21st May 2025

Another thought from last Sunday...

From Johnny

Often when I preach, I have a lot more to say than will fit in one sermon. In an effort to make the main thing the main thing, some of the interesting tangents have to fall by the wayside. But in thinking about what it means to be a disciple, from Mark 3:13-15, I was drawn to the teaching of Jesus to the twelve in the upper room, as recorded in John 14-16. It is in this precious conversation that Jesus promises his disciples the gift of 'the Advocate', the Holy Spirit. And one particular verse that spoke to me in my preparation didn't get a mention on Sunday:

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)

When we spend time with Jesus, in His Presence, by the Holy Spirit, we are taught and reminded of the teaching of Jesus.

I would love to encourage you, again today, to make time for that. Make time to simply be with the presence of Jesus, and to learn from Him, and to be shaped and transformed by His Spirit. Not to do things for Him, but first and foremost to be with Him. When we open our hearts and listen to His voice, we will be changed and even equipped, made ready and able to go with Him into the work He has prepared for us to do. But before we do, we must be.

Are you in a Connect Group yet?

At NVBC we have smaller groups that meet throughout the week to read the bible together, pray together, support one another and build connections with one another and with God. If you are committed to Pursuing God this year, this is a really good way to do it! Being in a Connect Group provides opportunity to go deeper with God, and to experience church community in a much more meaningful way than just attending a Sunday service. Groups meet either weekly or fortnightly, during the day or in the evening (one group even meets over Zoom!) and if the demand is there, we would love to start some more groups, so please let us know what you're looking for!

Have a chat to Ps. Johnny about it, or fill in this form with your availabilities and any requests you have for a group.

May Mission Month update

Thank you to everyone who has given generously to our May Mission Month appeal - so far we have raised over $4000 to help purchase Megavoice players featuring the Old Testament in the Karamojong people’s language. Thank you for everyone who has given so far!

This Sunday we will be hearing from Tim Williams, from Africa Inland Mission Australia, sharing about Nita's work and the work of AIM missionaries.

For details, and to learn about how to give to our May Mission Month Appeal, click here.

Nita, who was part of the NVBC family for several years, is now part of Africa Inland Mission (Australasia) team working with the Karamojong people group. You can learn more about Nita’s work here. Or talk to Dianne Wicks. And watch for Nita's prayer points is in The Harvest.

Connect with us on Facebook

NVBC's ministries have all sorts of Facebook Groups:

FLOURISH PAGE for the women of NVBC

THE VALLEY PAGE for Valley Youth Parents

KINGDOM KIDS PAGE for Kingdom Kids Parents

PLAYGROUP PAGE for Narara Valley Playgroup Parents

And of course, NVBC COMMUNITY PAGE for everyone who belongs to NVBC.

If you belong to any one of these demographics, click through and join in the discussion and connect with others.

This Sunday

This Sunday in both services we will conclude our 'More Like Jesus' May Mission Month series, with Zach exploring Mark 3:31-35, 'Partnering Together in God's Mission'.

We will also hear from special guest Tim Matthews sharing about Nita Finger's work in Uganda, and the impact of AIM throughout Africa.

Next Craft Day

Saturday May 24

The next Craft Day is on this Saturday. Anyone is welcome to join us for a day of crafting, chatting and connecting.

Seniors Service

Thursday May 29

Join us for a great time of hymn singing, communion, encouragement and connection. This month we are excited to have Bob Gibson sharing his story!

State Kids Camp Fundraiser

Sunday June 1

Our kids are going to State Youth Camp again this July. To raise money to help get them there, they will be doing a bake sale next Sunday. Buy a cake or a slice, or simply make a donation! You can also give by direct deposit with the reference 'State Kids Camp'.

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