As we look at what we do next at Carlingford one of the things we could be praying for is good relationships with our neighbours.
Unfortunately what happened last week was that our alarm was going off in the middle of the night and our neighbours, as you’d expect, were quite upset by this.
Please pray that our neighbours would accept our explanations and apologies and that we would continue to be good witnesses to the difference Jesus makes to lives and communities.
You might have seen the following headline in the SMH – $2.6m payout after husband drove over car park’s edge.
What you might not realise is that Tom and Michelle were members of St Paul’s when Tom’s accident happened.
Michelle is now going to another church, but she is still supported by some close friends at St Paul’s, but can I encourage us all, whether you know Michelle or not, to pray for Michelle, that the Lord would give her strength as they go back to court in November to argue costs and for healing and recovery from this terrible ordeal.
Share the Benefit was an eye-opening experience. The food challenge in particular changed the way I looked at things.
As Anglicare told us, it wasn’t really about being able to survive on the New Start Allowance, but it was all about how having limited funds changed the way you lived and restricted your choices.
During the week we lived on the New Start Allowance we provided no hospitality. We changed the way we shopped and bought cheaper equivalents. We also realised that while schools are trying to help families, by encouraging them give their children fresh food through the Crunch’N’Sip program, this ended up adding to the financial burden that a family can face.
What we also realised was that a gift of a meal can make a huge difference. Having one dinner and lunch provided during the week saved us a lot of money.
But the challenge now is – what next?What difference will this make to the way we view and serve others?
Passing on the difference to Anglicare is a start, but you could be praying that this experience will help us see those around us with fresh eyes and that we would have hearts that are willing to help those in need, both physically and spiritually.
I’m also hoping to arrange some further opportunities to explore how we can be loving our community in partnership with Anglicare, so keep an eye out for those opportunities when they come.
What a great week!
We had record numbers of children coming to our programs.
We had people from all our different congregations serving together.
Jesus was proclaimed and to top it all off the Colin Buchanan concert was spectacular fun.
But none of this counts if people don’t end up Connecting with God.
So please pray:
1. Thanking God for the great week, all the hard work and the perfect weather.
2. That the opportunities that were created, the raising of St Paul’s profile and what the children learnt about Jesus would lead to people wanting to know more about Jesus and the life that he offers.
3. That this might translate into people visiting us at church, wanting to read the bible or coming to Introducing God which starts again on the 21st of July.
It’s been a great couple of weeks.
It started with Together ’14 where God answered our prayers in terms of giving us great weather and a great time of fellowship.
Then we started Introducing God this week and I couldn’t be happier.
Not only in terms of the 25 guests who came, but also in terms of seeing people from all different backgrounds and locations and different congregations, working together in the task of Making Disciples.
Please pray:
1. That we would continue to work together as God’s people at St Paul’s in Making Disciples.
2. That the 25 guests would Connect with God through the Introducing God course.
3. That all those Serving at Introducing God would be encouraged in their Service.
4. That our Growth Groups and our children would grow in their love for the risen Jesus as they study the book of Acts together during this term.
The time has arrived!
All sorts of people have pulled together to make it all happen.
I’m really looking forward to it.
Please pray:
1. That Jesus would be honoured.
2. That people would be encouraged.
3. That it would testify to our unity.
4. That things would run smoothly.
5. That there would be good weather on the day.
Hi all
Would love you to pray for the first meeting of Parish Council this Monday.
What does a Parish Council do?
Basically it works with the senior minister and wardens to oversee things such as finances, property and work health and safety.
In addition, given the number of gatherings we have, it also serves as a means of communication to all of our members.
You can read more about it here.
We have a number of new people and a new treasurer as well. So please pray that they will get their heads around things quickly.
I’m also putting forward a new way of working that will hopefully make greater use of the gifts of the people on Parish Council.
We’ll also be discussing the issue of our name once again. Pray that we’ll be given clarity on that issue and be able to make a decision soon.
Thanks
Gary
Would love you to pray for the following:
1. Please pray that I will be able to work well with those elected to be wardens and parish councillors at the recent AGM . Please also pray that we’ll be able to find ways to best use the different skills and abilities of everyone involved.
2. Pray for patience and grace as we adjust to 9am church moving to 915 and trying to de-clutter the lounge area to accommodate more people.
3. Please pray for Pearl as she juggles a whole host of different activities including leading a Growth Group, ESL and scripture at Carlingford West.
4. Thank God for the way he has sustained me through a very busy period.
5. Pray that God would lead us to a suitable person to take up the role of Office Manager / PA
It was brought to my attention the other day that I haven’t been posting much recently and I can put that down to two reasons.
1. Busyness.
2. I’ve forgotten how much I’ve benefitted from having you pray for me.
I was rebuked and it’s encouraged to get back on the wagon and seek your prayer and support.
So could you please pray for the following?
1. The ACC weekend away where I will be speaking on the topic of family.
2. The AGM on Monday. That I’ll be able to encourage people with what’s happening and good officers will be elected.
3. My first Moore College board meeting. That I will listen, learn and be able to get up to speed quickly.
4. Also seeing extended family and friends this weekend. Pray that I would be a good witness and have a chance to speak to them about Jesus.
Hi all,
It’s been a long time since I last posted and we’ve entered a new year and I’m really excited by what God may have in store for us.
This morning Nima, our Iranian pastor, was able to join the team. You can find out more about his ministry by visiting his website.
We were also able to thank God that Peter Greenwood has been invited to be the next rector of the parish of South Hurstville.
We also had a great Christmas period where we had a lot of visitors and families who got to hear about Jesus, and we’ve had plenty of new people visiting our churches throughout January as well.
And while 2013 was a particularly hard year with all the changes we’ve been through let me ask you to start the year by praying that God would help us as His people make the most of the opportunities He presents us in 2014 to be making disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Please also pray that the Lord would give me the wisdom, godliness and energy I need to lead our church throughout this year.
Partners in Prayer 