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.