Vision 400… and beyond!
As a community of believers, we want to be faithful to the promises God has spoken over us, and pursue them wholeheartedly.
Among the promises we treasure are:
“Go to the nations and I will give you Durham”
This was spoken over us many years ago now, and we have seen God move in incredible ways; both in sending people from Durham to the nations, and in bringing people from across the world to join us here.
From one of our International Sunday meetings
At the same time, we are seeing God increase our impact and reach in our local communities in the North East.
“You will be a Kingdom resource centre”
A few years back our friend and regular visitor Marc Dupont delivered this word, and we have seen it become a reality through The Durham Centre, our children’s and youth work, and other ministry areas.
Marc Dupont
“Lengthen your cords; strengthen your stakes”
This prophetic word was brought to us by Ginny Burgin, a trusted friend based in Sheffield, and has influenced much of our planning and ministry since.
“You are to be a vat for the feeding of the nations”
This word was brought to us by Adam Finn, who was at the time part of Emmanuel and is now with Redeemer Church, Chester-le-Street, which was planted out from Emmanuel. Our member and talented artist John Renshaw interpreted it in the image here. For more details, see here.
We have been able to bless other believers and communities, through our experiences; and in doing so be blessed in return.
God’s faithfulness
The Durham Centre
We moved into The Durham Centre, the first permanent home we could call our own, in 2009. This was in response to clear direction, and miraculous provision, from God; and since then we’ve seen God grow us as a church in Durham, and planted out into Chester-le-Street.
We’re so thankful to God for everything He has done.
But we don’t want to stop there…
God has spoken clearly to us about further growth and, as part of this, we have purchased and converted a former industrial unit opposite The Durham Centre, to become The Emmanuel Centre, a new church and conference venue, with an auditorium seating up to 500, a small kitchen and toilet facilities.
Praying in The Emmanuel Centre before it was converted
As with The Durham Centre, during the week this will (in future) have a commercial purpose as a conference and business venue.
On Sundays, it will host our Durham congregation allowing The Durham Centre to be used for children and youth provision, which is growing rapidly – beyond the space currently available.
Thanksgiving Offering
Ahead of the opening of The Emmanuel Centre on Sunday 21 May, we are holding a Thanksgiving Offering.
To give online use the following details:
Sort code: 40-52-40
Account number: 00009003
Please quote reference: 'Your name - THX'.
Questions?
We’d love to chat. Email us: info@emmanuel.org.uk and we’ll get back in touch.