From the elders - June 2009

It has been a time of excitement and challenge in our church this past month;  Excitement because we have seen growth and multiplication of our carecells and new leaders raised up.  But for the same reason it has been a challenge, as change is always unsettling for a little while.

Here are some 'images' that we feel are for our church at this time, from God, to help keep us focused on Him and encouraged to keep going.

Stirred Up

We have all experienced what happens when a tin of emulsion paint is left to stand too long.  A watery layer separates out at the top, and it is no use for painting with until it has been stirred up again.

By pressing on with multiplying the groups, and not allowing ourselved to become settled and comfortable, we are keeping ourselves obedient and available to God.  The Holy Spirit 'stirs up'  our hearts if we let Him.  God wants to stir us up as a church and as individuals.

Mountain peaks

Our church life is a bit like a journey, with highs and lows, like mountain peaks to climb along the way.  We have just had a 'mountain top' experience in our groups.  we have made some great friends.  We have experienced true Christian fellowship and friendship.  We have seen some new people find faith in Jesus Christ.  it has been absolutely amazing what God has done.  

It might seem a bit of a let down as we move on, and start the process of coming down and getting ready to climb the next 'peak', with our new groups.

But on the mountain top there is not much growth. All the green growth and the trees are lower down in the valleys.   Most of the growth in our Christians lives and in our church will happen as we press on through the new challenges of the new groups, as we step out in faith, maybe doing something for God that we have never done before.



Fear not O little flock

This song is from God for us!  Listen to the song and be encouraged. God is telling us that although we are small, he is with us.  More than that, our cause is His cause, and if we keep sharp and focused on Him we cannot fail in our mission because it is His mission!  Even though we are small and may face opposition and problems on the way, we need not be afraid or discouraged.  God knows we are small, that is why He gave us this song.  We are important to Him.  

So let us keep our eyes on Jesus and Rise Up!!!

Fear not, O little flock. The foe who madly seeks to overthrow will come crashing down. Dread not his rage and power; his seeming triumph over all God's saints lasts a little hour. True as God's word is true, not earth nor hell and all it's crew against us will prevail. Our victory just cannot fail.

Rise Up, Rise Up!

Fear not, O little flock. Be sharp! Be strong! Your cause to God belongs. Fix your eyes and pray. Stand with the God of peace; He'll soon crush Satan underneath your feet in this your battle day. Lord Jesus grant our prayer; Great Captain now your arm make bare. As Your sword sweeps the skies, we'll see salvation here arise.

Godfrey Birtill. Inspired by the Moravian Hymn. (c) 2005 Thankyou Music