19th April 2024

Apr 19

19th April 2024

A reflection from my recent prayer time:

Lewis

When I take my 'prayer walk,' I head straight to Gosford waterfront. For the first kilometer, I pray aloud between the sailing club and the bridge. On the way back, I ask God to speak to me. While walking, I notice a teenager fishing off the footpath. Suddenly, he reels in something big! A small crowd gathers as he struggles to pull the fish out. It's a magnificent flathead, a rare catch so close to shore. I interpret it as a sign from God, a message about becoming a fisher of men as I pursue new ministry ventures. But just as I'm pondering this, the fish slips off the line. Disheartened, I wonder if it's a sign to give up... Then, I watch in amazement as the boy grabs a glove from his bag, puts it on, and jumps into the water, braving rocks and oysters. With determination, he reaches into the water, attempting to catch the fish by hand. Eventually, he succeeds and lifts the fish triumphantly into the air. The crowd applauds as he brings it to shore. Reflecting on this, I realise that being a "fisher of men" isn't always easy, it's really hard! Sometimes, like the boy with the glove, you have to go the extra mile and try unconventional methods to reach those who seem out of reach. Especially the people who have fallen off the hook. It's a reminder that reaching people may require jumping into the unknown and putting in extra effort, but the reward is worth it.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9

"Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realise that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”, “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore" - John 21:4-8

Ministry Highlight: Flourish Dessert Night

It was so wonderful to host 50 of our NVBC ladies last Saturday evening for the first Flourish Event of the Year! A big thank you to all who organised, baked, shared and came along to connect. Below are a few of the photos captured on the night.

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Sign Up for our Connect Weekend!

We firmly believe that "church isn't an event to attend, it is a family to belong to". We also know that it takes time and opportunity to build those relationships that help us become a family together. Across next weekend many will open up their homes or facilitate opportunities for us to gather in smaller groups to help connect further with one another (a ministry of presence!). We highly recommend that as many as possible engage with this weekend.

See below for an overview of the current connect opportunities:

How to sign up? There will be a chance to sign up to one of the events in the foyer this Sunday, or you can make sure you grab a spot before they fill up by RSVPing here.

Supporting Lewis

In case you missed the email yesterday, we are inviting, collecting and collating letters of encouragement to bless Lewis with on his final Sunday. You can drop handwritten letters into the office or email through an encouragement here.

Financial support for Lewis's 'A New Way' ministry can now be received through NVBC's general offering account (overseen by our Treasurer Dave Kenny). Simply make sure to mark any gift towards Lewis' future ministry with "A New Way" in the description when transferring.

For more information about Lewis next ministry season you can visit his website and read the full mission and prospects https://www.anewway.church/

This Sunday

Creche will be on, and kids packs will be available for our older kids.

Senior's Morning Tea

A great time for unhurried connection for our seniors community. Make sure to RSVP in the foyer on Sunday or directly to Wendy-Sue (0408 228 759).

Connect Weekend

You should definitely sign up to one (or more) of our connect events!!

Lewis' Farewell Service

Sunday May 5

In both AM & PM Services we will thank, celebrate and pray over Lewis as he launches into his next ministry season. Make sure to stick around after the AM Service for a special morning tea, and after our PM Baptism service for dinner together.