Recently sent out on our prayer email list:
Dear Prayer Partners,
We continue to appreciate your support as we continue in the task of Kingdom work here in Somerset and the local region.
Some points to guide your praying:
1) We recently sent out a family who are going to live in Asia bringing medical care to those who need it. Please pray for their travel, provision and wellbeing.
2) We have the joy of a number of people coming to church who have not been part of a church for many years. A key focus of our heart in this region is for the so-called "de-churched." Please pray for good relationships and the strengthening of our church community.
3) Relatedly, we continue to have interaction with a number of people who are involved in a situation involving sexual misconduct amongst church leadership (across a number of denominations) in the region. See http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2009/07/nw-tasmanias-abused-generation.html. Please pray for all those involved and for healing and growth to come
about even in the midst of pain.
4) Please pray for the local Parish of which we are a part. Our Annual Meeting was recently held and had some significant administrative aspects to address. Please pray for creativity and
generosity in the reviews and considerations that will flow from this. The other congregation (sometimes called the "Traditional" congregation) in the Parish is about to locate to renovated premises. Please pray for them as they formulate the specifics of their identity
and mission in a new location.
5) Our Connection Leadership Team is just about to begin the process of reformulating our Mission Action Plan (MAP). Please pray for wisdom and creativity and boldness as that process gets under way.
6) We understand that we will soon receive the green light to begin advertising for a Youth Minister. Please pray that we will find someone able to pioneer a ministry from the ground up. Please pray for those involved in administrating this and for all those specifically involved in our children's activities and KLT (Kid's Learning Times).
As always pray that we all may grow in Christ and follow him closely,
Yours,
Will.
Showing posts with label Prayer Points. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer Points. Show all posts
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Prayer Points - July 2009 (Back on Deck)
Gill and I and family are back from holiday and starting to get back into our stride. Please excuse the absence between posts. There are some things coming up that I will reflect on here in this blog including the results of our Natural Church Development survey, the (re)creation of small groups, the stimulation of evangelism, Pioneer Ordained Ministry, the importance of action-reflection, and the formation of an updated Mission Action Plan. Hold me to it - I will blog!
Herewith latest prayer notes:
Dear Prayer Partners,
Thankyou for continuing to pray. You may have noticed an absence of correspondence in June. Gill and I and the children went on holidays during that time, catching up with people and touring parts of the mainland.
Please pray:
1) For Gill and I and the children as we settle back into the rhythm of life and the next season of ministry.
2) We have recently identified priorities for the church. They are, unsurprisingly, evangelism and small group ministry. With regard to evangelism, please pray for a reinvigoration of people's heart for God, a thirst for the gospel, and a ready-willing-and-able-ness to share the hope that is in them. With regard to small groups, please pray for us as we begin to approach and train some of the untapped potential leaders in our midst. Pray for those who are already putting their hands up.
3) Please pray for the local church community that has been rocked by sexual misconduct situation involving a youth leader (this time in another denomination) a number of years ago. This is yet another example in the Burnie region of abuse towards members of "Generation X" in their child and teen years - it makes ministry with that generation (the current parents of children) difficult and tenuous. Please pray for a breakthrough.
4) Please pray for one of our families who have been with us for a number of years (from when we were very small) who are now leaving us to take up missionary work in Asia. They are in the midst of packing and making arrangements. Help us to support them well and send them off with our blessing.
5) Ongoing prayer for this year is required for the amalgamation of our local schools. Please pray that the right arrangements are made, the right buildings are built, and the right people get the right jobs to make the new school community a great champion for our local children and local community. This is a key aspect of seeing Somerset advanced as a community.
God bless,
Will.
Herewith latest prayer notes:
Dear Prayer Partners,
Thankyou for continuing to pray. You may have noticed an absence of correspondence in June. Gill and I and the children went on holidays during that time, catching up with people and touring parts of the mainland.
Please pray:
1) For Gill and I and the children as we settle back into the rhythm of life and the next season of ministry.
2) We have recently identified priorities for the church. They are, unsurprisingly, evangelism and small group ministry. With regard to evangelism, please pray for a reinvigoration of people's heart for God, a thirst for the gospel, and a ready-willing-and-able-ness to share the hope that is in them. With regard to small groups, please pray for us as we begin to approach and train some of the untapped potential leaders in our midst. Pray for those who are already putting their hands up.
3) Please pray for the local church community that has been rocked by sexual misconduct situation involving a youth leader (this time in another denomination) a number of years ago. This is yet another example in the Burnie region of abuse towards members of "Generation X" in their child and teen years - it makes ministry with that generation (the current parents of children) difficult and tenuous. Please pray for a breakthrough.
4) Please pray for one of our families who have been with us for a number of years (from when we were very small) who are now leaving us to take up missionary work in Asia. They are in the midst of packing and making arrangements. Help us to support them well and send them off with our blessing.
5) Ongoing prayer for this year is required for the amalgamation of our local schools. Please pray that the right arrangements are made, the right buildings are built, and the right people get the right jobs to make the new school community a great champion for our local children and local community. This is a key aspect of seeing Somerset advanced as a community.
God bless,
Will.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Prayer Points - April 2009
Recently sent to the email list for our prayer supporters:
Dear Supporters,
Sorry that this month's prayer points are a little late. Thankyou for continuing to support us in prayer. As always, more news can be found at http://will-briggs.blogspot.com
Prayer points for this week.
1) Please continue to pray for the local community, particularly the local school communities as the two primary schools in Somerset begin the process of amalgamation. (More about this here: http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2009/04/somerset-schools.html ) Please pray for the school community to be blessed, it is a real blessing to have use of the facilities there.
2) Please pray for the contacts we are making with the local neighbourhood, particularly children as we meet at the local school and are "noticed." Please pray for those who have shown a desire to attend and that they and their parents would become part of our community.
3) Please pray for us as we finalise a plan for (re)instituting small "community" groups. Pray that we would identify the key leaders and release a good foundation of mutual support, shared mission, and pastoral care at the heart of our community.
4) Please continue to pray for those who are participating in the "Search for Life" program, that there would depth of learning, sharing and engagement with the substance of following Christ.
5) Please pray for renewed evangelistic zeal and that we would have the encouragement of new Christians in our midst.
Finally, please pray for Gill and I and the children as we prepare for and take a month of leave beginning at the end of May. Pray for arrangements to come together and for a time of rest and rejuvenation. Please also pray for the rest of the leadership team who will be ministering during this time.
Blessings,
Will.
Dear Supporters,
Sorry that this month's prayer points are a little late. Thankyou for continuing to support us in prayer. As always, more news can be found at http://will-briggs.blogspot.
Prayer points for this week.
1) Please continue to pray for the local community, particularly the local school communities as the two primary schools in Somerset begin the process of amalgamation. (More about this here: http://will-briggs.blogspot.
2) Please pray for the contacts we are making with the local neighbourhood, particularly children as we meet at the local school and are "noticed." Please pray for those who have shown a desire to attend and that they and their parents would become part of our community.
3) Please pray for us as we finalise a plan for (re)instituting small "community" groups. Pray that we would identify the key leaders and release a good foundation of mutual support, shared mission, and pastoral care at the heart of our community.
4) Please continue to pray for those who are participating in the "Search for Life" program, that there would depth of learning, sharing and engagement with the substance of following Christ.
5) Please pray for renewed evangelistic zeal and that we would have the encouragement of new Christians in our midst.
Finally, please pray for Gill and I and the children as we prepare for and take a month of leave beginning at the end of May. Pray for arrangements to come together and for a time of rest and rejuvenation. Please also pray for the rest of the leadership team who will be ministering during this time.
Blessings,
Will.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Prayer Points - March 2009
This recently went out on our prayer points mailing list:
Dear Supporters,
Thankyou for continuing to pray for the Connections Church project in Somerset. Thankyou in particular for those who have prayed for us over the summer while we have been meeting in the local park. We have recently moved our Sunday gatherings to a local primary school. If you would like to see photos you can click here: http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2009/03/big-blue-gym.html .
Some prayer points for this month:
1) Please pray for our transition into the school hall. Particularly pray for us with the ongoing contact this is producing with many in the community.
2) Please continue praying for the number of couples amongst us who have recently been married or who are getting married shortly. Pray for good beginnings, good foundations, and a firm awareness of God's grace.
3) Our "Search for Life" lifekeys program has recently started. Please pray for those who are participating, for insight, courage, humility as they encounter the opportunity to grow in God.
4) Continue to pray for those who have leadership roles within our congregation.
5) Please continue to pray for the newcomers in our midst, for a sense of belonging and believing together.
6) Our KLT (Kids Learning Time) ministry on Sundays needs more (childsafe-endorsed) leaders. Please pray for new helpers and leaders and the necessary processes to get them on board.
God bless,
Will.
Dear Supporters,
Thankyou for continuing to pray for the Connections Church project in Somerset. Thankyou in particular for those who have prayed for us over the summer while we have been meeting in the local park. We have recently moved our Sunday gatherings to a local primary school. If you would like to see photos you can click here: http://will-briggs.blogspot.
Some prayer points for this month:
1) Please pray for our transition into the school hall. Particularly pray for us with the ongoing contact this is producing with many in the community.
2) Please continue praying for the number of couples amongst us who have recently been married or who are getting married shortly. Pray for good beginnings, good foundations, and a firm awareness of God's grace.
3) Our "Search for Life" lifekeys program has recently started. Please pray for those who are participating, for insight, courage, humility as they encounter the opportunity to grow in God.
4) Continue to pray for those who have leadership roles within our congregation.
5) Please continue to pray for the newcomers in our midst, for a sense of belonging and believing together.
6) Our KLT (Kids Learning Time) ministry on Sundays needs more (childsafe-endorsed) leaders. Please pray for new helpers and leaders and the necessary processes to get them on board.
God bless,
Will.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Prayer Points - February 2009
Dear Prayer Partners,
Thankyou for continuing to support Connections in prayer. We have had much joy over the summer. A baptism in the river the week before last was a particular highlight (http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2009/02/summer-grace.html).
For more news and photos you can click here: http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2009/02/connections-summer-photos-update.html
As we head into March and well into the regular routine of the year please be praying:
1) Our "Search for Life" program starts up in March and now is the time for people to sign up and commit to it. It provides an environment to consider the deeper and sometimes more difficult aspects of life and so allow people to consider, address and grow. Please pray for the participants and the leaders.
2) Please pray for the ongoing discipleship of our children. A team of volunteers has come together to restart our childrens' program for the year. Please pray for them and for our children.
3) We are planning to end our "Connections Summer" meetings in the park on March the 1st and follow our meeting with Clean-Up Australia Day in the park. Please pray for that time.
4) With regards to a next venue - a number of options are opening up. Our focus at the moment, once again, is the local school. Some hiccups have been ironed out and a consideration of our of the facilities is on the agenda for a meeting at the school this Thursday. Please be praying.
5) A number of people have joined us in recent weeks. Some are keen to put their hand up for the many tasks that need to be done and ministries that need to be exercised. Please pray for continued growth, quick but strong relationship building, and appropriate and effective release of people into their investment in God's Kingdom.
God bless,
Will.
Thankyou for continuing to support Connections in prayer. We have had much joy over the summer. A baptism in the river the week before last was a particular highlight (http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2009/02/summer-grace.html).
For more news and photos you can click here: http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2009/02/connections-summer-photos-update.html
As we head into March and well into the regular routine of the year please be praying:
1) Our "Search for Life" program starts up in March and now is the time for people to sign up and commit to it. It provides an environment to consider the deeper and sometimes more difficult aspects of life and so allow people to consider, address and grow. Please pray for the participants and the leaders.
2) Please pray for the ongoing discipleship of our children. A team of volunteers has come together to restart our childrens' program for the year. Please pray for them and for our children.
3) We are planning to end our "Connections Summer" meetings in the park on March the 1st and follow our meeting with Clean-Up Australia Day in the park. Please pray for that time.
4) With regards to a next venue - a number of options are opening up. Our focus at the moment, once again, is the local school. Some hiccups have been ironed out and a consideration of our of the facilities is on the agenda for a meeting at the school this Thursday. Please be praying.
5) A number of people have joined us in recent weeks. Some are keen to put their hand up for the many tasks that need to be done and ministries that need to be exercised. Please pray for continued growth, quick but strong relationship building, and appropriate and effective release of people into their investment in God's Kingdom.
God bless,
Will.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Prayer Points - January 2009
These just sent to our prayer points mailing list. Contact me if you want to receive these by email.
----
Dear Prayer Partners,
Apologies that this is later in the month than usual. Summertime has it's own complex routine! Thankyou in particular to those who made contact to let us know of your particular prayers - it is greatly appreciated.
For those keen to receive news about Connections, please go to http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/. In particular there are some photos of what has happened so far over summer at http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2009/01/connections-summer-photos-so-far.html.
Please pray, thanking God for
1) The success of our Christmas events - particularly the contacts made at Kid's Christmas on Christmas Eve.
2) The ability and opportunity of the local park - our Sunday outside gatherings have gone well with many bringing guests and visitors.
3) A qualitative growth within us - people willing to share, and pray for each other.
4) The number of those who have picked up using the "Connections @ Home" daily bible reading and journaling program. (More information http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2009/01/word-in-season.html)
5) For the numbers amongst us getting married - a wedding was held at a local waterfall this past weekend.
Please pray for:
1) The upcoming transition out of summer - what do we do, where do we meet, how do we do it next? We are working on some options, please cover them in prayer - particularly our need for an ongoing children's program.
2) The children who have come forward for baptism and to be admitted to communion.
3) For those considering participating in our upcoming "Search for Life" discipleship program - particular for those for whom it would be of great benefit but are feeling hesitant in showing interest.
4) A continuing of spiritual growth - increased commitment to being part of a Christian community that is resident - gospel-focussed and counter-cultural - within the local community.
Blessings,
Will.
----
Dear Prayer Partners,
Apologies that this is later in the month than usual. Summertime has it's own complex routine! Thankyou in particular to those who made contact to let us know of your particular prayers - it is greatly appreciated.
For those keen to receive news about Connections, please go to http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/. In particular there are some photos of what has happened so far over summer at http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2009/01/connections-summer-photos-so-far.html.
Please pray, thanking God for
1) The success of our Christmas events - particularly the contacts made at Kid's Christmas on Christmas Eve.
2) The ability and opportunity of the local park - our Sunday outside gatherings have gone well with many bringing guests and visitors.
3) A qualitative growth within us - people willing to share, and pray for each other.
4) The number of those who have picked up using the "Connections @ Home" daily bible reading and journaling program. (More information http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2009/01/word-in-season.html)
5) For the numbers amongst us getting married - a wedding was held at a local waterfall this past weekend.
Please pray for:
1) The upcoming transition out of summer - what do we do, where do we meet, how do we do it next? We are working on some options, please cover them in prayer - particularly our need for an ongoing children's program.
2) The children who have come forward for baptism and to be admitted to communion.
3) For those considering participating in our upcoming "Search for Life" discipleship program - particular for those for whom it would be of great benefit but are feeling hesitant in showing interest.
4) A continuing of spiritual growth - increased commitment to being part of a Christian community that is resident - gospel-focussed and counter-cultural - within the local community.
Blessings,
Will.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Prayer Points - December 2008
This was just posted to our prayer points email list:
Dear Prayer Partners,
We are into December and the Connections Summer has begun. Our first
December Sunday followed a wedding of a couple in our congregation and it
was great to spend the next day picnicking together in a local forest
reserve (You can find a picture here:
http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2008/12/update-observations-from-forest.html).
We are now ramping up to our "Kid's Christmas" event on Christmas Eve in our
local park. The aim here is twofold: Firstly, to seize the opportunity of
Christmas to present the gospel. Secondly, to do so in a way that builds
community, an accessible activity in a public space.
We are still making use of the local park and the local surf club as a
venue. We recently had a bit of a "problem" with the local council
triple-booking the park with other organisations. But to "do church" in
semi-public view and to follow up with bbq and fun on the beach is good for
us. We want it to be known that "Sunday morning and lunchtime something is
happening in the park."
We are still on the learning curve, however, and value your prayer.
1) Please pray for our times in the park - the key aspect of our
"Connections Summer." Pray that we are able to interact well with those who
see us, and that they will join us in some way - at least in conversation.
Pray for those who are willing to run kid's activities and the like each
Sunday lunchtime.One thing we are feeling the lack of at the moment is
2) Please pray for fine weather each Sunday!
3) Pray for our Kid's Christmas event at 5pm Christmas Eve. The reaction to
our advertising has been positive. Pray for the logistics and for those
preparing things for that time.
4) One of our difficulties at the moment is how to incorporate all ages
within our Sunday gatherings. Please pray for us as we work out how,
especially, we minister to our children. Please pray for the provision of
workers in this regard.
God bless,
Will.
Dear Prayer Partners,
We are into December and the Connections Summer has begun. Our first
December Sunday followed a wedding of a couple in our congregation and it
was great to spend the next day picnicking together in a local forest
reserve (You can find a picture here:
http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2008/12/update-observations-from-forest.html).
We are now ramping up to our "Kid's Christmas" event on Christmas Eve in our
local park. The aim here is twofold: Firstly, to seize the opportunity of
Christmas to present the gospel. Secondly, to do so in a way that builds
community, an accessible activity in a public space.
We are still making use of the local park and the local surf club as a
venue. We recently had a bit of a "problem" with the local council
triple-booking the park with other organisations. But to "do church" in
semi-public view and to follow up with bbq and fun on the beach is good for
us. We want it to be known that "Sunday morning and lunchtime something is
happening in the park."
We are still on the learning curve, however, and value your prayer.
1) Please pray for our times in the park - the key aspect of our
"Connections Summer." Pray that we are able to interact well with those who
see us, and that they will join us in some way - at least in conversation.
Pray for those who are willing to run kid's activities and the like each
Sunday lunchtime.One thing we are feeling the lack of at the moment is
2) Please pray for fine weather each Sunday!
3) Pray for our Kid's Christmas event at 5pm Christmas Eve. The reaction to
our advertising has been positive. Pray for the logistics and for those
preparing things for that time.
4) One of our difficulties at the moment is how to incorporate all ages
within our Sunday gatherings. Please pray for us as we work out how,
especially, we minister to our children. Please pray for the provision of
workers in this regard.
God bless,
Will.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Prayer Points - November 2008
This was just sent to our prayer points email list.
Dear Prayer Partners,
Thankyou once again for your ongoing support. Apologies that this - November's prayer points - are a little late. There has been a lot going on - keep an eye on http://will-briggs.blogspot.com for up to date information.
As you know we are going through a period of uncertainty with regards to our Sunday venue. There is much blessing in this difficulty as we seek God in the midst of it. It is a blessed time of being uncomfortable in a way that leads to growth and living lives pleasing to God and contributing to the substance of his Kingdom. Please keep praying for us - not just for the practical logistics of things but also for further and ongoing opportunities to learn about, grow in, and share the good news of Jesus.
Some points to guide your prayer:
1) Praise God for those who have joined us in the last few weeks during our interim time at the local surf club. We have five or more newcomers who have returned and blessed us with their presence and input. Please pray for them.
2) Please pray for our Christmas events - our annual "Kid's Christmas" will this year be held in a local park under a marquee. It is an opportunity to share the Christmas story and it's meaning with those who would otherwise not hear it.
3) Please pray for our Sunday gatherings during December - we are currently looking for places to meet for December 14th and 21st.
4) Please pray for those who are "stepping up" to organise outreach events and possibilities across the summer. There is the possibility of some outreach to musicians and other opportunities to connect.
5) Please pray for us as a Christian community - that we would be knit together through more than just Sunday services but in the sharing of life and mutual support generally.
6) Please pray that we would continue to be renewed in the vision of how to bring the gospel to where the people "are at" with boldness and courage.
God bless,
Will.
Dear Prayer Partners,
Thankyou once again for your ongoing support. Apologies that this - November's prayer points - are a little late. There has been a lot going on - keep an eye on http://will-briggs.blogspot.com for up to date information.
As you know we are going through a period of uncertainty with regards to our Sunday venue. There is much blessing in this difficulty as we seek God in the midst of it. It is a blessed time of being uncomfortable in a way that leads to growth and living lives pleasing to God and contributing to the substance of his Kingdom. Please keep praying for us - not just for the practical logistics of things but also for further and ongoing opportunities to learn about, grow in, and share the good news of Jesus.
Some points to guide your prayer:
1) Praise God for those who have joined us in the last few weeks during our interim time at the local surf club. We have five or more newcomers who have returned and blessed us with their presence and input. Please pray for them.
2) Please pray for our Christmas events - our annual "Kid's Christmas" will this year be held in a local park under a marquee. It is an opportunity to share the Christmas story and it's meaning with those who would otherwise not hear it.
3) Please pray for our Sunday gatherings during December - we are currently looking for places to meet for December 14th and 21st.
4) Please pray for those who are "stepping up" to organise outreach events and possibilities across the summer. There is the possibility of some outreach to musicians and other opportunities to connect.
5) Please pray for us as a Christian community - that we would be knit together through more than just Sunday services but in the sharing of life and mutual support generally.
6) Please pray that we would continue to be renewed in the vision of how to bring the gospel to where the people "are at" with boldness and courage.
God bless,
Will.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Prayer Points - October 2008
These prayer points were recently sent out on our prayer partners mailing list. If you'd like to be part of that email list please let me know.
Dear Prayer Partners,
Once again thankyou for supporting the Connections project through your prayer and intercessions.
The chief prayer point for this month revolves around our need for a venue. We have been given short notice that we will need to leave our current premises. We found out last week and this coming Sunday (October 19) will be our final service at our current location. Arrangements for our next venue have not yet been finalised. This means that we are entering into a transitional season with a certain amount of uncertainty. I am full of confidence, however, in God who will use this time and whatever short-term interim measures we require to grow us and get us ready for the next season that lies ahead.
I've made some more comments on this on my Connections blog: http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2008/10/homelessness-blessed-uncertainty.html and I'll share with you the prayer request I've written there:
Please pray for us. Please pray for those opening doors - that are next long-term venue will not be too far away. Please pray for us to be wise and discerning. And above all, please pray that God will have his way with us and we will learn what we need to learn during this time so that this congregation of God's people may bring glory to his name alone.
Please also pray specifically for this forthcoming "last Sunday" that we will end well at this venue - that has been a real blessing for us for the last few months.
Of course our church is not about bricks and mortar. Life continues and we would be grateful if you could also pray for:
1) The two couples getting married over summer.
2) Those of us who are training as facilitators for the "Lifekeys" program that we are looking to make use of next year.
3) And thank God for the many relationships that we are part of in the local community.
Thanks,
Will.
Dear Prayer Partners,
Once again thankyou for supporting the Connections project through your prayer and intercessions.
The chief prayer point for this month revolves around our need for a venue. We have been given short notice that we will need to leave our current premises. We found out last week and this coming Sunday (October 19) will be our final service at our current location. Arrangements for our next venue have not yet been finalised. This means that we are entering into a transitional season with a certain amount of uncertainty. I am full of confidence, however, in God who will use this time and whatever short-term interim measures we require to grow us and get us ready for the next season that lies ahead.
I've made some more comments on this on my Connections blog: http://will-briggs.blogspot.
Please pray for us. Please pray for those opening doors - that are next long-term venue will not be too far away. Please pray for us to be wise and discerning. And above all, please pray that God will have his way with us and we will learn what we need to learn during this time so that this congregation of God's people may bring glory to his name alone.
Please also pray specifically for this forthcoming "last Sunday" that we will end well at this venue - that has been a real blessing for us for the last few months.
Of course our church is not about bricks and mortar. Life continues and we would be grateful if you could also pray for:
1) The two couples getting married over summer.
2) Those of us who are training as facilitators for the "Lifekeys" program that we are looking to make use of next year.
3) And thank God for the many relationships that we are part of in the local community.
Thanks,
Will.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Homelessness - A Blessed Uncertainty
The excitement of church planting continues...Last Thursday we were informed by the owners of our current venue that they had sold it and that the new owners wished to move in as soon as possible. This meant that we had two Sundays left - the one just been (October 12, 2008) and the one just about to happen (October 19).
While this wasn't a surprise (the building has been for sale for some time), and we have been (and are) working on procuring our next venue, the fact of the matter is that right now I cannot tell you where our congregation will gather on October 26 to share together in worship and word.
And I'm not worried. Even despite the fact that the Bishop was booked to join us on October 26 - and he is still coming - doesn't worry me. Our church does not depend on bricks and mortar - and we will still be the church no matter where we meet.
Of course we're planning and organising things. Hopefully a new venue in a local school gym will be forthcoming sometime in November, or even sooner. And we have plenty of short-term options from local sporting clubs to the local park.
And of course they'll be a bit of stress involved. Routines will be shaken. People will end up in the wrong place or something. Things won't happen quite as smoothly as they would otherwise. And they'll be more energy required to set things up and pack things up and basically get everything organised.
But in the end, this is a time and a season of change, and it's value comes from the way in which God will ground us, gather us and grow us during this time. I can see this already happening.
- It will draw us to God. It already has. After we announced what was happening this past Sunday we entered into one of the most participated-in and profound prayer times we've had as a whole congregation.
- It will draw us to God's purpose for us. We will be stripped away of some of the comforts of "church life" and will have to get back to the basics of why we're here - to reach out and to grow to be a community forming people to be and do what Christ has intended - discipling and speaking the truth where it is needed.
- It will draw us to each other. This coming Sunday is now a time of "closure" of this season and an entering into the next. We will share lunch together and people will have brought their utes and their trailers to help shift stuff away to where we are storing it. It is quite appropriate that in our sermon series from 1st Corinthians we will have just reached 1st Corinthians 3 with it's emphasis on unity and mutual solidarity in Christ.
- It will strengthen our faith. The truth is that we are always dependent on God's grace to survive as Christians and as a church. This truth is now obvious. We are dependent on God in the seeking of our next venue - we need his creativity, his discernment, and his grace to go before us to pave the way through authorising committees and the finalisation of hire agreements and the like. If doors close we have to trust that God has closed them. And when the doors open he will have given us the gift of never being able to say that "we did it" but that God out of his love for us has blessed us with all things.
Please pray for us. Please pray for those opening doors - that are next long-term venue will not be too far away. Please pray for us to be wise and discerning. And above all, please pray that God will have his way with us and we will learn what we need to learn during this time so that this congregation of God's people may bring glory to his name alone.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Prayer Points - September 2008
These prayer points were just sent out on our prayer support mailing list. If would like to join this list please email me.
Sorry that these are a bit late this month, and I'll blame it on school holidays and conferences and things!
Thankyou for continuing to support us in prayer. We are also now in the BCA prayer notes booklet.
Here are our prayer points for September:
1) Praise God for the milestone on September 14. On the first day of our fifth year we had a baptism and confirmation at the Cam River. Photos and details can be found here: http://will-briggs.blogspot.com/2008/09/first-sunday-fifth-year.html . It was a significant event and affirms the heart of our mission as we see lives switched on for Jesus! Please continue to pray for Dave, who was baptised in the river, and his family.
2) Please thank God for the many who put lots of energy, time and prayer in many acts of service that keep our community ticking over. People are stepping up to the plate in leadership and acts of service. Pray for this heart to spread! And please pray for more "harvesters" for the harvest in the next season and 2009.
3) Please continue to pray for our need to shift our venue. There have been some administrative hiccups recently with regard to considering a local school gym as a venue. Please pray for the way forward to become clear and smooth.
4) Please pray for those who will be attending facilitators training in the next month, preparing for the Lifekeys "Search for Life" course that we will be running in the new year.
5) Please continue to pray for those who run and help with our children's program - KLT - and for the raising up of those willing and able to work in the discipling of our older children.
6) Please pray for a new small group looking to start up with men in Somerset.
Sorry that these are a bit late this month, and I'll blame it on school holidays and conferences and things!
Thankyou for continuing to support us in prayer. We are also now in the BCA prayer notes booklet.
Here are our prayer points for September:
1) Praise God for the milestone on September 14. On the first day of our fifth year we had a baptism and confirmation at the Cam River. Photos and details can be found here: http://will-briggs.blogspot.
2) Please thank God for the many who put lots of energy, time and prayer in many acts of service that keep our community ticking over. People are stepping up to the plate in leadership and acts of service. Pray for this heart to spread! And please pray for more "harvesters" for the harvest in the next season and 2009.
3) Please continue to pray for our need to shift our venue. There have been some administrative hiccups recently with regard to considering a local school gym as a venue. Please pray for the way forward to become clear and smooth.
4) Please pray for those who will be attending facilitators training in the next month, preparing for the Lifekeys "Search for Life" course that we will be running in the new year.
5) Please continue to pray for those who run and help with our children's program - KLT - and for the raising up of those willing and able to work in the discipling of our older children.
6) Please pray for a new small group looking to start up with men in Somerset.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
BCA Blessings
We received our latest Prayer Notes and The Real Australian today - the regular publications of Bush Church Aid. We now part of the BCA family.
- We have a BCA web page:
- You can join BCA prayer warriors in praying for us on the 15th of each month.
- We are mentioned on a page in the Real Australian.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Prayer Points - August 2008
These prayer points we just sent to our prayer point mailing list. Please contact me if you would like to be added to that list:
Thankyou for continuing to support us by praying for the Connections congregation and the work of the gospel here in the North-West of Tasmania. This email list started off in preparation for the visit by the Ridley Mission Team - and it's been almost a year since that happened. The work, and prayer continue. Here are some points for this month:
1) We have been, and are being blessed, by a number of milestones and joyous occasion in people's lives. We have three engagements in our midst at the moment, all to be married before the end of the year. Babies are being born, people are being baptised and confirmed. It's great to see God at work in that wonderful mix of the ordinary and extraordinary that make up our lives. Please pray for those who will be at the centre of this occasions over the next few months.
2) Please pray for us as we go about organising some new programs that will help reach new people, and provide some of the foundational teaching and formation that people are thirsty for. Please pray for those preparing for baptism and confirmation as they go through the "Jesus All About Life" course. Please pray as we identify and train up facilitators for a Lifekeys "Search for Life" course and for those doing the organising. Please pray as we begin the early stages of having a clearly defined program for raising up and training leaders.
3) Please pray as we go about finalising arrangements for a Youth Worker and a Children's Worker and begin advertising. Please help us to "pray in" these harvesters.
4) Arrangements for using the local school as a Sunday venue are at the initial stages of being organised. Please pray for those participating in the negotiations and discussions and pray for favour with the various boards and committees that will need to give approval.
5) With a number of new comers and other factors, we are learning the importance for each of us to take responsibility for helping build a cohesive and unified church community. Please pray for us to be sharing life with each other well.
6) Please continue to pray for a thirst for God's Word in us and around us - that God will be at work in the people of Somerset and the Burnie area and that the seed sown through us will find fertile soil and the Spirit already at work.
Also, please pray for myself and for my family as I attend the EFAC National Conference in Melbourne before heading with my family to the BCA conference in Launceston.
Thankyou for continuing to support us by praying for the Connections congregation and the work of the gospel here in the North-West of Tasmania. This email list started off in preparation for the visit by the Ridley Mission Team - and it's been almost a year since that happened. The work, and prayer continue. Here are some points for this month:
1) We have been, and are being blessed, by a number of milestones and joyous occasion in people's lives. We have three engagements in our midst at the moment, all to be married before the end of the year. Babies are being born, people are being baptised and confirmed. It's great to see God at work in that wonderful mix of the ordinary and extraordinary that make up our lives. Please pray for those who will be at the centre of this occasions over the next few months.
2) Please pray for us as we go about organising some new programs that will help reach new people, and provide some of the foundational teaching and formation that people are thirsty for. Please pray for those preparing for baptism and confirmation as they go through the "Jesus All About Life" course. Please pray as we identify and train up facilitators for a Lifekeys "Search for Life" course and for those doing the organising. Please pray as we begin the early stages of having a clearly defined program for raising up and training leaders.
3) Please pray as we go about finalising arrangements for a Youth Worker and a Children's Worker and begin advertising. Please help us to "pray in" these harvesters.
4) Arrangements for using the local school as a Sunday venue are at the initial stages of being organised. Please pray for those participating in the negotiations and discussions and pray for favour with the various boards and committees that will need to give approval.
5) With a number of new comers and other factors, we are learning the importance for each of us to take responsibility for helping build a cohesive and unified church community. Please pray for us to be sharing life with each other well.
6) Please continue to pray for a thirst for God's Word in us and around us - that God will be at work in the people of Somerset and the Burnie area and that the seed sown through us will find fertile soil and the Spirit already at work.
Also, please pray for myself and for my family as I attend the EFAC National Conference in Melbourne before heading with my family to the BCA conference in Launceston.
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