31st March 2022 newsletter
the end has finally come...
er… the end of summer that is. Simplygod church has survived to see the end of the sweltering summer of 2022! As I write this, Autumn is in full swing and folk like my Irish wifey are starting to solidify into a person again after being reduced to a melted puddle. This newsletter sums up what God has accomplished in Term 1, and what we pray He will allow us to do in Term 2. Please read it and be encouraged…
1. the book of James – ‘Get Closer’
In Term 1 we sat at the feet of Jesus’ brother, James, as he unpacked what it means to have single-hearted devotion to God. Sagacious, sapient, astucious, and full of grace, the book of James has blown us all away. How deep and penetrating! And through it all, God kept inviting us to come closer. Looking forward, we will take a break from James for a while and…
2. God-forsaken
Our new Easter series, starting this Sunday (3rd April), will be four talks on Psalm 22, ending in a Family Service on Easter Sunday 17th April. Please make sure you bring as many children as possible on Easter Sunday because we are having an Easter Egg hunt!!!!
EASTER SERIES.
4 talks on Psalm 22
starting 3rd April...
3. Homegroups launch in Term 2
We are so eager to see what God will arrange as we prepare to launch homegroups this winter. The thinking behind our homegroups can be found HERE. We invite you to prayerfully consider trying out a homegroup. The homegroups will be following the sermon series with open-ended discussion questions that facilitate mutual encouragement and sharing. You will not only get a lot out of the homegroups, you also have a unique contribution to make as God shapes you for His service!
Homegroup leaders, and anyone else who is keen, will receive ongoing training through Veritas College International. Please note our training event in the evening on the 26th April.
4. Thursday nights Bible study
For those who are unable to join a homegroup for now, an ongoing Bible study will happen on Thursday nights at 7pm-9pm at the Heathridge Function room, starting 5th May. We are going to be working through the book of Hebrews, ‘good, better, best, Jesus’. As always, check the website for details.
5. simplygod for kids
What a great joy to see no less than ten families (wow!) serving by teaching at simplygod for kids. I have heard such encouraging things – like a teenager in one of the families teaching the kiddies how to make a proper paper aeroplane for the activity! God has blessed us so richly in this area. The idea of having a whole family, parents and kids, take on the responsibility of leading a Sunday school class is something I personally haven’t seen before. The eternal good that can come from this would take up too much space here. Just praising God! Keep praying for simplygod for kids.
Our formal simplygod for kids lessons breaks for the holidays, but kiddies are most welcome at all our services. There will be kids talks as usual, and activity packs. Our facility accommodates families with children so well. Thank God.
6. simplygod for youth
Isaac (NBA draft pick number 1) and his team have done an awesome job in launching this ministry. For me personally, its so exciting to see the start of something so important and so necessary. Isaac taught through a series called ‘Ask Doctor Luke’ focusing on the first few verses of Luke’s gospel. Obviously Covid got in the way, and we even had to cancel once. Nevertheless, youth has begun, and God can turn small beginnings into great things! This Saturday night is a youth social with free pizza and movie. Please check the website for when youth begins again after the school holidays.
7. finances
God has provided for our every need, and it was a great joy to be able to give a substantial amount away to people outside of us who are trying to do the same thing that we do – share the love and truth of God with others. At simplygod our costs are kept to a minimum. However, we ask that you will financial support the ministry of simplygod by regular giving. All the details for how and why to give are on the website.
Our financial reports are given once a month, and the report is on the website for everyone to see.
Please will you give God thanks for all that He has done. And ask Him to do His good and perfect will - in spite of us! Ask Him what your unique contribution is.
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Keep enjoying being loved by God!
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Duane
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