- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
18th Feb 2026
Lent Starts Today!
For the past two Sundays we have been exploring passages from 'the upper room' chapters in John's Gospel. These powerful chapters record the last evening Jesus spends with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. By reflecting on them we have, in some ways, already been engaging with the lead up towards Easter. These final hours of Jesus with His disciples prepare them for what is to come and invite us to live in light of the Cross afresh.
In the liturgical calendar today marks the beginning of 'Lent'. Lent is an ancient spiritual practice of personal prayer, piety and preparation in the lead up to Easter. It is a time for personal renewal in light of the love of our Saviour.
To help mark Lent together as a church this year, we have prepared a daily reading plan through the Gospel of John.
Download your copy of the plan here to print at home (if you can't print at home, feel free to pop by the office today to pick one up).
If you would like to engage with others who are reading through our Lent Bible Reading Plan, we have a private Facebook Group for daily reminders and the chance to share a reflection on the reading. You can join our NVBC Bible Reading Group here.
However you will engage with God through this season of Lent, may God draw you nearer as you do. Below is a beginning of Lent prayer that you might want to pray in a quiet moment with God today.
A Prayer for the First Day of Lent
"Gracious and merciful God,
As I enter this holy season of Lent, quiet my heart and draw me near to You. On this first day, remind me that I am dust, and to dust I shall return — yet I am also beloved, held in grace, and called by name.
Search me, O God, and know my heart. Reveal the places where I have wandered. Gently uncover what I cling to that keeps me from loving You fully and loving my neighbour as myself. Give me courage to release what burdens me, and humility to confess where I fall short.
In these forty days, shape in me a deeper hunger for Your presence. Let my fasting make room for compassion. Let my repentance open me to joy. Let my prayer draw me into closer communion with You.
Walk with me through reflection and renewal. Strengthen me to follow Christ more faithfully, to serve more generously, and to trust more completely in Your redeeming love.
May this season prepare me not only for the cross, but for the hope and promise of resurrection.
In the name of Jesus. Amen."
News from Daniel Sze & the Urban-Regional Mission
Late last November, there was a celebration of the Urban-Regional Ministry led by Daniel Sze. This was hosted by the Mt Druitt Indigenous Congregation. Bob Gibson and Iain Skinner attended on behalf of NVBC. There was a particular focus on the short-term mission trips to support Indigenous Congregations in regional NSW, especially to Lightning Ridge & Brewarrina. The latter had a surprising connection to Green Point! The opportunity exists for interested person here to join these. Looking forward, Daniel has plans for Tweed Heads, Walgett and Gilgandra in 2026.
Daniel is one of the NVBC-supported mission workers, working with Indigenous Church leaders in both regional and urban Australia. Read more about his work here, and look for Daniel’s prayer points each month in The Harvest.
Search for the Sacred
Periodically across the year we plan on sharing things in our newsletter that equip, resource, inspire from "beyond NVBC". They might be recommended apps, devotional resources, articles, songs, news or written prayers.
Recently we came across the below thought-provoking post and article by Luke Simons, which we reckon is worth a read and digest! After you do, spend a moment personally reflecting and then pray for the next generations and their growing search for the sacred. Pray too that our church community, ministries and Sunday Services might be spaces where they can come and find "the real thing".
The fuller written article by Luke Simon is also available to read here
Update: Admin & Operations Manager
Thank you to all who have been praying for our search for an Admin and Operations Manager to join the pastors and staff team. Applications for the role have now closed and we begin the process of shortlisting the applications received. Please continue to pray for God's clear and confirmed leading throughout the process.
This Sunday
This week we continue our Term 1 series in the Gospel of John, with Craig Corkill speaking at both services. If you would like to read ahead, we'll be looking at John 14:1-14.
Next Week
Prayer Night (Wed 25th Feb, 7pm)
"The renewal of the Church will depend on the renewal of our prayer life." (E.G. Carre).
We call our church to gather for a night of devoted prayer!
Seniors Service (Thurs 26th Feb, 10am)
Join for a time of hymns, communion and hearing from Bryan Shirley share on forgiveness.
Sign Up
SHAPE Short-Course (during March)
Join one of our SHAPE pop-up small groups for the chance to explore and uncover your unique shape to serve.
Rego for our Mon Night group here.
Rego for our Thurs Day group here.
Parenting Workshop (Sat 7th March, 2pm)
Invest in yourself, your parenting and your family by joining us for a Parenting Workshop with special guest presenter Kaylene Harry. Learn more and RSVP here.
Welcome Lunch (Sun 8th March, 11:30am)
If you have joined NVBC recently and haven't been to one of our welcome lunches yet, we'd love to host you for lunch after the morning service on March 8. RSVP here.
For all other upcoming events, visit:
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