History
In 1926, Winter Gardens Mission was begun as a church plant from a local Baptist church, but for the first 83 years of its’ existence, the congregation had no stipendiary leadership. Through the years, several lay pastors and moderators gave time voluntarily to support the work of the mission.
However, by the commitment of the small but determined fellowship, and with the guidance and support of a moderator, a reserve was built up over several years. Together with a Home Mission grant, the church was able to call a Minister-in Training from Spurgeon’s college in 2009. At that time, the Sunday morning congregation numbered 12-17, and there had been one baptism in the previous twenty-five years.
We are thankful to God that two years on, our numbers have doubled and we have had the joy of three baptisms in 2011.
Schools
Strong links have been forged with the two primary schools immediately opposite the church. In October, all the children from one school attended harvest services in the church, together with about 100 adults. In December we held two carol services in the school at which 450 people were present. The school choir sang at our ‘Carols by Candlelight’ service which again attracted large numbers. We also open the church for the children to visit twice each year as a part of the curriculum.
Last June we had a stall at the school summer fete, where we gave out balloon animals and invitations to a magic party in the church that evening. Eleven children came, and some parents stayed also.
In August, we had a stall in the local shopping precinct, which enabled us to make contact with people, and pass to them an invitation to the church, whilst selling them home-made cakes!
Care Home
We also hold a service in a local care home once per month and visit at other times to sit and talk with the residents.
Knitting Circle
We began a Knitting Circle in the Autumn and this has proved very popular, with more than 20 ladies attending each session, mostly previously not know to us. Some came to the Gift service in early December when their work was handed to Christian Hope International.
The Future
The population of Canvey Island now stands at 45,000, but we estimate that only 0.6% of the population attend a church on a Sunday. Progress is slow and there is still a huge amount to be done, and we trust God to lead us in the future as we partner in His mission.
It’s great to see the seeds sown over a period of time beginning to produce some fruit, but this has only been possible with the help of the Home Mission grant, for which we are very grateful.
