Vision Dinner: Looking Ahead To 2025

On Saturday evening (21 Sep 2024), our church community gathered for a wonderful evening of food and fellowship at the Cornerstone Vision Dinner.

With around 160 people in attendance, it was an incredible opportunity to come together, share a delicious meal, and discuss exciting plans for the future of our church and the upcoming Hope Church plant in Tolworth.

The evening began with a warm welcome from pastors Tom Sweatman, Pete Woodcock and his wife Anne. Familiar faces, as well as new ones filled the room, and conversations, laughter and refreshment flowed easily.

Afterwards, we were directed into the dining hall, the main hall of Christ Church Surbiton. Above us, timber roofing decorated colourfully; before us the pulpit, a wooden cross and a stuffed Percy Pig toy. Everyone seated, the lively conversation continued before Pete stood up in prayer and gave thanks to the Lord for our meal. We were then called up to receive a plate of fresh hog roast, stuffing and pork scratchings, with various colourful side-salads. 

Plates finished, Pete stood up and addressed the gathered church, inspiring us to action by reminding us of the need to stick to the mandate Christ has given us – to go and tell people of the gospel – and reminding us of the unity of the Church and the amazing fellowship and deep relationships we can have with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. Prayer ensued for the upcoming Hope Church plant in Tolworth, for those leaving Cornerstone to join the new church, the holes they will leave behind and those who will fill those holes in service; and for a new building for Cornerstone, for the growing body of believers. 

The Vision Dinner was a beautiful reminder of the unity and calling of our church family.

There was much laughter and discussion and a call to action for each church member: to serve according to the gifts God has given them, and to go and tell the people of Kingston the incredible hope of the gospel and our Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Thank you to everyone who attended and those who worked hard to make the event possible and run smoothly. As we move forward, let’s continue to seek God’s direction, support one another, and step boldly into the future He has for us.

Here are some of the moments we captured from this memorable evening: