​I think Most people want to be part of something bigger than themselves; to find a sense of belonging, purpose, and a common mission. Thank God we find all these things in Jesus Christ our Saviour who calls us to get on board with his mission in the world.

We are called to share all things in common like the early Church depicted in Acts Chapter 4. All the believers shared what they had with one another for God’s glory and purposes in the local Church. The example of the early Church ought to encourage us to use our wealth, possessions and abilities to serve God and his mission. This Sunday we will focus on ways we can serve to advance God’s kingdom purposes in and through our Church.

In the lead up to Sunday, I encourage you to meditate on 1 Peter 4:7-10 which says “The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

As we each pray and discern how God wants us to serve and what he puts on our hearts to give financially over the coming year, I trust God will guide us further into his Kingdom purposes in and through our Church.

Isn’t it wonderful that we get to belong to Christ together and be part of His wonderful mission in the world – a purpose so much bigger than ourselves.

I love being in this together with you.

Every Blessing.
Reverend Tanya Cummings

​In the book of Acts we see how Barnabus and Saul were called and set apart for Ministry to the Gentiles. At the time of their calling, they were worshipping the Lord and fasting and the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them”. So, after the church had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off to do God’s work in the world, spreading the Gospel. This was a specific calling that was given to them even as they were serving in the local church. This reminds us that those who are faithful with the little things will be faithful with much (Luke 16:10).
It also reminds us that God calls people who are spirit filled and prayerful because they will follow His direction as He empowers their lives and ministry.  Any effective ministry must be led by people supernaturally enabled by the Holy Spirit!  Spiritual people lead lives of consistent Bible study, passionate prayer, holy living, bold witnessing, humble service, and unwavering commitment. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is evident in their lives and world needs to see more of that!
We don’t need to have it all together before we begin ministry. When Jesus called his first disciples, they didn’t have it all together, but he taught them about God and his ways and sent them out to be shining lights in the world, passing on the good news to others (This is what discipleship looks like). This is the calling on every Christians. We all need to fulfill our calling as a follower of Christ and at this time I encourage you to prayerfully reflect and seek God’s will for the way he might be calling you to specifically serve in this Parish and beyond.
If any among you are discerning a call into Ordained or Lay Ministry please come and speak with me. I would love to hear how God has been speaking to your heart and pray with you for this specific purpose. This Sunday (Vocation Sunday) we will give thanks for those called to Ordained Ministry and specific roles.
Peace,
Rev. Tanya

​Prayer is powerful.
Not because it’s magic.
Not because of the eloquent or simple words we use or say.
But because of WHO we talk to when we pray.
When we pray, we are before the Creator of the Universe, Almighty God, the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Omega, the One who holds all things in his hands and who judges all things.
When we pray, we pray through Jesus who intercedes for us.
In Acts 7:55-56, Stephen is about to be stoned to death when he looks up and sees heaven opened. In his vision, he sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
And he PRAYS.
He says, “Lord, do not hold this against them”.
Prayer is powerful because it is God who answers them - sometimes in the most surprising ways.
Who should stand over Stephen’s death in approval, but Saul, the one whom God changes so radically he becomes crucial in building up the early church instead of tearing it down.
The Lord answers Stephen’s prayer. He does not hold Saul’s sin against him. Jesus had already paid for it. Instead he uses that experience to show that God’s love covers a multitude of sins.
Prayer is powerful because of who we pray to.
And HIS power can do what seems impossible for the spread of His kingdom.
So don’t give up praying.
Keep praying for our church, for God to bring in younger generations so there is still a church here in 20 years' time.
Pray that people, young and old, come to faith.
Pray for our Mission Action Plan as a church, that God would show us the way forward.
And pray for our Vicar Tanya today as she takes time to spend with God in prayer about all these things.
Keep praying. And ask that God would open our eyes to the surprising ways he might answer them for the spread of his Kingdom.

Rev. Amy

​Acts Chapter 10 is a very interesting chapter! It tells the story of two people from different backgrounds, who shared a common love for the Lord. They were both prayerful, listened to God and were obedient to him, even when this meant going against the customs and religious traditions/beliefs at the time.

Peter was a devout Jew who would not have eaten anything that was considered unclean by Jewish law. But God showed him some food that was considered unclean and told him to eat, to which Peter responded: “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.” (Acts 10:14). God told him to not call unclean what God had made clean.

Later, Peter would realise this teaching was not about food but about Jews and Gentiles who were considered unclean by Jews, and how God loves both.

Peter was called to go out of his comfort zone and preach to the Gentiles in obedience to God’s will and purposes. Cornelius and his family believed the good news, received the Holy Spirit and then were baptised, showing that God does not show partiality.  “In every nation the person who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.” – Acts 10:34-35.

God does not care where we are from. He wants all people to seek him, listen to him, and obey his message. As we follow his leading into all he wants us to do, may God use us to share the gospel and bring salvation to many.

May he use us too for his purpose and glory.

God be with you,
Rev. Tanya