Just Thinking…
People once brought their babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and bless them. His mates didn't like this one bit. Perhaps they thought Jesus was too important to be bothered by little things. By the trivial. By the weak. Jesus, of course ... as he often did, had a different take on this. He told his mates to stop getting in the way, because these wee ones, along with others in society who are 'little', trivial and weak, are often the only ones weak enough to ask God to become their Helper and King. The disciples' fixation on power and strength was actually pushing them further away from real relationship with God. This kingdom ... this relationship is only accessed through awareness of need, not pride in independence. Wow! That's singin' a different song!
So ...
There is actually two 'welcomes' going on in this story. Jesus points to the way that God welcomes the last, the lost, the least, the little; he wants us to have our misconceptions about power and independence turned upside down. How? This is where the second 'welcome' comes in. Jesus wants his followers to keep welcoming those that society calls powerless; only then will we be reminded ... and re-reminded ... and reminded again ... of what God really looks for. It just so happens that we have a chance this Sunday to learn these lessons from some delightful teachers - the children from our kindergarten! Come along as we extend our welcome to them and their families - we might just learn a few important things too!
In Him,
Murray
Soup & Rolls
Our next soup and rolls lunch will be after the service on Sunday 8 July following the service. Please stay for this time of fellowship and some hot soup.
Prayer Service
The next Prayer Service will be held this Sunday evening (1 July) at 7pm. Come along to pray for the needs of our church, community, and world.
Office Hours
Please note that the office will be closed from Monday 2 July - Monday 9 July.
Kids Programs This Sunday
Spark is our program for preschool kids, led by Margaret Stewart.
Blaze is for kids in years 0-4, led by Kelly Jenkins.
Ignite is for young people in years 6-10, led by Olwyn Dickson.
mainly music for young children, every Tuesday from 10am in the church lounge. Next Tuesday will be the last session for term 2 and we will begin again on Tuesday 24 July.
Leisure for Pleasure
Leisure for Pleasure will be held next Tuesday at 1pm in the church lounge. If you are interested in playing board-games and get to know others from the church, please come along! All are welcome.
THIS SATURDAY EVENING!!
This Saturday at 6:30pm, we will be having our 'Non-Pub Pub Quiz'! Bring $5 and get a team of 3-8 together (or we will put you in a team on the night). Pizza and ice-cream will be provided ... and remember, this is a GLOW event - so bring some friends! Register with the church office.
Glen Innes Foodbank Appeal
We always have an opportunity in each Sunday 10am service for people to place items of non-perishable foods into a basket, which we collect and take to the Glen Innes Food Bank. Feel free to bring your donations along this Sunday if you wish.
Home Groups
Wednesday Night Home Group
Home Group at the home of Paul and Ruth Ungemuth every second and fourth Wednesday at 7:30pm. Contact the office for more information.
Wednesday Morning Home Group
Home Group at the home of Joy Galt on the third Wednesday of the month at 10am. Contact the office for more information.
Sunday Afternoon Home Group
Home Group run by David and Heather Reid every second Sunday after the service at the Reid's home. Contact the office for more information.
Young Adults Home Group
Every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm. Please email the church to be added to the Facebook page, and check Facebook for updates.
