January 2002 is a milestone in the Northern Baptist Association in that we are now a regional area in our own right and not joined with Yorkshire. We also have a new regional Minister,(no longer called Superintendant) the Rev. John Claydon. The induction of John as the Regional Minister takes place on Friday 15th February at 7.30pm and is held at the Stockton Tabernacle. This is the new Church that opened last year. the preacher is Peter Wortley, the President of the Baptist Union. Speak to Alan Turnbull for directions.

Our Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 7th March. We have one deacon who has completed his 3 year term of office, Douglas Harvey. In total there are three vacancies on the diaconate and they could be filled at the AGM. Can I ask you to prayerfully consider possible nominations and to forward their names with a seconder to me by Sunday 17th February.

The Christmas Fayre raised over £2500 and we donated £250 to Afghanistan Children via Samaritans Purse. We have received estimates to redecorate the chuch interior and these will be presented at the AGM.

Items for the Easter issue of the Church Magazine to be handed to Denise by the end of February.

Abel Rees has been into hospital for a minor operation (day surgery) and he is doing well.

David