We can sometimes fall prey to the misconception that our effectiveness in Christian ministry depends on our own skill and effort, as if salvation is by faith but everything else comes by hard work. Hard work is not wrong. Of course, we will work hard and diligently for God. It is just that sometimes we think it all depends on our hard work.

This small prayer of the apostle Paul for the Thessalonian church reveals something very special for all who seek to serve God faithfully. In his prayer, he leans on the power of God as the reason why we are successful.

Paul speaks of motivation to serve that comes by faith. This means that we believe God is leading us to serve in a certain place. This will be different for everyone. But just as important as that is the supernatural power that goes along with it.

It is a good thing for us to pray that God blesses our ministry. It is a good thing to remember that the scale of success in our ministry depends on the power of God over it.

And so I pray as well: may God pour out His supernatural power on your ministry so that you can achieve everything you believe He is wanting you to do.

Brett

By Karen Young

Life Groups have flourished this year at Hervey Bay Baptist, offering a front-row seat to God at work in these communities. At the end of 2025, Allan and Maria Mower felt led to start a new Life Group in Hervey Bay, while continuing their leadership in Burrum Heads. This step came at a crucial time, addressing the growing need for spaces where people could connect, deepen their faith, and support one another. When asked how their groups were progressing and where they’d witnessed God at work, Allan and Maria shared stories of hope and encouragement.

One of the most tangible answers to prayer came from a member who had recently been hospitalised. The group prayed earnestly, and they were encouraged when the person returned home with good news and without a serious diagnosis.

Spiritual growth and leadership have also been evident. One member has demonstrated exceptional dedication and devotion, helping to lead discussions with depth of understanding and insight into God's Word, a blessing to others.

The groups have demonstrated Christ’s love by supporting each other during tough times. When a member mourned a loved one, they prayed, offered encouragement, and provided practical help via their Messenger chat during this difficult period.

As the year progresses, new friendships are forming. People are building trust, opening up more freely, and feeling increasingly connected and valued within the group family.

Meaningful spiritual conversations have significantly impacted the group. In a recent discussion, they explored the difference between happiness and the joy of the Lord, realizing joy isn’t dependent on circumstances and can be experienced even in sadness.

We thank God for His consistent working in our lives and are reminded of the essential roles that community and faith play.

A recent meeting revealed a clear sign of God’s work, as members shared deeply personal stories. Allan and Maria noticed that this increased openness built trust, unity, and a sense of belonging, serving as a strong reminder that God is actively working among His people.

We are grateful for how God is working through our Life Groups - bringing healing, growth, friendship, encouragement, and deeper faith. Please keep praying for all our Life Groups as they help people connect with God and each other.

Prayer is a major element in the lives of God’s people throughout the Bible. From the Garden of Eden where God walked with His people, to the prayers of Revelation described as rising incense, God has always been interested in connecting with His people. For that is what prayer is. It is a holy connection.

Some people look at prayer as some kind of credit card. You put your request into God, make sure you ask in the right way like some kind of spiritual pin number, then hey presto! You get what you want. That is why many prayers are not effective. It is not about how you pray, nor what words you use, nor your posture, nor the time of day. Prayer is simply about relationship with God.

Simply put, God loves to listen to His children. Prayer is powerful and effective, because we have a relationship with God. It is not that we trust in prayer, but rather we trust in God. There is a difference. The righteousness given to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus, brings us into holy connection with the Father. That is why our prayers are powerful and effective.

Brett

By Ali Davis

‘Life Together - Gospel Shaped Relationships’ was the theme of our 2026 Young Adults camp and over 40 of us enjoyed a lovely long weekend away in Kenilworth spending time together. The weekend was filled with campfires, bible talks, bible studies, an evangelism seminar, yummy food, trivia night, good conversations, DIY mini golf and many a smashed egg.

Our guest speaker Matthew Andersen, trainee pastor from Grace Bible Church Springwood (previously from HBBC), led three great talks on how the gospel shapes our relationships with God, with those in the world and in romantic relationships. Matthew is also very gifted in the area of evangelism and he ran a seminar which really helped us all to think about how we would approach different people with the gospel. He talked about the logical argument approaches being less influential in our generation and the need to talk about the goodness and beauty of God as ways to bring God into discussions.

Lach also did the last talk on the topic of Church Relationships, including community and singleness. It was great to hear all about the church community and how we are to strengthen and support each other. We also spent time in Ephesians for the bible studies, the evangelism seminar and a Q&A panel. And of course, we had lots of time together hanging out and doing fun activities at camp and in Kenilworth including a 1kg donut.

Altogether it was amazing to get to have this time away together and many people wouldn’t have been able to join if it wasn’t for the generous support of the church in praying for us and financially supporting us too. Thanks to everyone who donated money and provided food, amongst other things. And thank you to our camp committee who worked hard to bring the camp together. Praise God for the work He did over this weekend and His continual care for the Young Adults of HBBC.

There will continue to be the opportunity to contribute to our special May Mission Project via Penny Pig and online this month.
This year’s project supporting those teams going out on short term mission over the coming 12 months.

Bank details for Direct Debit

• Missions:
• 
  
  • BSB 704 913
  • ACC# 400041919
  • General mission offering: 
    • Reference: Mission Gift
  • May Mission Month Project:
    • Reference: Project 2026

Thank you again for praying and considering how God may be leading you to assist in Supporting this important work.

HBBC Missions Team

Many of us who love and follow God will make decisions that we believe will be pleasing to God.

We worship Him by obeying Him, working hard to advance the knowledge of Him, and we love each other as He has told us to. But some of us are still yet to realise that it is not our will power that keeps us productive in our walk with Jesus but rather a cooperation with Him.

Let me explain. In the verse above, Philippians 2:13, the apostle Paul explains that because God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, He is the one that shapes our will and also strengthens us to do His work. This means that if we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, then we will notice that our desire to work for Him will come naturally from within and overflow into action. It will no longer be guilt, or pride, or ambition, or duty that drives us, but a supernatural desire, planted by the Holy Spirit, that leads us into His will. We often refer to this as a ‘calling.’ He motivates us then equips us to do His work. The only thing that can de-rail this, is if our own self-determined will, drowns out the Spirit’s leading. But when we quiet ourselves to focus on Him, then the expression of His will flows out and becomes our own will.

This is how we ‘win’ in the Christian journey.

Brett

By Miriam Frangakis  
 
Last year in June when I spoke at Life Church, I ended by saying, “God is a God of
provision, and He Will provide”. God is faithful, and He did provide, and He has
provided for 2026.

In Term 4, 2025, I was informed - along with many other Chaplains, that due to lack of
funding our hours/day were being cut. I was going to go from four days a week to two,
which meant I was down to one day a week at each school. Needless to say I was very
discouraged and even angry.

The good thing is I could take this out on God. I asked God why?
Why, when the need is so great and this is what you have called me to do, is this
happening? I can’t afford to live on two days a week. Do I not have enough faith?
Well, at the 11th hour, on the last day of the 2025 school year, both my boss and principal came to me and informed me that they had found sponsors for me for the next 12 months. I was back to four days. God is faithful. However, what will happen at the end of this year? I don’t know, but I do know, God will provide – even if it does mean another job.

Last year, I was able to support families and students in several ways. From food
hampers and other provisions due to cyclone Alfred, uniforms, shoes, I bought a Bible
for a student who requested one and things that we take for granted, like a pillow. We
had a student come to us from residential care. He was not in a good place and had
nothing. Well, seeing him get his pillow and a new school bag stuffed with all sorts of
goodies, including new shoes, was like Christmas. He couldn’t believe that he actually
got to keep them.

This term for me has been very exciting. Sometimes – ok, a lot of the time, God works in
way we least expect. I have been running a drum program focusing on emotional
resilience. In one of the sessions, we talk about things, ways, or people that can help us.
One young boy said Jesus. Well, I sat back and watched these five boys discuss God,
prayer and Jesus. The following week the discussion continued. The beautiful thing is,
that in that space I was able to share my faith – which I do in these sessions - and how,
yes, we can go to God if we believe in Him and He will help us and give us strength and
courage. Some of these boys I meet with on an individual basis, and we continue these
discussions.

I’ve had discussions with the principles about the easter bunny, the Elf on the shelf, the
end times, church and faith. In the last two weeks, I have had beautiful discussions with
a staff member who came to me requesting a bible. Of course, this led to further
discussion and questions. I gave her one of my bibles and shared a few passages with
her. She and her partner are interested in learning and are reading the bible together,
even though they don’t understand. I have proposed to her that they come and have a
meal with us so that we can share with them. God is certainly working in their lives.

Please pray for Scripture Union and Chaplaincy. (SU Australia - Apr-Jun Prayer Guide)
Many chaplains have had to leave because of funding and yet so many schools are asking for chaplains. We are missionaries in our very own community.
We face challenges every day and sometimes it can be lonely, and you feel as if you’re in
this battle alone.

There are now only four chaplains in Hervey Bay, and we only have ONE community member, from the Uniting Church, serving on our Chaplaincy Support team. This is one of the many areas where you can be involved. Others include, prayer, finance/fundraising, Bridge2Brisbane fun run, volunteering in the school with Chappy
activities and just offering a word of encouragement. Join Chaplains to make a
difference in this beautiful community of Hervey Bay.

If you would like to know more about how you can get involved, I would love to catch up
with you. For further incite to the work of Scripture Union have a look at their website, su.org.au

For donations or to sponsor a specific Chaplain or school, details are as follows.
Please make sure you inform Jacinta Garty - jacinta.garty@outlook.com, of your deposit.

Thank you and God bless
Miriam

Miriam is working at Kawungan & Sandy Straits State Schools, together averaging 1600 students.
Our other SU Chaplains in Hervey Bay are;

• Paul Featherstone – Hervey Bay State High School
• Joseph Griffiths - Urangan State High School
• Stacey Fua - Hervey Bay Special School, Torquay State School

By James Dearden

I was once again voted in by the Ministers as the Chair for the Hervey Bay Christian Ministers Association (HBCMA) for 2026. It is a privilege and honour to serve our churches in this capacity.

My heart and vision for the churches is to see a growing unity. That each of the Ministers can feel they can connect with each other across the denominations, as we are all part of the one family of God. My heart is to see these relationships grow and role model this to our church congregations.

My vision for Hervey Bay is that we would continue to see a spiritual awakening, and I want as many churches as possible on board, to be open to a growing move of God. God is at work in Hervey Bay and having other ministers outside of our church by our side, helps me see the bigger picture.

We may be the biggest church in Hervey Bay, but we cannot reach Hervey Bay by ourselves. We need the larger body of Christ if we want to see more people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

Pentecost is coming up fast on the 24th of May. Maybe you would like to come and be a part of a combined churches service. An opportunity to worship our God together. There will be a time of prayer and a sausage sizzle at 5pm, before the service starts at 6pm. We would love to see you there.

There will continue to be the opportunity to contribute to our special May Mission Project via Penny Pig and online this month.
This year’s project supporting those teams going out on short term mission over the coming 12 months.

Bank details for Direct Debit

• Missions:
• 
  
  • BSB 704 913
  • ACC# 400041919
  • General mission offering: 
    • Reference: Mission Gift
  • May Mission Month Project:
    • Reference: Project 2026

Thank you again for praying and considering how God may be leading you to assist in Supporting this important work.

HBBC Missions Team

This week we celebrate Pentecost. Pentecost began as a Jewish festival in the Old Covenant. It is set 50 days after the beginning of the Passover festival, and also called ‘feast of weeks.’ It marked the beginning of the Barley harvest.

For Christians it is the celebration of the day the Holy Spirit came upon the believers for the first time, signalling the beginning of the new covenant and the birth of the church.

I think it is another example of God’s prophetic use of the Old Covenant that the original Pentecost celebrated a physical harvest, reflecting the spiritual harvest through the church that has continued to today.

As we witness for Christ in our lives, wherever we are, whatever we are doing, the Holy Spirit brings a harvest of souls. This was the work of God at the beginning and remains the work of God. It is a great honour for us to join Him in this work and be significant as workers of the harvest. Let us celebrate this harvest with our Christian brothers and sisters across the city this Sunday night.

Brett

There is a danger that we can take for granted the blessings of God. Rather than seeking God, we turn away from Him to seek the blessing itself. This is a common and real danger. We can become so used to God’s blessing that we eventually believe that it is because of our cleverness and hard work, that it is our right. So we take the blessings of God and use them to indulge, to promote ourselves or to rule over others.

The context of the Ezekiel verse is that of the firstborn son. God reminded them that He spared their firstborn during the plagues of Egypt, and that their firstborn are a blessing who are dedicated to Him. Instead, the Israelites began sacrificing their firstborn in detestable rituals to the god of Molech. They took what was a gift from God, and violated it by handing it to other gods.

Beware of greed, of selfishness, of mis-using God’s blessing. Do not be spoiled by the blessings of God, turning them into the objects of worship rather than God himself. Every blessing we have comes from God. Let us always honour Him for them, enjoying them, but living for Him.

Brett

"Training is always happening".
As a teacher this is one of my favourite sayings. Over the years of mentoring others in schools, churches and workplaces I have been aware that we are always in a state of training or being trained. We find ourselves in a place of either constant improvement or gradual decline. We make choices everyday that are life giving choices or choices that eventually impact us negatively.

COACH mentoring is a space where our mentors work with participants who have decided to train themselves in an aspect of life that will be life giving. Often participants come to COACH mentoring with a realisation that positive change needs to happen. Even if that change is one or two things amongst many life challenges, those changes can create a chain reaction that leads to unintended goals. The goal of eating better, learning how to cook healthy meals or making regular exercise a goal, they all can lead our participants to a path to better living.

It has been encouraging to see how God is at work in these relationships and how each mentor I have met and spent time with has a keen desire to support people who are looking for positive changes. COACH is unique in how everyday people do amazing work in our community. Sometimes it may feel like a drop in the ocean, but each relationship and each conversation is part of the bigger picture where we see life change and community impact through authentic relationships.

If you know a family who could benefit from a Family COACH mentor please contact me by email, mark.payne@hbbc.com.au I would value the opportunity to talk about this.

Mark Payne
Coach Coordinator

NB: Join us for the upcoming training to become a mentor on May 30 & Jun 06.
Register here.

There will continue to be the opportunity to contribute to our special May Mission Project via Penny Pig and online this month.
This year’s project supporting those teams going out on short term mission over the coming 12 months.

Bank details for Direct Debit

• Missions:
• 
  
  • BSB 704 913
  • ACC# 400041919
  • General mission offering: 
    • Reference: Mission Gift
  • May Mission Month Project:
    • Reference: Project 2026

Thank you again for praying and considering how God may be leading you to assist in Supporting this important work.

HBBC Missions Team

By Karen Painter,

Mothers Day; a special day when we can take the time to express our thanks and appreciation to our Mums for their important role in our lives. It’s also a time to reflect on all that it is to be a mother.

There are so many voices in the world. Voices saying you’re losing out by being a mother; voices pulling mothers in so many directions; to go after what is made to look important so that in the end we’re stretched, weary and overwhelmed, present, but not present.

As Christian mothers, God’s voice is the voice we need to listen to. God hasn’t called mothers to be perfect, or for our children to be perfect and have everything that the world says they should have. God has called mothers to the highest calling – the ministry of motherhood. Faithfully nurturing our children with love, patience, kindness, teaching and a heart for Jesus. Delighting in our children and helping them see God in the world around them and in their lives. Each day embracing the calling He has given us and focusing on what matters the most for eternity.

Mothers have been entrusted with their children for a limited time. This time goes by quickly – so we need to be raising children with eternity in mind. That means raising our children to see what it’s like to live by faith. Laying down the foundation for them to stand on when they’re grown. To entrust them with a strong Christian worldview and know why they believe in the living God. To know that His Word is reliable and can be trusted (2 Samuel 22:31).

God hasn’t left mothers to do this on their own. He has given us His Word. There are many passages for guidance and encouragement. Passages like Deuteronomy 6:5-7 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might and these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

God’s Word tells us that children are a gift from Him and families are His plan. We need to keep the bigger picture in mind as it only takes one generation to fall or come to faith. So, be encouraged mothers, to embrace this vital role and be in ministry with God and further His Kingdom for His glory.

My prayer for Mothers.
“Heavenly Father thank you for the ministry of motherhood; the privilege of investing in the next generations of Christians. Thank you that you don’t expect perfection – just a willingness to follow You. Thank you that our worth and joy comes from You and that this joy is the source of strength we need for each day. May our homes be filled with Your presence and peace. May we seek to put You first and listen to Your voice in our lives and for our families. May our lives be an encouragement and a light to those around us that don’t yet know You. In Jesus precious name and for Your glory we pray, Amen.”

There will continue to be the opportunity to contribute to our special May Mission Project via Penny Pig and online this month.
This year’s project supporting those teams going out on short term mission over the coming 12 months.

Bank details for Direct Debit

• Missions:
• 
  
  • BSB 704 913
  • ACC# 400041919
  • General mission offering: 
    • Reference: Mission Gift
  • May Mission Month Project:
    • Reference: Project 2026

Thank you again for praying and considering how God may be leading you to assist in Supporting this important work.

HBBC Missions Team

This week we celebrate Mothers’ Day.

It is a chance to focus on and elevate the important role that mothers play. We should never underestimate how costly, but also how important, it is for a woman to carry a child, give birth, and then raise that child into a functioning adult. It is one of the highest callings.

One of the things that is easy to notice in God’s Word is how prominent women are in the movement of God. Some religions squash women. Even Christianity has had times throughout its history where women have been greatly underestimated in their ministry.

But in the Bible, many are honoured. Lydia, for example, was the first convert at Philippi. Her home became the centre of ministry for Paul and Silas. Lydia is not the only ‘first one’ in the story of God. It was the women who first discovered that Jesus had risen. Other heroes such as Jael, Deborah, Ruth, and Mary are all examples of how God honours them through His salvation story.

May all women, and especially mothers this Sunday, know how valuable they are to God and to us.

Brett

Sometimes God does things that are outside of our neat little boxes of expectation. We like predictability. We love to understand why. And we like being in control. But when God does His thing, there can be no objection.

When the Jewish believers heard the news about what God was doing among the Gentiles, they fell silent. All their objections became irrelevant. All of their neatly packaged theology became uncomfortably expanded beyond their expectations. God does what He does and we are forced to adjust to it.

Many changes have occurred down through church history that have re-shaped the way ministry is done. It is not that the message has changed but the package the message comes in has changed a lot.

There may be some people who value stability and tradition so much that they will refuse to follow God’s lead in breaking into new mission methods. They see the new movement of God as a threat to their security and out of fear they oppose the very thing that God is doing. They cling to tradition almost the same way they cling to the Bible. So God is forced to bypass them.

The churches who will not adjust to what God is doing in the current day will eventually die out. We as followers of Jesus need to be sensitive to how the Holy Spirit is leading us and be ready to follow Him by faith into each new season of mission.

Brett

HBBC has a strong focus supporting those who are called out share God’s word both locally and internationally.

As a Sending Church, we currently support 4 long term missionaries in both financial and prayer support

• Max & Helen Sahl have served with Wycliffe Bible Translation since 1998, the past 6 years in Melbourne, with Max as CEO of Wycliffe Australia and Helen in many supporting roles within the team.

• Wayne & Olya Zschech have served in Ukraine, Wayne since 1997, in ministry, and Wayne is currently Field Co-Ordinator of Operation Mobilisation in Ukraine, helping many throughout the war of the past 4 years and working on sustainable energy projects.

• College of Theology and Evangelism (Fiji Bible College) provides training for many people in the Pacific Islands to enable them to go back to work in their home areas with a sound knowledge of the Gospel.  HBBC have partnered with them since 1993.

• Alan & Leanne Purvis are our newest long-term missionaries serving with WEC in Cambodia, commissioned September 2022.  Learning the language and culture, they are working to train local pastors who often have no formal Bible training.

HBBC also provides ongoing prayer and physical support to the following ministries:

• Wade & Karen Lindburg (Wycliffe), Ukarumpa PNG

• Matt & Ruth Lahey (Mile One Mission), Newfoundland Canada

• Anguganak Healthy Motherhood Program, PNG

• Josie Dixon – Power to Change, University mission (Melbourne)

Locally - Kindness Works, Chaplaincy and Christian Religious Instruction.

Each week will focus on an area, and we are excited to be able to share with you some opportunities for short term teams to go from here, mainly to PNG and Fiji in the coming 12 months.

The Prayer Calendar will include all these missionaries and outreaches to pray for.
A paper copy will also be available from the church on Sunday.

There will be an opportunity to contribute to our special May Mission Project via Penny Pig and online. This year’s project will be to support those teams going out on short term mission over the next year.

Bank details for Direct Debit

• Missions:
  • BSB 704 913
  • ACC# 400041919
  • General mission offering: 
    • Reference: Mission Gift
  • May Mission Month Project:   
    • Reference: Project 2026

Thank you all for praying and considering how God may be leading you to assist in Supporting this important work.

HBBC Missions Team

Recently I attended the annual Queensland Baptist conference. It was an encouraging and inspiring time. Jason Elsmore, our head of vision and mission for the QB movement, preached a couple of times. One of those times was on prayer, its importance and power. He gave us 5 prayers to take away, and I would love for us to pray these over us, the church, our city and our nation.

1. Prayer for fullness in your life (Ephesians 3:17-19) - We want every single one of us to be growing in the knowledge and love of God. But more than that, we want to be filled with the "fullness of God" in truth, love and power.

2. Prayer for favour over your family (Numbers 6:24-26) - We know the importance of family and God's design for it. The primary disciples in this life are our spouse and our children, grandchildren and extended family. If our families are strong in the Lord together, our churches also grow in strength. We pray for favour and blessing over every family in this church.

3. Prayer for faithfulness in our church and ministry (2 Thessalonians 1:11) - We are not a social club; we are a church. God chose His church to love and disciple one another. We want a faith-filled church here in Hervey Bay, with every ministry marked by faithfulness as well.

4. Prayer for fruitfulness in our community (Matthew 9:36-38) - We were also chosen by God as a church to reach the lost in our community. We have been given a heart for the community by God. Let us pray for a growing heart in this space. May our conversations and outreach ministries be fruitful and multiply. We pray for workers for the harvest field. May we all know our calling.

5. Prayer for revival in our nation and generation (Psalm 85:6) - This has been the heart of mine and many others, including the Queensland Baptist movement, for a number of years. May God revive this city, this state and this nation for His glory. May this generation rise with such passion to see God for who He truly is.

We pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Saviour and our King. Amen.

Your brother in Christ,
James

 Join together with others for prayer.

• The PrayGround – Sunday mornings from 8:30 – 9:30am

• The Lounge - (127 Torquay Rd, Scarness) –  Friday mornings from 8:30 – 9:30am, specifically for the ministry of Kindness Works

• Men’s prayer – Friday morning at the church 9:00 – 10:30am

• Or Join a Life Group, where prayer occurs on a weekly basis

• Join the prayer chain, to pray with others in the church over various requests & needs within the church.

• Use the May Missions Prayer Calendar to pray for our missionaries and local outreaches

When the apostle Paul was converted, the persecution of the church went into remission.

When Paul went by the name of Saul, he was the main drive behind some horrific persecution. From house to house the authorities would go searching for followers of Jesus. In Acts 9, Saul was now going from town to town. Then Jesus met him. Saul was converted. A single dramatic event that led to a whole new season for the church. How quickly things can change when God takes hold of a moment in time.

After Saul was converted, a time of peace and growth came over the church.

This story is a reminder that there are seasons in the life of the church. There are times of growth. There are times of hardship. But God is over it all. We should always be encouraged that God has control over all things. He has a plan that no one can thwart. His purposes will unfold, maybe not as we expect, but as He wills.

Let us be ready for whatever season God gives us, in the good, bad, the exciting, and mundane. God is over it all.

Brett

Life can feel overwhelming at times. There are moments when our thoughts race, our worries build, and we’re unsure what to do next. Prayer is where we can pause, breathe, and bring it all before God.

When we pray, we don’t have to have the right words or a perfect plan- we simply come as we are. We can lay down our anxieties, our questions, and our burdens, trusting that God hears us and cares deeply for us.

Prayer shifts our focus. Instead of being consumed by what’s happening around us, we are reminded of who God is-faithful, present, and in control. And in that place, He gives us a peace that steadies our hearts, even when circumstances don’t immediately change.

Sometimes the situation stays the same, but something changes within us. We begin to trust God more. We rest in His presence. We find calm in the middle of uncertainty.

That’s the beauty of prayer-it doesn’t just change things around us, it changes us.

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.
Psalm 73:26

It’s easy to feel alone in tough times, but God is always with us. Prayer reminds us He is in control and will carry us through whatever we face.

Prayer strengthens us. It helps us focus on God, not our circumstances. Whatever we face, He gives us strength and hope. We’re never alone.

Don’t hold back from praying—take a moment now. God is always listening and cares deeply about what you’re going through.

If you feel lost or afraid, pause and pray. Ask God for strength and peace. Consider praying the armour of God daily, so He can equip you to stand firm.

The armour of God prayer is based on Ephesians 6:10–18, where Paul describes God’s spiritual protection. Many use this as a daily prayer to “put on” each piece.

Here’s a simple, heartfelt version you can use:

Heavenly Father,
Today I put on the full armour of God.
Help me to walk in Your truth, live in Your righteousness, and stand in Your peace.
Strengthen my faith, guard my mind, and guide me by Your Word.
Protect me and lead me in all I do today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ezekiel received a wonderful vision of God. So overwhelming was his vision that when he saw it, he fell face to the ground.

Many of us might envy Ezekiel, thinking that if only we could see a vision like that, we would have much greater faith. That is until we see his calling. It was a difficult call.

Ezekiel was sent by God to preach to the people. But God assures him that they would not listen. What a frustrating mission. As we follow Ezekiel’s story, we see that he was greatly inconvenienced in delivering God’s message and suffered because of it. Yet to see no ‘results’ at all would have been demoralizing to say the least.

Ezekiel’s story is a reminder to us that faithfulness is more important than immediate results. The work we do for God may not always return fruit straight away. It might be just a stepping stone in the story, a single thread in the grand picture that God is designing.

Though our obedience may appear insignificant to us, in God’s plan our faithfulness is key to His unfolding will. We tend to overemphasize things like comfort, convenience, and reward. When we crave these things we diminish our usefulness. Rather we ought to embrace God’s calling even if it is uncomfortable. Only then are we fit for service in the kingdom.

Brett

Why is prayer important?
Prayer is one of the ways we grow closer to God. It’s not just about asking for help-it’s about aligning our hearts with His. As we pray, we invite God into our everyday lives, asking Him to guide us, strengthen us, and walk with us through whatever we’re facing.

Prayer helps us grow closer to God.
Prayer is also a place of surrender. We lay down our plans and trust that God sees the bigger picture-that He knows the path ahead even when we don’t. And as we spend time talking with Him and quietly listening, we begin to recognise His voice and understand His heart for us.

Over time, God gently reveals His will as we seek Him. What starts as a simple conversation grows into deeper trust, and we begin to see Him work in ways we never could have planned ourselves. That’s why prayer matters so much-it draws us closer to Him and shapes our lives in the process.

To some, it may not seem as though serving coffee is a ministry. But to our barista team, they are truly dedicated to serving others and take great joy in making themselves available on Sunday mornings.  

Why? Because they know that they are creating an environment of hospitality where people feel welcome, relationships are deepened and encouragement is given to build up the body of Christ.
 
Yes, not everyone feels the need for that caffeine fix when they come through our doors, but for those that do, please make sure you give our voluntary team your thanks as they focus on serving in the best way they can.  

Most Sundays there’s a rush as soon as the service finishes, so please be patient. The team prioritise the orders from our new people’s table, of which there are only a handful of Sundays throughout the year, that there isn’t an order or two…, or three... from our first time guests.
 
Would you be interested in being a part of this team? Have a quick chat to Judith Shaw at the coffee bar to find out what serving on the team looks like, as there are a few different positions. The team start early and clean up after the service also.

Thanks barista team for your commitment to serving in our church!
 
We greatly appreciate each of you.