It was a beautiful spring morning on Sunday, 12th of May 2024, and the lush beauty of this new season adorning the streets of London heralded a Lord’s day of many joys blessed upon the congregation of LCPC, as we welcomed our new associate minister, Rev Kevin Arévalo, his wife, Beverly and their children Adriana, Diego, and Matias into our church family, accompanied by the addition of new members, and a bittersweet farewell to two existing members whom we cherish.
During the morning service, our pastor Andy led the induction of Rev Arévalo to the position of associate minister and elder on the Kirk Session. Kevin made vows in front of the congregation, presented by Andy, who was then joined by elders Dick Haffenden and Peter Fraser in welcoming Kevin and praying for him, and the congregation, in thanksgiving for God’s glorious work, and for the chapter ahead. We were then gratified to welcome two new members, including Kevin’s wife, Beverly Arévalo and Sam Snowden, who took membership vows and formally joined the congregation. Andy preached a sermon from Hebrews 13:17-21, The Blessing of the Better Shepherd, and we then partook of the Lord’s Supper together with the newest members of our church family.
After the service we had a congregational lunch, where both old and new friends sat down together and shared food and Christian fellowship. The spread was a combined effort of the regular members and attendees, and was not just physical sustenance, but food for new conversations and connections, and a time of sharing for all. There was also an opportunity for Kevin to address the congregation, now as our associate minister, as well as a presentation to the entire Arévalo family from the church in welcome.
Alongside the celebration of these new beginnings, we were also saying farewell to two of our members, Angela and Davis, who were returning to their home country of the USA and were a beloved part of LCPC during their time in London. The LCPC family is truly a global one, and like all of our brothers and sisters spread across the world they will always remain a part of the fabric of our church, no matter where their paths take them.
At 5:30pm our evening service commenced, and we were delighted to welcome Rev Paulo Brasil as a guest preacher. As the day came to a close, the glory of God and his work in the life of our church remained a vivid beacon, and in it a blessed new chapter began.
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13: 20-21
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