On Sunday last week in our Creative/Kids Spot in the Contemporary Service I asked some families and other people there about the ways they like to refresh themselves. We heard about families going to the beach together for a swim or walking in the hills. The ideas were fun and inspiring. We have some creative people in our community. Here are some more ideas to help us refresh; sing, dance, skip, run in circles, drink water, watch a funny movie, find some flowers, rub your ears, embrace imperfection, take a deep breath, stretch, get a good night’s sleep, good posture, redecorate, good diet, silence, walk, 20 minutes of sunshine, smile or socialize. This may refresh our bodies and our minds, as Christians we also know that it is Jesus who is able to refresh our souls. Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV) Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38 (NIV) The Refresh Studies are a season of reflection for our whole of our church to come to Jesus and find rest for our souls. I strongly encourage you to join a group or pick up the study with a friend and be part of this exciting season with others in our church family.   … Continue reading →

Refresh Take a moment to think about the relationships you have experienced through life. One of the first would be your relationship with your Mum. The mother child relationship is basic to our survival and is typically one of love and care. Next you may think of your relationship with brothers and sisters. These can be challenging as we are all aware of sibling rivalry. I remember the ongoing races with my big brother trying to get home first from school over the 5 mile bicycle ride. Strangely, we both remember always winning? Another important relationship is our first love. Your brain is put into neutral and there is nothing you wouldn’t do to be with that amazing person. Time with them is so precious and goes so quickly. Some of these first loves last a lifetime and others just a few days. But they are never forgotten. Some of the best celebrate 60, 70 or 75 years together. We hold them in great esteem. Then there is our relationship with Jesus to which nothing can compare. Who can compare to You, my King Who can compare to You, my Lord Who can compare to You, my Friend I looked and I’ve found that there’s no one like You in all the earth And You take my hand, and You call me Your own You show me the way to life And You lift my head, and You give me hope You show me the way to life No one compares to You, my King No one compares to You, my Lord No one compares to You, my Friend I looked and I’ve found that You’re the One I needed all along You are the way You are the truth You are the life (Jesus Culture – “Who can compare”) The “Refresh” study we are beginning at church next week is a wonderful time to grow your relationship with Jesus in the security of a small group of followers of Jesus who are also seeking to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus, our Lord, Saviour and friend. This is the most important relationship we will ever know.   … Continue reading →

Have you ever had someone suggest that you could do something ..and thought, “Who me? They must be thinking of someone else – I can’t do that!” As I began my Period of Discernment, that’s exactly what I was thinking, “Who me?” “Who am I to think that I could be a minister of the Word, to be ordained, to be a leader serving in Christ’s church?” As part of my Period of Discernment (or PoD) I went on a discernment retreat up at Nunyara Conference Centre at Belair. At one point during the retreat we were sent off to spend some time in silence and listen for the still small voice of God speaking to us. I headed off by myself to sit quietly with my Bible. During that time I was led to one particular verse which stood out and has been significant for me ever since: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)  It was that word timid, that stood out for me. Time after time I have felt called to take on challenging roles or tasks. Some have called me courageous or brave. But I don’t think that’s been the case. Under the surface I have often lacked self-confidence, wondering if God picked the right person! Through this time of formation, first in my PoD and then as a Candidate, God has shown me over and over how much God loves me – with such a deep, abiding, immeasurable love. God has shown me that if I trust in God and step out in faith,  I can do what God calls me to do, through the strength and enabling power of the Holy Spirit – many times confirmed by the encouragement and prayers of others – often just at the right time!  And God has shown me that if I call on God’s name and wait for God’s leading, God’s promises will be fulfilled. So, through the Holy Spirit, I have learned that God does give me the courage to do the things he calls me to do. The power, love and self-discipline that come from the Holy Spirit far outweigh any fear or self-doubt or timidity – even when they do come creeping back in to my mind. In this time of formation, through mentoring, study, prayer, ministry-practice, vulnerability and reflection I have moved to a place where I can say, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8) What is God asking you to do? Each one of us is unique and brings particular gifts, skills and passions to contribute to the body of Christ and to this world we live in. May you too, have the courage, power, love and self-discipline of the Holy Spirit to carry out your unique calling.   … Continue reading →