"Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name..."
Thanks to Dan Hill (and his fam!) for taking time to prepare and share with us on Father's Day! Dan led us through Jesus command to worship and serve God alone. Many of us were grateful to unpack what it really means to "worship" God and looking to him in all things.
This week I heard someone make reference to the Lord's Prayer as the simplest way to learn to pray. Great advice. Advice I've even given myself.
But leading up to Father's Day, it hit a bit different. I mulled on the thought a little longer. I prayed. Then I realised something so simple it surprised me.
Growing up in church I probably copied other peoples prayers more than I realised. Sometimes I'd catch myself saying things I wasn't sure about. I'd even ask, "Should I be praying to Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or...?"
As followers of Jesus, in a church which explicitly encourages us to follow the example of Jesus, I thought that I would try something different. I'm going to try beginning each prayer this week just like Jesus taught us, "Our Father in Heaven..."
As I contemplated this, I was reminded how powerful even this short phrase is:
"Our"
This is a reminder that I'm a part of something. I'm part of a family. I'm not better than anyone, nor am I less than anyone. We've all accepted his invitation.
"Father"
Better than our dads, He is our perfect dad. He not only knows what's best for us, he knows us perfectly. He also perfectly loves us. He sees our intentions and desires, even when others see only our faults and failings.
"In Heaven"
Young kids often say, "When's daddy coming home?" It's their primal desire for the attention of their Father, a tickle, hug or story. While God's Holy Spirit is gifted to us through Faith, there is a sense that we're not quite fully with our Father like we long to be. If you've ever felt, "Life isn't meant to be like this", you're right. One day we'll be with our dad in perfect peace. This gives us a peaceful perspective on each season we're in.
So, if you're new to prayer or always struggled with it, why don't you join my experiment of beginning at least on prayer each day with, "Our Father in heaven..."
Much Love,
Dan
P.S. To read along this Sunday, find Open Road in the YouVersion Bible App. It makes it easier if you select Open Road as "My Church" :)
P.P.S While we talked about worship being far more than singing, here's a simple new song I'm enjoying as I write this email 😄
Jesus: Fear God, do not fear people
“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!”
- Luke 12:1-14
Many people baulk at the concept of "fearing God" but simultaneously live in fear of circumstances, or people. This Sunday we learn together about one of the most misunderstood concepts Jesus teaches.
If you're keen to read more: https://52follow.com/fear-god-do-not-fear-people/
General Meeting now on 21st Sep 2025
Purpose
Approval and appointment of Governance Group members
Context
After nominations for Governance Group members closed on the 16th of July, the following members outlined below have been nominated requiring approval for appointment to the Governance Group:
- Renee Moody
- Marcello Lalut-Salvatore
- Fred van Staden
As the number of nominations being proposed will constitute the minimum requirements for a Governance Group, an open vote of members will suffice for approval and appointment.
Coming Up
September
Mondays - Young Adults - Marcello + Mariela 0428 986 423
Thursdays - Dads Coffee, Bible + Prayer - Dan 0402 301 568
Fridays - 6am Men's Prayer - Fred 0431 437 080
Sundays - Home Church - Marcello + Mariela 0428 986 423
Sun 14 - 3pm Beach Gathering at Moffats + Baptism (Zach and...)
Sun 22 - 3pm Beach Gathering at Moffats
Sun 29 - 3pm Beach Gathering at Moffats
October
Mondays - Young Adults - Marcello + Mariela 0428 986 423
Thursdays - Dads Coffee, Bible + Prayer - Dan 0402 301 568
Fridays - 6am Men's Prayer - Fred 0431 437 080
Sundays - Home Church - Marcello + Mariela 0428 986 423
Sun 06 - 3pm Monthly Worship Gathering - Venue TBA
Sun 13 - 3pm Beach Gathering at Moffats
Sun 20 - 3pm Beach Gathering at Moffats + Baptisms
Sun 27 - 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: $8,960
Last month's expenses: $11,974
Balance: $78,026
Giving in : Oct 23-Aug 25: $5000
Giving out : Oct 23-Aug 25: $14.082
"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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