Important Announcement – January 2019
After a lot of time spent praying, seeking counsel, and hearing clearly from God, we came to the decision at the end of 2018 to stop planting The Bay Vineyard church.
This hasn’t been an easy decision to reach, we know it is the right decision, albeit a painful one and appreciate that this may come as a shock and sad news to some. When we moved to Herne Bay, we came with a dream to see the promise that Jesus gives of “Life in all its fullness” come to this town and gathering a group of people who would run together with us towards that.
We also felt passionately to immerse ourselves into the community of Herne Bay, to be markedly a church that was accessible to everyone, no matter background or beliefs.
This vision wasn’t an abstract concept, but a core part of what we believe God has put in us and who God has made us to be. We have realised that continuing with The Bay Vineyard church plant would look like choosing into a very different vision to the one we came with in order to continue in a sustainable way. It is not right for us here and now – we don’t feel a calling to a different dream, nor would it be a fit with who God has made us to be, our gifts and characters and life circumstances at the moment.
However we are enthused by the strong communities of churches in and surrounding Herne Bay and further afield who are committed to pursuing similar visions for this town. We are working to transition leadership to another local church of our most popular community, Lego Club, which will continue this year. Change is never easy and we are working hard to make it as smooth as possible.
We have been, and continue to be so incredibly thankful for everyone who has given their time, money, energy, and presence whether one-off or for the entirety of our time. We have so many stories, from the encouraging of people finding community and friendship, to the miraculous of prayers answered and bodies healed. We have been privileged to be a part of the story God is writing here in Herne Bay, and know that will continue. We have truly loved Herne Bay, and believe that God has much for this amazing town. We also know that nothing that we have done will be wasted, and trust that everything that we have sown here will be harvested in due time.
Thank you for journeying with us, however that has looked.
God is good.
Josh and Kat
