It happened again!!!

30 Sep It happened again!!!

Happy Tuesday Y’all!

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that two of my old university housemates had emailed me completely out of the blue to reconnect that long-ago relationship…Well…It happened again! A couple at whose wedding I presided in my first call tapped me on the email shoulder this weekend…I performed their wedding in 1991. Leonie & I hadn’t been married for two years yet ourselves, so these two have some rings around their tree too. They sent photos of children & grandchildren. At some point I’ll respond in kind…but what joy! THEN…today visiting over at Signature Care, a young woman whom I haven’t seen in years popped into the room I was visiting & we had a lovely catch-up. She was a high schooler back then, but now clearly a very affable hardworking young woman with plans for the future. I hope we can reconnect again in a way that leads to her family in worship.

I’ll say what I always say…Relationships matter. Never underestimate the power of kind words, thoughtful gestures, investing in someone else by encouragement or compassion. Be interested in the people around you & find ways to remember the small things that matter BIG to someone else. Ask about dreams, hopes, plans, kids…people want to tell you their story! So please ask & then listen.

I have been reading the Letters of John (Jesus’ best friend & disciple – “the disciple whom Jesus loved”) & studying them with Ladies Fellowship. At the very end of 2 & 3 John, John repeats these words, “I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.” There’s something about looking someone in the eye that John knows fosters joy. To be in the company of other disciples, other Christ followers, adds joy to the connection in relationship. Jesus says (in John 15) that as his people remain in him like branches remain connected to the vine our “joy will be complete.” Relationships matter…you cannot fulfil your call as a disciple if you do not engage with people around you building relationships that are significant & life-giving. You can’t call yourself part of the church if you have no relationship with the church. And you can’t make disciples, what Jesus specifically commanded, if you never open the door to a relationship with someone who stands outside the family of Christ so that you can bring them in.

So…for the next few weeks…

1. Zoom Bible Study Catch-ups are taking a bit of a break but will resume on 31^st October…a special All Hallows Eve & Reformation Day edition of Zoom
2. I think this is the week you set your clocks forward.
3. GBO this Sunday, 5^th October, is for the Tamaris Pfeiffer-Tait Bursary fund at the Conservatorium. Also…you know…Morning Tea!!!
4. 12^th October we welcome Gospel Partner Mark Woodhouse from CSU UniChurch. Great work gets done out there…they’ve got challenges we can’t imagine & great blessings as well. I value that relationship very highly…always have!
5. HSC Exams start 16^th October – Please pray for those year 12 students! This is crunch time for many of them…pray that the diligent effort to this point & the preparation over these holidays is just right! Then for peace & assurance on the day in the moment. And finally for trust that no matter the scores…God will work his will & his calling to your contentment and joy.
6. Living Water’s AGM is…2^nd November…Check that in the bulletin over the next week or so…but I think that’s what my notes say. Big decisions to make…big opportunities ahead!

Final thing…over the next few weeks, take time to look after one another. If there’s someone you haven’t seen in a while…ring, go by, offer your ear… Be generous with more than your dollars but be generous with those too. I’m praying for a wonderful season ahead for us…I’m pretty sure God’s not finished with Living Water yet!

Peace

John