Advent @ Newlife

Christmas is just around the corner!

From November 27 until Christmas at Robina and Pac Pines we will be celebrating the Advent season – the period of preparation before Christmas.

Starting this Sunday morning (8.30am and 10.15am) at Robina we will be exploring the promise of Jubilee – God’s favor – that is fulfilled in Jesus (Luke 4:14-21).  Over four Sundays we will hear from some amazing people who have used their lives to extend God’s reign on earth.  It will be inspiring, challenging and informative.  This week I will be reflecting on Jesus’ good news for the poor.

At Pac Pines (9.30am) Orrell will be reflecting on the fascinating place and role of angels in the Christmas story.

Healing and Deliverance @ 12two

This Sunday evening (6pm) will be a very important night for our 12two community.  Ralph will be wrapping up our Weapons of our Warfare series as he explores the gifts of healing and deliverance.  George and Dorothy Matheison will be sharing some of their remarkable story of ministry around the globe.  All are welcome!  Please be praying for George, Dorothy and Ralph as they prepare.

Last Sunday @ Newlife

What a great weekend of services we just celebrated! 

In the morning at Robina we looked back over the last year with gratitude and thanksgiving.  In the story of the ten lepers (Luke 19) we discovered that thankfulness is a disciplined choice and an expression of faith.  We heard stories of deepening connections, gracious provision and transformed lives.  God is good!  You can download my message here:   http://www.stucameron.typepad.com/

On Sunday night at 12two, Ralph preached on the spiritual gifts of hospitality and evangelism.  We also celebrated Hannah and Claudine’s reaffirmation of baptism!  You can download Ralph’s message here http://www.ralphsblog.net/

And at Pac Pines on Sunday morning we welcomed Orrell and Christine back after a weekend away, as well as a growing congregation.  As Orrell reminds us, God is excited about what is happening at Pac Pines!

Volunteer Thank You Supper

The engine room for the ministry of our church is all who volunteer their gifts and time to serve God and our community.  We are blessed with literally hundreds of incredible people of all ages who serve regularly in a myriad of ways.  If you are one of these saints, we want to take the time before the year runs out to say ‘thank you!’

On Tuesday November 29 at 7.30pm we will be hosting a coffee and dessert night to say thank you to all volunteers who serve in and through Newlife.  If you have served in any way over the last year, please come!  Just let us know of your attendance by emailing Liz at http://liz.mcnamee@newlife.unitingchurch.org.au.

Remembrance Service

The Christmas season is one of celebration but it can also be a reminder of that which we have lost.  Many of us grieve at this time the loss of a loved one, recently or years past.  Last year we held a Service of Remembrance for all those who wanted to take some time and space to lament, grieve and also celebrate.

Our Service of Remembrance this year will be held in the church on Wednesday November 30, commencing at 7.30pm.

Prayer Points

Every week we want to provide you with some prayer points to help guide you as we partner together in bringing our thanks, praise, adoration and requests to God.

• We thank God for the 250 people who attended our 10.15am service at Robina last week, freeing up a little space at our 8.30am service.  We also thank God for the six new people at Pac Pines last Sunday morning, and for our growing congregation there.  We pray that all who visit us find a welcoming spiritual home. 
• We pray for our Executive Pastor, Melissa, as she enjoys a week of study leave in Adelaide.
• We thank God for the smooth transition so far in establishing a Learning Centre (Child Care centre) at the Isle of Capri.  We continue to pray for the staff, parents and children of the centre - that this time of transition would not be disruptive.  We especially pray for Con Graves, who has a lot on his plate at this time.  Give him clarity of mind and calmness of heart, Lord.
• We pray for ‘schoolies’ in the midst of their celebrations; they would remain safe and that Grade 12’s from our Newlife community would also be a Christian witness to their friends.
•  We pray for Sande Bamford as she leads changes in our Op Shop ministry.  Bless her Lord with wisdom and patience.  Thank you for her willingness to serve in this way.
• We pray for Ralph, George and Dorothy as they share this weekend at 12two on the themes of healing and deliverance.  Bless them with your wisdom Lord.