Hi New Life Family,
I hope you have been enjoying the winter sunshine. It is nice to be able to get out into the fresh air in between the icy mornings and cool evenings.
This Sunday we are inducting Keith Weigold into eldership, alongside his faithful wife, Jean. We are so pleased to invite them to be a part of the governance team of the church. The elders’ mission is to lead, teach, protect and love their church members the way shepherds care for the sheep in a flock, so that the church members will grow up into spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13). Shepherding God’s people is part of the role of pastors and elders in the church, as they work side by side in service of the body of Christ. We always find elders (plural) in New Testament churches (e.g. Acts 15:4; 20:17; Titus 1:5) Each congregation should have a team of pastors or elders – the word is always in the plural. The elder should be set an example of a godly household, being faithful to his wife, and raising his children to follow Christ. We have been so blessed to have Keith and Jean as members of our church and pray God’s blessing on them both as Keith takes on this role alongside Steve, Barrie and myself.
This week we have been saddened by the loss of two people. We send our condolences to the family and close friends of Molly Keely. Molly’s ever- present smile and slightly naughty sense of humour would brighten up every conversation. She will be sadly missed.
We also think of Karen Harley and her family who said goodbye to their beautiful son, Damon (Lorna’s grandson). Our love and thoughts go out to you all. May God bless you at this time and be your peace and comfort in the coming days.
As we begin to prepare for a new season of growth and fruitfulness, I pray that this week you will all be able to take some time out to rest, reflect and be refreshed as you wait on the Lord. As the Pandemic still causes so much anxiety and uncertainty and frustration, I can only encourage you to keep leaning in to Jesus. He says, “Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28 Have a great week.
Blessings
Glenda