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
A little bit different today. Our Armchair Chat is a worship throwback to Easter.
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.