I hope you're enjoying the sun after the rain!
Given the rain and sicknesses going around we had the smallest gathering I've seen in two years on Sunday. However, as is characteristic, it stopped raining from the beginning of our time to the closing prayer.
It's good to be reminded that God's got a sense of humour :)
This was the fourth week in a row that we've had some rain during our gathering! While our kids mostly love it, it honestly is pretty inconvenient! While the rain inhibits many from joining us, I personally feel the burden of providing a service that everyone can actually attend!
Despite the inconvenience, I believe these storms are sending me, and our church, an opportunity to explore places of faith we otherwise might ignore.
Given that gathering is only a third of our rhythms of faith (Know, Invite, Gather), our frustration with not gathering might be redirected towards discovering new intimacy with Jesus and those around us.
As a long-term follower of Jesus and a church leader for more than half my life, I must confess that one of the greatest challenges for our faith is for it to leap out of our church buildings and into our streets, homes and hearts.
Especially if you've been frustrated by the rain, I want to offer some challenges to stretch you. Why not try one?
GET TO KNOW JESUS
- Read (or listen to!) 1st Thessalonians with us this month - there's still time! https://www.bible.com/bible/59/1TH.1.ESV
- Experiment with a Devotional/Prayer App.
Martine and I have both used "Lectio 365" - Pray the Lord's Prayer each day and then pause, asking God to speak to you.
INVITE OTHERS INTO YOUR LIFE
- Message a friend/relative God's been prompting you to. Ask God if there's a way you can pray for them or an encouraging word to give them.
- Doing something this week (gym, walk, coffee)? Invite a friend.
- Plan to share a meal in the next two weeks with a friend or family. Before they arrive, ask God how you can encourage them.
- Ask God if there is someone you can offer support to. When he gives you a name, reach out and find a way to bless them with a meal or financial support.
GATHER TO ENCOURAGE
- Share with a friend from Open Road, or any other Christian, that you've been missing fellowship due to rain. Ask if they could join you for a cuppa and some time of sharing and prayer.
The frustration of rain could be God trying to shift us into a new way of living and loving like his glorious son, Jesus Christ.
Anything that leads us into new intimacy with him and a more direct impact on others must surely be a blessing from Heaven!
In faith...see you Sunday as we gather to encourage each other :)
Dan
P.S. You're welcome to join us at 5:30 a.m. Thursday as I lead a brief prayer at the ANZAC Service at Verrierdale Hall (near Eumundi), or preach at Woodford Community Church at 9:30 a.m. Sunday!
Coming Up
April
Thu 25 Apr 530am ANZAC Service Verrierdale Hall (460 Verrierdale Rd)
NOTE: This is not a church event, just an invitation :)
Sun 28 Apr 4pm Moffat Gathering - Baptisms anyone?
May
Sun 05 May 4pm Moffat Gathering (no worship event due to long weekend)
Sun 12 May 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 19 May 4pm Moffat Gathering - get baptised!
Sun 26 May 4pm Moffat Gathering
June
Sun 02 June 4pm Worship Gathering TBC
Sun 09 June 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 16 June 4pm Moffat Gathering - Jersey's baptism! Join her?
Sun 23 June 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 30 June 4pm Moffat Gathering
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: $11,412
Last month's expenses: $5,730
Balance: $46,679
Giving Kitty Oct-Mar: $5,000
Giving out Oct-Mar: $1,280
"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 with giving to Open Road to meet needs as a church or get in touch with any questions you may have.
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