Seven Quick Updates
From time to time there are a series of things we want to celebrate and share with you and this is one of those weeks so here we go! Seven quick things!
First, thanks for praying for the youth Big Fridays last week. Praise God that 415 people came and heard the gospel. It was a brilliant night and at the end, the MCs encouraged everyone to invite 600 people for this week. So let’s pray for that! Lauren and others will again be praying at 7.30pm downstairs in the church building as the talk begins; we’d love to see you there to pray!
Second, with an increasing number of new people in church each week we are changing our welcoming strategy from 1 September. New belonging teams are being established that will ensure everyone is warmly welcomed and valued on their first visit. You may also have seen some new furniture in the foyer and there is more to come to help people join a GG or attend Monday Dinners sooner. There are spaces on our belonging teams right now, so if this sort of ministry sounds like you, chat to someone on the team!
Third, this Sunday we will have our annual opportunity for the whole church to hear from Ashan Ponniah (our Safe Ministry Representative) about what we are doing in safe ministry and why it matters. Ashan’s primary roles are to oversee compliance and deal with complaints and concerns. You can chat to him anytime about safe ministry and the best way to contact him is by email at safeministry@christchurch.com.au. It would also be helpful for all of us to be familiar with the safe ministry page on the website: www.christchurch.com.au/safeministry.
Fourth, Share Life Sundays are coming and I am really looking forward to speaking on September 7, 14 & 21 under the heading of Peace like a River. Following Jesus provides such incredible peace and joy in the face of challenges within and challenges without and these weeks will be an opportunity to share the beauty of knowing him. I am praying we might all love Jesus more by the end of these three Sundays and those who don’t yet follow him might be encouraged to do so. You can find out more at www.christchurch.com.au/sharelife.
Fifth, at the end of next week, Anna Richardson (our Business Manager) will be finishing up on the team. You may never have met Anna but I can guarantee that your time at Christ Church has been shaped and influenced by her business acumen, wisdom and skill. Our staff team will miss Anna’s support and encouragement. Please be praying for the Wardens and I as we consider a new appointment to support the team.
Sixth, thanks for praying for the leadership team retreat last week. We had an excellent time in the word, prayer and song, we reflected on the way we work together, how we lead leaders and how we use our time. We planned most of 2026 and are looking forward to all God will do to grow the Kingdom through our church in the year ahead. Feel free to ask the team what they are doing to further empower leaders in our church!
Finally, can I encourage you to continue being generous with your giving over the coming months. We are 8.8% behind budget for this year and with so many wonderful opportunities to share the joy of knowing Jesus in the months ahead we want to be able to continue the work. Thanks for your generosity and support.
That’s it for now but can I say that I am so thankful for the way you encourage me to keep my eyes on the wonder of Jesus and all he has done for us. Let’s fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). Amen.
