Hi everyone,

Well, officially, I am on time off. Can‟t really say “holidays” as I‟m not really going anywhere. My aim is to have some time off, not because I am in self-isolation, or forced lockdown, but just because I think it is important to have some time to think, to pray, and to seek the Lord about what life for us as a church community is going to look like as we emerge from Covid19 quarantine.

We look forward to meeting more and more in person, but I am sure that church online will continue to be an important part of our future. The eldership, the leader-ship team, and the management team are all in discussion over the coming weeks to form a road map for our journey back to “normal” whatever that looks like for us. I hope you will pray with me as we make decisions about who and how and when and what and why, and which meetings will resume, and which to let go, and maybe some new things we haven‟t even thought of yet. “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). I believe the Lord has a plan and a purpose in mind. These words were written in a letter to encourage people in exile. Jeremiah told them to look forward to the future. He said, live well while you are there – plant crops, marry, have children. But there will be a day when you will no longer be in exile, but a time of spiritual and material prosperity will come to those who listen to the Lord and obey wholeheartedly. We need to just rest in his plans and follow his instructions as we discover what they are and how they should come to pass. We ask for your patience, your support and your prayers as these decisions are made, and as we work towards our future. It is going to be good. It is going to be exciting.

I believe that we will see fruit, and increase and new leadership emerging, and new people attending. But just like building a house, we need to consider all the elements involved and how all things will fit together. We will not be having open meetings for a while, even though we can have up to twenty people attending. We need to make sure there are good health and safety protocols to follow, and that we will not be creating problems or issues. In the next couple of weeks, we will make it clear who can attend, and how that will happen.

In the meantime, may God bless you, and may your life be filled with his joy and peace, and His blessings be on you and your family.

With love,
Glenda

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I am really loving just chewing over Romans 8. This chapter is so full of wonderful truths. We are no longer condemned, but free from the power of sin over our lives. We can now be controlled by the Holy Spirit working in us because through Jesus we have been made right with God. We are no longer fearful slaves, but faithful sons because we have been adopted into His family. We get to look forward to future glory with hope and expectation. We can rejoice because God causes all things to work together for good for those who love him and are called according to His purpose. And oh, there is so much more!

This week’s message will be based on verses 31-39. We know that God is for us. We have been given right standing with God, and the devil can no longer accuse us, for Jesus died, and rose again for us – and now intercedes for us at God’s right hand. And best of all, we can be assured that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God. Please take time to re-read this wonderful chapter and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His revelation as you ponder over each verse.

I do hope everyone is still doing well. We are all now looking forward to restrictions being eased. For the time being, we will still be holding Church online, going live each Sunday. We will slowly open up the service, but we still want to keep everyone safe and well, and do not want to rush things. We are holding prayer meeting on Wednesday morning, and some small groups are getting together, following the appropriate protocols. If you want to attend any of these meetings, please contact the host, and find out if your particular event is running. Numbers will be limited.

Anyway, keep up the amazing work. Stories of encouragement and answered prayer are flowing through. If you are struggling in any way, please contact us, and we will be sure to get back to you.

God bless you and keep you.

Love to you all,
Glenda & Joe.

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Hello church family

I‟m aware there are people doing it tough out there. We seem to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel as restrictions are so cautiously loosened. We can have a small number of visitors in our home. We can get out a bit more for shopping and exercise. But I know first-hand that not everyone is doing as well as they would like. Living in close quar-ters with people for such an extended time is paying its toll on us. (Love you, honey). I think the original fear of catching a rampant disease has given way to simply coping with those whom we have spent the majority of our time over the last couple of months. For some of us, the “getting back to normal” is just as scary as coping with life in isolation. Please, if you are doing it tough, if you‟re feeling low, angry or irritable, don‟t take it out on those around you – call someone. Talk about it. Do something about it. Keep in touch with family and friends. Be kind to your spouse and children.

Firstly, remember it is “not the test that is the test, but how we respond to the test that‟s the test”. Our attitude goes a long way as to how we cope with any situation. As Christ follow-ers, I think we have so much to be able to tap into. We need to remember that “greater is he that is within me than he that is in the world.” And as we have been studying in Romans 8, we know that we are never alone, never abandoned, and never powerless. We have security, hope and love in the Lord. We need to get back into good habits, like getting up at our usual time, eating regular meals and getting some exercise. And don‟t forget that part of our regular routine should be starting our day with time in God‟s presence, taking in the word and having our morning talk with Jesus. If we take care of our spirit, and focus our eyes on Jesus for the day, our mental health, emotional health and well-being will follow.

Try not to lose your sense of humour. Remember, “A merry heart is as good as medicine.” (Prov 17:22) Sure, we need to not get complacent with hygiene and social isola-tion and keeping safe. But let‟s not allow ourselves to become depressed and despairing over this situation. Remember there are friends and family who love you. I encourage you to call someone if you are feeling lost or down or anxious. Very often, just talking with someone can lift off the cloud. There are so many things to do to stay grounded and feel connected. One of my favourite “escapes” is the “Holderness Family”. Penn and Kim Hold-erness are an American couple who have found that the best way to cope with life is to see the funny side, even in challenging times. Find a way to “blow off steam”. Go for a walk or turn up the music and dance like a crazy person. Share your stories. Have a laugh. Phone a friend. What ideas do you have for coping? What are your stories? Do you have a humor-ous story to share? Send it in an email and we will include it in next week‟s newsletter.

The Holderness Family You Tube

Focus on the Family Australia

You Version Bible App – many great Scripture plans to follow.

Pastor Glenda

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