Jonny Umpleby ordained to the eldership. From L to R: Rev. David Pfeiffer (Whaddon Road EPC, Cheltenham), Rev Chris Kavanagh (Naunton Lane EPC, Cheltenham), Dr Falko Drijfhout (Elder, Solihull PC), Rev Dr Stephen Dancer (Minister, Solihull PC), Paul Corney (Elder, Immanuel PC, Cardiff and EPCEW Moderator).
One of the ways that the Lord blesses and rules over the local church is in the raising up of local elders to serve as under-shepherds, caring for the flock. So it was with great delight that on Sunday the 19th September at our morning service, we were able to ordain one of our members, Jonny Umpleby, to the eldership and install him here at Solihull.
The act of ordination was carried out by a commission of presbytery (see picture caption above). David Pfeiffer preached on “Christ-like Elders” from 1 Peter 5:1-4. Stephen Dancer charged Jonny to pay attention to the needs of his own soul and of the needs of the flock (Acts 20:28). Chris Kavanagh charged the congregation to pray continually for their new elder.
It was a great day! May the Lord continue to bless this local expression of his worldwide church.