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In the afternoon we had our business meeting which is an integral part of the Assembly. Messengers from the 58 registered churches discussed future assemblies and one or two other things. There was lots of participation and a good spirit. We were free for an hour or two then before reassembling at five for our news session, which is always a good time. We heard from Glen Hanna now pastor at Downe, Kent; Matthew Cox from Chorlton, soon to move to Bethersden; there was then a reference to a new pastor going to Basildon and a lovely description of things at Derby Rd, Watford (whose paator Tom Forryan is soon off to France) by Phil Jordan. We also heard from Sandra Stevens about God's goodness to the folk in Kirby-Le-Soken in what was something of a financial crisis and from Pam Thomas of Wigan and getting to know Muslim women in Liverpool. Keith John s very kindly offered me the opportunity to say something about Childs Hill. People were particularly struck by remark about not knowing quite what to do there (after 30-odd years that is). Ma;colm McGregor so enjoyed it that he asked me to join the two speakers (Paul and Paul) later as we fielded written questions following on from their messages. People are very kind.
In between that, after tea, Paul Lintott gave his second message on justification. Having spoken of the relevance of the doctrine to the unconverted, he spoke of what an encouragement it is to believers. Good stuff.
