I had planned for this second article about New Life Church (NLC) in Gibraltar to focus on some of the believers in the fellowship and their contribution to church life.
However, that has been overtaken by some important news. As I explained in April, NLC holds its Sunday service and other meetings in the Church of Scotland, St.
Andrews church building. The Church of Scotland (CoS) meet at 10:30 am on a Sunday morning for a punctual one hour service and NLC helpers arrive at 11.40 which gives us about 20mins to set up our audio equipment etc and commence our service “at Noon”.
In June, the International Presbytery of the Church of Scotland announced that they were no longer willing to continue to fund the cost of a full time minister in Gibraltar as well as other costs they bore. As a result, they plan to dissolve the local church (known as the Kirk) this autumn. Gibraltar is not being singled out and a similar decision has been taken in respect of almost all the other European Church of Scotland fellowships as well as a further dozen in Scotland itself. This action is to cut its losses as congregations reduce in size.
NLC plans an extended prayer session on Tuesday 6th September to seek the Lord’s will for its next step. Michael Aguilera the pastor and I met with the government minister for Education, Environment & Heritage in July to discuss their support for an arrangement where HM GoG gives its backing to NLC acquiring this listed church building, which is an important heritage site. It’s early days, but initial signs are encouraging. It will probably come down to how much the Church of Scotland want for the building at the end of the year.
Please be in prayer with us over this matter and in particular as to whether to try to buy the building we currently use or seek alternative accommodation.
Back to key individuals. Michael (who also works full time as an accountant, is currently preaching through Romans chapter 5 on Sunday mornings. His wife Ben, is the church secretary, webmaster and a Christian author, as well as supporting him. Our music and worship is led by Felicity Sardina and her husband Manny.
Late news – Kevin says: Just to let you all know that our new Church website is now up and running. Why not check it out:
New Life Church, Gibraltar https://www.newlifegib.com/
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Remember the note from April’s letter?
The heading for these articles……. Yes we worship here on a rock. It’s a big limestone rock which stands 426m high (1,400 ft) and is 2 ½ miles long and one mile wide. However the focus of our worship is “THE ROCK” to whom we all owe our salvation
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