"Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit."
- Matthew 1:1
On Sunday, while we missed out on gathering I enjoyed taking time to consider how mothers are woven into God's design for reality.
Mothers, just like Jesus' mother, are often said to be "with child". This phrasing speaks volumes because healthy mothers instinctively know they need to be with their children once born.
Erica Komisar has recently brought to our modern minds the powerful biological influence of the birth mother in a child's early stages of development - especially the first three years. For the first three years of their life, it's the intimate presence of the biological mum that makes the most significant impact! God has baked the power of being "with" someone deeply into his design not just of women, but all humanity.
In the beginning, God walked with Adam + Eve.
When Jesus walked this earth he spent time with his disciples.
When Jesus died, rose again and ascended to heaven the disciples formed a new community by doing life with each other.
One day we will all be with Jesus together, forever!
Jesus' core discipleship strategy (our church, like all others, should be paying attention!) revolved around being with those he was leading. These three years provided the personal, spiritual nourishment they required to continue the mission that he started.
Whether you're a new mum or a regular follower of Jesus, God shows us the way to meet the deepest needs of the precious lives around us.
Are we willing to seek and engage with a life with others? And are we willing to consider that it may not be for one dinner, walk or token act of service? Are we willing to commit to periods of time that may even extend up to a year or three?!
If it sounds a bit much, there is a simple way to learn how to spend inconvenient time with people you don't naturally gravitate to. This God-gifted environment is called, church! :) See you Sunday as we gather with each other to encourage each other with Good or God stories, the words of Christ and the presence of God's Spirit 😀
Much love to all,
Dan + Martine
Church Constitution - This Sunday 18th May
This Sunday 18th of May members are invited to affirm the adoption of our official church constitution. This is important to stay up to date with government requirements and 'best practice' for a healthy church structure.
Ideally, read the constitution (last week's link was confusing sorry), especially Section #14 which highlights the recommended, future addition of a Governance Group. If you have questions, please just hit REPLY and let me know.
Bible: Read Acts leading up to Pentecost Sunday
Aimee has a great Bible Reading Plan mapped out for us on our monthly Bookmarks. Leading up to Pentecost Sunday in June, you can read the story of God's unfolding plan for His people to be filled with His presence!
Read along in your own Bible or via the Bible App! Remember, when we gather on Sundays, whip out your app or BYO Bible to read along with us.
Coming Up
May
Fridays - 6am Men's Prayer - Fred 0431 437 080
Sun 18 - 4pm Beach Gathering at Moffats + Baptisms
Sun 25 - 4pm Beach Gathering at Moffats
June - NEW Sunday time, from 3pm
Fridays - 6am Men's Prayer - Fred 0431 437 080
Sun 01 - 3pm Monthly Celebration @ City Life led by John + Bec
Sun 08 - 3pm Beach Gathering at Moffats
Sun 15 - 3pm Beach Gathering at Moffats + Baptisms
Sun 22 - 3pm Beach Gathering at Moffats
Wed 25 - 545pm Deacons
Sun 29 - 3pm Beach Gathering at Moffats
Our Mission
To help people find and follow Jesus.
Our Rhythms
Get to Know Jesus: how are you getting to know Jesus this week?
Invite people into your life: who can you intentionally open up your life to?
Gather and get involved: who can you connect, listen, share or pray with this weekend?
Our Giving
We are slowly being led to needs for our giving kitty! Please take time to ask God if there is someone in need around you whom God wants you/us to help!
Last month's giving: $12,581
Last month's expenses: $12,696
Balance: $75,461
Giving in : Oct 23-Apr 25: $5000
Giving out : Oct 23-Apr 25: $13,374
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." - Proverbs 19:17
If you would like to support what we are doing and our giving to those in need, you can get started giving to Open Road to meet the needs of our church or get in touch with any questions you may have.
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