Love thy neighbour

Last weekend at Grace Church was truly uplifting, filled with meaningful connections and divine inspiration. We are grateful for the messages we received and look forward to the upcoming outreach event.

Our weekend kicked off with a Men's Breakfast on Saturday morning, featuring the distinguished Dr. John Barrett as our special guest. At over 85 years old, Dr. Barrett shared insights from what he called “a fortunate life”, inspiring all attendees with his service to community, wisdom and experiences. His P.O.P.P.I. anagram left a great impression. Prayer, Opportunities, Plans, Perseverance, Integrity was a great strategy to live by.

The Sunday morning service was a vibrant gathering filled with passionate worship. The congregation received strong prophetic encouragement to live wholeheartedly for God and embrace Him as Savior. We were blessed with another guest speaker, Kevin Young, who captivated us with tales of his recent Holy Spirit led adventures in Afghanistan. Despite the dangers Kevin was able to make many good contacts for the Gospel.

Kevin also spoke about the upcoming "Love Thy Neighbour" outreach event, which is scheduled for November 30th at Town Beach. This event aims to break a world paddle-out record while serving as a powerful witness for Jesus in the surfing community. Kevin's dedication to these great endeavours is deeply rooted in the legacy of his late son, Zac. Zac reminded us that perfect love casts out all fear and encouraged us to love all people with the love of Jesus.

Please see the details in e-news of how you can contribute as a volunteer or financially to this special multi-church event.

I also want to thank the many helpers who made our welcome Lunch on Sunday very special for those who attended. Some 16 New People were invited and 9 were able to stay for a delicious lunch and introduction to who is Grace Church.

Thank You Grace Family for celebrating Jesus and Community well over the last weekend. We look forward to what God has for us in coming weeks.

God Bless you

Ps Greg and Amanda

Our season in God

Hi Church, 

There is nothing like looking into the face of a newborn. Amanda and I spent five days in Melbourne gazing with amazing love at the most precious life we had ever seen since our own newborns. O Grandparent love is glorious. 

Life is so perfectly new for a baby. They are dependant on their parents for everything, total trust, total belief that all will be well, they have no reason to doubt, no reason to believe they will not be loved, no reason not to believe their every need will be taken care of. In their weakness they are strong because of their dependence upon the strength of those that love them. 

When did we start believing a lie that our Heavenly Father would treat us any differently. That’s why Jesus said Matthew 19:14

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

A child’s faith is uncorrupted by doubt and lack of identity. That’s why Jesus said this type of faith is what releases the Kingdom of God to us. Food for thought. 

Thank you to Randolph for stepping in to preach on Sunday. He gave a powerful message encouraging us to assess our season in God. He first told us to Let Go of things that hinder our relationship with God. 1. Habits, 2. Places and 3. People. Then He said we need to revere the Lord not just say we are in a relationship with him. Then finally we need to draw near to God.  Our drawing near means we present our selves as vessel to be filled, we recommit our lives daily through a repentant heart, we go to the secret prayer place with Him, we keep the fire burning of our love for Jesus, and we seek first his kingdom. By doing this we build a life of spiritual strength not self-pity. And we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. What amazing truth. Thank you, Randolph, for coming back from the Czech Republic fired up for Jesus. 

Finally, I want to say thank you for everyone who came to the AGM. We were able to make our reports for the year and recognise the hand of God on our Church (His Church) and give Him all the glory. Please see the link within the e-news to get your copy of our AGM report for 2024. 

The Lord is Good! 

God bless you Grace Church

Love Greg and Amanda 

Vision

Hi Church

Praise God for his wonderful presence and His favour and blessing that comes when we are in unity together. The Presence of the Lord was so powerful on Sunday and our sense of connectedness as one family so strong.

Thank you for the acceptance of our announcement for the rejuvenation time for Amanda and I in the new year. This three-month rest period will help greatly to bring us to a point of temporary release of ministry, rest, reconnection, revisioning and re-calling and releasing back into Grace Church leadership for the long term. We are very hopeful for the long term. We have a new vision, and we are now in the process of working out how we are going to implement. We are not rushing this process. We know God is filling our hearts with a fresh desire to behold Jesus and bear his image as the risen Lord to our world. If all we do is just keep preaching and demonstrating Jesus we will have accomplished our purpose in this world.

So when it came to preaching I told the story of the long months under the instruction of our Church mentor Peter McHugh.  We came to the conclusion that our vision statement is:- Grace Church exists to be a community of transforming grace that bears the image of Jesus.

God’s Grace I explained starts with God’s mercy over judgement from sin and his riches in Jesus lavished on us but then He fills us with His Holy Spirit, empowering us by His presence so we can do all that He requires of us and we can become all that He wants us to be. And What he wants us to be is to grow into maturity into the fullness of Jesus. Read the book of Ephesians and you will see this so clearly.

I’m looking forward to finishing this message with you soon. But I was very encouraged by the time of surrender that Jane led us into, and the song Ps Debbie sang of Jesus be the Centre of it all. Many filled the altar call giving their lives to God’s purpose during this precious time. Regarding time I am aware our services are going longer than normal but I believe God is doing a good work through Holy Spirit and His Word and so I’m unapologetic if its inconvenient, as I’m more interested in pursuing God and all that he desires for us. 

I also announced on Sunday the birth of our first Grand Child, daughter to Peter and Amelia Campion, Esther Rose Campion. Both Mum and Baby are progressing well and we are so delighted and praising God for her safe delivery. We head to Melbourne this week to meet her for the first time. So excited.

Next Sunday is a big day for us at Grace Church as we take up our Love the House Offering. Our Faith Total to buy 220 Chairs is approximately $25,500. So far $15,000 has been deposited. So, $10,500 needs to be given or pledged this Sunday. By faith we can do this! Let’s trust the Lord and see His hand at work.  

Another thing for this Sunday is that after the service at 11:40 am will be our Annual General Meeting. This is our celebration time of thanks to appreciate God’s blessing on us over the last 12 months and to be open and transparent before our faith community of how we have invested our time and energy and resources.  If you are a regular attender at Grace, you are welcome.

Finally, this Sunday coming we will also welcome home Randolph Kubicek back with us from his 6 month stay in Czech republic. Randolph will be preaching, and he said will be bringing fresh Holy Spirit Fire with him.  Awesome don’t miss it!

Lots happening Grace!

God bless love Greg and Amanda.

Outrageous Grace

HI Church,

Well, another Spiritually dynamic weekend was had by Grace Church. It started early on Saturday morning with Men’s Breakfast.  Some 25 blokes turned up to be encouraged through the story of Boaz, a man of God full of wisdom and integrity, and how God used him to rescue Ruth and Naomi out of poverty and give them a hope and a future. His kindness resulted in the line of King David then ultimately Jesus.  Who knows what eternal significance occurs through your kindness and love and willingness to step out of the ordinary. Boaz was a picture of the saving grace of Jesus towards us as His Church, His bride. Read the story in the Book of Ruth, it’s very inspiring.

From Saturday we turned to Sunday morning with nearly a full house where we were impacted by Spirit-filled worship led by Josh Thomas, an excellent communion message by Jane Wright and a thanksgiving time with Graeme Kightley to appreciate everyone involved in Christmas Boxes.  It was truly a joy to see the Kingdom Kids own their participation in the boxes for other kids as well as the World Changes Youth. Grace Bollard covered the boxes in prayer, and we sent out over 132 to Samaritans purse. This was truly a great effort. To help fill the boxes Judith Tetley assembled a craft team of faithful ladies who created numerous items for all ages to enjoy and send out with love.   We thank them for their great help.

Then again, we were challenged and inspired by the teaching of Ps Jeremy Griffiths. He also read us a fantastic children story which he authored based on the fish who swallowed a Coin that Peter the disciple used to pay his and Jesus’ temple tax. Matt 17:24-27. Jeremy spoke about the Outrageous Grace of God through the story of Jesus meeting Zacheus. He spoke again at our More night where many turned up to go deeper in worship and deeper in the word. Ps Jeremy lead us through the bible with the greatest prayers and with a call to go “a little further” like Jesus did in the garden of Gethsemane. It resulted in a packed alter call of people giving their lives for the sake of the gospel. More Lord we cry!

Thank you to all those who gave generously to Ps Jeremy ministry he was so blessed by the generosity of Grace Church. It resulted in nearly all his books sold. As he said, it all goes to missions. Grace Missions also sponsored Jeremy’s work in Polland with a gift of $1000.

Thank you also to the many who turned up for the Prayer Advance last Tuesday. I believe it’s this extra prayer that is making a massive difference in Grace Church. Let’s not give up doing this good work. For we are going to reap a mighty harvest for the glory of the King.

A note of what’s ahead is Our AGM, where we celebrate all the good things Grace Church has been up to for the last 12 months, it happens on the 27th of Oct 11:40am after church gathering. Please come and recognise and give thanks for what we have done together for the glory of the Lord. I know I’m looking forward to another great year ahead.

God bless you all.

Love Greg and Amanda.

Awakening

Hi Church, 

I was so blessed by the move of the Holy Spirit on Sunday. Our team always goes into every Sunday believing for the Holy Spirit to have His way and for us to follow His presence and power. Sometimes its subtle and it’s a movement here or there, a collective agreement or adjustment to what is already planned, but then sometimes it’s like a mighty rushing wind and God moves and has His way. That’s what I felt on Sunday.  

The testimonies from the Awakening team were so encouraging. Not from the basis of what we experienced was so different or so unusual, or the messages so new to us. But rather it confirmed the Father has been leading us this way and the Father has been preparing us to receive more of what He has already been doing amongst us. 

Everyone who went to Awakening was impacted mightily in one way or another. Janette Nolan was also present at Awakening, but not available last Sunday but she said these words which sums it up well for many of us, “Sorry I can’t find the words to express what God did in my life at Awakening.  I just know I am forever changed.  A fire burns brightly to see His kingdom come to Port Macquarie.  I desire God to use me and equip me to see revival come ….. I don’t know how to express the work of the spirit in words, I just know I have cried every day since Awakening, the Word is more alive, prayer is more focussed, and I am working on what I can do to equip the body for His move over this land”. 

Please see the videos on the Awaken Website and on YouTube to get access to all the good truth shared with us. 

This weekend will be amazing, as Ps Jeremy Griffiths will be sharing good solid truth with us in the Power of the Holy Spirit. He is just back from a Pastor Conference in the Philippines and recently authored a book on the Miracles of Jesus. Ps Jeremy will start his ministry with us at the Men’s breakfast on Saturday and will minister in the two services on Sunday. Bring a friend who needs a miracle, bring someone who is lonely and not planted in a church.   A love offering will be taken to support Ps Jeremy on Sunday services.

Grace Church you are amazing. I’m so blessed to be your Pastor and so excited for what the Lord is doing in us and through us for His Glory. 

Love you 

Ps Greg and Amanda

Focus on the Family

Hi Church,

To be one voice, one family worshipping God was so evident last Sunday, I truly sensed a new level of God’s favour.  I honestly believe our Leadership prayers from earlier in the week made all the difference. And best of all a young person surrendered their life to Jesus for the first time and many people gave connect cards desiring to go the journey with our Church Family.  Prayer truly changes things. So, let’s believe for more.

If you missed our Leaders Prayer Advance it was a great night with over 36 people attending. It was an action-packed hour of worship, prophetic declaration, standing in the gap for nations and for our own nation, with requests and intercession for our region and our personal needs. It was a great start to what will be our most important meeting of the month. For from this place of unified prayer we will release a new authority over and from Grace Church. So please join us and please make it your monthly priority. Our next meeting is 8th of October 7 pm.

The Word of God was shared with us again so richly on Sunday, first with Neve during Communion and then with Brett and Kate Ryan from Focus on the Family.  Together they spoke about conflict resolution God’s way and not just for marriage but for all relationships. They used the verses from 1 Peter 3:8-11. They paid particular attention to demonstrating brotherly love, being tender hearted and sympathetic towards each other, making the effort to connect with people’s heart not just prove we are right. They put a lot of emphasis on having a humble heart where we make sure we are aware of what is going on in our own hearts and taking responsibility for that, rather than blaming everyone else for how we feel.  They spoke on the difference of payback verses blessing and how payback obviously ignites for greater trouble.  They spoke on Peace keeping verses Peace making. 

A lot of people spend a lot of energy on peace keeping, pretending to have unity and pretending to be ok when the problem is just being pushed under the rug or kicked down the road. Peace making recognises there is a problem and takes responsibility for trying to find a solution regardless of the cost. Peace making deals with the issues at hand and encourages reconciliation.

I’m sure you will pick up many more points if you watch our video upload on our YouTube channel.  For more information on the resources available of Focus on the Family go to https://families.org.au/ . 

This week is national Marriage week and if you want some insights into helping your marriage stay fresh and enriched then tune in to what they have to offer, it’s all free. Amanda and I will be celebrating 30 years of life together, which includes now 30 years of ministry, but even more special is 5 Children and a Grandbaby on the way. I can’t believe that we have come so far.  All I can say is praise God for His faithfulness and His grace and His mercies for without them I truly would not have gone the distance in my own strength.

But I do want to pay tribute to Amanda who has been so faithful standing by my side all these years, caring and serving not only her own family but the family of God, with great love and perseverance. I look forward to another 30 years of an amazing life together.  And thank you Church for the beautiful flowers and card it was a lovely surprise.

Watch out for all the amazing great opportunities ahead with the adverts below and remember to thank the Lord for answered prayer and lift up the prayer needs listed.

God bless you Church, Amanda and I will see you next Sunday after our week of holiday. Love Greg and Amanda.

Prayer

Hi Church, 

In these last days it’s easy to be confused about what to believe and who to trust. Many look to the Government for answers but they have none. Many put their trust in money that if you have enough, you’ll make it to the end and certainly able to ride out any storm. Some put their trust in believing the right end time prophecy and have a certainty that they will be raptured out just before it all goes pear shaped.

But that’s not a Gospel way to be living.  We need to live in a such away that gives hope to the people around us who are hopeless.  Statistically it would seem that the church is shrinking faster than its growing and that the population is growing faster now than converts are being made. Whilst there are bright pockets in many places which are encouraging, Western Democracies as we know them are in real decline. The answer is not to have more churches but to have more disciples.  More disciples who will make disciples and more disciples who are obedient to the commands of Jesus.  Of course, if more disciples of Jesus made disciples we would need more churches but at this stage there is plenty of room in the churches we have.

Jesus answer to the Now Harvest upon us and around us is to pray. Pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send more labourers into the field. And that usually ends up being the ones who started praying. Historically the first great missionary movement that started out of Europe was with the Moravians who had a 100 year 24/7 Prayer movement that touched the world and who sent Christians out all over the known world making disciples. This was way back in 1727.  Of course, the first prayer vigil to ignite the discipleship flame was Pentecost. Lord we need another!

Now to help us to pray we must consider The Lord’s Prayer in  Matthew 6:9–13 and Luke 11:1–4.

1.         Prayer always should be based, founded on relationship. Our Father.

2.         Prayer is in a Revered or Reverential name. Hallowed.

3.         Prayer is about Reach.  Your Kingdom Come on earth as it is in Heaven.

4.         Prayer is about accessing Resources. Give us our daily bread. Ask Seek Knock.

5.         Prayer is about Reconciliation. The Debt of Sin forgiven by God and us forgiving towards all other people.

6.         Prayer is having Right Direction. Lead us ……not into temptation

7.         Prayer is having Royal Favor.  For His is the Kingdom the glory and the power.

This format of praying covers all areas of life.

I want us all to embrace these principles in our everyday praying for our neighbours, praying for our city, praying for our Nation. We start at home, and we send it out far and wide.

Prayer changes situations but more importantly it changes us. As we move closer to the Father’s heart, we will hear His desire for our world and we will pray and act accordingly. What’s it going to take to see Grace Church grow with lost people becoming disciples in Port Macquarie. I’m not completely sure. But I know this….. the more I pray about it the more likely we will hear and see how it can happen and what is our part it making it happen. I pray you will be motivated to join us monthly for our Leaders Prayer Advance it starts Tuesday 10th of Sept 7:00pm sharp to approx. 8:00pm. 

This week is voting week in Port Macquarie and the Hastings for Council and Mayoral elections.  Lord we pray let your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. There is no injustice or corruption in Heaven under your authority so Lord we reach to the heavens and pray injustice and corruption will be far from us and the people of our Local Government and those whom you have set apart to lead will be blessed, strengthened and encouraged by the power of your Spirit to walk humbly, act justly and consider the welfare and good of all in their decisions.

God bless you, Church.

Ps Greg and Amanda

Praise and Giving

Hi Church, 

Last Sunday was another uplifting time in the Spirit during worship. I found myself on my knees totally enthralled by the beauty and the magnificence of Jesus as he poured out His goodness on us as we lifted high His name. This came particularly after a prophetic challenge from Ps Debbie-Ann, as she felt the Lord was calling us through a doorway into His presence which was opened by our uninhibited praises to God.  This was said as she quoted Psalm 100 “I will enter His gates with thanksgiving”.  Another prophetic word came through Sue Kightley encouraging us to let the Lion of the tribe of Judah Roar through us and we are to be bold. 

I too felt the Lord’s word to us was about setting aside our comforts and not being complacent with our Kingdom of God practices. It’s too easy to forget to be diligent like the Disciples in the garden of Gethsemane and fall asleep, when the Lord calls us to be awake and watch and pray.  My messages about good giving and Kingdom of God finances have been provoking us to re-assess where is our heart, who is in control of our life, is it me? Or is it the Lord?

The principle of sowing and reaping our finances into God’s work upon the earth is as ancient as Genesis 1:12 and will always be in place until the Lord says otherwise. But sadly Christians miss this key principle for their life because they don’t take that step to be willing to sow in tears so that they can reap in joy (Psalm 126). To sow in tears is to give what you know will cost you dearly and will cause you to fall completely into the faithful hands of the Father, to supply the harvest. But He is more than willing to be proven in this way. See Mal 3:10 and Luke 6:38, Gal 6:7-8.

Jesus entered this principle when He sowed His own life in tears and sweating great drops of blood on the eve of His death on the cross (John 12:24). He willingly laid down His life in obedience to His Father and trusted Him for the reaping reward of His own life resurrected, and that of billions of Christians, who have been reaped ever since and received the Gift of eternal life (1 Cor 15:20-24).

Complacency always will want to hold back and take control of the outcome, but total trust and faith to sow one’s life “all in”, with Jesus, leaves the reaping reward to Him.  

Our Sunday night “More”, was a wonderful time of Spirit filled worship and preaching. Sue Kightley presented a wonderful message on Healing. It was done in such grace and truth. I encourage you all to listen to it when it’s released on our YouTube Channel.   Again, prophetic words were released, healing was released, and many just sat in the powerful peaceful presence of our God. Don’t miss the next one 22nd of September. 

Next Sunday is Fathers’ Day. We recognise it can be a difficult day for some and a happy day for others. If you give first thanks to our Heavenly Father for all that He is and has done for us, its easier to find some thanks for others. Remember to honour our earthly Dads releases a heavenly blessing over our own life (Eph 6:2). Honour is a gift we give not something to be earned.  At our service we will have some fun with Dad’s and show our love, with a special morning tea. We will also have a guest preacher Ps Gavin Williams. 

Remember those interested in attending Awakening Australia in Brisbane on the 26-29 Sept, please contact myself or Paul Betenson. See the link for the promo video. https://awakeningaustralia.org/

Love and Blessings Church,

Ps Greg and Amanda

Family Service Sunday

Hi Church,

There is nothing like a Family service to bring us all together in unity. And I believe the Lord commanded a blessing on us over the weekend as young and older together worshipped the Lord, gave testimony, shared communion with each other, laughed, cried and gave thanks. A big thank you to all the teams that worked together to make it happen from table decorating to BBQ cooking, worshipping with a new Youth team, to sharing announcements. The unity was clear to be seen and the Lord poured out His favour and love on it. 

Special mention to our Youth Leaders Neve, Joshiah, and Benjamin for each bringing a clear and personal message about trusting God. We were all very encouraged by their insights and sometimes very personal challenges overcoming very large obstacles in their lives. So well done. Their efforts with the Youth Ministry are resulting in young people who are discipled into truth and growing in grace and wisdom. 

Of course, what would Family Service be without the Skit Gals (Kaidee and Carin) or “The Average Skits Co.” as they like to be known.  They had us in belly laughs again making sure we knew how to have good soil in our heart for God’s Word to thrive. 

Looking ahead we have Father’s Day to enjoy with special guest Dr Gavin Williams preaching. Gavin is an international disciple-maker and teacher of the Word and has been a long-time friend and support. I look forward to his input into our Grace life. 

A very important meeting will begin on the second Tuesday of each month. It will be a Leaders Prayer Advance night. This night the 10th of September will be set apart from 7:00pm to bring together all leaders of Grace Church and anyone who has a heart to see God’s prophetic destiny released in and through Grace Church for His glory. 

This is an opportunity to be truly intentional as a Church to advance God’s kingdom first in the Spirit then in the natural, to claim revival in our own lives first before we ask it of our community. This prayer time is open to everyone but especially anchored by all leaders of Grace Church to come together, humble ourselves, seek His face and pray for our families, our ministries, our Church, and our city. Please join us. 

Loving you in the journey,

Ps Greg and Amanda

Purpose, Identity and Authority

HI Church,

We had another marvellous time on Sunday.  After a beautiful time of worship where we pressed into God and realigned our hearts with His mercies poured out on the cross through Jesus. We were blessed by His wonderful presence which blanketed us with His Peace and Love. We were also greatly inspired by our Artists Renee and Jane as they shared the meaning behind their paintings completed over the Powerhouse Conference time.

As always, it’s great to have some testimony of God’s goodness and two people reported some healing that greatly impacted their lives from conference. One was lifting of depression and the second was dizziness disappearing instantly.   Praise God for His mercies are new every morning. We lay claim to more healing in Jesus’ name.

Justin Pagotto preached the word, and it was very encouraging as he led us through the scriptures from Gensis to Revelation to discover our purpose, our identity and our power and authority over sin, amongst many other good teachings.  To see all of Justin’s notes see his post in Grace Church connections and watch out for his Video message on our Church YouTube Channel.

Justin has also been highlighting the number of Christian candidates who are standing for Council this election time in September, so I encourage you to look for yourself at the policies presented by Adam Roberts and Mark Hornshaw and their respective teams.

One of the great moments that will be available for the whole church of Australia to enjoy is Awakening Australia which is a national outreach revivalist conference to be held in Brisbane between Sept 26-29.  We are hoping to take as many people as possible together to be part of this historic event which will encouragement evangelism across Brisbane. See this website for details https://awakeningaustralia.org/  

Thank you, Church, for your generosity and your constant care for one another.

God bless

Ps Greg and Amanda

2024 Powerhouse Conference

HI Church,

Powerhouse Conference lived up to its reputation yet again. Lots of feedback came in to suggest it was deep and strong. The Holy spirit came in power to touch young and older across our congregation and beyond.  We saw healing, renewal, prophecy, deliverance, and salvation.

Our Guests speakers were thoroughly prepared to serve and to release truth and Spirit with heart felt experiences. Each one ministered in their own unique way touching on subjects from raising families, to grief, prophecy, church foundations, and finding and witnessing to the lost.

In regards to calling in salvation for our young people Jacqui preached a very strong gospel message that caused a dozen responses. This reinforced for some their salvation journey and renewed faith in others.

Overall it was inspiring, uplifting, encouraging and edifying and all those who came were blessed abundantly.  Should we do it again next year? Let me know your experience and your feedback.  Also a big thank you to everyone who helped and volunteered along the way. We had a lot of bases to cover across the four days and because many contributed we were able to do complete the tasks required. Some gave over and above what was required and for that we are so grateful.

Sunday was an exceptional day with Christine Nicotra preaching. It was right on the mark calling us to live as Ps 34:5 says

5 Those who look to him are radiant;

    their faces are never covered with shame.

She said we need to stay anchored in Jesus, for only He can keep us steady and safe in the storms of life. 

I encourage you to look out for the link and the recording on our YouTube channel.  Many of the conference sessions were recorded but we will need some editing before they can be released. They will be available soon. I would also thank the Church for moving forward and gathering around Amanda and I making a statement that together we will be one body making a difference in our city. This was very encouraging.

As a church we need to keep the momentum going of expectancy and excitement in Jesus. The we affirm who Jesus is in us and through us the greater the opportunities for growth for our inner world and our Church community. Lets keep our hands reaching out to those around us.

Compassion Sunday

Hi Church,

An amazing time of unity was shared at our worship together night last Saturday. Some 10 churches from our city joined together at St Thomas, for singing, praying, Bible reading, preaching and fellowship. The church building was near full as everyone packed into a stall or took a seat at the rear. It was great to have our own Benji Acland lead the prayers for our next generation for the city.

Pastor Caroline Dennis from Lifeway Church gave a challenging an inspiring, vision account of us all coming together like grain spilled from many silos into one pile and being like the togetherness of “One Man” of Nehemiah 8. She also challenged us to speak well of each other and love all the different expressions of Jesus church in the city. Many people gave testimony of how truly unifying the experience was.

On Sunday we were inspired by the stories shared by Rachel Patricks of Compassion Australia.  The Compassion ministry has sort to help those impoverished nations to raise up children out of poverty. It was so good to hear how helping with education and clothing and health can make the difference to bring the Gospel to those in need. Well done Church for taking up 11 Children in the sponsorship program, that makes a new total for Grace Church of 24 Children being sponsored every month with life saving aid.

Rachel spoke out of the Story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37. Rachel gave us two clear points to help us regarding helping others and being generous.

1. Being present is more important than being perfect. Its our availability that draws God to us for his purpose not our ability.

2. Actions are greater than good intentions. James 2:18 Says Faith without works is dead. Jesus made an example out of the one who did something not thought about something. Sympathy is good intention, but compassion is faith in action. So, lets choose to be people of action.  Will you be the one who crosses the road?

God bless

Love Ps Greg and Amanda

Giving by Faith

Hi Church,

The Lord is good and continues to do good in us. His Word is at work to change us and challenge us but not to squash us or shame us. Abraham’s life is a great example walking by faith. The only way he could maintain his “friendship” with God was by listening, and obeying what God revealed to him. The Story of Genesis 22 helps us greatly when it comes to understanding faith and giving by faith.

The first point discussed was 1. Know who you are giving to:- His name is Jehovah Jireh, He is the God who sees and attends to the need. He is the One who provides not the one who takes. He is the One who’s eye is on the sparrow and especially on you.

The second is, Faith giving is sacrificial giving. Its not giving out of abundance - it's giving significantly regardless of how much we have. God is not so much concerned with how much you give but how much you withhold. Is He the treasure of your heart? Does He have your whole heart where nothing is off limits to Him? Abraham gave his one and only beloved son until God provided a substitute instead.

Third giving by faith is beyond what you can see. Sometimes we give and we will not see the full fruit of that gift. It could be sowing into the generations to come, who won't even come to you and say thanks, but because of your gift they will be greatly blessed. It's giving because we know we must and then find out it was for something far greater than what we thought. Mark 14:3-9 tells the story of a lady who poured perfume on Jesus head that was worth a year’s wages. That’s a lot by anyone’s measure. What she did out of gratitude, Jesus received as His burial rites. Which was to be remembered for all time.

How will you let this challenge from Abraham’s life effect your giving? Can you honestly say you have surrendered all, wealth and time and property to Jesus, or are you still withholding? Or are you still claiming a proportion that is yours and yours alone. Jesus wants access to our whole heart, that includes our bank accounts. Because where your treasure is, that’s where your heart will be also (Luke 12:34). Notice I said, Jesus wants access, not the church. It's up to Jesus and His word to prompt you to be a blessing, so listen to Him and Obey just like Abraham did.

We especially look forward to Family Service this Sunday. We will again be gathered around tables, there will be contributions from our young people and a discussion panel looking at Godly Family Dynamics. If you are seated at a table why not bring a snack to share with your table mates during the service. A free BBQ will also be available after the service.

Living By Faith with you Church

Love Greg and Amanda

The Importance of Thanksgiving

Hi Church, 

I pray all is well with you and your family. This week I have been challenged as I presume many of you as well, as we reflect on the words that were shared with us through Marty Burrows update on the situation in Zimbabwe.  No water at the tap and limited unreliable electricity is a situation very few of us could live with for any length of time. Yet the millions of people in Zimbabwe where Martin has his ministry are facing this every day. They also face drought, corruption and poverty of the most extreme kind. 

We could sense the overwhelming magnitude of Martin’s work, doing his best to try and make a difference in a nation he has given everything to. Yet we also felt his hope that if we save one from starvation and rescue one baby from being abandoned and we educate at least one child, we make the world a better place because it made a world of difference to that one that was saved. 

Church we are so blessed to live in Port Macquarie, in NSW in Australia. Yes we have our troubles but as someone said “What we experience on our worst day is more than what they have on their best day”.   But we can make a difference as we generously give to the work Martin is doing through https://ourneighbours.org/ If its possible look at what you can do, it will be a great encouragement. 

Ps Kerry also shared some good encouraging thoughts with us regarding the story of the Ten Leppers found in the scriptures Luke 17 :11-19. 

1.  Jesus is a Healer and He is willing to heal as seen in Luke 5:13, He is willing to touch your life no matter how unclean it is. 2. There is a danger of just looking for kingdom benefits and ignoring the King of the Kingdom.  10 Lepers were healed and 9 went on with their life without thanking Jesus. 3. Only One Leper is healed/saved becauseHe is the only one who came back and thanked Jesus for His healing which showed he had faith to believe Jesus as Lord. As such the former Leper received the best healing … eternal life. Kerry reminded us that thanks giving was so important in our relationship with Jesus and we need to make sure we take nothing for granted but rejoice daily in all the blessings we have received from God. 

Also on Saturday the men gathered for a great breakfast morning with Richard Gray sharing his testimony of persevering faith in the face of trials. Many were touched by his story which led to good moments of prayer together. 

Give thanks with a grateful heart.

Ps Greg and Amanda.

Pentecost Sunday

Hi Church,

Winter has hit hard over the weekend. But on Sunday it was hot in the house as we pressed in for Pentecost Sunday.  People pressed in for more of Holy Spirit during worship and as the word went out to encourage us to be a Spirit filled people. Pentecost Sunday reminds us that the Church was birthed in Presence and Power.

I will remind you of the word of God from Acts 1 and 2, That Pentecost is about the Person of the Holy Spirit. The Power to change our world and the Presence of the Holy Spirit to be Joyful and praise filled. The Purpose of the Holy Spirit to be a witness for Jesus to the ends of the earth. The Pointers (signs) of the Holy Spirit that prove God is truly amongst us and that Pentecost was Prophesied about some 800 years before it happened. The Prophet Joel said God will pour out His Spirit on all flesh and that the same quality and quantity would be available for young, old, gender and class. We are all in.

I was greatly encouraged through the life story of William Booth who founded the Salvation Army. He was determined to win souls of every man especially the poor. He was convinced that we need to live in the power of Pentecost to undertake the task of bringing souls to Jesus. 

He believed a Baptism in the Spirit for every believer would give them 4 key experiences:-

1.         Heighten awareness of the cleansing of Sin

2.         Awe inspiring realisation of the presence of God

3.         Glorious filling up of divine love, towards Him and others.

4.         A Burning desire to proclaim Jesus to the outermost parts of the world.

How could we not agree with that!  Lord, we need another Pentecost.  Booth wrote a Hymn for his time called. Send the Fire! The opening verse reads as follows: -

Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame,

Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!

Thy blood-bought gift today we claim,

Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!

Look down and see this waiting host,

Give us the promised Holy Ghost;

We want another Pentecost,

Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!

Church our heart for this year is for more. More of everything that we need to bring us into the full measure of Christ, to be mature.  This will take us closer to be with Jesus, to become like Jesus and to do what Jesus does. We will become His image bearers in this world when we live with this desire and practice.

So come Holy Spirit, send your fire. 

Also thank you to everyone who contributed to our New People Lunch.  It was a marvellous time connecting with the people who made Grace Church their home over recent months and weeks. This has been our first in nearly 20 months and so we pray this will be the first of many over the coming year.

For those who know Frank Bardell please pray for him and connect with him as you can. He can’t get to Church as much as he would like now but would love to catch up with you. He is receiving palliative care for cancer, but He is available for a visit if you can.

Other news it was great to celebrate the return of the Teisen family from the USA. And thank you to everyone who helped them financially. They are now re-settling the family in school and seeking employment. They do have a permanent need for a family car so if anyone is willing to sell a reliable vehicle at a good price I’m sure they would like to chat about that. 

Peace and Love

Ps Greg and Amanda

Mother's Day

Hi Church,

What a wonderful Mother’s Day for 2024. It was fun, it was engaging, it was meaningful, it was honouring, it was heartfelt, it was anointed. At least that’s what I felt. I hope you felt the same and more. And it was great to have a sunny day to match. A great deal of work goes into making the special days at Grace Church very special. Thank you to Carin for helping the Kingdom Kids prepare over 80 gifts for Ladies at Grace Church. Thank you to Debbie and the Worship team for preparing a special song of blessing for the Mums. Thank you to Leith for providing the special decorations and photo booth. Thank you to Amanda for supplying a scrumptious morning tea and thank you to Neve and the Youth for setting up, serving and packing up the Morning Tea. And especially a big thank you to Jodie Lindfield who came in at the last moment and delivered a very heartfelt and spiritually impacting message especially for women. And thank you to all the support volunteers who work behind the scenes to make another great day at Grace.

Getting back to Jodie’s great message on Sunday, I want to honour her for being vulnerable enough to share part of her own story to help us understand the plight of women who sacrifice so much to protect and to serve their children in the face of abuse. We give thanks to the Lord for the great healing the Lord has done in Jodie’s life and because of that she is able to bring great comfort and encouragement and strength to those who suffer similar. I felt the Lords affirmation of Jodie’s message out of Ps 137 that women, are as verses 13-14 state “fearfully and wonderfully made”  and that women need to arise and be set free and use the sword of the Spirit to cut off the lies that the enemy sows into our hearts that degrade our thinking of who we are in Christ. Isaiah 61:1-2 was also declared that the Spirit has anointed each one of us to set captives free. Such great encouragement.

I also felt as a prophetic tag on the back of such an important message that further on in Isaiah 61:3-5 that God wanted to affirm all the women that despite the decades of carrying ashes from the effects of abuse, that God sees and acknowledges their pain and wants to help them by making an exchange as per these verses. That is, to comfort all who mourn, provide for those that grieve, give a crown of beauty instead of ashes, to give the oil of joy, the garment of praise, and to be called the oaks of righteousness planted for God’s splendour, and to rebuild the broken families with new homes and new cities for a new generation, for His Glory.

Well, this Sunday coming is Pentecost Sunday and I encourage us all to press into the Holy Spirit this week and ask for a special downpour and filling of the Holy Spirit as we gather. That the Glory of the Lord will fill His house and we would be overcome by His splendour. I don’t know about you church but I’m hungry for more.

God bless you.

Ps Greg and Amanda Campion

Living for Relationship

Hi Church,

Well Ironman 24 has come and gone for another year, thank you to everyone who made the effort to come to church despite the traffic difficulties. But it was worth it as we were blessed with the ministry of Pastor Peter McHugh.

Peter again shed so much light on the scriptures to assure us of the Father’s love through John 15:1-10.  Here we see that the Father attends to the grape vine because he is the vineyard owner. We the branches are grafted into the vine of Jesus His son. So, for our fruitfulness and health we need to abide in the vine in relationship to him and others. Now the good news is the Father does not go around looking to cut off branches because they are dirty. No! Rather they are considered valuable to him, He wants us the branches to be fruitful. So what he really is doing is lifting up branches from the dirt, washing them and cleaning them, removing unnecessary leaves and tying them onto the trellis. 

From this place of tenderness,  great fruitfulness will come. What a beautiful picture of love and care. Thank you Peter for showing us the true translation of the Greek word airō , is not “cutting off to cast away” but “lifting up”,  (see the Passion Translation) not a harsh performance based translation that has distorted the true extent of Father’s love for us. The Fathers’ desire is we know His tender love and be lifted and so likewise we lift those that are around us, rather than cutting them off with criticism and judgement.

Church there are a number of people who are suffering with illness in our Church family, so I encourage you to pray for the Lord ‘s healing touch upon our Church and protection over others who are vulnerable. (see prayer List below).

This coming week is Mother’s Day and it is an opportunity to bless all our Mum’s for the hard work and sacrifice as an expression of their love for us. Where would we be with out them? So let’s be generous with words and gifts. As we think of Mother’s Day we can think of the example Mary showed, who agreed by faith to take on the purpose of birthing the Son of God. But not just birthing but loving and letting go of her first-born son to be sacrificed for us. So we recognise that great love …. costs greatly.  

Mum’s we see you and we see your sacrifice.  Thank you!

Church also just a gentle reminder that as we enter the colder months often, we lose people to warmer climates and through colds and sniffles. As such our volunteer teams shrink and we are often left with skeleton crews trying to do a lot with a few and serve so many. Please consider how you can help and join a serving team today. A big thank you to all our regular faithful servers.

Love and Blessings Church,

Ps Greg and Amanda.

Hitting the Wall

Hi Church, 

The weeks turn around so quickly, and here we are one third of the year has passed from us. But what I am excited about is a very real sense that as we venture further into the year our sense of encounter with Holy Spirit and the life changing power of His word in us goes deeper and deeper. He is answering our prayer for the more and we are growing in grace and wisdom as a result. 

Ross Nancarrow blessed us again with a powerful word last Sunday.  Addressing the question what happens when you hit the wall and your game plan goes south. What should you do. Psalm 61 helps to answer this question.  Written by David when he is on the run from King Saul.  David expresses the truth of what he is enduring as Saul hunts him down.  He says his soul is faint. He says he is crying out to God from the ends of the earth. 

He gives the sense that he is exhausted and has no where left to go but to go. 

In these time of hitting the wall we can have one of three responses. 1. Cover Up, and Deny nothing bad is happening. 2. Have defeatist mentality. Blame everyone else and become the victim. Or 3. Take it to Jesus. 

David chose 3. Take me to the Rock that is higher than I. 

When you’re exhausted and bewildered with life do you have a friend, do you have someone who can point you back to the Rock of your salvation? Be sure, be certain, that regardless of what you feel, God does hear your prayers. He will be your strength when you surrender all to him. Let others help you, let your faith rise to believe that God can hide you in His strong tower of love and restore you.  

Ross shared from his own personal experience that having hit the bottom, God was there. Jesus was there to meet Him and bring him back stronger, more determined and blessed like never before.  

“For you, God, have heard my vows;

 you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.” (Psalm 61:5)

This is the promise of the word of God for all those who put their trust in Him. 

So for all those who are struggling right now with whatever circumstance causing you to be faint, hold on to the Rock. His promise is victory over the enemy. Be encouraged God is for you. Let your heart sing of His goodness. 

Another great week coming up with our friend and church mentor Ps Peter McHugh speaking into the life of Grace Church. Please make it a priority to be present across the different ministry points. As you are able, we encourage you to be generous, as we bless Peter with a love offering this Sunday for His time with us.

The Church office will be closed this Thursday as Amanda and I will be at a funeral in Sydney. 

Rejoice Church as you drink from the well springs of life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Love Ps Greg and Amanda

To Glorify Him

Hi Church,

Well, it was another powerful day in the gathering last Sunday. Many people were touched by God as we focussed on the majesty and the power and presence of our God and the way that he has interacted with man throughout time showing His marvellous glory. Truly as we are captivated by His glory and majesty, we are less likely to complain about our daily circumstance. The Westminster Catechism says the Chief end, (the number one purpose) of men, is to Glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

To Glorify means to behold and declare the wonderful splendour of God’s greatness to know the weightiness of His name and presence and do everything we can to in our life to point to Him. 1 Peter 4:7-11 Tells us this is the main point of our existence. That all things we do in our service must point to Jesus so that God will get all the Glory.  This is not a point of slavery this is not a point of bondage. Rather this is our joy. For we are to enjoy God forever. That forever starts now! That forever of enjoyment starts as we travel along in our car and we sing at the top of our lungs, praise and worship, as we walk along the beach in the warmth of His presence, as we climb the mountains and marvel at His creation, as we witness a newborn’s cry, as we experience His peace which passes all understanding, and we know his comfort in our despair. God in his majesty is with us. And as we worship Him from His throne down to our dust, the ground upon which we stand becomes Holy and we must remove our shoes like Moses before the burning bush and cry Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty.   A perspective like this changes everything. We no longer live for ourselves but for Him and His glory.

Let’s take this attitude into our everyday and be carriers of His glory it will truly set you free. Like the American POWs from the Vietnam war. Many came out of tortured solitude better men then when they went in, because they learnt to Glorify God and worship him despite their imprisonment and suffering. Glorifying and Enjoying God sets your spirit free to soar on eagle’s wings.

Also, Amanda and I are rejoicing as we can now share that our third son Peter and wife Amelia, who were recently married in December are now expecting their first child in October and so we look forward to our role as Grandparents with great joyful expectancy.

Overall Church I believe the Lord is preparing us for great days ahead. Many people are just sensing a greater awareness of God’s presence and His Spirit doing a deep work amongst us. Lets never take for granted how precious every moment of our corporate gathering is and how life giving it is to so many people. Let’s serve one another to that end, giving Glory to Jesus and enjoy Him always.

Love and Blessings

Ps Greg and Amanda

Challenging times

Hi Church,

So good to be back home after a short break to Melbourne, where we had a wonderful time being tourists with our family and friends (Paul and Monica Zanardo). Our sons, Peter and Jared, are both doing well in their streams of life and it was a joy to visit them in their respective new churches.  It’s a joy to experience truth with believers from across our nation and feel we are connected as one family.

A big thank you to the team who captained the ship in my absence and especially to Randolph Kubicek who brought a great word and many were encouraged and blessed.

We certainly live in precarious times where even a quick trip to the shops or delivering a sermon in a Church just may be the last thing one does on this earth. What happened at Westfield, Bondi Junction and at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, was evil and brokenness walking hand in hand to create heartache and despair for many. Many are shocked, many are without words to even begin to describe why or how this could happen in our nation.

It just seems there is more darkness and more sin flourishing everywhere. Without Christ it would certainly seem there is no hope. But this where our faith in Jesus kicks in.

I love what it says in the Message version Bible regarding Law and Death V’s Grace and Life.

“All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn’t, and doesn’t, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it’s sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that’s the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life—a life that goes on and on and on, world without end.”

Romans 5:20-21 (Message version)

Other versions say “where sin increased, grace increased all the more”!

So let’s not be scared. Let’s not retreat backwards. We have a message and a hope that cannot be beaten. God’s grace, His never-ending mercy and empowering presence, is all the more available to flood headlong into every place where sin is trying to gain ground. So, let’s not wring our hands in defeat, rather let our voices rise in prayer and declare the victorious grace of God to be increased in Bondi Junction, to be increased in Wakeley, to be increased in Port Macquarie, to be increased in your workplace, to be increased in your family and to be increased across Australia. Praise You Jesus!

What’s ahead?  We are blessed to have a visit from our Church Mentor, Ps Peter McHugh from Stairway Church Melbourne. This will happen on the weekend of 3rd to 5th May, so please make it a priority to be with us. 

Stay tuned for our Next Sunday “More” Night in May, these have truly been powerful life changing times.

God bless you Church

Love as always Ps Greg and Amanda