A Message from the Chairman

by Will Pearson-Gee

It has been a very fruitful time for the Little Church in Verbier.  The winter season – long past – saw some record numbers attending.  We were blessed once again with some great chaplains who led services, preached passionately and did their very best to speak to as many people as possible. 

The Committee was busy behind the scenes ensuring that the chaplains’ apartment was a warm and hospitable place, not just for the chaplains and their families, but also for the many visitors. 

There were a few Tuesday afternoons when the ‘apres-ski’ meetings were standing room only!  The inspirational bible studies at the Barbey’s chalet continued to draw in good numbers (though mercifully never too many for the available seating) and dinner was always exceptional.  The drinks parties that the 1936 Ski Club organise to coincide with the arrival of each new chaplain were a huge success and we are so grateful to all who so generously hosted; they are a perfect springboard into the 2 week chaplaincy. 

I came out for my two weeks in the New Year and sensed a real buzz of excitement in the Church.  I am absolutely sure that God is on the move as we see more and more coming to worship on a Sunday.
 
In terms of our organisation, we spent the winter adjusting to Andrew Baines’ retirement and the division of his extensive portfolio of jobs between myself and Dr Mark Houghton.  It hasn’t always been plain sailing but we feel we have now settled in to an efficient routine.
 
This summer I was able to come out as a summer chaplain for the very first time.  I had no idea how glorious Verbier would be in the summer!  I arrived in time for Michael Stannard’s annual Swiss National Day BBQ which was huge fun and a perfect way to meet new people.
 
The website has had a complete make-over and is easy to update.  I really got stuck in to getting our social media accounts more active and established a routine for chaplains to send me whatever they wanted posted.

As the first snow falls, our thoughts turn to the winter season.  We have chaplains lined up for the whole season which is great news, including two new families: Revd Dr Frog and Dr Amy Orr-Ewing and Revd Jon March and I’m sure you’ll give them a very warm welcome.  Amy is an internationally renowned Christian speaker so we’ve done really well to get them out.  Revd Tom and Revd Sarah Jackson return to lead over Christmas.
 
In other news, we welcome Darryl McConnell to the Committee.  Darryl and his wife Carmen hail from New Zealand but have travelled to Verbier with son Luke who is on the Freeride circuit.  They have felt called to establish a base this season from which to minister to young adults and we want to support them in that endeavour.
 
Please do pray for the forthcoming season and I cannot wait to be back out with you all in the New Year.
 
with every blessing,
 
Will
 
Revd Will Pearson-Gee
Chairman of the English Speaking Church