Épinal Centre: witness implies persevering in love

12 June 2024 0 Sandrine Laporte

We thank God for blessed moments shared together at the annuel get-together of the Épinal Centre on 2^nd June 2024. It was a real joy to see brothers and sisters again, several of whom we had not seen for quite some time!

The day began with a  welcoming cup of coffee for the brothers and sisters arriving from the churches in Bertrimoutier, Vagney, Chaumont, Neufchâteau and Luxeuil. We started with a sketch performed by young people from various churches, which was a good introduction to the topic Love is always appropriate!

There followed a time of songs of praise before listening to Aurélien Bloch, our speaker for the day. His teaching was really encouraging and edifying. We were stimulated to enter a greater dependence on the Holy Spirit in order to love our neighbour. The teaching was so rich it is hard to summarize.

Some key thoughts for reflection

♠ First of all, think about God’s heart concern for the world;

♣ Sent by love: the Father sent the Son, the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit, we are sent into the world;

♥ the driving force of mission is compassion and its aim to gather a people of worshippers;

♦ a watchword: “Let us not be like hens who are always looking down at the earth but like the eagle who soars up through the Holy Spirit to accomplish our mission.”

Aurélien’s message was followed by a time of prayer in small groups with some encouraging testimonies always related to our theme, which stimulated us to “go”. Then there were announcements, in particular the reminder that the Épinal Centre has a trained help team which is ready to assist the churches.

After a packed lunch and the opportunity to share and have fellowship there was a further session with Aurélien followed by a time for questions. The day concluded with a walk and snack.

Next year’s appointment is for the first weekend in June, another opportunity to experience a wonderful time of fellowship together!

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9.35-38

Didier Conte