2nd February 2024
Thought for the week - Pastor Johnny:
Being a disciple of Jesus is a life-long process of change. For many of us, our Christian life began with a decisive moment of realisation - and a decision to reorient the course of our lives; like those fishermen on the Sea of Galilee 2000 years ago. Yet to continue following Jesus is to continue to realise who he is and what we are called to be - and a daily decision to orient the course of our lives to his footsteps. Every day, if we are willing to listen and observe, we will see the path he wants us to take, and hear the call he has for us to follow.
Perhaps you are listening to him, and watching for his activity in your life and in the lives of those around you. If you are, then I want to encourage you to continue to follow his lead and marvel at his goodness and love. But perhaps, like me, you are easily distracted - distracted by the task that needs doing, the problem that needs solving, or the tv shows you watch or the websites you visit... if you're getting distracted, perhaps you'd like to join me in reorienting yourself to him, in directing your gaze towards your Lord.
One practical way you can do this is to read Matthew with us for Lent, beginning on Wednesday 14th February. You can access the readings and N.T. Wright's reflections online here, or purchase a paper copy of N.T. Wright's book at the info desk on Sunday.
NCLS 2023: quick results snapshot
A big thank you to all who participated in our annual National Church Life Survey last year. Our pastoral team have since done a deep dive into the full report generated by the NCLS researchers. The results in the report genuinely help shape the vision and direction for the following year. For those interested, below are a few of the headline summary statistics in the report:
Thailand Short-Term Mission Team
The STMT spent much of the last week in Chiang Rai visiting Baan Sawang - House of Light English Language Centre. In the past couple of days they have returned to Chiang Mai and have been visiting ZOE and the Leadership Training School that NVBC supports.
They will travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok tomorrow 3rd of Feb on the first leg of the trip home. Then they have a full day travel from Bangkok to Sydney arriving in Sydney late Sunday night. Please pray for their safe travel but also for the Team as they return to the lives they left that they handle the reverse culture shock positively. Pray for God's Guidance as they process all they have done and seen and learnt.
Church Family News
With sadness we share the news that Richard Austin was taken home to be with Lord during the week. Please pray for his wife Margaret, their children, broader family and friends as they grieve. For those who would like to honour and celebrate Richard's life, his funeral will be held on Wednesday 7th February, 11:30am at Mackay Family Funerals.
 This Sunday in both services Travis will be sharing our theme and focus for the year ahead!! Plan on staying back after the services to enjoy morning tea (AM), including free coffee & milkshakes and supper (PM), including a cheese giant platter! Kingdom kids will resume for the term at both services. |
 The Valley Youth is back tonight at 7pm! Please be praying for our youth leaders and all the teenagers who are so excited to be returning to youth for another year. |
 Playgroup resumes on Wednesday! This is a great ministry to young families in the Valley, providing a space for kids to play and mums and dads to connect over coffee. |
