“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

God has a purpose and a plan which he works for our good, providing an assurance of a hope beyond the suffering we will experience.

Grace, in the form of gifting, is given to each of us by God for His purposes. Some have been gifted as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip people for works of service, so that the body of Christ is built up, until we reach unity in faith and understanding of Christ.

Church on Mission starts here, with each one of us. How are we as individuals promoting a Church on Mission by investing our gifts, skills and passions in what is happening here?

Church on Mission 6, by Joshua Skeat, February 5, 2012

Connections has always had a heart and a passion to engage with those outside of the church, particularly those who have previously had connection to a church, but for one reason or another no longer attend. Back to church Sunday is an opportunity specifically designed to engage with this group of people – to invite them “back” to church, to be intentional about being welcoming and open with our faith, and be authentic in who we are as a church community and the mission that we are on. This year we are celebrating Back to Church Sunday on the 12th of February, to coincide with many families preparing to send their children back to school.

In previous Summers, Connections has met outside during the fine weather – often because our regular venue was unavailable. Though it has its own challenges, meeting in the park is a fantastic way to engage in public worship, to proclaim the Kingdom, and to speak life into our community. So for back to church Sunday, 2012, that’s what we are doing – taking church to the park, and inviting our friends, our families, our workmates and our colleagues to join us.

Our gathering is going to run from 10:30 – 11:30, and will finish with a supplied BBQ lunch. Meeting outside you will need a hat and sunscreen, please bring along a chair or blanket to sit on. Most of all, take the opportunity to invite your friends back to church, to share in authentic, Christian community, and declare the wonderful message of hope, love, forgiveness and restoration found in Christ.

Connections – Back to Church Sunday and BBQ

When? Sunday 12th February, 10:30am

Where? Anzac Park, Somerset (near the Surf Club)

What do I bring? Hat, sunscreen, something to sit on, a friend

“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”

Faith is evident in the effect that it has on us and the effect we have on others, in response to God, no matter how hard or how costly.

How are we as a people of God responding to Him and reaching out to others?

What is the step of Faith that he is calling us to in this season?

Church on Mission 5 by Joshua Skeat, January 29, 2012

We are called to not only live as children of the light but also to proclaim the good news. It is not up to us to determine who should receive the gospel. Instead we need to allow God to show us how and to whom he is calling us to proclaim his kingdom and his love.

Church on Mission 4 by Joshua Skeat, January 22, 2012

Over January we praise the God who reigns over all and recognise that he is a gracious and loving God who provides for all and cares for all.

Jan 1        Psalm 145             God is with us from year to year
Jan 8        2 Kings 18, 19      God protects
Jan 15      2 Kings 20            God restores
Jan 22      2 Kings 21: 1-18   God is forgotten
Jan 29      2 Kings 23: 1-23   God is remembered

We will be encouraging the children to question:
How is the character of God as described in Psalm 145 seen in practice in the way he works in history?

Furthermore:
How will this affect our relationship with God and what do we want to see happen in the lives of others?

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

We are both the senders and the sent, called as a community and as individuals on mission.

Are you confronting this call and asking God where He wants you to go?

Church on Mission 3 by Joshua Skeat, January 15, 2012.

The second sermon in our Summer series, looking at Ephesians 5. Specifically, the mission that we are all called to be on as Christ’s disciples:

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”

When being a disciple makes a difference in you, what doors open up for you to share the light of Christ with others?

Church on Mission 2 by Joshua Skeat, 8th January, 2012

A sermon about Church and our mission as the body of Christ.

Will you be a disciple or just a follower?

Church on Mission 1 by Joshua Skeat, January 1, 2012

Luke 1 – the songs of Mary and Zechariah
by Jonathan Adamczewski, from December 18, 2011

Luke 2 – Jesus’ birth and the prayer of Simeon
by Joshua Skeat, from December 25, 2011