New minister for Selhurst
It was a joyful day on Saturday 27 February when about 160 people gathered to witness the ordination and induction of Robert Pickering into the pastorate of Selhurst Evangelical Church.
Rev. Pickering had been the assistant minister at Selhurst for several years and was trained by the previous minister, during which time he had completed the PfS and Cornhill courses.
He gave his testimony as to how the Lord had saved and called him into the Christian ministry. In spite of calls from other churches, Rev. Pickering was certain that God wanted him and his wife, Rachel, to stay at Selhurst.
The ordination service was conducted by the retiring minister, Winston Saunders, including the laying on of hands by the leadership. The induction service was conducted by church secretary Ken King.
Winston Saunders preached from Deuteronomy 31:8: ‘He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not leave you or forsake you: do not fear nor be dismayed’.
It was the end of one chapter in the life of the church and the beginning of another, but not the end of the book. A buffet tea and time of fellowship followed the service.
Barrie Llewellyn
