I want to begin by thanking you all for being here tonight. It is very good to be back in the Parish Hall, with the retrofit work just finished. It may not have been the most glamorous project - but it was an amazing achievement in terms of the generous giving that came from you, the parishioners, to make it possible. THANK YOU for that!

I am reminded of what St Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8:3.5. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will - but first they gave of themselves to the Lord.

That really sums it up - you gave generously, because you have given first yourselves to the Lord. That is the secret to our success. We love our church, but mostly we love what happens in it, and the family which has become our family.

I don't think I am speaking out of turn, when I tell you that one parishioner was approached by a parishioner from a nearby Episcopal parish (much larger & wealthier than ours) who was stunned by the quick and generous response to our appeal. Our parishioner's response was that such a result was because we offer inspiring worship, real fellowship and definite teaching, which is all based on the gospel. From what visitors tell me, I know that is true.

Because we offer something distinctive and true, our parish continues to grow and develop. This past year has seen many new people not only worshipping, but actively participating. We are glad you are here! It also lays before us challenges, not least in