The Apostle Paul went through some hard times. Shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment. Time after time, God spoke to Paul in the middle of his trials and tribulations. He was in jail in Jerusalem when Jesus told him, “Be courageous” (Acts 23:11). Paul told Timothy (2 Tim4:16) “All deserted me…but the Lord stood by me”. In Acts 27, the Lord came and spoke to Paul in the middle of a storm and assured him it would all be ok. That is why Paul could accept God’s word to him in 2 Corinthians 12::8 after he had pleaded with the Lord to take away what he called “a thorn in the flesh”. God said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”.
During this season when circumstances seem to be changing on a daily basis – just when you think things are going to get better, they get worse again, may I encourage you with the words of Paul. He said that he could endure the things that happened to him, because God’s power could work best in his weaknesses. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
I pray that you will be continually strengthened and encouraged by the word of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Remember God’s strength is shown when we admit our weakness and allow him to work on our behalf to bring about the victory. The Corona Virus may seem like Paul’s thorn in the side – we have prayed, and proclaimed, and declared, but it has continued to wreak havoc, especially in our state capital. Remember the other thing Paul said, “I have learnt whatever state I am in to be content”. (:-) ).
Sometimes, we need to just remember, whether we are in the storm, or whether things are going well, he is with us, and will bring us through. How has God shown you his strength throughout this season? It is through adversity that we find out what we are really made of. We develop our spiritual faith muscles and build our character and grow up inside as we learn how to face difficulty, depending on God’s grace.
Why don’t you take a few moments to slow down, breath, reflect, listen, and see what God is saying to you as you face this crisis, not alone, but with Jesus’ grace to strengthen and encourage you.
Pastor Glenda
A special service today, with Keith being inducted as an Elder.
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
Joan’s Armchair Chat from 1st July.
Hi there, New Life Family.
Well, these are really changing times, arent they? Last week we were getting ready to open services to accommodate up to 50 people, but within the space of a few days, restrictions were reintroduced, and now we are back to having only 20 people in a worship service, or church related meeting. Home meetings are restricted to only 5 guests in the house. At this stage, we are happy for people to attend Sunday services on site, but would ask that you please just phone ahead and let us know you are coming in case we have to prepare the overflow room for extras. In the meantime, we hope you are enjoying the online services. We have had lots of folk call as a result of the live-stream services, requesting prayer and making enquiries. I do believe that this element of our ministry will be an ongoing part of life at MNLCC. We are also encouraging you to gather in small groups for communion and Bible study, and of course fellowship. Remember to observe the physical distancing guidelines, and health and safety protocols such as hand-washing and sanitising surfaces. And please – don’t be offended – but please stay at home if you are at all unwell – you are welcome to call and we will pray for you and organise a home visit if you require. We certainly care about you, and the pastors and leadership team are working hard to meet the pastoral needs of the church. We would love to hear from you! We would also love to hear your stories and testimonies.
Let me recap a little from Psalm 121. “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains – from where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”
Jesus looked at a mountain as well. He told his disciples they could speak to the mountain and it would be cast into the sea. There are mountains to face. There are storms to ride out. But God is the One who watches over his people, he doesn’t sleep – not even a nap! He knows what we are going through, and he says he is there to help us through it. I will not focus on the problems, the issues, the virus, the unrest, the economy, the uncertainty. I will keep my eyes on Jesus. I will do what I see him doing and say what I hear him saying. He is bigger than any battle you may be facing. And he promises to be there in the shadows and the valleys. He watches over our going out and our coming in.
May God continue to bless you and keep you in these coming days.
Lots of love to you each one.
Glenda
Here is a good old song that may cheer you up. It is a bit of an “ear worm”, so only listen to it if you want to be singing it the rest of the day! 🙂
https://youtu.be/2KiDj7qGL10
Dear Church family,
Greetings to everyone. I hope this letter finds you well and that you are rejoicing in the love of Jesus as days go by.
Things are beginning to move, and we are along the way to being able to re-open the doors of our church to our regular attenders and the wider community. We are closely following the government protocols and guidelines for our health and community safety. From June 22nd, we are officially allowed to have up to 50 people in a public gathering. However, we still have to comply with the 4 square feet per person rule. This means that in the space we have available in our church hall, we can still only have up to 30 people meeting at one time. Therefore, we are asking that if you would like to attend either in the morning service, or you can take part in the afternoon Churchill service (which is still being live-streamed from Moe) that you call or text either Steve or myself to reserve a place for you and your family. We are considering creating an “overflow” room with live-streaming to the dining room, and possibly to the small hall depending on demand. We are also looking at the possibility of multiple services.
So, the plan is as follows as from June 22nd
* Small groups and home fellowships can meet, as long as the numbers do not exceed 20 people, (including children) and social distancing, sanitising and signing in procedures are being followed. Rooms must be cleaned and sanitised before you leave.
* Sunday Services can accommodate up to 30 attendees, with extra room for “overflow” if necessary. The same personal-distancing, sanitising and signing in rules will apply. We would love to prioritise people who have not been able to access on-line services.
* On-line services will continue for the foreseeable future, with live streaming on Sunday morning and later available on you tube and our web-site. Also, the Churchill service in the afternoon at 2.00 will be live-streamed until their venue is open to the public.
* Please book ahead if you intend to attend Sunday services.
* Please stay at home if you are unwell. We love you and care about you, but not your germs!
* If you would like to clarify any of this information please call Steve, Sandie or Glenda.
Don’t forget there are many people doing it tough out there. Joan is collecting knitted beanies, scarves and gloves for the homeless. Please drop them off to the church for collection and distribution.
Remember that the Lord is calling us to get ready for the move forward. It is time to wake up and prepare for the time ahead. Are you weary? Are you sad? Remember what Isaiah the prophet says, “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless….But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.”
I hope to see you all in the near future. In the meantime, may God bless and keep you in his loving care.
Pastor Glenda
Our live-streamed service on Sunday 14th June.