My wish for you in this new year is very much what Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus:

'I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. '

Ephesians 1:17-19 NIV

Over the past two years it seemed that life has taken more than it gave…didn’t it? As Christians, we were not just exposed to an increase in the intensity of the cultural wars, but we also had to stand strong while we saw ourselves and our loved ones contend with the very same realities brought about by Covid-19 as those not part of our faith.

Decades ago Christianity would have been seen as part of the solution to a stressed society. Nowadays we are seen as part of the problem…and in some cases even the cause of societal stress. Once we were granted the freedom to worship in a way of our choosing. Lately, almost every form of Christian worship has come under scrutiny from outside – whether orthodox or “over-the-top -lunatic-loudness” – as charismatic churches were described by a secular commentator.

Our world has changed, and is constantly changing, beyond recognition! Culturally the heat of a godless environment is being turned up. The temptation to react to the circumstantial intimidation by hiding is huge. To ‘hide until the storm settles’ may just be what many Christians see as the best survival strategy. The fact is…once ‘the storm settles’ we will discover that what we had as Christianity will never exist again. Our previous privileged position has fallen into ruins. Many of our Christian universities now propagate beliefs that contradict the very foundations they were built upon. Our Christian schools have the very same challenges as that of the government schools.

Sounds gloomy? I have great news for you: In the midst of this God has the answer! His answer is His church.

A strong, Christ-following, people-loving, and serving remnant that turns “the way things are” upside down. They model an alternative way of living that makes outsiders want to be part of it. Servants of Christ that find their identity not primarily in their sexuality, popularity, or prosperity, but in being His presence in every place.  I am not referring to slaves of a religious system that produces self-righteous, self-centered consumers. I am referring to something the world we live in desperately craves. Listen to this commentary on how it was done in the past:

'They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.'

Acts 2:42-47 NIV

Are you ready to be part of it? Are you ready to be this type of light in a dark world? It would ask of you to make a fundamental shift. A 360 degree turn from the self-centered individualism of our day towards a life ordered and structured around the centrality and worship of Christ. Have you dedicated your year to the Lord? Now is a good time…Have you arranged your affairs to follow Christ in all things? Now is a good time… Are you ranking your priorities to put His kingdom first? Now is a good time… This is what distinguishes the church from the rest of society: He is our head, above all things in everything!

Partners Christmas gift | Encounter

Please be aware the free partners gift “Encounter", the daily devotional written by Graeme Cann will not be available after Monday the January 17^th. You can collect yours from the church on Sunday or Monday for your household if you haven’t yet done so. After this time the offer will conclude, the books will still be available for purchase from Graeme through his website here.

We are here for you | Isolation

If you are having to isolate at home and don’t have any family or friends to support you, please contact us or give us a call, phone (03) 9702 1011. We are living in a changing season so please don’t be alone, reach out. For prayer or assistance, we are here for you.

Food Pantry | Balls of wool

There is a lovely group of ladies in the local area who knit blankets and items for our local community. If you have any spare or leftover balls of wool, please leave them in the food pantry basket. Big or small, any size would be greatly appreciated!

Sunday Service 10am | Replenish – Relationally

We are back and looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday at 10am. Come early and grab a coffee and catch up. It is our second week in the Replenish series and will be sharing how to replenish relationally.

Kids Church | Returning January 23rd 2022

We are working hard to make Kids Church starting on 23^rd January a big one! We have missed seeing all of our fantastic kids and look forward to starting soon!

Alpha Course | Starting February 2nd 2022

Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that create a safe and honest space, where people can explore life, faith and meaning. Alpha starts 2^nd February at 7.00pm so book your spot and don’t miss out, book now!

Y&Y Summer camp! | February 4th – 6th 2022

We are going to Bonnie Doon for Summer Camp! This is a weekend not to be missed by any YA (Age 16+). Camp will be Friday 4th Feb – Sunday 6th Feb 2022 at the Camerons' property at Bonnie Doon. Registration will close on Sunday 30th January and will not re-open! Book now!

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor