Hi Church,
I pray you are thriving as you Press In to the Lord and then Push Out into your world with love, courage and grace. Last weekend all our ministries came back into action for 2026, and it was a great start! Many reported eager participation from midweek Life Groups, World Changers Youth on Friday night with over 45 young people present, to Mens Ministry on Saturday with over 30 men laughing their way through Ps Kerry Medway Funeral bloopers, to Sunday morning World Changers with new leader Ell Harris helping to disciple young teens. Thank you to all the volunteers that make it possible.
Amanda and I were away having a celebration time for Amanda’s birthday in Sydney and helping Chantelle settle into residential college life. Whilst there, we were able to congratulate Lighthouse Church Crows Nest on their 25thAnniversary with Church Planters and dear friends Ps Paul and Monica Zanardo. It was a wonderful time to give thanks for the faithfulness of God.
Worship and Word on Sunday at Grace brought encounter and encouragement and many were led into a deeper sense of the Lord’s presence and redeeming work in their lives. Thank you to Exec Leader Paul Betenson for sharing Gods truth around the need and desire for the Presence of the Lord. This is the first message in our, “What supports the Vision of Grace Church?” series, of Presence, Discipleship and Community. Paul reminded us that drawing close to Jesus is essential to hearing his voice as He directs us in our daily walk to bear His image to the world.
This week another Exec Member and teacher Robert Harrison will be sharing on being a Disciple of Jesus and being intentional in following Him, not just a Christian Culture. We also welcome a new Staff member Josiah Hindley. Josiah has been a volunteer with World Changers for the past two years and is well loved by the Youth. Josiah will replace Benjamin Campion as assistant Youth Leader. Benjamin will sadly leave us to take on an apprenticeship in Newcastle starting late February. We thank Benjamin for his many years of faithful and dedicated service from Kingdom Kids leadership to WC and Young Adults. God bless you Ben.
Make sure this week you register and pay for Family Getaway. Don’t miss this special time to go deeper in relationship with Jesus and with each other. Our Guest speakers have a speciality in pursuing the presence of the Lord and then reaching out significantly to their community and we will learn much from them. If you can’t stay overnight, come for Saturday from 9:00 am and stay till 7:00pm. Day visitors will enjoy two ministry sessions and a meal together with all the campers at 6:00pm. So make sure you stay all day. Leaving at 7:00pm will see you traveling mostly in daylight and safely back to Port Macquarie.
This year we need to bolster our events and hospitality teams, and we are looking for new leaders to take on the responsibility of these vital ministries in Grace. If you have an interest in these areas which will be used for evangelism, then please contact Amanda in the office ASAP.
This year there will be many opportunities to reach out, and I encourage you Church to stay connected and be ready to share the hope that you have freely received from the Lord.
With You,
Ps Greg and Amanda