Hi Church, 

What a powerful time we had as a church family last Sunday. It was a time when the Holy Spirit was truly connecting all the dots for us from worship, communion, prayer and the message. Ps Debbie introduced a new song called the Mighty Name of Jesus and it spoke exactly what we needed to say and believe.

 I have felt of recent times that many people have come under attack by the enemy with severe sickness and other afflictions and at times I feel helpless to do anything about it. But when we gather and we declare the name of Jesus over our burdens and troubles you can sense a shift in the atmosphere. We go from being under to rising over all of what the enemy sends at us, as we have the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

That is why Prayer is so important, both personally and corporately and so I re-invite all Grace Church leaders and all those who are believers in the power of prayer to gather at our next Prayer Advance to push back the enemy and advance the Kingdom of God in the spirit realm. 

The message over the weekend was delivered by Suzie Wood, who continued our journey through the Gospel of Matthew, reflecting on the powerful theme of community and connection in Matthew 9. We see Jesus is meeting people right where they are: the paralysed man brought by faithful friends, Matthew at his tax booth, Jairus in desperate need, the woman reaching out for healing, and the blind men crying out in faith. Again and again, Jesus responds with compassion, restoration and hope.

Matthew 9 reminds us of the truth that real connection often comes through interruption. Jesus welcomed the broken, the overlooked, the unclean, the wealthy, the desperate and the lost. He restored people not only to health, but also to community.

As followers of Jesus, we are challenged to be open to the people God places around us. Who is He calling us to notice, welcome, serve and connect with as workers in His harvest?  For those who will follow Suzie’s ministry trip back to Canada and want to cover her in prayer, she leaves on the 8th of Oct and will return on the 10th of Dec.  

Let’s continue to pray for all those who are currently suffering in sickness and believe for their healing. 

With you Church,  

Love Greg and Amanda