11 Jun 2025, 09:13Bethene Witter WhiteWelling, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Welling SDA Launches Centre of Influence with Gym and Community Focus
Welling Centre of Influence
There was a calm sense of delight mixed with contrasting feelings of anticipation as the day arrived: 24th May 2025. It was on that day that the Welling Church Hall was officially declared and joyfully dedicated as a Centre of Influence.
Behind the scenes were months of planning by the passionate and committed Personal Ministries Department (PM), led by Brother Tony Furrs in collaboration with Pastor Habib and directors of the South England Conference (SEC). Beyond the scope of the PM team, church members worked tirelessly to install the gymnasium. The team would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed.
In attendance for this memorable occasion were the SEC President, Dr Kirk Thomas; Executive Secretary, Pastor Nathan Stickland; and Safeguarding Director, Judy Clements. Dr Thomas delivered a powerful keynote message, titled: “Breaking Down Barriers.” He challenged us to examine our own prejudices. Below are some abridged statements from his message:
“The Centre of Influence is about restoration.
The problem is, we cannot break down barriers because we want to change people; yet we cannot change our own hearts.
We need Jesus and likewise, so does the community.
Our remit is to love and see others through the eyes of Jesus.
Effort is ours to give and success belongs to God.”
With hearts inspired, we moved from the house of worship and proceeded to the Centre of Influence with joyful singing, led by the praise team and musicians.
Pastor Habib welcomed everyone, and Dr Thomas offered introductory remarks. Pastor Stickland led in the prayers of dedication, inspired by Psalms 121, 127, and 133. This was a solemn and deeply beautiful moment. Pastor Stickland prayed that the Holy Spirit would fill the Centre, that the community would know their help comes from the Lord, and that all who enter would be restored physically, mentally, and spiritually. He prayed for protection over every individual and over the building itself, in the name of Jesus.
“Amen and amen” filled the space.
Then came the moment we had all been waiting for: the cutting of the ribbon. The scissors, decorated in black and gold, were handed to the President. With a beaming smile and a few snips, the ribbon was cut.
The curtains of the stage were drawn back, revealing the gymnasium and a group of enthusiastic youths ready to spring into action. Voices rang out with laughter and cheer. Every Praise was lifted to our God.
This was indeed a wonderful moment, and the service of dedication concluded as we sang of the wondrous love of Jesus
There was a calm sense of delight mixed with contrasting feelings of anticipation as the day arrived: 24th May 2025. It was on that day that the Welling Church Hall was officially declared and joyfully dedicated as a Centre of Influence.
Behind the scenes were months of planning by the passionate and committed Personal Ministries Department (PM), led by Brother Tony Furrs in collaboration with Pastor Habib and directors of the South England Conference (SEC). Beyond the scope of the PM team, church members worked tirelessly to install the gymnasium. The team would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed.
In attendance for this memorable occasion were the SEC President, Dr Kirk Thomas; Executive Secretary, Pastor Nathan Stickland; and Safeguarding Director, Judy Clements. Dr Thomas delivered a powerful keynote message, titled: “Breaking Down Barriers.” He challenged us to examine our own prejudices. Below are some abridged statements from his message:
“The Centre of Influence is about restoration.
The problem is, we cannot break down barriers because we want to change people; yet we cannot change our own hearts.
We need Jesus and likewise, so does the community.
Our remit is to love and see others through the eyes of Jesus.
Effort is ours to give and success belongs to God.”
With hearts inspired, we moved from the house of worship and proceeded to the Centre of Influence with joyful singing, led by the praise team and musicians.
Pastor Habib welcomed everyone, and Dr Thomas offered introductory remarks. Pastor Stickland led in the prayers of dedication, inspired by Psalms 121, 127, and 133. This was a solemn and deeply beautiful moment. Pastor Stickland prayed that the Holy Spirit would fill the Centre, that the community would know their help comes from the Lord, and that all who enter would be restored physically, mentally, and spiritually. He prayed for protection over every individual and over the building itself, in the name of Jesus.
“Amen and amen” filled the space.
Then came the moment we had all been waiting for: the cutting of the ribbon. The scissors, decorated in black and gold, were handed to the President. With a beaming smile and a few snips, the ribbon was cut.
The curtains of the stage were drawn back, revealing the gymnasium and a group of enthusiastic youths ready to spring into action. Voices rang out with laughter and cheer. Every Praise was lifted to our God.
This was indeed a wonderful moment, and the service of dedication concluded as we sang of the wondrous love of Jesus
