Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a peaceful and blessed year ahead. I hope that each of you had a meaningful and joyful Christmas, filled with moments of rest, reflection, and celebration. For me and my family, it was a time to centre our hearts on Christ and to enjoy the opportunity to rest and relax together, reflecting on the gift of God’s presence with us in Jesus.
Looking back over the past month, I am thankful for the wonderful Christmas services we shared as a church family. Each service was an opportunity not only to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus but also to experience the joy of fellowship and Christian community. The Carols Service on December 8th was a beautiful start to the season, attended by over 80 people. Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service was deeply moving, drawing nearly 120 people together in reverent worship. On Christmas Day, we gathered once more in joy for a Family Communion Service, which was attended by 85 people. To close out the year, we held our Combined Family Communion Service on December 29th, focusing on Healing and Wholeness, a service that touched many hearts. In all of these gatherings, we celebrated the light of Christ and the love we share as a church family.
As we begin this new year, there are a few important matters I would like to share with you. First, I kindly ask for your continued prayers for our ongoing search for a Children and Families Worker. This is an important role for the life of our church, and we trust that God will provide the right person to serve in this ministry.
In addition, there are several ministry opportunities for those who feel called to serve in new and meaningful ways:
The Flower Guild Ministry is currently seeking new members to join the team. If you have an interest in this area, or would like to know more, please contact Vivienne Peters directly.
The Pastoral Care Team for our 11AM Congregation is being established, and we are seeking people who have a heart for caring and supporting others. If you feel called to be part of this ministry, please speak with Ellen Anderson to learn more and to express your interest.
I would also like to encourage you to look ahead and be in prayer for some important events and initiatives coming up in the early months of 2025:
Confirmation Service: On February 2nd at 10.30am, we will celebrate the confirmations of Melissa Wills, Temiah Cyster, Channing Cyster, and Emily-Rose Cyster, with Bishop Steve visiting and conducting the confirmations. Please join us in prayer for these members of our church family as they take this important step in their faith.
Adult Baptism Course: Starting on February 8th and running for 7 consecutive Sundays, this course will provide an opportunity for those interested in baptism or deepening their faith. Thus far, four people have signed up, and I encourage anyone interested to join us for this enriching time of study and reflection.
I want to warmly invite you to join us this Sunday, January 5th, as we celebrate Epiphany Sunday at our regular services, at 9am and 11am. Epiphany Sunday marks the culmination of the Christmas season, commemorating the visit of the Wise Men to the infant Jesus, and the revelation of Christ as the Light of the world for all people, not just for Israel. It is a time to reflect on God’s revealing of His Son to the Gentiles and to acknowledge that Christ came for all nations, bringing salvation to everyone. In between the services, there will be an opportunity for fellowship in the church hall, and I encourage you to stay for a time of fellowship and connection. It’s always a joy to gather as a church family, and I look forward to sharing this special time with you.
Lastly, I want to let you know that I will be taking annual leave from January 10th through to the 26th. I am looking forward to some time of rest and renewal, and I will treasure this opportunity to spend quality time with my family. During my absence, please feel free to reach out to our church office or connect with our Wardens for any immediate needs or inquiries.
As we embark on this new year, let us continue to walk in faith, to serve one another in love, and to trust in God’s plans for our lives and our church. May His peace guide you and bless you richly in 2025.
