Launching the Year
One of the little phrases I often say is “There’s never a dull moment!” In a church like ours this is entirely true. As January draws to a close and our programs for the year get underway, our building and resources are being used every day of the week to reach people with the Gospel and build wholehearted disciples of Jesus.
At our Staff Launch Day last week, I made the commitment that we would not be pursuing any major changes to our ministry structures and formats in 2023. Most people giggled, remembering the last three years when COVID and its flow on effects meant everything changed, continually. It has been relentless; but this year we want to bring some patterned stability and predictability to things we do so we can build on good plans and make them better.
With this in mind, there are a few things I wanted to pass on for your encouragement and strengthening.
First, it is not too late to jump on board with all that is happening in 2023. Our mission is to build wholehearted disciples of Jesus and at the end of last year I encouraged everyone to get your four key foundational discipleship plans in place. We all know that if you fail to plan you are planning to fail so rather than wander through 2023 why not get ready to thrive? Check out www.christchurch.com.au/2023 and get engaged in seeing your faith and love grow in abundance this year.
Second, As I mentioned on Sunday, mission will again be the backbone and heartbeat of our plans as a church for this year. Over the next few weeks you will hear more about this from Elliot but key to the way we do mission here is not loading you with more to do, but encouraging you to do what you do more deliberately. We all meet people everyday. Let’s pray for the people we meet. We all chat to people everyday. Let’s listen to the perspectives of the people we meet and then share a Christian perspective and see where the conversation might lead. It’s that easy.
Third, our Growth Groups are launching next week. From 7 to 9 February, we will be gathering at church for the launch of groups, to hear more about the portrait of a healthy growth group and to pray together. Join us at those events even if you are not yet in a group and we will get you organised for the year. Learn more.
Fourth, we are continuing to build the Ministry Training arm of our church. I am excited to be announcing this weekend that we have three MTS trainees and five student ministers this year, all serving in ministry and being trained by our team. Jamie Woods, Luke Morris and Jo Swadling are doing MTS and Lauren Dewhurst, Josh Sawyer, Rosie Wicks, Courtney Morris and Alan Ye are Moore College students. There will be many opportunities to serve them and be served by them this year so please look out for them and see how you can contribute to their training.
Finally, early warning of our Annual General Meeting. This is always an important meeting in the life of our church as we elect office bearers, review financial accounts and hear about our Ministry Vision. Join us on Sunday 19 March at 2pm and be a part of all that is happening here at Christ Church.
Well, that’s it for now. If you ever have questions about anything, please just ask.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
