Many good comments about the service today. There was a good family atmosphere, which I think helped Colin relax as he brought the message. The main focus today was the fact that Colin & Carole are returning to New Zealand on Tuesday. They have been such a blessing to the church and have made many friends. They are going home with New Life in their hearts, and we trust that through them and their ministry in New Zealand the vision of New Life will be fulfilled through them as we seek to be a God influence to the city and beyond. I don't think we can get any further beyond than New Zealand, because once you go past there you start coming back the other way!
UNDERPANTS! That was the title of Colin's departing message; UNDERPANTS! He treated us to quite a vivid explanation of underpants, especially the XXL and beyond ones! He also asked the question, "Why do superheroes wear their underpants on the outside?" He went on to show that real superheroes are not those who wear their pants on the outside, but who commit themselves to doing something for God and follow it through.
Mark 2:1-5. Tells the story of 4 men who climbed the roof with their paralysed friend and laid him down through the roof to where Jesus was. These men were superheroes. They committed themselves to doing something, and they did it regardless of the risks. None of them made excuses as to why they should not do this; none of them said, "We're not here to lift tiles or to lift heavy weights". Of the 4 men, one was the Vision Caster; one was the Vision Catcher; and the other two were Vision Carriers. God rasies up those who will be Vision Casters, and looks to all of us to become Vision Catchers and Vision Carriers.
Colin's comment about New Life City Church was that we are not a church before our time, but that we are a church for our time. He reminded us that God had given us this building, even after it had been sold, and that God has also given us certain outreaches that enable us as a church to touch the community, and that we should not forget our God given call to "Go". He had sent a mirror around the room asking people to look into it as it was passed to them. He then said that as you looked into the mirror you were looking at God's plan for this part of His Kingdom.
My comment: I hope you all saw yourselves clearly in the mirror. Thanks Colin for such a good word. We will continue to pray for you and Carole. God's speed.
Tuesday & Wednesday: World Cup Semis: Our home was not our home on Friday and Saturday, but became a World Cup Quarter Finals veiwing centre! The banter was good, as was the coffees and teas and bar b ques etc. Of course the matches were excellent. The Semi Finals are Tuesday and Wednesday nights and once again our home is open for these. Feel free to come along from 7 pm each night.
Thursday Prayer Meeting 7.45 - 9 pm. Seventeen attended last Thursday night. It would be good to see this increase.
Sunday 11th July: Please note the morning service starts at 11 am next Sunday. There will be a Fun Day in conjunction with the Lower Shankill community, which will start at 2.30 pm. We are hoping people from the Lower Shankill will come to the morning service. You will have time to come to church, go home for lunch, and get back for the Fun Day. Lots will be happening in the car park and within the building. Sunday night the World Cup Final will be shown on the BIG Screen. Afterwards, those who wish to can go around the fires. So next Sunday will be a full day.
Thanks again to everyone who works hard for the development and advancement of New Life City Church.
Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
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