Elders Update: A message from James Burstow:

“After more than 15 years as an elder of Grace Church, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step down.
The elders recently agreed the principle that all of us should take a break after seven years of service and since I have served more than double that, I have decided to step down and make way for someone who can bring renewed energy to the role.
It has been a great privilege to serve as an elder and I am hugely grateful to my wife, Alexa, for her unwavering support and faithful service alongside me. We have been amazed and humbled to see how the Lord has established and grown Grace Church, and we are thankful for so many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ who have been alongside us on the journey.
God-willing, we hope to remain fully involved in the life of the church, and we wish the existing and soon-to-be-appointed elders well.”
James Burstow.

James' last Sunday as an elder will be on the 22nd June, which gives us time to mine his wisdom as elders until then. It should not be underestimated how much James and Alexa have done for Grace Church and the Lord Jesus over the last 15 years. They have sacrificed much out of a love for Jesus and His church, and they should enjoy a well deserved break from the specific responsibilities and pressures of eldership. 

The other elders have already expressed their great appreciation to James and we trust the whole church family will as well.

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
1 These 1:3.