This service encourages us to reflect on God's faithfulness, celebrate new life and community, and commit to prayer, fasting, and generous service in His mission
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 Kit 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.