It was back in 1999 that a fresh faced Billy McCurrie was appointed Pastor of Aughton Park Baptist Church - and on Sunday church members and friends bade him 'God speed' as he retired after faithfully serving the fellowship for 25 years.

Ulsterman Billy - pictured with his predecessors John Beattie (centre) and Val Howell - has gained a few grey hairs and put on a wee bit of weight but the one constant throughout his ministry - a belief in the transforming power of the Gospel - was evident in his final two sermons on 'Our condition and God's provision' and 'The wondrous love of God'.

Some 70 folk gathered for a delicious fellowship meal after the morning service including former church members who'd moved to pastures new in east Lancashire, Preston and Cheshire.

He was presented with a cheque from the fellowship and thanked members - and wife Roberta - for their support down the years.

Although officially retired he has had a busy week with year 9s at Tarleton Academy and inmates at Risley prison.

One highlight after the morning service was a collection of photographs showing church life during his pastorate.

His final farewell thought:

'I thank God for the immense privilege of serving His church in the capacity of Pastor for 25years and for His sustaining grace over those years. Thank you for your patience with me, there have been ups and downs but by the grace of God there were more ups! So, with these last words can I just encourage you to continue to reach out to the lost with the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.

Now there’s no secret to doing that but it is easier and harder than you may think. It’s easier because you don’t have to get a degree in postmodern literary theory. You don’t have to know what LOL or IMHO means. You don’t have to listen to … well, whatever people listen to these days. You don’t have to be an influencer on social media, watch whatever Netflix show everyone is talking about, or imbibe fancy coffees.

You just have to be like Jesus.

So, the easy part is you don’t have to be with it. The hard part is you have to be with Him. If you walk with Christ and walk with people, you’ll reach the lost. If you want to pass on your faith in Christ to the lost simply; grab them with passion, win them with love, hold them with holiness, challenge them with truth and amaze them with God!'

Pastor Billy McCurrie

https://aughtonparkbaptistchurch.org/