Just Thinking…
I came across this prayer of Joy ... a fitting prayer for the second week of Advent. Taste it ... take it line by line and reflect on its words ... and then offer it from your heart to Jesus.
Prayer of Joy
I cannot know joy,
unless You are its Source;
I only stumble from one slight happiness to another,
and I become like a feather in the wind;
but if You are my Source,
my Lord,
then Your joy will be the current that keeps me on course
Help me always to live in the light of Your love and grace!
Teach me to see Your joy
through each person,
to cradle and nurture a sense of joy in the world
and in their lives.
Let me see the buds of joy and hope in the world around me.
help me to search for and see Your image in others,
To honour them,
To cherish them.
To be willing to serve and learn from them.
Take me from the centre and take Your place, Lord Jesus.
You are the Master of my emotions.
You are the Lord of my past.
You are the God who is here.
You are the Guide for my tomorrows.
Help me to live in the power of the only promise that matters
That You are here – and that You will never leave.
May I discover again that the Great and Mighty God
The all seeing, all knowing, all present God
Is with me here and now.
Remind me of Your presence as I live between two comings – the first when Your Son came as a Child and the second, when He will come as the Great and Powerful King. May the reality of Your comings be the root of my joy.
Amen
(From Malcolm J. Duncan - https://malcolmduncan.org/2020/12/19/advent-reflection-21-god-of-joy/)
In Him,
Murray
This Sunday…
This Sunday: A Refresher Course in Joy
Is your joy tank leaking? Are you in need of a quick refresher in how to retain joy? Well, you've come to the right place ...
Kids Programmes during Lockdown
There will be not Blaze or Spark's programmes running due to covid restrictions.
Youth on Zoom
There will be no youth group meeting this week. Catch you soon!
Virtual Morning Tea
This Sunday at 11:30 am, after our worship service has been posted, we will be having a Virtual Morning Tea!
Get your biscuit and a cup of coffee and sit down for a Zoom chit-chat with others! Catch up on others' weeks, talk about whatever, leave whenever you wish, enjoy some fellowship!
The young people are also invited to this, and then will have a 'break-out' Ignite youth meeting using the same zoom link, which Matt will organise.
Mainly Music
Due to covid restrictions, we are unable to meet in person for our mainly music sessions. However, a link will be posted on our Facebook page each Tuesday at 10am for anyone who wants to sing along virtually!
Giving to our Community During Lockdown
There are many in need in our community during lockdown. If you would like to contribute financially, a couple of good options would be to Vision West (click here) or contact Ruapōtaka Marae in Glen Innes on 09 5705340.
Festival One
This is a family-friendly Christian music and arts festival held in the Waikato, on anniversary weekend, 28-31 January 2022. Ticket prices will go up at the end of October; however, there is still plenty of time to sign up. Check out their website here, or talk to Matt Anderson if you have any questions.
Home Groups
Young Adults Home Group
Every Sunday evening at 7:30pm. Please email the church to be added to the Facebook page, and check Facebook for updates of what we have going on. We'd love for you to join us!
Basix Small Group
Basix is a series of chat group courses looking at the basics of the Christian faith. Each course runs for four weeks, and discusses questions about who God is, life and the Christian faith. Please contact the office if you are interested.
Wednesday Night Home Group
Home Group at the home of Paul and Ruth Ungemuth every second and fourth Wednesday at 7:30pm. Each week we share in supper, do a bible study and pray for each other. Will begin on Wednesday 13 February. Contact the office for more information.
Thursday Morning Home Group
Home Group in the church lounge on the third Thursday of the month at 10am. After morning tea we do a bible study and pray together. Contact the office for more information.
