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

Easter weekend

Hi Church,

The Lord is good! We had such a marvellous Easter weekend. Salvations at the two morning services. 5 Baptisms on Friday. Sunday night “More” at 5:00 pm had prophecy, healing, deliverance, baptism in the Spirit, passionate worship, joy with laughter.

 Plus the Lake Cathie life group led by Justin and Kaidee did a combined church outreach which saw 150 plus community people with kids enjoy a massive family fun afternoon with Gospel preaching. So a big thank you to everyone who contributed and helped in any way across a very impacting Easter. We ministered to a lot of people, and many were blessed and encouraged. Also, a big Thank you to all who gave to the love offering to bless Paul and Monika.

Paul and Monika’s messages to us were outstanding and I encourage you to listen again when online. We were also very encouraged by the Prophetic Word that Paul gave to the Church that saw us as a massive billion dollar yacht, that had three tall masts and three massive sails.  He saw us being taken out of the docks and moving into the open waters with speed.  Many were going to get on board, and everyone will have a task and a function given by God and every person will work with what God has gifted in their hands.

The three masts will represent 1. the Word of God for Prayer and revival, 2. The Spirit of God for here is where He is honoured and revered and 3. Community on Commission for the advancement of the Kingdom.  Signs and wonders will become the norm and Gods “Agapeo” love will be seen by all in Port Macquarie.  Paul called the Leadership of Grace to not worry if the vessel gets heavy and too slow. He also said don’t rely on human motor strength or becoming too comfortable and to doc in the harbour. And He said be careful of large waves and submerged icebergs. 

This is a strong word which is both confirming to the Leadership team and encouraging us.

So we give thanks to the Lord for all He has done and will continue to do. Also please be in prayer for those who have recently suffered broken bones. Jane Bax and Katie Young. Both of these ladies required extensive surgery and metal plates.  Let’s believe there will be no disability or ongoing pain, but total and complete healing.

Let’s pray for the Teisen family as they near the end of their stay in USA and be generous towards their needs as they complete the 6 months of Holy Spirit schooling.

This week we look ahead to an exciting Men’s Breakfast with Des from Momentum Men’s ministry. Please text RSVP to Paul Mapstone 0414 850583 if coming and remember cost increase to $10 with proceeds going to EDM.

I will be preaching Sunday and I look forward to completing the series of Stick to the Game plan. Then Amanda and I will be away for 1 week following to visit our newly married son, Peter and Daughter in-law Milly and other son Jared who live in Melbourne.

Love you Church.

Ps Greg and Amanda

Come and be refreshed

Hi Church,

Thank you for gathering and worshipping God whole heartedly. The power and the presence of Jesus was evident to all as we worshipped boldly and loudly claiming “Our Victory is in Jesus Name! For this is how we fight our battles”.

There is much in life that attempts to defeat us and turn us and cause doubt with in us. But when we turn our thoughts, our hearts and our confession onto Jesus our Saviour King the enemy has to flee, and our encouragement of spirit is renewed in the Lord.

Ps 118:13 says Ï was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my defence; he has become my salvation. Amen! When you feel pushed back by the enemy get ready for your come back, because the Lord is on your side.

Thank you to Carin Bohlscheid who shared the word of the Lord so richly with us. Carin encouraged us to stay refreshed in the Lord so that we can go the distance. Like an ultra-marathon runner (Carin’s father Dicky van Dyke as example and reference) we need to take regular refreshment breaks to be able to run the race marked out for us and cross the line with great joy, not limp and drag ourselves across, dehydrated, because we ran on nothing but our own will. Here are Carin’s 4 key points for hunger in God’s word to stay refreshed and energised:

1.         Feed the appetite you have, a little can become a lot through regular eating.

2.         Starve competing appetites, recognise what is un-necessary and stop it.

3.         Apply truth, knowledge without application is just information.

4.         Make simple adjustments, sudden drastic changes don’t last.

Make sure you catch up on the detail of Carin’s very encouraging message when posted online and share it with your friends.

Easter will soon be upon us and it is time to pause and reflect on the Victory Jesus brought to us through His death and resurrection. Please take the time to read through the passages that lead us to the cross and then the empty tomb, start your reading from Matthew 21 to 28. Let Holy Spirit speak into your heart the depth of Jesus love for you and the full weight of the sin of the world placed upon the innocent lamb who was sacrificed instead of us. 

This weekend will be meaningful and powerful and can I encourage you to bring a friend as Paul and Monica Zanardo will be sharing with us great truth and ministering in great power of the Holy Spirit. Paul is a prophet evangelist, and his gift will bring light to darkness and freedom to captives. Monika is an enthusiastic teacher of the word and resurrection Sunday will be a buzz with gospel truth. Sunday evening will be our Powerhouse encounter night with both being released to minister in freedom whilst we worship boldly together. Come with expectant hearts.

Now if you haven’t been baptised this is your week because Wednesday night will be teaching night at 7:00pm at the church and then Good Friday is the day your sins will be washed away in the Hastings River at McInherney Park from 12:00pm. Join us for a Picnic all welcome, bring your own everything.

There is a lot to look forward to and enjoy, so come expectant, come be revived, come with a friend to be saved, come let us worship the Lord with gladness.

Love Ps Greg and Amanda

Impact of a changed life

Hi Church

The last 7 days has been a very encouraging time for myself and for Grace Church. Last week I had the privilege of being at the IN Him conference with GCC Life Church in Leichardt Sydney. It was very encouraging to be in a setting where Teaching, Prophecy, Apostolic, Pastoring and Evangelist gifts were all present and ministering to those that gathered. I was able to connect with several leaders who showed interest in attending as speakers at our Powerhouse conference in late July/August.  I also received some personal prophetic encouragement.

Its when we recognise a gift and have an expectancy of growth that we see how quickly the church can mature into in ministry functions. Like on Sunday recognising Martin Garcia as a five fold ministry gift to the church to help in our maturity in evangelism, straight away after the service we were able to see people come to faith. What was taking a long time became instant as the gift matured us into action.  And Praise God what a delight to lead a gentleman and his son to receive salvation and Jesus as his Lord.

Martin’s preaching was taken out of the scripture Luke 8:28-39 The Healing and deliverance of the Man with a legion of Demons. He showed us the reality of the Mans Condition, The Conversion of the Man as He met Jesus and the Commission of the Man, who was later sent to tell the good news of His freedom in Christ. Martin told some wonderful stories which added to the teaching about his own heritage and the conversion of his own Parents and even himself in Melbourne as a teenager. I was specifically moved by the Conversion of the demon possessed man came as a result of Jesus attention, Jesus’ authority, and Jesus’ affection for him. Martin challenged us to give the same attention and release His authority and affection to the people around us.

He also brought a challenge to us to set our phone alarms for 2:47 each day. Why, because in Acts 2:47 it says “the Lord added daily to the Church those who were being saved.” So we can pray for that to happen to our church and in deed all the churches for the region.

A moment of gratitude was shared for Warren Shepherd as he retires from 15 years of service, cleaning and mowing the lawns at Grace Church. Warren with great diligence served in this area at very low expenditure to the Church family and for that we are so grateful. He will be greatly missed form this job and it will be very expensive to replace him. For those who would like to take up part of what Warren did please contact Church office.

Thank you to those who attended the celebration of life service for Phil Baker. It was great to see the richness of Phil’s faith expressed through his and Gail’s family. And listen to the many stories of admiration and love.  Gail felt greatly supported by those attended. Let’s remember to pray for Gail and support her in days to come when she will be left alone and family all return to their normal places and schedule, but hers is forever changed. 

I’m looking forward to Easter to celebrate and remember Jesus and what He has won for us through the Cross. Also, Ps Paul Zanardo and Monica Zanardo will be with us and I’m believing for a powerfully supernatural time. Remember baptism is available on Good Friday so please make connection ASAP about attending teaching class and participating.  Sunday evening at 5:00pm will be an amazing time to gather for renewal. Let’s bring someone who needs Heavens Touch. 

Praying for the continual power and presence of Jesus to enrich us all for His glory.

Love Greg and Amanda.

Simple Hospitality

Hi Church!

What a wonderful family service Sunday to be a part of. Being seated around the tables released something special not felt for a long time in Grace Church. The buzz of friendliness and connection was contagious and noisy! Just like any family dinner when all whom you love are gathered. Hospitality was our theme for the day and the multi-generations all contributed something that was special to the day. Of course, Carin and Kaidee did steal the day with their crazy cook off with different ingredients used by each.  Cream and Butter verse sand/rocks/weeds not sure that’s a good alternative. Anyway it was a solid reminder for us to consider the ingredients that are going into our life and the likely outcome of good verses bad input. 

Some other good input of our time around the table was Neve’s communion message and the short video compilation of World Changers Youth and all the fun they have on Friday nights. The young people are growing in numbers of gathering and depth of faith and it was exciting to see their energetic enthusiasm. More good news in the youth area is how Pastor Debbie is now mentoring a number of Youth in instruments and voice with the plan to assimilate them into our regular worship team for Sundays. Please pray that these brave young people will not be afraid or intimidated but make a bold new sound for their generation.

Being around a table on Sunday reminded us all how important hospitality is to the gospel and that it’s a cure for the loneliness epidemic which is in the church and in our society. Don’t be fooled that everyone is too busy for church, most people have said in surveys they would attend an event if personally invited. People are hungry to belong. Let’s make that our goal to help people belong in our church family through hospitality so that they can believe and then become all that God intends for them.  True hospitality is inviting someone into your spaces so that you can be Jesus to them.  The majority of Jesus ministry was done through the outworking of generous hospitality. Let’s follow his example. Remember for the most part a stranger is a friend you just haven’t met yet.

This week I will be away at Conference called IN Him at Glorious Gospel Church in Leichardt Sydney. It’s a conference based on the five-fold ministry gifts Eph 4:11-12.  I love this type of conference because I come away feeling equipped and encouraged and inspired to minister for His Glory and discover new ways for own conference later in the year.

The Coming weekend will be encouraging at Grace with a wonderful minister of the Gospel, Martin Garcia. Martin is from Word of Life Youth Discipleship Ministry, based at Laurieton and his passion to reach the lost both here and globally is truly inspiring. Phil Baker’s celebration of life service will be held Sunday afternoon at 3:00pm, please wear something blue for Phil. Please inform Gail ASAP if attending for catering purposes.

If you would like to be gathered around tables more often in the future then please inform me.

“God is in this House” we sang that song over the weekend, and it stays with me now as a declaration over Grace Church. Let’s continue to love Him passionately and Love each other deeply and we will grow for His glory.

Let there be More in 2024!!  In Christ Together.

Ps Greg and Amanda