A Moment for Pause

Dear Friends,

 Earlier this week I stood with friends in the fading light on Windang Beach, fishing. Gusts of wind and the clatter of waves created a stage for the wondrous salty, fishy smell that filled the air. Nylon lines were slack in the waves, occasionally tensing for a fish or shark; but there was little disappointment as this was a moment for pause.

As I absorbed the misformed clouds, my mind wandered to thankfulness, questions and concerns about our church, where we are heading and how we are going to get there.

The enormity of the sky pointed me to the reality that God has got it all in hand and I recalled that this has been one of the big lessons from our study of Acts. God has got this! Do you remember the mission Paul wanted to be on, the one the Holy Spirit stopped him from being on? God’s plans never fail.

I pondered 8am at St Peter’s. Why have we had a reduction in numbers – perhaps 20%. Yes, many are unwell and some have gone to meet Jesus but is there something more, something we are missing?

I gave thanks for St Andrew’s at 9.30am, for the vibrant caring congregation that meets there but wondered what else should be done. We have many contacts but few appear willing or able to connect.

I smiled at the chaos that is often 10am at St Peter’s. Sometimes 100 people arrive during the first song and watching parents work out seating with children can be stressful. Even just identifying who is new is sometimes troubling, but always delightful.

I prayed for the Indigenous Church, thankful for the recognition of our partnership in the plaque that will be permanently affixed to the church soon. An increasing number of people gather on a Sunday and through the week to read the Bible and pray to the God who loves people from every tribe and nation, language and tongue. What a joy!

I felt pensive about 6pm at St Peter’s. It’s the most diverse of our gatherings and has within it the most spiritually vulnerable of our people – 16 to 26 year olds. They need deep gospel foundations that will serve them for all of life – are we doing enough to help create those?

Why don’t you take a moment for pause. It needn’t be while fishing. What are your reflections on the year so far? I’d love to hear them.

Thanks for your partnership,

Nigel