We have full access to God the Father and all of heaven thanks to Jesus. 

We are adopted into His family, chosen. 

He’s here – born, lived, died and resurrected… now living in us.

strength and glory are in his sanctuary 

every one, every day giving testimony of God's goodness 

The pilgrims sang these songs to prepare their hearts as they travelled to the great festivals. Let us prepare our hearts as we remember the coming of Jesus, who brought God’s forgiveness and redemption to our world.

Mighty God, see your people’s pain.  The walls are cracked and broken, and your people turn away. Send us a Shepherd, Lord! Send us a Son from your right hand. Our broken world still cries, “Save us in your love”.

Wars cease, breaks the bow, burns the chariot – be still and know.

What does it mean to be still and know?

The church often says ‘come’, but Jesus tells us to ‘go’. You’re healed… go. The one who showed him mercy… go. The great commission… go.  Go, and preach the good news to all creation. Gathering as church to worship God and encourage each other is good, but in our gathering, we must encourage each other to scatter – we are ALL sent, every one of us is told to go.

What does it take for a church to function? Finance team, governance, admin, vision, pastoral visiting - every behind the scenes aspect as well as the up the front stuff that is visible. Preaching at and leading the Sunday gathering are not the only ministries – administration is a biblical ministry.

Every one of us has God-given spiritual gifts as well as our talents, knowledge and skills - He has intentionally chosen and gifted you for a fulfilling adventure with him – but we are responsible for using, advancing and investing what he has given us. Stewarding our talents well is really important, and that means recognising what we have been given (rather than what is missing), rejoicing in it and putting it to work.