2nd February 2020

Today is our Vision Sunday, when we launch the year’s ministry with the encouragement from God’s word that he is with us, as we join in his mission to save his people into fellowship with him and each other.  Particularly at our 9.30 am service, we will be commissioning those who serve – in the ministry to the word to all ages, as choristers and servers, and in countless other ways.  Sunday School starts back this week (except for the Youth), and creche is also available at 9.30 am.

My vision and prayer is to fill the church with disciples of the Lord Jesus.  I cannot think of anything better than for St Jude’s to be full of people singing God’s praises, sitting under his life-giving word and going out to serve him in the world.  I hope you will join me in this prayer and in working towards this vision.

Jesus taught that his church is like a body in which we all have our parts to play in the building up the saints.  As I wrote a few weeks back, there are many opportunities to serve.  Could you help on Sundays, at morning tea, as a sidesperson, as a Bible reader, server, or chorister? Could you help with one of our children’s ministries, play group, Kids’ Club or in Kat’s chaplaincy time with the Early Learning children?  Could you serve on the Flower guild, or on the Early Learning centre committee?  Would you be willing to be trained for our new ESL ministry or in pastoral care?  Please pray about these things and talk to me or another staff member about your interest in serving.

A Bible study group is a great way to get equipped to serve and to grow in relationship with other members of the congregation.  Please consider joining one.  There is also a great opportunity to pray for our ministry and others this Thursday, 12 pm at our Mission Prayer meeting in the Parish Room.