There are so many characters in Scripture, many who stand out in our minds as ‘superheroes’ for one reason or the other. Yet despite their amazing achievements, often it is their weaknesses, their struggles, which resonate with us and set an example for us to learn from. These exceptional characters provide ‘superhero’ moments, as well as more ‘human’ moments, which, … Read More
Grateful
The goal of this plan is to take you through 7 days of thankfulness. It will help you explore different aspects of thankfulness and our need for thankfulness every day. To sign up for the 7-day devotional click on this link to read: with our church individually
Our Church Life update – the ANNUAL report
John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. How is our church going? If you want to head a great view of our church life, read our annual report! You can download it here (or scan the … Read More
give it a go!
Ephesians 4:15-16. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. What does it take to … Read More
Gratitude
Several years ago, I attended a school seminar with guest speaker Hugh van Cuylenberg, who wrote the book “The Resilience Project: Finding Happiness through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness”. Hugh expounds the benefits of gratitude in helping our overall wellbeing. He suggests three questions to ask ourselves to help us to be grateful: ‘What was the best thing that happened to … Read More
Does church teach morals?
A Youth Pastor shared of the time he reconnected with an old youth group attendee. The young man recounted encouraging memories of fun and community. In the midst of tall tales and laughter he threw out a haunting line, “It’s really great how you teach young people good morals.” This left the Pastor puzzled. How did this young man get … Read More
Sing
“Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts”. (Ephesians 5:19 GNT) The Psalms teach us to pray and sing in all the seasons of life. Michael Morgan, a musician and scholar of the Psalms writes, “the psalms reveal every imaginable condition of our … Read More
The river of God has plenty of water…
Over the next couple of weeks while Jason is on leave, Sarah and I will be sharing from the Psalms. The Book of Psalms is filled with human cries of praise and of anguish to a holy God who doesn’t always fit human expectations. It also paints pictures of who God really is and his ultimate faithfulness to us. This … Read More
Our SAFE, BRAVE and Gracious community
This article is a repost from Oct 2023 not because there are big issues in our church community, but because our wider society is finding these commitments to be safe, brave and gracious difficult. I want to encourage us to practice this in our relationships, and to help others to do the same. Be encouraged! Jason We work hard to … Read More
UPB Basketball Finals
The SA Church Basketball season has come to the finals run. Here is an update from Peter B for last weekend. “Congratulations to our ladies for winning last Saturday to progress straight through to their Grand Final. The team played so well. It was a magnificent effort given they had not beaten their opposition all year – well done ladies. … Read More
Accepting our imperfect families
This weekend it is time to remember our dads. What are the key memories you have of your father? Mine are of my dad as hard working, stoic, faithful, tough, clever. Dad could do anything. Well nearly. He wasn’t much good at hugs, playing soccer, coming to school events or relaxing. I have spent a portion of my life wanting … Read More