Special celebration for Rupert Lazar

The local mayor and other Baptists joined East Barnet Baptist Church in celebrating their minister Rupert Lazar's installation as President of our Union - and his 60th birthday. By Gladys Mwaungulu

We had a special celebration event at East Barnet Baptist Church on Sunday, 29 May for our minister the Revd Rupert Lazar, who has been installed as the President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain 2016 to 2017. His inspiring presidential theme is “Anointed to do good.”

The occasion was of mixed feelings and we also celebrated his 60th birthday.

The meeting was presided by the Revd Wale Hudson Roberts, justice co-ordinator at the Baptist Union, and other Baptist ministers present were the Revd Dr Malcolm Patten of Walthamstow Baptist Church, the Revd Joe Kapolyo of Edmonton Baptist Church and the Revd Desmond Gordon. 

The occasion was also attended by the new Mayor of Barnet, Councillor David Longstaff, possibly his first event after being installed.

The Mayor gave a remarkable and well researched speech. He acknowledged that the occasion was joyous and full of love and echoed our hopes that Rupert will also inspire the local community and the nation to do good.

Other people who came to event were local ministers, Northern District ministers, and the Philadelphia Baptist Church congregation.
East Barnet Baptist Church wishes Revd Rupert Lazar a blessed and inspiring year ahead as he takes up this new role. We pray for God’s wisdom to be upon him.    

Gladys Mwaungulu is the church administrator of East Barnet Baptist Church