"We Have Lift-Off!"

Hope4Chesterfield was launched with great enthusiasm at the Winding Wheel, New Year's Eve, by an All-Age ‘congregation' drawn from more than 20 Churches around the town. The celebration was led by Dave Bunting, of New Life Church. The room resounded with praise echoing the Churches' many strands & traditions: a strong steady rhythm to "How Great Thou art...", "When I survey the wondrous Cross", Charles Wesley's "Come let us anew our journey pursue...". & both well & lesser-known contemporary worship songs. The New Life Youth Band accompanied, & the New Testament Church of God led worship with some spirited singing.

There was a very poignant moment just after midnight when arms were linked to sing ‘The Millennium Prayer' from Rob Frost & Paul Field's ‘Hopes & Dreams.' Rob, a Methodist minister & the inspiration behind many new & imaginative ventures in evangelism for more than 20 years, died of skin cancer a few weeks ago at the age of 57. Bread & Wine were shared, & prayers offered for one another, the Churches, the community & the nation. In a spirit of unity under the Lordship of Christ, a prayer written for the occasion committed the Churches to doing more, doing it together, & doing it in word & deed.

We heard from a variety of speakers, about some of the events planned for 2008, & everyone was challenged to look beyond next December to a commitment to a unity in evangelism & mission which would be far stronger than the things which divide us.

As the launch drew to a close, Hope4Chesterfield prayer balloons were released through the ballroom windows, rising into the skies above the crowds leaving the Winding Wheel, the pubs & the clubs, & the remainder of the evening was handed over to the young people. Similar events, all under the banner - "HOPE 08" - had been taking place in villages, towns & cities around the land.

The aim, ‘DO MORE - DO IT TOGETHER - DO IT IN WORD AND ACTION!" - had got off to a great start, as we began the New Year in Prayer & Praise - & there was no going back.

David & Sylvia Griffiths