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Stop & Pause Sunday - Kristie
Sermon Summary
Join us as we Stop and Pause as we reflect on what God has been doing in our church. As we reflects on God's faithfulness, celebrate new life and community, and commit to prayer, fasting, and generous service in His mission.
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Psalm 30 reminds us that God is the one who lifts us out of our darkest places, giving us new life and hope even when we feel surrounded by despair. In seasons of mourning or difficulty, God’s love remains steadfast, and His mercy is renewed every morning. This is a reason for us, as a community, to sing with gratitude and to remember that our nights of weeping will give way to mornings of joy. We are called to pause and reflect on how God has been at work in our lives and in our church, to remember the words, emotions, and directions He has given us, and to celebrate the gifts of the Spirit we have received.
Today, we also celebrate new life in our community, welcoming baby Flora Kitt and rejoicing with her family. This is a tangible reminder of God’s ongoing work and faithfulness among us. As we reflect, we are invited to consider how we can support and pray for our mission partners, both locally and globally. We heard from Clifton in India, who, along with his family, serves children and communities through the Good Shepherd Agricultural Mission. We also learned about the work of Fostering Hope in Tasmania, equipping and supporting foster carers to care for vulnerable children. These stories challenge us to consider our own role in God’s mission and how we might step into spaces of need with generosity and prayer.
As we look ahead to our 40 days of prayer and fasting, we are invited to focus on three key areas: cultivating a hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness, seeking God’s guidance for our church’s future, and deepening our awareness and participation in God’s mission. Fasting is not just about giving up food, but about reordering our priorities and making space for God to move in our lives. Generosity—both in our regular giving and in supporting missions—is a natural response to God’s generosity toward us. As we continue to worship, pray, and serve together, may we be attentive to God’s voice, open to His leading, and eager to share His love with others.
Key Takeaways
1. God’s faithfulness is most evident in our darkest moments. When we feel overwhelmed or defeated, God is the one who restores us, giving us new chances and turning our mourning into joy. His anger is momentary, but His love endures for a lifetime, inviting us to trust Him even when we cannot see the way forward.
2. Reflection is a spiritual discipline that allows us to recognise God’s ongoing work in our lives. By pausing to remember the words, emotions, and directions God has given us, we become more aware of His presence and guidance. This practice helps us discern where He is leading us next, both individually and as a community.
3. Mission is not just for a select few; it is the calling of every believer. Whether serving children in India, supporting foster carers in Tasmania, or engaging in prayer for our partners, each of us has a part to play in God’s work of reconciliation. Our prayers, generosity, and willingness to step into difficult spaces are vital expressions of God’s love to the world.4. Prayer and fasting are powerful tools for spiritual renewal and discernment. Fasting is not merely abstaining from food, but intentionally making space for God to reorder our priorities and speak into our lives. Through these practices, we align ourselves with God’s heart and become more sensitive to His leading.
5. Generosity is both a response to God’s grace and a means of participating in His mission. When we give—whether through regular offerings or special support for missions—we reflect God’s own generosity and help extend His kingdom. Our giving is not just financial, but also includes our time, prayers, and willingness to serve where we are needed.
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