Grace Church - Family Meeting Update

Written By Sia Hima

It was a joy to gather as a church family this week and reflect on all that God is doing among us. For those who weren’t able to be there, here’s a summary of the key updates, celebrations, and plans for the months ahead.

Welcoming New Members

One of the highlights of the evening was welcoming new members into the life of the church. We celebrated and prayed for:

  • John Imeson

  • Timothy Asikele

  • Tony Walker

  • Joy and Nick Parks

  • Rachel and Andrew Stanford Jason

  • Robert Oades

We gathered around them to pray - thanking God for bringing them to Grace Church and committing to walk together in faith.

Growing the Staff Team

As the church continues to grow, so does the need to strengthen our staff team, not to do all the ministry, but to equip the whole church for works of service (Ephesians 4:12).

Current Team

  • David McNee 

  • Sia Hima

  • Rosie Donohue

  • Rose Maylin

  • Joe Deal

  • Evie Owen

  • Kate Harris

Immediate Opportunities

We are currently recruiting for:

  • A full-time youth leader

  • A part-time ministry development lead

The application deadline is the 6th of April, and we’ve already received a strong level of interest.

Looking Ahead

While not firm commitments yet, we are prayerfully exploring:

  • Expanding parish nursing (in partnership with St. Francis Church)

  • Making the internship a permanent annual programme

  • Increasing support for children’s ministry

Financial Update

We’re grateful for God’s provision and the generosity of the church.

Income & Giving

  • £135,000 received (vs £127,000 budgeted)

  • 75 households currently giving

  • 10 new givers joined, 8 stopped

  • Gift Aid contributed £24,000

  • Additional special giving totalled £15,000

Spending

  • Expenditure remains within 2% of budget

A full 16-page financial report is available on request.

Looking Ahead in Giving

To support future staffing and ministry growth, we are aiming for a 17% increase in regular giving.

Key dates:

  • Vision Sunday – May 3rd

  • Follow-up communication to the church in May

  • Gift Day – July

Youth Ministry

It’s been an exciting season among our young people.

  • 35 teenagers attended a recent weekend away

  • Many powerful encounters with the Holy Spirit

  • Monthly Youth Together worship nights now gathering around 80 young people across Salisbury

What’s Coming Up

  • Baptisms in April and July

  • Exam support for GCSE and A-level students

  • Preparation for NewDay festival

We also want to honour Rosie Donohue, who is finishing her time as youth leader after several years of faithful and impactful service.

Kids Ministry

Our children’s ministry continues to grow and thrive:

  • 83 children attending regularly

  • 48 visiting in the last 6 months

  • 12–15 babies and toddlers in creche

Recent Improvements

  • New iPad registration system

  • Clearer volunteer structure and training

  • New systems to support safety and organisation

Current Needs

  • Additional volunteers, especially for registration

  • Preparing for growth as younger children move up

Over the summer, groups will combine occasionally to give leaders a well-earned rest.

Little Acorns Baby Group

Our Thursday morning baby group continues to be a brilliant point of connection:

  • Meeting at St. Gregory’s Hall (10am–12pm)

  • Welcoming new mums and families

  • Creating natural opportunities for conversations about faith

We’re always looking for more volunteers to help with:

  • Setup and hosting

  • Tea and refreshments

  • Supporting parents and children

Outreach & Alpha

Our recent Alpha has been hugely encouraging:

  • Strong attendance and community

  • People exploring faith and encountering Jesus

We’ll be running Alpha again in September, and we’d love you to be praying for those who attended the recent course.

Parish Nursing Ministry

This ministry continues to have a deep impact in our community.

  • 42 clients currently supported

  • Practical, emotional, and spiritual care provided

  • End-of-life and bereavement support offered

Recent highlights include:

  • 24 Christmas hampers delivered

  • Ongoing support through the Mercy Fund

  • Growing volunteer involvement

There is also an exciting opportunity to expand this work in partnership with St. Francis Church.

Thank You

There is so much to be thankful for - lives being changed, community growing, and God at work in powerful ways.

Thank you for being part of Grace Church. However you serve, give, pray, belong - you are part of what God is doing here.

Let’s continue to follow Jesus together in faith.

Sia Hima
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