Hello and welcome to a new year. Already 2014 is shaping up to be a great year
of discipleship and spiritual growth.
At the end of last year many people reflected on the
spiritual growth they had experienced during the year. They named specific ways in which they had
deepened their love for God, been stretched in their faith and grown in their
understanding of their Christian life.
This growth has set us up well to continue this growth into 2014.
During the opening weeks of January youth from our
congregation have attended three different camps. We have heard some reports in our worship
services, and will hear more, about the impact these camps have had. Young people who have been touched by the
grace of God, some for the very first time and been overwhelmed by the love
that God has for them that is unconditional.
These have not just been mountain top experiences that will wear off now
that they’re back to normal life. These
young people have been helped to continue their journey of discipleship and
make their commitment to Jesus a priority in their life. Please pray for all our youth and their
leaders and their journeys of faith.
We have been blessed to share together in worship during
January. In a very tangible way we have
demonstrated the unity of our congregation.
I want to thank Nathan, Barry and Dennis for leading our services during
this time. Thanks also to the musicians
and other talented people who contributed in their own ways to our
services. I’m looking forward to the
exciting ways that we offer worship throughout the rest of the year.
I’m also encouraged by the number of people who are
returning from holidays and preparing again to serve God by serving other
people. They are returning with fresh
ideas for existing activities and new ideas for new activities. There are also people who are taking up new
roles of service and others who are ceasing to serve after having served for
many years. To all these people I say
thank you for hearing the whisper of the Spirit and responding to serve as he
calls you.
As I say, 2014 is going to be a great year for our
congregation. Please make it great for
yourself. Ensure that this year you
commit to growing in your faith. Make
attendance at worship a priority, be active in an Explore Group, have an area
of service that stretches you to a God only space and share your faith with a
pre-Christian friend.
On a more mundane note, you may have noticed that the church
décor (pews, carpets, walls) is looking more tired and worn. The Church Council has started a process of
considering what needs to be done, how it will be done and how it will be paid
for. It is intended to start doing
something this year.
Grace and peace
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