Outing ended up in sharing Mission

On behalf of LTCC this year outing was organised  by one of our Council members to Littlehampton on Saturday the 5^th August 2014. Morethan 40 people including adults and children joined the trip. As usual people were collected in 2 different places before 9am: South Harrow and Heston Methodist Church. The weather was not very promising in the beginning and the travel also had many constraints because it was not up to our expectations, but our joy of being together was not taken away from these challenges. We talked, played, laughed and ate together.

We played in a vast area of a play ground. We started playing with the majority of mixed groups both young and old and men and women. 2 of our congregation senior members played the cricket and that was a marvelous image I still carry. Gradually all of them took part in the games and played together. During lunch time each one shared their food. We had enormous amount of food which were organised and displayed. The food was  shared with the helping hands of our volunteers.  As time went by the ground was full of people joining from many other organisations on that day. So we had another challenge, our place was trying to be encroached by others. When others moved in, some of our conversation helped me to think about how we have grown up spiritually. When our place was taken away by other people, our members were encouraged by one another to understand other people. We were able to share the ground with them as the ground belongs to every body. We were able to continue playing  our games happily in our given space until 2.30pm and some of us were visiting the sea shore as well. After 2.30pm we had been given for our own time with our family. What a great testimony!

At the end of the Outing, before we got into the bus, one person was down by a severe stomach pain. Those who were with him panicked how to help him. There were few nurses amongst us. One of the nurses immediately came and helped. But her hands were already weak. She recently had a fracture in her hands too. 2 hrs later the friend was feeling better. When we were about to depart from Heston Church he was telling everyone, the nurse (our member) who helped her was like God to him. What a wonderful testimony! People need simple help. They expect compassion.

Everyone can help when we have confidence to share our capacity no matter whatever situation we go through .Christ came into this world to share this model of Compassion, holistic contribution in Mission to share what he have. This year Outing encourages to see how LTCC is growing with  Christ like Mission in our challenging situations.

Rev. Jessie Anand

Fun day reveals God’s generosity

Fun day 2014 was a glorious witness for God's generous action in the life of LTCC held on 5^th July from 2pm to 7pm at Andrews Church at South harrow. Slowly and gradually the ground was filled with people from extended Church Families.  The day started with the blessings of rain. But it never stops to see the enthusiasm of the participants to express their community spirit in our activities on that day.

Games were organised by the Youth and the Fun day organiser fantastically to play inside and outside of the Church Hall. The participants were divided into 2 groups and  given the  colour Red and Green, to encourage the belongingness within the groups. We experienced laughing and encouragement which was fantastic. The group leaders were given the opportunity to choose the competitors for each game was also enjoyable. 


Regarding Food on that day, Who would bring and what would be available was a mystery. But the result was colourful and immense. 
Lots of generous hands provided scrumptious food. When the food was provided the plate was full. What a great joy!

There were more than 50 participants and very glad to note they were mixed age groups. Familiar and unfamiliar people had fun together which was the climax of that day! Age, gender and religion were the mixer of combination of the group. Children and youth brought real family atmosphere on that day. We laughed, chatted, ate and played together.



Two relaxing stalls were there. One was the collection of beads and jewellery which were the hand works of one of the committed Congregation members which was excellent! Children enthusiastically encouraged to approach the participants to sell the different items which seemed to be a marvellous efforts from our younger generations. This was much appreciated.  All were ready to do the nail polishing and supported financially for that day!.

The final was men’s foot ball and cricket Teams. Very loud and well participated.  Women were not only watching but they encouraged one another to play shuttle. Some played the game first time in their lives! It generated the health consciousness as well. 



Finally the prizes were distributed. The  Organiser and the youth put their energy to appreciate all the families through this effort. 
We ended with the LTCC thanks giving prayer both in Tamil and English: bless the Lord Oh my Soul all that is with me bless His Holy name. Bless his Holy name. Bless the Lord Oh my soul and forget not all His benefits. Amen! 
Yes, we really need to uplift our hearts to give thanks to God who was generous and brought committed people to put their energy for the success of this day! All glory to God and let His name be praised! May the people worked hard be blessed by Him.

The Rev. Jessie Anand