Emmanuel God With Us.

Well here we all are, the Big Day has arrived.
The church called Emmanuel; it has survived.

The building you know, its had a sort of facelift
Practical, cosmetic surgery, are you getting my drift?

The decision was made in the far distant past,
A little upgrading, something to last.

But as you can see, a complete turn around,
Even that pulpit just cannot be found.

That draughty old building which was loved by us all
Has ‘state of the art’ carpets fitted wall to wall.

And talking of walls, the colour is ace
Just look at the pride on our Pastor’s face. (it was his decision!)
The chairs have been padded; an excellent feature
We do need the comfort we’ve got a long- I mean- good preacher!

Even a desk with its own swivel chair
Sound system, computer - it all happens there.

The heating, the lighting is second to none
The Gallery upstairs yes its all been done.

The work on the outside has made it look better.
Even at night you can see every letter.

But its not just a building, its not just a hall
If that were the case there’d be no point at all.

We come to this place to worship God’s Son
The Darling of Heaven - Yes - He is the One;

The Reason for it all who takes centre place
All this has happened because of His grace.

Preaching the Gospel, declaring its worth
Touching the heavens and reaching the earth.

Always declaring the work of the cross
How Jesus came for a world that was lost.

Showing the sinner the way to the Saviour
Knowing God’s love and learning God’s favour.

This is the purpose this is our aim
We’re pressing forward and it’s in Jesus’ Name!

Emmanuel God with us, what more can we say
His promise forever is with us today.

(Written by Pauline Gregory especially for our opening service)

A Celebration Of Christian Witness

A hundred years of Christian witness has gone forth from this place
A testimony of God’s wondrous love, his mercy and His grace.

This church was built with faith and love, not just with bricks and wood,
The people then like the people now all proved our God is good.

This building has stood proud and strong, shining like a beacon bright.
Drawing people to its source, to Jesus Christ the Light.

Scores have bowed the knee to Him, in worship, wonder, praise.
Different hymns and songs were sung, many anthems have been raised.

There’s been many people saved here, many saints have been baptised.
Have praised God in the spirit, with joy and tear-filled eyes.

Full of humble gratitude, for all the He has done,
In loving so abundantly, and giving up His Son.

To die on the cross of Calvary, to rise up from the grave.
So He could heal the broken lives and their sinful hearts to save.

Yes, many people have ventured over the threshold and through these doors
This place has endured through the times even through two great world wars.

When the numbers had gone down, a remnant did remain
Praying and interceding for God to fill this place again.

He is ever faithful and always answers prayer
Bringing in the people from here and everywhere.

But it’s not the building that’s the church; it’s us His living stones.
That he fashions by His grace that He gently hones.

The fellowship has been so sweet, that we share with one another,
Joined in unity, by cords of love in sister and in brother.

Let’s exalt our God together, let’s praise Him with claps and cheers,
For allowing this place to reach this time, a witness for a hundred years.

 (Written by Nigel Power for our 100 years of Christian witness service)