God’s Promises, Our Faithful Journey Dear friends, As we move through the rhythms of this season, from Easter through to Pentecost, I’ve been reflecting on my faith journey and on the journey of faith of the people in the churches of the Ipswich and East Pastorate. Some deep and hopeful words are found in Romans 4:13–25. In this passage, Paul tells the story of Abraham, not as a perfect man, but as a person of deep trust. Paul reminds us that it wasn’t Abraham’s actions or adherence to rules that secured God’s promise — it was his faith. A simple, steadfast belief that God’s promise was for him, even when the evidence in front of him seemed to say otherwise. This big idea — that God’s promises are realised through faith — is both timeless and incredibly timely. Especially in a world that often measures worth through productivity, conformity, or power, Paul’s message is a liberating one. The promise doesn’t depend on our perfection. It doesn’t require that we fit a certain mould or tick all the boxes. The promise is grace. And it’s for all of us. What I love about this passage is its expansive vision. Paul isn’t just talking to one group. He’s deliberately opening up the story — saying, “Look, Abraham didn’t receive the promise through the law, following a whole set of rules, but through faith.” That means the promise wasn’t just for a specific lineage or those who followed a certain path. It was, and is, for everyone who trusts in the God of love and life. In our own context, this has powerful implications. It reminds us that God’s promises include those who have been pushed to the margins, excluded from churches, or told they don’t belong. Faith, Paul says, is what unites us — not dogma, not doctrine, and certainly not exclusion. In this light, we read Abraham’s story not as a lesson in blind belief, but as a testament to trusting that God is still working, still fulfilling promises of justice, inclusion, and peace. Faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about accepting and embracing God’s promise, even when it’s hard to see the way forward. It’s about believing that resurrection is possible — in our lives, in our communities, in the broken places of the world. And welcoming that the Holy Spirit does dwell and work in us even when we sometimes question what we see and do. So, let’s be people who live by faith. Not just in belief, but in action. Let’s continue to build a church where all are welcomed, where diversity is cherished, and where God’s promises come alive through the way we love one another. With grace and peace, David

The Sanctuary The sanctuary is also very flexibl e in layout, but as the chairs are m ore substantial, re-arrangements r equire much more work. Ther e is a loop sound system and a projection screen. The organ console se en in the picture to the left is moveable. The organ pipes can be seen above the congregation seating ar ea in the picture below.