Through prayer, worship, and listening to the Holy Spirit, we together, as a church family, encounter the beautiful intimacy with God that we can experience through our faith in Jesus.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:17
Building Relationships
The core of any thriving church is its community. This year, a priority for us has been building relationships between members, both old and new. We’ve invested in time together, encouraged small groups, met with wonderful people joining the church, and had opportunities for meeting together through our mens and womens ministries. We’ve had picnics, conferences, and BBQs. It's been a joy to see our relationships grow and flourish, from heartfelt conversations over coffee to shared laughter at various social gatherings.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:35
Extending the Table
Every church needs a shared vision of what it aspires to be. As the year has unfolded, we have seen the call of God to ‘extend the table to the least, the lost, the near and far off’. All that we do, to reach people and to grow as people of faith is centred around our purpose and our values. We are so excited to see where God leads us in this over the coming years!
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
Matthew 28:19-20
Embracing Challenges
It will come as no surprise to many of you when I say that ministry isn't without its challenges. We've faced difficult discussions, moments of disagreement, and times of grief. However, we feel privileged and grateful to be entrusted by God to share these moments and lead through them with you. All challenges can be opportunities for growth and they can strengthen us. Sutton Vineyard is a caring and compassionate community.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
We all get to play!
We cannot lead the church successfully without you! This year, we've had the privilege of working alongside an incredible team of staff members, volunteers, trustees and leaders. Their dedication, expertise, and sheer passion for our mission are invaluable. Together, we shoulder the responsibilities, celebrate the successes, and tackle the challenges that come with leading a thriving church. We’re so grateful for all of you!
But you [all] will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
This first year has been a beautiful and humbling experience. We've learned more than we ever imagined, not just about leadership but also about the strength and compassion of our congregation. Your unwavering support, your willingness to embrace us, and your active participation in shaping Sutton Vineyard continue to inspire us.
Looking ahead, we’re brimming with excitement for what's to come. Together, we will continue to build relationships, refine our vision, embrace challenges, and collaborate wholeheartedly. There will be bumps in the road, of course, but I have no doubt that with our unwavering faith and commitment to one another, we will continue to grow and thrive as a church family.
As we embark on this new year together, let us remember the words from Philippians 1:6:
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this journey with you, we’re so excited for the future together!
Celebration Sunday!
We also wanted to let you know that on Sunday 21st July, we'll come together for a Celebration Sunday to celebrate all we've accomplished this past year as a church family. We'll acknowledge the incredible dedication of our Sunday and midweek volunteers, and express our deepest gratitude to those who give so generously.
The service itself will be filled with joy, thanksgiving and celebration, followed by a delicious Hog Roast feast! Get ready for an afternoon of fellowship, games, laughter, and fun. This is a celebration for everyone – a chance to connect, relax, and enjoy being part of this amazing community. We can't wait to see you there!
All our love,
Libby and Julian x
