Elder Xavier Chandler reports on developments in Aix-les-Bains
Aix-les-Bains is famous for at least one thing: easy access to the eastern shores of the Lac du Bourget. Although we love our lake, our desire is that our church, Le Rivage (meaning “shoreline” or “waterfront”), should be an easily accessible space where people can meet, share life, and especially discover God and His Word.
2023 therefore marked something of a turning point for our community as about 20 founding members were able to set up an association cultuelle. Our team of elders has also changed and now consists of five people, including Thierry Mirone who first planted the church a decade ago. This team is supported by male and female deacons who serve in various areas of church life: families, music & art, and hospitality.
Our slogan, N’allons pas à l’église, vivons l’église (= Let’s not go to church, let’s live church), recalls our desire to be church wherever we are and whatever we’re doing. That’s why one of our core activities is the time we spend together as “the scattered church” in the small groups we have in six different locations: Drumettaz, Trévignin, Aix-les-Bains, Grésy-sur-Aix, La Biolle, and Chindrieux. The last of these is the farthest away from Le Rivage, in an area called Chautagne where there is hardly any evangelical presence. However, doors have opened for us very quickly in this area and one of our elders who leads this small group has been able to develop good contacts.
We were also able to celebrate two baptisms in 2023: Jonathan H. and Cyril T., both warmly supported by their respective families. As it happens, Cyril completely lost his voice on the day of his baptism, but the Lord used his wife to share a vibrant testimony about His grace in their lives.
We all very much enjoyed gathering for our church weekend away in the middle of May at a Christian holiday centre in the Alps called Camp des Cimes. With games, downtime, fellowship meals, and a praise evening, we experienced the truth of Psalm 133.1: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
There’s been a busy start to 2024: two of our elders were delighted to welcome their third child at the end of last year. We thank the Lord for all the children who are part of our community. As their numbers grow, we’re considering how best to organise things so that each children’s group can spend quality time in an appropriate space.
This leads me to share with you our prayer points for2024:
· At the end of last year, the president of the Protestant church next to the Bridge Club (where we hold our services) agreed to let us use one of their rooms. Surprisingly, they’ve also agreed to us renting their church for three “test” services. Might we be able to use these premises on a more permanent basis? Please ask for the Lord’s will to be done.
· Pray for our six small groups and for God’s work in Chautagne.
· Give thanks for a show called “Novice and the Dragon” that we were able to stage in Aix-les-Bains in February.
· Pray for our church council and ask that everyone might be able to see how to contribute to building others up and sharing the gospel.
· Pray for the next stage of our development as an église majeure (mature church).
Thank you for praying – may the Lord bless you!
