Over the last year, Jo and I have continued to feel incredibly privileged and called by God to serve within the Ley Group of Churches. Time and again, we’ve seen clear signs that this is where God wants us to be — through the many blessings we’ve experienced and the fruit we’ve witnessed in the life of St Laurence And St John’s and the wider group.
It has been deeply humbling to be welcomed so warmly. Many of you have allowed me to walk with you through joyful celebrations and through moments of profound pain. This trust is something I hold dearly, and I remain excited and full of hope for all that God is continuing to do among us and within our community.
One of the most heartening developments has been the success of various outreach events — from community gatherings to seasonal celebrations — which have not only drawn people into our churches but also built stronger links with our villages. These events have been a source of great joy and encouragement. They’ve reminded us of the church’s unique place in community life and have opened doors for conversations and relationships that we pray will grow deeper in the months ahead.
Another striking and wonderful sign of hope is the growing confidence people have expressed about the future of our churches. Rather than being daunted by change, many have leaned in with faith and expectancy. A number of people have come forward to explore Confirmation — a beautiful expression of growing and maturing faith. It is inspiring to see individuals want to take that next step in their journey with God, and we look forward to walking alongside them.
Looking ahead, the APCM is not just a time to reflect, but to ask together: “What is God calling us to next?” We are a diverse and gifted community, and I believe we are being called to grow and release people in their everyday ministries — encouraging one another to be confident in our faith and to live that faith out in every aspect of life.
We also need to continue thinking creatively and prayerfully about how we use the opportunities presented through the occasional offices — baptisms, weddings, and funerals. These are sacred moments that can be doorways into deeper involvement with the church, and we should be intentional in how we journey with people at these key times.
One of the areas we are now beginning to develop more intentionally is a pattern of prayer across the group of churches. This will be more than just what we do in our Sunday services. We are exploring ways to grow a rhythm of regular prayer — as individuals, small groups, and as a wider church family — to seek God’s presence and guidance together. We will be praying specifically for growth: both numerically, as we long to see more people come to know the love of Christ, and spiritually, as we deepen our own faith and reliance on God in our daily lives.
We are also looking at the strategic use of faith-based courses — both for those who are exploring Christianity for the first time and for those who want to grow in their discipleship. Courses such as Alpha, The Prayer Course, and discipleship resources will become key tools in how we nurture faith across the Ley group. These will offer accessible, relational spaces where questions can be asked, faith can be explored, and community can grow. This is part of our wider vision of helping people take the next step, wherever they are on their journey with God.
The legacy of worship and ministry in Ansley provides us with a strong foundation. With this heritage, and with open hearts, we look to the future with hope and excitement. I believe that God has so much more in store for us here in St Laurence’s and St John’s.
So let us continue to seek God’s vision together, trusting in His timing, and ready to respond with courage, compassion, and faith.
With gratitude and blessing,
Rev Steve Medley