The Queen was RIGHT!

20 Jan The Queen was RIGHT!

20 January 2025

You probably never thought you’d hear me praise a monarch, but Queen Elizabeth knew a thing or two about a thing or two. For instance…my phone gave me a “quote of the day” from her that is spot on: “It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps that bring about the most lasting change.” I know Her Majesty wasn’t the only one to say things like that…but that one really struck me. Why?

Well…I’ve been reading Matthew’s gospel. It’s the first one I read at the start of every year. Matthew 18:20 is a familiar & often misunderstood verse: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” And I immediately thought of the Queen’s statement. Our world, & far too often the church, clamours for “bigger is better & most is best.” We live addicted to growth strategies & methodologies to create momentum. Every day my in-box is filled with programs & systems & techniques & technologies. People gravitate to “big” because from “big” they convince themselves they will “get” the “most” of what they want.

But Jesus claims even the smallest fellowship of his people as his dwelling. A few chapters earlier Jesus had described the nature of his kingdom comparing his sovereign rule over all things to seeds & yeast that by their very nature are transformative even in their smallness. It’s a good reminder that as the Australian Open will celebrate the biggest names with the biggest wins, and the Golden Globes & Oscars offer grand accolades to big stars, and the Tech Giants shape our world around their big discoveries, Jesus calls us to remember the power of his Name in small words of encouragement & hope, barely notable acts of generosity & seemingly insignificant deeds of kindness because his presence in us is the power to make all things new.

We were not created to be “consumers” of the next “big” thing on our “want/wish list.” God crafted humankind to be caretakers of His Creation & contributors to the flourishing of the people & community around us. “Small steps,” Her Majesty rightly notes, are powerful. “Two or three gathered in his name,” Jesus says, are blessed by his presence & every blessing that gives. Never doubt the impact of even the smallest gesture, prayer, blessing, or kindness. And know for certain that when Jesus gets the credit…the effect could be eternal.

Now…about some small things with eternal significance:

1. Sunday 25^th January – We wrap up or current worship & teaching series by asking “Where’s Jesus…on Baylis Street?”
2. The table in the Hall is filled with Bible reading resources for you for the year & the CMS Prayer Diaries for you to use to support Christ’s work around the world.
3. Speaking of prayers…Saturday 31st January – Living Water Fellowship Prayer Morning @ our house, 7 Gidgee Place – 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. We’re offering special prayers for Iran & our February Giving Beyond Ourselves, Riding for the Disabled. I’ll have the coffee pot going & the kettle boiling.
4. Advanced Notice:
   1. Ash Wednesday Worship – 18th February @ 7:00 p.m.
   1. Maundy Thursday – 2nd April @ 7:00 p.m.
   1. Good Friday – 3rd April @ 9:00 a.m.
   1. Easter Sunday – 5th April @ 10:00 a.m.
5. There have been some changes to our Serving in Worship roster over the last week or two. It’s always this way…Liz gets a 3-month cycle squared away, & conflicting commitments pop up from nowhere. Our world is a busy place, & I am so thankful for the servants who are there with such faithfulness & adapt to be helpful to others & offer to help above & beyond reasonable expectations & the new hands that are offered…

Thank you!

• School resumes soon…Pray for the teachers & staff and the students & families. Ask God to provide a smooth transition from holidays to the teaching & learning routines, and for deep wisdom to be passed on to the growing generations.
• A reminder…We are operating at a reduced budget having made some decisions to condense our staff hours this year. All I can say is keep being faithful in your giving & consider even greater generosity in response to all we’ve been given in Christ.

God bless you in the week ahead! See you Sunday if not sooner John