Sunday in Palm Bay

Paddling in the North Sea isn't my usual way to start Sunday, but it was a great way to kick off the first Sunday of my Sabbatical! Assorted dogs and their owners were the only other occupants of the beach. 

Then it was off to St Philip's Church, Palm Bay (not as exotic as it sounds...) in Margate for their 10am service.

Part of my Sabbatical plan is to visit other Anglican evangelical churches to see how they function, and St Philip's came recommended.

St Philip's meets in in a modern building set in the middle of a housing estate, and the building welcomes members of the community for a variety of activities midweek. The church Mission Statement is Honouring God, Serving the Community, Growing the Church.

A number of people welcomed us and introduced themselves to us when we arrived, including the Vicar who told us 'There's a bloke over there who moved here from Redhill a couple of years ago.' I began to wonder...

The service began informally with notices followed by silence, before sung worship, a Bible reading and then an encouraging, Jesus-focussed expository sermon from the Vicar on Hebrews 1. 

1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Communion followed, during which time I spotted the bloke from Redhill...

St Philip's felt like a happy, welcoming and active church: notices included details of an evangelism training session immediately after the morning service, and the news sheet told of a couple of events that Holy Trinity people would be familiar with - a group of 20 young people going to Berega (Tanzania), and a week-long 'Holiday from Home' event in August for the retired community.

Came away without having coffee (having been told that it was of variable quality!), but not before having chatted with the bloke from Redhill...

 ...me and Ian Buckland, formerly of this parish!

Thank you to the members of St Philip's, Palm Bay, for welcoming us - we came away encouraged in faith!