Mark Chapter 7

Praise God for Pentecost! 

On Sunday, Jane Bax beautifully journeyed us into Mark 7 where:

• A persistent and eloquent mother engages with Jesus and receives healing for her daughter. Mark 7:27-29 (I see Jesus as approachable: regarding this Mum with welcome, happy for her to win this debate). 

• Jesus heals a deaf and mute man with spit in the tradition of the firstborn son (a display of power from the only begotten Son of God). Mark 7:32-35

• Jesus declares outward rituals have little value. Our proximity to God is determined by our inner spiritual life. Mark 7:18-23

This transformation, this Spirit life is what Jesus died to give us. The promised Holy Spirit, Comforter, our Teacher, the Spirit of Truth. 

At the close of the message we lingered, we came to the altar to be anointed with oil, to receive Holy Spirit, to commune with Him in worship, to be filled again, to worship, to go out into all the world and carry His image.

Sunday 15th June we will welcome the word of God through Peter McHugh, from Stairway Church. It’s going to be a powerful teaching on Relationship with God and others. I believe it will be a word in season. 

God bless you this week. Jesus is with you. 

Grace & Peace,

Debbie-Ann

Mark Chapter 6

Dearest Grace Family,

How great was the gathering last Sunday? Thank you Pastor Kerry for showing us that Jesus experienced and overcame the same challenges we do when carrying the gospel to those around us. As we carry His Word, He is able to carry us “From Rejection to Faith (to Revival)”.

Church, one of the most beautiful things on Sunday was listening to our congregation as the Scripture was read aloud. You could hear a pin drop. It is beautiful to walk alongside hearts that are hungry for the Word of God and His Presence. Know that God is watching over His word to perform it in you, in us. Only believe and we will see.

Josh and Amanda led us in a deep place of communion in worship: a place where Holy Spirit is calling us to linger…

This week, in the everyday, Holy Spirit calls us to linger still…

Next Sunday is Pentecost Sunday and we are journeying into Mark 7. Holy Spirit, come. Thank you Abba Father for everything you are up to. We are waiting on You.

Love

Debbie-Ann

Mark Chapter 5

Dear Grace Church Family,

God is good all the time. All the time God is good. I’m thankful to God for His grace and mercy in carrying us safely through this last week of torrential rain and flooding.

We are thankful that although many in our region have suffered great loss, most of the Church is safe and well: positioning us to extend help to others in the name of Jesus. We are thankful that God is already making provision for Mandy’s house to be restored.  

Can I encourage you to please look at what you can give (prayers, financially, and volunteering) to the efforts of Samaritan’s Purse to help people in Taree and the Manning Valley as they extend help in Jesus name.

Sunday was an awesome Family Sunday in GOD‘s house! Family, you truly outdid yourselves.

Jess, Benji, Sam, Bree, Kaidee, all the kids and youth in the skit, Ben on the game, Alex, Joel McK, Joel B, Elise, Neve, Sloan, Ruth and Michael. Thanks to Bob & Katie Young for creating a wonderful BBQ afterwards and for everyone on coffee and tea and cleanup.

Together, you made the day so much fun and revealed God’s heart in an uplifting way. Laughter truly is good medicine and I believe that the word Carin brought was able to go deep into hearts wide open and ready to receive.

Thank you so much, Carin for your powerful word on the authority of Jesus Christ. All authority is given to Him. We can trust that when we go out in obedience to God, we go out carrying Jesus’s authority and the power of His name.

What does God want to do this week with the authority that He has invested in you?

I’m excited to find out.

Love and Grace.

Debbie-Ann

Mark Chapter 4

Dearest Grace Family! 

Were you in church on Sunday?

Did you come away fully inspired to read the Bible again?

I know I did!

Praise God for Randolph’s message from Mark chapter 4: The Power of the Imperishable Seed. The living word implanted, watered by prayer and praise and multiplied as we stand on it, trust God, and do what He says.

Church, let’s actively apply the word to our lives and grow in discipleship to Jesus. Receive the living and active gospel. It is able to save your soul. 

This upcoming Sunday is a Family Sunday!  Let’s gather and experience every generation of God’s family ministering Jesus together.

Meanwhile, this week our region is experiencing torrential rain. It affects all of us but some of us actually live in flood zones. Family, please reach out if you need help, are isolated and alone or just need someone to talk to. Let’s check in on each other and on our vulnerable neighbours. 

Know that you carry the love of God and bear the image of Jesus. Christ in you is more than enough. 

In Jesus’s Name

Debbie-Ann 

Mark Chapter 3

Dear Grace Family, 

Praise God for family. 

Thank you everyone who worked behind the scenes and all around to help us celebrate Jesus and to honour our Mums on Sunday. Family is God’s creation. The family of God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, is so precious. It was beautiful to celebrate both together with you all.

Meanwhile on our discipleship study…

… And so it begins… people wanted to kill Jesus after he healed a man on the Sabbath. What?? Why?? Jane Wright’s teaching on Mark chapter 3 showed us that without intimacy with Jesus the human heart looks at God’s goodness and calls it evil.

How is your intimacy with Jesus? Time in dialogue with God in prayer… Time in studied meditation on the living Word… time being with Holy Spirit. 

Living Bread, Living Water, Inextinguishable Light are yours in Jesus. As a disciple of Jesus, your daily choice to top up, to be filled, to abide in the vine is what keeps you spiritually alive! 

So be filled. Abide. Live. 

Love and Grace, 

Debbie-Ann 

Mark Chapter 2

Sunday was Week 2 of being discipled by Jesus through the Gospel of Mark

We learned Jesus is a verb - sōzō - to save, heal, deliver, make whole and that the whole point of Jesus is salvation from sin.

Below are 4 things Jesus said: Holy Spirit highlights from Mark chapter 2.

 What do these reveal about the heart of God? What do these reveal about who Jesus is discipling you to be?

Statement 1

Mark 2:10 NIV

But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”

(Forgiveness of sins and freedom from sin is the good news, the gospel - the crowd missed it in the spectacle of healing. Have we missed it too? )

Statement 2

Mark 2:14 NIV

“Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

(Following a Teacher meant living with the Teacher, living as the Teacher, letting the Teacher’s teachings change everything about you.)

Statement 3

Mark 2:17 NIV - Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

(He is still calling us and transforming us by His grace.)

Statement 4

Mark 2:20 NIV

But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.

(Have you noticed? We are now in that time and that day.

Church, Jesus is glorious and so are we in Him. God bless us to respond with His ability to His call to carry His name.

Next Sunday is Mother’s Day and we are looking forward to worshipping Jesus and celebrating Mum’s. We will have special presentations, a lovely gift, a Photo Booth, and opportunities to honour the women in our lives. God bless you this week. Let’s invite our families and neighbours to church and see what God will do. Personally, I can hardly wait!

With Joy in God’s Presence,

Debbie-Ann

Mark Chapter 1

Hi Church

It’s finally here: a time of regeneration for Pastors Greg and Amanda. They are released and blessed into everything Abba Father is doing in them in this season. We pray blessing on their journey and look forward to reuniting in August.

At the same time, Holy Spirit is leading Grace Church in a deep dive into the gospel of Mark. Jesus is the best news! We’ve already started. Thanks to Ross Nancarrow for his in-depth, edge of your seat, look at Mark chapter 1. https://youtube.com/live/eHrC4PIucUI

 Let’s grow together:

 Church, I invite you to read and meditate on each weekly chapter alongside our speakers. This week we are following Jesus through Mark chapter 2.

 As you read each chapter, ask yourself:

1. What did Jesus do, say (what happened)?

2. What do Jesus’s words and actions reveal about His divine nature (Heart, Mind, Spirit)?

3. What does this chapter reveal about who Jesus is discipling me to be?

Receive the love of God in the person of Jesus.

Receive God’s living, active word.

Receive God’s transforming grace.

From strength to strength and glory to glory, God is with us on the journey…

Love,

Ps Debbie-Ann

The Triumphant Procession

 Hi Church,

Thank you for joining together for another weekend of encounter with our saviour Jesus and His people.  As I approach my final days before leaving on my regenerate journey I am very mindful of all the different people that play a part in making a Grace Church a wonderful family community.  Last Saturday the Executive Leadership team and the Staff ministry team drew aside up to Eagle Heights at Comboyne to pray and seek the Lord.

It was truly a powerful time of Worship and Prophecy and preparing our hearts in unity for the days ahead. Thank you to John and Annette Ives for providing such a special facility. This sense of unity carried into our time on Sunday where everything flowed so well. The service was led by Bree Brown for the first time, and she handled it like a pro. Josh led us in worship before the King and it was strong and intimate.

The focus of my Message last Sunday was "The Triumphant Procession" out of Luke 19:28-48. It highlights the significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, where he was greeted with shouts of "Hosanna" and palm branches, symbolizing the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

Passion Week includes the following:

• Sunday: Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

• Monday: Jesus clears the Temple, declaring it’s his Father's house.

• Tuesday: A day of controversy and parables, where Jesus avoids trick questions from Pharisees and then prophesies the end of the temple and his second coming.

• Wednesday: A day of rest.

• Thursday: Preparation for Passover and the Last Supper, followed by Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.

• Friday: Jesus is betrayed, arrested, beaten, crucified, he dies and is buried in the tomb.

• Saturday: Jesus' body is dead in the tomb.

• Sunday: Jesus is gloriously resurrected and appears to his disciples.

The message contrasted between Jesus' humble entry on a donkey and the grandiose processions of earthly kings. It also discusses the reactions of different groups to Jesus' entry, including the Roman soldiers, zealot Jews, political leaders, and Jesus' disciples.

The Message has 5 key lessons:

1. Jesus chooses the common to fulfill uncommon purposes.

2. When Jesus comes, things can get messy.

3. Praise is the correct response to his presence.

4. On the day of visitation, there is prophetic revelation.

5. Let entry be for occupation, not just visitation.

The crux of the message is to be ready to be used by Jesus, to praise him without reservation, and to let him occupy our hearts fully. Letting Him set his culture in place so we are changed from the inside out, to be become like him.

God Bless you Church. See you this Holy Weekend with our special guests Ps Wayne and Jenny Wiliamson.

Love Ps Greg and Amanda

Alive in Prayer

Hi Church, 

Well a lot can happen in a week. Last Monday to Thursday “Älive in Prayer” happened and it was amazing as people gathered each night. Each night people were passionately worshipping, fasting throughout the day, then praying in humble belief in the evening. 

We were praying for souls, we were praying for breakthrough, we were praying for lives to be made whole, we were praying for dead hearts to be revived and most importantly we were praying for lost people by name to come Home to Jesus. Everyone felt the answers were on the way and that we would see people turning back to God soon. It’s in these block-out periods of focussed prayer that significant things are transacted in the Spirit. A corporate anointing is released when we come together in unity for God’s purpose and release His powerful word. So can I thank you for coming Church, but can I also implore those who didn’t make it to come next time. Don’t leave it to the few to bring revival for the many. Let your voice be heard as well, let your “Amen” ring out in agreement. Never think I can’t come because I have kids. No, let your kids be present so they learn how to pray, they learn how to worship, they learn what means to be in the house of God being in a place of prayer for all nations as Jesus said. 

Then Amanda and I went off to Wagga Wagga to witness the march out Parade of our son - it was 22 hours on the road there and back. But it was well worth it as we witnessed our son fully trained and equipped to being a soldier in the service of our Country. I thank the Lord becoming a disciple is nothing as gruelling as soldiering, even though the Bible equates it to holding similar truths. 

Now coming back to Sunday. I believe the prayers from Monday to Thursday prepared the way for powerful encounter on Sunday. The Worship was breath-taking but then life-giving. Literally our breath was taken and our words became few as we ventured deeply into the presence of Jesus. Then He breathed on us and we were silenced by His powerful peace that passes all understanding. Is this not the desire of our hearts to see and know the glory of the Lord. Is that the hunger of your heart? A key question was asked by Jesus. John 11:40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”  May your prayer be “Lord, we desire you Lord we believe in you, help us to see your glory.” 

Easter is only just around the corner now it will be a special time of Baptism’s and gathering. Let’s have our hearts open to welcome new people, encourage friendship and be ready to share our hearts about why Easter is so much more than just a holiday from work. Know how to point people to Jesus, remind them it was His love that took Him to the Cross not His judgement. It’s His resurrection that gives us hope for these uncertain times. Spend some time reading the Gospels this week and see how Jesus shed His blood for you. 

Love and Peace to you Church

Ps Greg and Amanda 

Thorn in my flesh

Hi Church, 

I love that when we gather, everyone plays a part and the Holy Spirit stitches it all together in a cohesive and beautiful garment of praise. That’s how I felt on Sunday. There were many different interactions but a continuous message of “Look what the Lord has done and what He can do in you”. 

A couple of firsts worth noting Amanda Thomas did her first service leading and Mandy Dennison led communion for the first time at Grace. Both ladies obviously sort the Lord for their ministry amongst us and it was very uplifting. Jane Wright taught us a new song and we were all believing for breakthrough and miracles by the time we learnt it. Ross Nancarrow shared about all the exciting news in missions and daughter rescues in Nepal.

Kerry Medway’s message titled “Thorn in My Flesh”, detailing the inspirational life of Samantha Patrick who died from breast cancer was challenging and comforting. We had many visitors who came, some previous members of Grace included. I know many people were encouraged by the message, which gave hope that no matter what our circumstances are, all things are possible in God’s strength when we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.  

As I said last week there are some exciting guest speakers coming with missionaries Kent and Ruth Hodge and revivalist Wayne and Jenny Williamson, over the next three weeks, so you won’t want to miss a beat. 

God bless you all

Greg and Amanda

Isaac contending again

Hi Church,

Its always a special time when we can worship the Lord and come to that place where we know our spirit has become lost into the vast ocean of God’s grace and love.

We certainly felt that on Sunday as Josh Thomas and Neve Betenson led us into a deeper experience of the Love of God. Those moments are what we are hungry for.

My message on Sunday continued with the theme of Contending for your promise, through the life example of Isaac in Gen 26. My encouragement is to go back and read the story and see how Isaac interacted with God and those around him to come to a place of knowing that the promise he held onto to was not just about what he received, but who was giving it. YAHWEH, meaning the God who is Present and Active.  I love how Isaac after he had his second encounter decided to build an alter to Worship God, make an encampment and dig a well in the place of encounter. This shows us that we cant just treat worship as a passing moment but a place that needs to be dwelt in wherever we are, so we can draw from living waters. There were many other truths I shared about Isaacs life so I encourage you to listen again and be encouraged to act upon the word not just be listeners.

Another time for us all to participate in is Alive in Prayer. It starts next Monday 5pm to 6pm and goes for 4 days. This will be a time to press into God and believe again for God to bring alive those things which we have thought dead either dreams, health, finances, purpose, relationships. Let’s join and gather in faith and speak life, lets speak to the valley of dry bones and say “Come Alive in the name of Jesus.”

So much to be connected to and enjoy.

With you Church in the journey.

God bless

Ps Greg And Amanda

Who am I becoming?

Hi Church, 

Thanks for being a solid God-glorifying family on Sunday. So many things were heading for disaster with our technology and sickness creeping in for key people doing stuff. But Praise God the maturity of the people arose, and we pushed through with only a bump in the road. Jane covered me for worship and led with no screen words and Jess did her first service lead and was composed and encouraging under pressure and Ps Debbie-Ann despite losing her PowerPoint to computer failure, brought a great word which challenged and inspired us all.  This is a sign of Church growing and going deeper in God not reliant on props and presentation.  

Ps Debbie-Ann’s message spoke into that reality. The following is the notes I took from her message and Í confess she said it a lot better than my note taking. So please listen again to Debbie’s teaching online not just read my notes. 

The journey of life.

Who you are becoming determines where you are going. In your spiritual life, who you are becoming will determine your maturity. Psalm 1 shows those who are planted in God's word will always grow. Psalm 1:1-3 reminds us that when we live according to God's way, we are blessed and will prosper. The word of God will map your life. Psalm 119:9 MSG says, “How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word.”

When making choices, ask: Who are we becoming? Where are we going? What are we carrying? Is it time to let go of some luggage? Reflect on what you gave your life to over the last two weeks, the places and online spaces. Whatever most of your time was given to is your treasure. 

Jesus challenges us that whatever is our treasure has our hearts. Churches committed to Jesus cultivate the atmosphere of Jesus. If you give yourself to places contrary to the atmosphere of Heaven, ask: Where are we going? Who are we becoming like?

When we tussle between atmospheres; if we keep resisting God's atmosphere it will determine the level of our maturity. Surrendering completely increases our maturity and increases our hearts desire for Him as our treasure. 

Psalm 119 (MSG) says we need to follow the map of God’s word. Watch for the signposts that lead us to Him and especially the ones that lead away from Him. We become what we behold. When the world comes at us, filter it by asking: Who am I becoming? Where am I going?

The apostle Paul says to the Corinthians, examine yourself to see if you are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5). Jesus said, enter through the narrow gate; it is not easy (Matt 7:13-14). If your gate is wide and easy, it may be the wrong gate. Deb said the Holy Spirit showed her that the hole in the gate was Jesus-shaped, as He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

Debbie noted that struggling in faith and lack of growth occurs when we stop meeting with God's people and abandon His word and ways. She suggested speaking to someone godly and mature in faith to help when feeling lost. Who we are becoming will determine where we are going. 

Let's be a community of transforming grace that bears the image of Jesus…. in full maturity. Amen! 

My hope and prayer is “we are beginning to look a lot like Jesus!”

Thank You Ps Debbie-Ann for bringing this teaching. 

Just as a final note Special thanks to John Ives who brought a good word at communion reminding us of the power of the blood and its message and how it changed the lives of aboriginal men in the Northern Territory. May it continue to be so.

God bless 

Ps Greg and Amanda

Isaac contending

Hi Church,  

The Lord continues to do good work among us. People are enjoying His presence and enjoying each other’s company as we worship together in Spirit and in Truth.  

There is so much to give thanks for in our life together. The Men’s Ministry breakfast was so good with Philip Bregmen sharing his testimony. The Kingdom Kids Ministry and the World Changes Youth are both experiencing seasons of growth and deep discipleship. Even the Young Adults are increasing in number and their hunger for God across all these younger age groups, is very encouraging and inspiring for those who are working with and leading these ministries.  

Last weekend our new people’s lunch attracted another 14 people, with some unable to attend, so the level of interest and the desire to connect into community is increasing and for that we give thanks as well. Please remember to have a heart to embrace new families and singles and others who are looking for a new home. A great place to start is into your Life group.  

This weekend message focused on Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. I’m focused on Chapter 26 of Genesis which gives us a number of faith responses in Isaac’s life as he contended for the promise that God made to him. I spoke of the expectation that he carried being Abraham’s son of promise and the responsibility. This is a two-part message. So my first points were helping to understand that Isaacs choices were being made in tough times of famine. So the first three lessons are:-  

1. Make an Obedient decision to stay, and not run away when times are tough. Isaac could have taken the commonsense route and gone to Egypt where there was food and water. But he followed God’s plan even though in the short-term it was more difficult and challenging.  

2. Isaac was able to stay focused in his life because he had a clear vision and promise from God and so it helped to provide clarity in uncertain times. We need the same for our lives. 

3. We learnt from a negative experience with Isaac that you don’t mix fear and faith for it removes trust and blessing. We see when Isaac told lies about his wife Rebekah it created fear, but once he told the truth (that she was not his sister) favour, peace, safety and blessing started to come his way.  

These are all lessons we can apply to ourselves and our families, so we can come alive with God’s blessings.  

Now another important point is that Isaac started his walk with God in the same region that Haggar had an important revelation about God. If you go back to Genesis 16 you discover that this place where Isaac was living was “near the well of the living One who sees me.”    She called God, El Roi, because she met the Angel of the Lord, who saw her in her time of misery. So my encouragement to all of us when we feel like life has covered us over with disappointment and despair, like a heavy blanket, to believe that God, El Roi, sees you and sees your heart and will meet with you in your pain and lead you out into a larger space of freedom and healing, if you put your trust in him.  

So much good truth.  I’m looking forward to the next time I share on this chapter 26 as we look at the wells that Isaac dug and how he had to contend for his space till he found the water that was life giving.  

God bless you Church, check out all the adverts for the great activities that are coming up. Especially anything to do with prayer, as that’s our key for a deeper more powerful life in Christ for as we seek Him, as we draw close to Him, He has promised to draw closer to us.  

God Bless You all.  

Ps Greg and Amanda

Live the Dream

Hi Church, 

Thank you for participating in another weekend of collective ministry that touched many hundreds of people.  Grace church is growing again, and we humbly thank the Lord for His favour. We know unless the Lord builds the house the labourers (us) labour in vain. So I want to stay next to Him as His apprentice and be amazed at the Master Builder’s artistry (Ephesians 2:10).

World Changers Youth continues to grow as Neve and Ben are determined to make disciples of Jesus, not just entertain a crowd. But they need our help, so if you feel you can come and just contribute something to help carry the load then please see them. This generation needs you more than you know. 

Suzie Wood brought a very encouraging word last Sunday to the Church. In keeping to the main theme of Alive in 2025, Suzie presented truth for stirring our hearts to birth a dream in God. Then how to live it out and let others be influenced by it. Often our dreams can be the spark for others. Suzie encouraged us to make sure our dream does not just stay in our heads, but we are to bring it to reality. I love the way she highlighted Ezekiel’s vision in Chapter 37 where Ezekial the prophet speaks to the valley of dry bones, and there is a great rattling of bones as they come together from being scattered. Suzie challenged us that Port Macquarie needs to hear dry rattling bones come together again and a mighty army arise that will step out with the purposes of God. Thank you, Suzie, for being an inspiration to the people around you, to not just be spectators in living. So come alive Church, it’s never too late to step out! Key Scriptures included Ps 20;4, Prov 3:5-6 and Eph 3:20-21. 

Last Sunday evening at “More” night we experienced a beautiful time of Jesus encounter, as we pressed into His presence in worship. I know many were blessed and encouraged as they laid their burdens at the feet of Jesus and took on His miracle power for their life situation. Matt D shared an encouraging word sharing part of his testimony and recovery from burnout. He spoke from Ps 23 and key scriptures around the restoration our soul.  

So, another wonderful weekend and I pray it continues all week long as Jesus blesses you and restores you and builds your life for His glory. 

Love you Church

Ps Greg and Amanda 

Jars of Clay

Hi Church,

Praise the Lord that lives continue to be moved by the Holy Spirit through His word and worship times. It was such a joy to see people praying together at the end of Sunday message believing for Life to come into places that appeared dead. The Bible says that we have the power of Life and Death in our Tongue. What we speak matters. And Paul said in 2 Cor 4:     We Believe and We Speak.  Just like God spoke Light into darkness.  We speak Life into deathly situations. So don’t give up and loose heart, keep speaking life over situations that appear bleak and dying. Speak life over your marriage and your family and your business. 

There are lots of good reports around Grace family as people step deeper into their relationship with Jesus and the glory of His presence through the Holy Spirit.  This must be our goal. This must be our reason for being. To become like Jesus and shine His glory so that others too will receive His freedom and glory when they see His face in us.  To live a glorious life, I outlined four key points from 2 Cor 3:18 to 2 Cor 4:18. 

1. Life begins with You – Your transformation first. 

2. Life is sustained by right motive.   –  All for Jesus

3. His life is more powerful than the feelings of your death. You are a clay Jar – Vulnerable but Powerful – His all surpassing power is in you. You are clay Jar – Vulnerable and Valuable - Jesus is the treasure you carry 

4. Life is spoken by faith over circumstances that seem like death. 

I encourage you to listen again to this message and take up a study to go deeper into these truths. 

We also highlighted Life groups and prayed for the leaders. Our life group leaders do an amazing job, and I would encourage everyone to be a part of a group where you can live your life connected to other people so that a community of love and care is built around you and the people your connected with. In these groups the gifts of the Spirit can be experienced and practiced, the Word of God discussed, and deep friendships can be formed. Don’t miss out. 

We have many ministry opportunities available, and I would encourage you all to look again at making space to serve let a ministry leader know of your availability.

This weekend coming we have Susie Wood sharing the Word of God and I’m sure she has a good word to share that will encourage and strengthen us all. 

Loving you Church 

Greg and Amanda

Holy Ground

Hi Church,

Bless God! What another wonderful weekend in His presence! The Worship rich and alive, hearts responsive and a great moment praying over our next generation as they begin their next 12-month discipleship journey.

After a great week of prayer and worship seeking the Lord, Monday to Thursday an open Heaven of His goodness and love and presence seems to be available to us even more than what has been felt before.  This is something that we can’t take lightly. I believe the Lord is inviting us onto Holy Ground. As we did prophetically during the prayer time we need to do figuratively every week. We need take off our shoes (representing self-effort) and stand in awe of Him, barefoot, representing dependency on His grace and Holy Spirit as our covering.

My message addressed our lack of belief for life through the story of Lazarus and Jesus delay and then Martha’s conversation with Jesus and then Jesus commanding Lazarus out of the grave and having his grave clothes removed. My statements were based on John 11:1-48 and considered the following:-

1. Learn to trust in God’s timing not yours

2. Make sure the Glory for miracles goes to Jesus.

3. Blame and regret don’t release miracles.

4. Right theology doesn’t bring Life… only Trust in Jesus

5. You can trust Jesus with the grief of your past and present.

6. Arguments stating the obvious don’t lead to miracles and life ….only obedience does.

7. Resurrection life doesn’t come with immediate freedom, our part is to remove what binds us and entangles us.

Please re-listen to my message and discover what areas in your life are dead and what you’re grieving over and then invite Jesus to speak into your grave to release life and freedom to you.

It’s time to re-connect with a life group.  And if you are new to Grace church, I invite you to look at the Grace webpage to discover who, when and where you can connect. https://www.gracechurchpm.org.au/life-groups-copy

The Lord is good and we earnestly desire Him.

Let’s continue in our hunger for Him.

Love and blessings

Alive in 2025

Hi Church,

It’s such a joy to be back with you for 2025 after a good holiday. Amanda and I have been encouraging our staff team to be refreshed and ready for a great year. I know they are keen to love and serve you as all the ministries begin this coming weekend. So please be ready to participate and encourage each other in your faith journey for 2025. Please call your ministry leader for starting details. 

My message from last Sunday was built around the following points. 

 The overarching theme for the year is "Alive in 2025," based on Colossians 2:12-14, which speaks about being made alive with Christ after being forgiven for sins. The message emphasizes the importance of living fully for Jesus and showing the world that they are alive in Him. It also highlights the significance of humility, staying low to be lifted high by God, and being alive in Scripture and worship.

Prophetic Insights for 2025

During a prophetic session with Ps Paul Zanardo and our Staff, it was declared that 2025 would be a year of completion, fruitfulness, increased prayer, and greater impact in the community. The year is seen as a year of God's double favour and blessing, with a focus on reaping in areas not sown and experiencing unexpected increases in people attendance.

1. Place no confidence in the flesh but live by the Spirit 

   The message encourages placing confidence in the Holy Spirit rather than relying on fleshly efforts. It emphasizes the importance of encountering God's presence through the Holy Spirit and being empowered by His grace. The relationship with God should be one of sonship, where believers cry out "Abba Father" and are filled with life and peace.

2. Come Alive in Worship and Scripture

   The message calls for a deeper engagement with Scripture and worship. It stresses the need to be disciples of God's word, letting it dwell richly within, and to worship in spirit and truth. Worship is not just about singing songs but about having hearts totally devoted to God. 

3. Remember to stay low to our foundation so that God can lift us. 

   The Humility of Christ is our example and attitude to maintain life. This will help us to remember we walk on Holy Ground in our worship times together as we stand in awe of Jesus the author and giver of life. 

4. The story of Lazarus is used to illustrate the power of Jesus over death and the importance of living a life that reflects His resurrection power. I will address these points this coming weekend. 

This week has seen the challenge to pray into what will bring life into Grace Church and us personally. Every day from Monday to Thursday we have been meeting between 5 and 6 PM Worshipping, declaring Scripture, seeking Gods face and praying over each other life. In these meetings we have felt the beautiful presence of the Lord. I encourage you its not too late to join the many other people who are participating.

Exciting days ahead Church.

God bless you as you experience the fullness of God’s life in 2025. 

Greg and Amanda 

Christmas

Hi Church,

Here we are. We have made it to Christmas and the end of 2024! Praise the Lord! I believe this year has been one of our best years at Grace Church. Not because we ran out did a whole bunch of stuff, because we didn’t. But we let the Lord lead us deeper into a more personal and more intimate relationship with Him. We have grown as a church because the Lord has given us more of Himself and that has renewed and empowered us all.  So, thank you Church for going the distance, serving each other, loving each other and worshipping Jesus so well. I look forward to 2025 and all that God will do as He continues to revive us ready for His imminent return.

Last week I spoke on the Names of Jesus as prophesied 700 years before His birth, as found in Isaiah 9:6. Names are so important in the Bible especially God’s name. So far we have done Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God. And I led us to the conclusion that each of His names expresses His character and nature that we so desperately need.  He is wonderful and His hope is what we need. He is the Counsellor and His wisdom is what we need, He is Mighty and His victories through trials are what we need. This Christmas Eve we will continue with Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.

This coming Sunday we will finish the year with thanksgiving. What will you be thankful for from 2024? I know some found new life, some had victory over near death, some found healing, some found renewal, please come willing to share a few minutes of how God has been good to you.

Finally, from my family to yours I pray you have a wonderful safe, holy and joy-filled Christmas, and a New Year filled with blessings and peace and strength. Remember God is for you and His grace is empowering you, so that you can be all that you are called to be, and you can do all that He plans for you.

Love You dearly Grace Church Family

Ps Greg and Amannda

Thanksgiving

Hi Church,

What an amazing weekend of reaching out and worshipping together and honouring our service teams.

First of all, the weekend started with the Zac Young  “Love Thy Neighbour” event and Paddle out Record attempt. People gathered from 7:00am Saturday morning and then out with their boards and anything else that floated to form a circle of bodies in the open surf. By all accounts the day was a great success bar the total required to break the world record. The Good News is they achieved 250 in the water all holding hands and it was on the way to the record but not enough. But that didn’t dampen the festive spirit with all retuning to the beach and having sausage sizzle and live music and listening to great testimonies. There were baptisms in the middle of the day of some young people and for some it was due to a commitment to Jesus either at the event or just prior.

Many commented on the great sense of love and friendship in the interactions with the public. Overall many seeds of love and gospel were sown, and there is potential for more outreach. Thank you to those who helped make the day possible. Grace was able to give $3000 towards their overall outreach budget.  Many other Churches also contributed.

Sunday morning was another great day with many new people.  Some who were visiting had only recently moved from Russia. And some who came to church for the first time since they were kids and live in Lake Cathie. God is certainly doing a new work. Everyone was greatly challenged and inspired by Ps Kerry Medway as he shared the scripture of Isaiah 9:6 . In this verse  Kerry was focussed on the wonder of Jesus. His challenge was to not let our hearts grow cold but be amazed, be enthralled, with all that Jesus is. Kerry also shared his testimony of salvation.

6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

I will continue to focus on this scripture in the following Sunday and Christmas Eve.

Then Sunday evening at the Serving Teams Thank you event the Staff team lead by the creativity and hospitality of Amanda Campion prepared a lovely two course meal complete with table decorations. The food was beautifully prepared by Amanda, Carin and Debbie.  60 people then enjoyed an evening of live music thanks to Peter Campion’s Jazz repertoire and fun and games presented by me.  Again, I would like to offer our deep appreciation for all the service teams that provide regular and consistent help in the life of Grace Church. Your consistent effort makes a massive contribution. So a big weekend but a very impacting time with multiple people groups ministered to and encouraged. 

Thank You Grace Church for a great 2024. 

Merry Christmas

Ps Greg and Amanda

Campfire stories

Hi Church,

Sorry Amanda and I couldn’t be with you last weekend, but I had a very important family weekend to be a part of in Tamworth, one that was unlikely to be repeated due to the age and health of some present.

However, you were more than provided for as you received an inspiring report from Ross Nancarrow on his recent trip to Nepal. Ross shared the uplifting statistics and profound impact of the work being accomplished through the Church planting efforts by Nepali Pastors and the wonderful organization, Every Daughter Matters (EDM).

Ross highlighted the continuous and almost daily rescue of girls at border crossings, underscoring our partnership with EDM in achieving this great result. The work being done is nothing short of miraculous, and it reminds us of the power of a clear plan, dedicated people, and generous funding in bringing about meaningful change.

Drawing a beautiful analogy, Ross likened the heartwarming stories of individuals and organizations in Nepal to what we share around campfires. This imagery prompted us to reflect on a profound question: “What type of story would we want talked about our lives around the campfires in heaven?”

Ross shared that every life story is composed of four major themes:

·       Purpose: What was our purpose in life?

·       Relationships: Who are the people we formed relationships with?

·       Resilience: How much resilience did we demonstrate in the face of challenges?

·       Legacy: What legacy did we leave behind?

In his concluding remarks, Ross reminded us that God desires to author our lives based on these themes. If we allow God to be the writer of our stories, as the author and perfector of our faith, then we will undoubtedly achieve a life story worth telling—a narrative of purpose, love, resilience, and lasting impact.

As we reflect on Ross’s words, let us be inspired to live our lives with authenticity and intention, knowing that every action and decision contributes to a greater story authored by God.

And then let’s take these stories into the life of Grace Church because that will be our collective story as we seek to be transformed by the grace of God into the image of Jesus, for His glory.

Some key events are coming up. Don’t miss our Last Prayer Advance for 2024, Tuesday at 7:00 pm, it will be powerful.  Then we have Love Thy Neighbour if the weather is fine this coming Saturday.  Please be praying for salvations and good weather and please help if you can from 7:00 am at Town Beach.  A Book stall stand attendant is urgently needed, please let me know if that’s for you.

Looking forward to seeing you all real soon.

Blessings,

Ps Greg and Amanda