"14 If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
- 2 Chronicles 7:14
Ahoy Church,
I had a great time worshipping and praying for the future of our church last Sunday!
When the whole church prays, we hear many voices (all of you!) and the one voice (God’s Holy Spirit) threading his theme throughout our time together.
Below, I have highlighted the scriptures that God put on the hearts of our church as we prayed in groups. I’ve also included my shorthand notes on other ideas that were shared.
Thanks for being a church where each of us plays our role in discerning God’s voice and leading the way forward!
Notes from “Prayer for the Future of our Church”
Tim, Jireh, Dan, Adalee
"18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt 28:18-20
- We need “Teachers” to fulfil this Great Commission.
"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands" 2 Timothy 1:6
- We need to encourge people to “fan into flame” the gifts they’ve been given to fulfil Christ’s Great Commission.
Davis Family + Co
“We need to stay as one big, growing church family”
Marcello + Mariela + Co
"21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will be a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." - 2 Tim 2:21
- Being the vessel for the future, set apart for the future
Anastacia
"14 Of my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14
- It’s time to be serious with God. Humble ourselves and pray
- We need to pray for each other, especially for the younger people
Jesse, Lisa, Sion
- Coastal Youth is a huge part of our future. Coastal has a fire and a hunger for God.
Aimee
"14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14 (Shared twice)
Megan
- We need to realise our dependency upon God
- If something is on your heart that God’s spoken before, step out in boldness and do it.
Kevin
- Whatever form the church takes, the heart is to know you are loved by God, love him in return and share that love with each other. We can trust him in that.
Andy
18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." - Isaiah 43:18-19
- God’s giving out a “Pioneering allowance” to walk on unforeseen, ‘rockier’ paths
Lachlan Ford, B, Sally
"40 I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. 41 I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul." - Jeremiah 32:40-41
- May our decisions be difficult, so that we listen to each other
Lachlan White
"30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" - Romans 8:30-32
- God says, “I’m the one who parts the waters”. If God is for US, who can be against us!?
As I prayed leading up to Sunday, my simple nudge from God was that the future of our church is prayer.
As you read over these scriptures and comments, what stands out to you? As the early church models for us in 1 Corinthians 14:26–33, every one of us has a role to play in building up and encouraging the Open Road church family. Be bold in sharing 😄
Cheers, God Bless and see you Sunday!
P.S. Blokes, Bonfire + BBQ Saturday @ 286 North Maleny Road
Church Constitution - NEXT Sunday 11th May
NEXT Sunday 11th 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.
Cheers and God Bless,
Dan
Coming Up
May
Fridays - 6am Men's Prayer - Fred 0431 437 080
Sat 10 - 430pm Bonfire, Blokes + Bible @ Maleny
Sun 11 - 4pm Beach Gathering at Moffats
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: $75,779
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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