Last Sunday Colleen Doyle warned us: The enemy has a plan to take you out.Disappointments will come, but we choose whether they make us bitter or better. When we realise, where we are and what we are going through, doesn’t determine who we are; and when we discover the bigness of who God is and the smallness of who we are, true contentment can be found, alongside the freedom to receive and release all God has for us and others around us. (Alex Larsen 12th November). Humility is the key. God loves us as we are but wants to use our circumstances to grow us, so that our inside matches the outside.
Leanne Rolleston spoke of looking back to look forward, discovering God’s original intent for our lives and our families. With our recent Word of Life Graduation, and the prophetic words spoken over the graduates, we are reminded that, looking back we all have a life story, and looking forward a victorious future ahead. As we engage in life with God, God-given doors of opportunity open before us! We live under an open heaven.
Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. Isaiah 54:2
A big thankyou to ones who volunteered their time to help with fitting insulation and painting Is54 the Centre over the past months. If you have any spare time through January, please ring David Chapman to check out what still needs doing. (mobile 021 892 957) Together, we move closer to the completion and opening of our new building!
The Christmas season is a wonderful time of celebrating God’s gift of love expressed to the world, through the birth of His Son, Jesus. It is a time when many get together with family and friends to celebrate Christ, and enjoy our beautiful Bay of Plenty weather.
For many this is a time of tremendous blessing, but for some it can be a very lonely time. Let us be aware of ones around us living on their own, those who are sick –neighbours, friends, church family members… We have been blessed to share the blessing of Christmas with all we have contact with… ‘Jesus with skin on’!
Join us as we deliver Christmas fruit mince pies to our ALC neighbours on Sunday 17th December, and on Sunday 24th December sing carols at Melrose. How special it is to bless our neighbours in these ways. 😊 😊
This year, ALC Christmas service is on Sunday 24th December. On Christmas Day there is a shared lunch for any wanting to attend. Speak to Tim or Sue if you would like to be part of this lunch. Ph 5764901
May each one of you have a safe, relaxed December –January. Keep in touch with your Life Group and others, be alert to Holy Spirit inspired opportunities and be quick to testify to the goodness of our wonderful God.
