A Word from one of our ministers 

Dear Friends,

As I write this we stand at the beginning of a new year, I send you all the warmest of greetings in the name of Christ Jesus, and pray that for us all there will be peace, joy, light and love ahead, and that in the moments of struggle which will come our way, we will find in God, our constant companion, everything we need in those moments.

The turning of the calendar brings not only an opportunity to welcome what lies ahead, but also a moment to pause and contemplate the journey we have shared over the past twelve months (for me, of course, that shared journey is considerably shorter, just having recently joined you). Through joys and sorrows, triumphs and challenges, God’s 
faithfulness has, I trust, been our constant companion. In the Methodist tradition, this is a season for reflection—an invitation to review both our lives and our mission, seeking to discern the presence and guidance of the Spirit.

At the heart of that tradition, and for many, if not most of our churches, at this time of year, is the Covenant Service—a sacred opportunity to renew our commitment to God and one another, reminding us of the faithfulness of God and our calling as Christ’s disciples.

The renewal of our covenant is not merely a ritual, but a profound moment where we affirm our willingness to be shaped and led by God. We offer ourselves anew, holding nothing back, trusting that God’s plans for us are good. In the words of the covenant prayer, we place our lives fully in God’s hands: “Put me to what You will, rank me with whom You will; let me be employed for You or laid aside for You, exalted for You or brought low for You.”

So, let us set aside time to look honestly and thoughtfully at the year that has gone by. Where have you felt the stirrings of grace? In what moments has God’s love broken through for you? Perhaps you recall times of answered prayer, expected provision, or the gentle encouragement of a friend. Equally, there will have been seasons of struggle, uncertainty, or disappointment, for such is life. In all these things, borrowing words from Paul’s letter to the Romans, we rest assured that “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:38-39).

As you reflect, I invite you to consider: Are there habits, attitudes, or patterns that God is calling you to renew, transform, or maybe even leave behind? The new year offers us a fresh beginning—a chance to lay our lives before God, trusting in His mercy and grace, and in prayer, asking that the Holy Spirit reveal areas within us for growth and renewal.

Our personal reflections are matched by our shared responsibility as a church community here in Cornerstone. Together, we are called to live out Christ’s mission: to proclaim good news, to serve our neighbours, and to embody the love and justice of God, which we have shaped around the four areas of the “Our Calling” document. These are Worship, Learning and Caring, Service and Evangelism. 

Looking back on our collective ministry - under these headings and through the work of our forums - let us celebrate all we have been able to achieve in this past year and acknowledge the areas where we can serve more effectively. Your insights, prayers, and participation are vital as in this new year as we begin the process of reviewing the mission statement and strategy document that we currently have, so that it can provide us with structure and guidance in this new year that lies ahead.

As we think through these things, and as we engage further with the Turning Tides organisation who have expressed an interest in the use of some of our land, let us seek God’s wisdom, asking for courage to embrace those things that are right for us, laying those which are not aside, and for faithfulness to persevere in our ongoing commitments.

As we undertake these life and mission reviews, I am reminded of Paul’s call to the church in Philippi: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14). This is a call not to dwell merely on what has passed, but to move forward with holy anticipation and a unity of purpose.

Together, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, trusting that God is already at work in our midst, preparing us for what is to come.
This year is also the year in which we celebrate the remarkable milestone of 250 years of Methodism in Horsham. We give thanks for the steadfast faith and service that has characterised our congregation through the centuries. It is humbling to reflect on the legacy left by those early Wesleyan pioneers who sowed the seeds of faith in our community, and inspiring to see how that seed has blossomed into the fellowship we share today.

This anniversary is not only a time to honour our past, or dwell in it, but also a moment to look forward with hope. In all that we do, may we continue to be a beacon of faith in Horsham, and may God bless our church family as we step into 
the next chapter of our journey together.

So, friends, may this new year be a time of deep renewal and greater devotion, in our individual walks with Christ and in our life together as a fellowship across Cornerstone. As John Wesley encouraged, let us continue to “watch over one 
another in love,” supporting, encouraging, and praying for each other. Let us step forward in faith, confident in God’s steadfast love, and ready to respond to Christ’s call anew.

My prayer for each of us is that we would know the joy, peace, and strength that comes from walking closely with our Lord, and that together, we would continue to shine as witnesses to the hope of the gospel in our community.

With every blessing for the journey and year that lies ahead of us,

Rev Tony