Introduction to Philippians

Kia ora whānau,
It has been an amazing few weeks for our church community. As we endeavour to be a people who reorganise our lives around Jesus, the ten days of prayer leading up to Pentecost Sunday gave us an opportunity to do that in a different way for a short intense season. It was very inspiring. Thanks so much to all who helped hold the space in the chapel and who led corporate prayer times. A huge thanks to Tm C and Anna M for organising so much of it. Pentecost Sunday was a great culmination of the ten days of prayer resulting in a wonderful time of celebration (complete with dance party). Bishop Justin was with us to challenge us concerning the mission for which the Spirit was poured out on that day so long ago.
This last week, I introduced our focus of study during most of our preaching/teaching times on Sunday mornings during Ordinary Time. We will be looking at the missionary 'thank you letter' that the Apostle Paul sent to his dear friends in Philippi. It is an encouraging letter filled with joy and hope written by a prisoner to people experiencing difficult times. I gave the invitation for us all to read through the book of Philippians (103 verses) during the week. I think there are are some beautiful passages in this letter that can serve as spiritual superfoods to sustain us and bring vibrant health to us as continue to live out the implications of Pentecost during the dark days of winter. We will need to consume plenty of grace along the way.

So may our loving God fill us with his grace and his peace during these days ahead.

Keep your eyes on Jesus,

Mark