messages
Dear family in Christ,
Here we are as another month comes to an end. I always wonder how you are going and pray for you as I write this note. This morning I was thinking about the toll that Covid has had on our state and our nation. It is on my heart to be able to do some-thing practical for those who have really done it tough over these past months. People who have lost jobs or have had hours reduced, businesses that have had to close doors, cafes and restaurants that have had to change their business hours and reduce their service to take away. Also, the toll on people’s mental and emotional health over this time. I am open to suggestions of practical ways we could reach out to our immediate community. Could we do a grocery drive, or a special offering to be donated to a church or group who are already doing community care? Are there people you know who would benefit from a regular phone call or zoom chat? I think we have been pretty good at helping one another through this time, and I commend those who have been making phone calls and texting people with encouraging messages. There are those who have been making small groups on Facebook and sharing scripture, devotional times and prayer. How good is that?! Let’s have a think about this and pool our ideas to see if there is may be something we can do as one part of this community to another.
We are still not able to meet together – unless there are those who would like to meet outdoors for a time of communion – which I would be happy to do. We can only have 10 people, so we might have to have several sessions. This could be a possibility – maybe not every week, but certainly something we could do. What do you think? We will also keep you posted regarding setting up home fellowship groups for Bible study and communion, and of course – fellowship which we are all missing.
Keep a lookout this week for our Armchair Chat on Wednesday night at 7.00. We have a special guest – Liz Baillie, who will bring us a great little word with a bit of humour. On Sunday we will also have a guest speaker – Dr. Tony Kees, Director of Trinity Leadership, an author, Bible teacher, Leadership trainer and mentor, so be sure to tune in this Sunday at 10.00 am.
We are excited as we are planning our way forward as restrictions ease, so hang in there, keep praising the Lord, be blessed, and be a blessing.
Lots of love to you,
Glenda
Some people might imagine that things are a bit quiet at Moe New Life Christian Centre.
It has now been more than six months since we had a “normal” church service.
But the church has definitely not gone into its shell, just because there is a pandemic.
* A group of leaders within the church has been working through a program called 100 Days for a Healthier Church, the idea being to biblically assess where we are at in terms of church health, and then decide on a significant project to move us forward.
* Online services continually improving.
* Weekly newsletters and sermon notes, delivered either by e-mail or to letterboxes.
* Appointment of Keith Weigold (and Jean) to eldership.
* Appointment of Arita Smith to oversee Youth and Children’s ministries.
* Demolition work proceeding on the old house in the block.
* New album of original worship songs from Diana.
* Zoom meetings galore…
As restrictions ease, watch out for new home meetings, outreach events and all sorts of innovative ideas.
Have a wonderful week in the blessing of the Lord!
Steve
Hi there MNLCC Family,
I hope you are enjoying the warmer spring weather. It is good to see the sun and get out into the fresh air a little more often.
This is “Marriage Week” and we are celebrating God’s ideal plan for families. No matter how good your marriage is, there is always room for making it better. Focus on the Family Australia is focusing on marriage this week, and I would strongly recommend that you check out their web-site which has some wonderful resources and ideas for giving your marriage that extra “spark”. Joe and I have registered for the “virtual date night,” and can’t wait to dress up, make a marvellous meal and enjoy a “night in” with other couples from all over Australia. Here is the link. https://www.families.org.au/ . I have mentioned the Focus on the Family website before, but if you are a parent, or family of any shape or size, this site is full of wonderful resources for you and your family.
Wherever your marriage, or your family is up to, remember, God loves you and values you just for who you are, and that our homes should be a place of love, safety and security. As 1 Corinthians 16:14 says, “Do everything in love”.
At the time of writing this article, we are still waiting for an announcement about easing restrictions in rural Victoria. We are looking forward to being able to meet together soon, even if only in small groups. To this end, we are in the process of calling each of you for a short “survey” to give us an idea of who would like to be involved in a small connect group, either by zoom, or in person as restrictions begin to ease. We look forward to your responses to our survey.
I also would like to encourage you to join with the CRC Churches International day of prayer and fasting on Thursday 24th September, praying for our state and an end to the Covid-19 pandemic, and healing and restoration, and Spiritual renewal for the people of Victoria. We at MNLCC will be joining in our own zoom prayer meeting on Thursday night from 7.00 till 8.00 pm. If you would like to join us, here is the zoom link, or I can send you an invitation by email. Don’t forget you can always join with us on Wednesday mornings at 8.00 am.
In the meantime, keep leaning into the Lord, our strong tower, our rock and our fortress. Why don’t you take a little mini retreat and meditatively read through Psalm 31. “Be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart.” God bless and keep you in his perfect care.
Love and blessings,
Glenda
My dear family in the Lord,
I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you. It was wonderful to see the body of Christ rally to provide a treat for the Dads last Sunday. Thank you to all who contributed to make the Coffee and Cake “parade” possible.
I was disappointed to hear the Premier’s announcement that the lockdown will be continued into October. While this is not what we were hoping for, I guess we must understand that it is probably better to extend things at this stage for a short while, than to open up the state and then have to close things down again. Whatever we think, this is the way it is for now, and so we need to ride out another few weeks. I was pondering this, and heard the Holy Spirit clearly say to me, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” So, I looked up where that statement is made, and found it in the book of Nehemiah. In chapter 8, Ezra the priest called a national assembly including all the men, women and children old enough to understand, and began reading the book of the law to the people. (Just an interesting side note – this was in the month of October in the Hebrew calendar). They had an amazing meeting, praising the Lord and listening to His word read and explained. They wept over the words and repented in their heart. What a great day of national revival! Then it says in verse 9, “Nehemiah the Governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.: Nehemiah continued….. “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods …don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” They celebrated with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.”
I know that is not how I felt when I heard the announcement on Sunday. But I had to remind myself, that whatever the circumstances, I must go to the Lord’s word for my information – this is what I will believe, this is what I will think about, and this is what my feelings will trust in. I will joy in the God of my Salvation – God the Lord is my strength. I will follow Paul’s example to “rejoice always, pray always, and give thanks continually, for this is God’s will for me in Christ Jesus.” Let us try not to let these disruptive times disrupt our heart attitude. Let us continue to keep our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy on the other side. We need to remember that this time of trouble and inconvenience will come to an end, and we will come out the other side in tact if we keep our eyes on Jesus… not just in tact, but overcoming, growing stronger and ready for what lies ahead. Let’s encourage one another with words of cheer and comfort from God’s word over the coming days.
Please remember to pray for our federal, state and local leaders. These are tough times and require our earnest prayers. Remember we pray from our position in Christ – in heavenly places!! Please also keep the chaplaincy in your prayers, as there are discussions at state level to remove chaplaincy from state schools.
Please call, or email if you would like to chat, or need prayer. I know this has been a tough time. But God is still good.
God is still with us, and He will keep us in His care.
Love and blessings,
Glenda.
Father’s Day
Hi there, Church Family, Happy Spring. I hope that your week is going well, and that you are enjoying the sunny days as they arrive more regularly. I pray that you are finding space and time to spend with the Lord and enjoy His presence as this time of isolation continues. I pray that in times of stress, worry or feeling depressed that you reach out to Him for your comfort and encouragement. God is so good, and he certainly answers prayer. We know that we can call out to God in our troubles, and he will hear us. He will send His word into our situation, and we can speak that word over the problem. We can praise Him for his presence, for his healing for his goodness, and give thanks to Him for his overcoming victory, delivering us and setting us free. What is your favourite psalm? Read it out loud and pray the scripture over yourself, your family and your situation.
This coming Sunday is Father’s Day. I am so blessed to have had a wonderful Father, and to see my husband Joe be such a terrific dad to our kids, and now our sons and sons in law raising their kids with love and nurture and respect. I believe that discipleship begins in the home. This is the place where we teach and train our children to love God, love others, respect authority, and love and respect themselves. I really want to encourage our dads today. This is your opportunity to be the man God intended you to be, to match your beliefs to your actions, and demonstrate in your home God’s grace, love and faithfulness to the next generation. There are always times we struggle. There are always days we “lose it” or feel totally incompetent as a parent. But our Heavenly Father is right there to comfort and encourage us on our way. He is there for us in our struggles, and in our victories, so thank him for them both. Because it is in our struggles that we learn to trust him, our character develops, and our faith grows. Your children will see how you handle stress, disappointment, and frustration. Jesus himself had regular “check-ins” with the Father. I encourage you to do the same. As we spend time with Him, and receive His word to us, he transforms us, equips us and provides for us.
I want to recommend some great resources to you for further reading and encouragement.
Focus on the Family at https://www.families.org.au/ They have a weekly newsletter with wonderful resources for home, families, marriage, raising kids – its all there.
Also You Version Bible App has some wonderful Bible plans to follow regarding fatherhood, parenting and being a godly man. https://www.bible.com/reading-plans (There are many other great plans too).
God bless you as you continue to navigate this challenging time.
Best love,
Glenda
Hi everyone,
With a State of Emergency declared for a further 18 months, I imagine that there of those of us who have not taken this news too well. The fact is that life is unpredictable. It is full of ups and downs. This can be an emotionally draining time, full of uncertainty and frustration. As I was listening to the Premier announcing further restrictions, my thoughts turned to a scripture that has helped me through many tough times in the past.
Habakkuk 3:17 ,18 says, “Though the fig tree does not blossom and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet will I rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.”
Often there is no other choice but to praise God through the situation. We see this reflected again in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God concerning you.” So we see that this is God‟s will for his people in all circumstances, to rejoice, to pray and to give thanks. In God‟s presence is fullness of joy. That‟s right where we need to be.
In the meantime, continue to pray for our State and our Nation. Let us lift up the name of the Lord over our region. Let us declare that Jesus is Lord, and that every evil Spiritual influence has to flee in the name of Jesus. Let us pray for wisdom and discernment and integrity for our Political leaders, and for strength for our courageous front-liners dealing with the sick and vulnerable every day. We pray that the State of Victoria will re-open, and business will recover and flourish. We pray for churches to re-open, and for revival to come. Let us pray for those who are suffering from emotional and mental stress through this time, and for those who are going through financial hardship.
If you know of anyone, or you are in any kind of need at this time, please call us, as we do not want to see anyone lacking any good thing. (See contact numbers in the newsletter).
Raise up a hallelujah and keep praising the Lord. He is our refuge, our victory, our comfort and our song. He is our provider, our healer our joy and our strength. “In You, O Lord, do I put my trust”. These are not just trite words, but words we can count on. He is trustworthy, and that is why we can praise Him.
May God bless you and keep you all in His wonderful care.
With love,
Glenda
Spring is just around the corner – and that brings with it the sunshine and time for Spring Cleaning!! I spoke on Sunday about “Digging the Wells”. There are many ways of looking at this passage in Genesis 26, and we can all learn lessons from the story of Isaac and the wells. Maybe some of you have been given a gift or ministry – but the “Philistines” have come and thrown dirt all over it – covered it up by negative words, or criticism or fear, or jealousy. Maybe this is the time for you to begin spring cleaning – dig out the well. Let the water flow again. Clean out the closet – empty the handbag!! There’s a well of life waiting to spring forth and bring refreshing, increase and harvest.
Maybe the Lord is asking you to dig a new well. A well of freedom, of “open spaces”. He wants to bring breakthrough. He wants to bring freedom. In John 7:37-39, Jesus speaks of the “Rivers of living water flowing from his heart.” Jesus was speaking about the Holy Spirit which at that time had not come. But the Holy Spirit has now come. He has been poured out on us to refresh us, renew us, regenerate us and revive us. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to come and help us to Spring Clean – and clear out the debris and obstacles that impede the flow.
I pray that at this time, we will not find ourselves getting bogged down and stuck. But rather, work together with the Holy Spirit to see breakthrough and freedom in our own lives, and then, empowered by the Holy Spirit, go in Jesus’ name, to see others born again, drinking from the well of living water, and set free to follow Jesus. I think there are going to be lots of new wells dug as small groups and home meetings spring up as the “Covid-19” restrictions lift. This may well be the new look of the church for some time. Is the Lord calling you to rediscover your gifts and calling? Or maybe he is ready to bring out something brand new – a new season, a new song. In John 4 Jesus spoke of a “a spring of water welling up into eternal life”. A fresh, bubbling Spring. Jesus invites us to drink from this well, to know Him, and to come into a new, fresh way of worship. Are you ready? Will you come and drink? I believe the trickle has begun – but the breakthrough is coming!
Lots of love,
Glenda
Here we are in week 21 of “Covid” restrictions. Who would have thought this year would be so different? I really hope you are doing well and finding ways to be encouraged as the weeks grow into months. Please continue praying that we will see an end to this pandemic, and that in the meantime, people will respond as the Holy Spirit calls the church to prayer and for people to repent and return to the Lord.
Psalm 34:11-14 says, “Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it.”
Let’s look at this through New Covenant eyes. God wants his children to lean in and listen to him. The Bible says that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This is about knowing who God is and being in awe of His majesty and holiness. It is about respecting and obeying him. As Peter said to Jesus, “to whom else should we go to hear the words of eternal life?” Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. This is where we get our encouragement from. Do you want to live a full, abundant life? Jesus said that he gives us life more abundantly. Let’s keep our lips declaring the word of God over our lives, over our family, over our finances, over our health. Jesus said to “repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand”. I believe that Jesus is speaking to his church to turn back to the simple gospel, to love God and love others, and to “do good to all men.”
Remember that Jesus is our peace. When we are feeling anxious or worried, He is the One we need to search for, for it is in Him that we find our peace. (Phil 4:6-8).
We are not able to meet in person for the next few weeks, but we can still keep each other in our prayers, we can make a phone call, or even send a letter or card. How nice would that be, to receive a little note in the mail? And please, as we always say, please reach out if you are feeling stressed, lonely sad or blue. We love and care about you.
We pray you have a great week.
Sending lots of love,
Glenda
Dear Church family,
This is a tough time that we are experiencing. We have all been affected by Covid-19 in some way. For some, it is a minor inconvenience, for others, there has been loss of income, days off work while waiting for results from a C-19 test. For others, maybe worrying about relatives in metro-Melbourne, or a parent facing home learning again. But as we face this crisis, it is my hope – and my belief that there is no better place to be than in the trustworthy and safe hands of God. We are in the middle of a crisis right now. We are buckling down for six weeks of stage three restrictions. There are more cases now in the Valley, and one even in Moe. I am not saying this to worry anybody – just to bring home that what we are facing is real. But the wonderful part of this is that we are facing this together. Even though we are unable to meet in person and have our usual weekly catch up, I do believe that through this time, mostly, we have been brought closer together. Who knows what the future holds? With or without the virus, life can be difficult. What do you think Jesus would say about this crisis? Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows”. We should not be surprised that sometimes life will get tough. We actually should expect them.
Let’s take a quick look at the life of Job. He had a great life. It was going so good – a great family, wealth and social status. He had it all. Until one day he lost everything in one fell swoop. A great storm reduced his business to almost nothing, and also killed his whole family. How quickly things have changed for us over the last few weeks. But like Job, we have a decision to make. Will I choose to trust God even when things are going wrong? Our first response might sound like Job, “my bitter soul must complain”. All the “Why’s”.
Henry Cloud says that in crisis, we experience the three “P’s”. The first P is “personal”. This crisis is very personal. It has affected each one of us in some way. The second “P” is “pervasive” where it seems that it affects everything around us. Our job, shopping, going to church, school. It is pervasive. The third “P” is “permanent”. We feel like this thing is never going to go away or never get better, or never be the same again. We might even question whether God knows how bad things are, or if he cares, or if he is answering our prayer. Like Job, I do believe in the goodness of God. I believe that God can always be trusted, even when life throws us these “detours”. Even when things are going wrong, we can trust God in the middle of every storm, every crisis, every situation or circumstance. “In this life you will have many trials, BUT TAKE HEART, because I have overcome the world”. Jesus says. He doesn’t promise us life will always be easy. But he does promise us that he will be victorious. He promises us that he will never leave us or forsake us. My decision is that I will trust God. Job was changed because of what he went through. He found the goodness of God even in his trials. My hope is that we will be different people for having gone through this crisis. Be open to change. Be open to grow. Be open to learn from the Holy Spirit through this experience. We will come through this because God can always be trusted. We can choose to trust God. We can choose to worship God. We can keep our eyes on Jesus. We can pray for one another. We can reach out and encourage one another. And please – reach out if you need encouragement. We are here for you.
God bless you as you look to him – our strength, our comfort and safe place in the storm.
Love and kindest regards,
Glenda.