2nd July

02 Jul 2nd July

Hi everybody!

Well…we’re about at the halfway point in the current round of restrictions from the latest virus flare-up.

Thank you to everyone who’s working so hard to make worship happen faithfully & safely and to everyone who has been working the phones & popping in to check on one another. “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” – Jn 13:35

Don’t lose heart! The adjustments and challenges in regional Australia are small potatoes compared to the stay-at-home requirements in place in our urban centres.

Speaking of adjustments…here’s a few:

1. Giving Beyond Ourselves would normally be this Sunday (4^th July), but given the limitations on numbers, we’re moving it back to the 11^th July.  I believe this is the month we renew our gospel partnership with Asia Focus. Pastor Fricke’s had a significant battle with cancer & it appears he’s on the good side of that fight so far. So…Sunday the 11^th of July let’s be thankful and generous.

 

2. Ladies Fellowship is scheduled for this coming Thursday, 8^th However the 5 visitors/house restriction will still be in place then. I’m recommending we move that back a week as well to the 15^th of July. I’m hopeful here too that when this round of rules expires on the 9^th of July (Leonie’s & my 32^nd wedding anniversary!) we’ll have seen the current infections fall and the testing continue to stay ahead of it. But let’s plan now on the 8^th being a day we don’t meet…and work from there as things progress.

 

3. We’re still under the recommendation not to sing in worship & we’re all wearing masks. But at least we can be together. With the 1 person/4sqm limits back in place, we’ve got room for about 35 or so in the Guide Hall & another 5-6 in the kitchen area.  You’re likely safer in worship than at the grocery store. Now more than ever the gathered people of God can lead the way as light through the darkness. As always…if you’re unwell, don’t just stay home, ring & ask for some help, but do get to your Dr & get yourself looked after.

 

You’ll hear this verse at some point Sunday: So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. – Heb 4:14-16

Be bold in approaching the Father to ask Him to break the grip of this virus & the fear & uncertainties it causes. Ask boldly for Jesus to stand victorious now like he did when he rose from the grave. Invite the Spirit to increase your faith in bold ways that challenge the fear that presses in uninvited & serves as an example to folks around you.

Hope to see you Sunday!

John