Haddington Community Church (HCC) has much to be thankful for: a thriving congregation, the blessing of many children, faithful teaching and preaching, many willing helpers, and recently the purchase of a church building. On Sunday 8th March a thanksgiving service was held to praise God for his gracious provision.
Rev Ali Sewell preached from Psalm 138, a song of David where he thanks God for his steadfast love and faithfulness, through times of joy and times of trouble. It was a beautiful reminder that God keeps his promises, that we can trust him even when the days are hard.
Ali also gave a brief history of HCC, from its very first days as a small group of people meeting together in homes in 2016, to official launch in 2018, and through the difficult time of Covid, when services had to be online. Through these days God provided meeting places and people, building up the congregation and keeping it strong.
HCC moved into its new building in the centre of Haddington in early 2026, with the first service being held on 18th January. Members of the congregation and many tradespeople worked hard to refresh and update the building, making a bright and welcoming space to worship together, with ample room for children’s classes. After years without kitchen facilities, it is a special joy to be able to share tea, coffee and conversation together after the service!
While the church was eager to recognise and thank God for the provision of a building, and his faithfulness over the life of the church – the key emphasis was that we give thanks for the gospel of Jesus Christ. And that as God’s people give thanks, they reach out with the certain hope of Jesus to the world around them, that others too might come to know and thank God for all he has done. The church’s prayer is that their new home will provide a venue for the regular worship of God, and also to reach more of their community with the life-giving news of the gospel.
May we ever sing with the Psalmist:
I give thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. (Psalm 138:1-2)