My Sunday

I had a great day yesterday. I arrived at St Jude's at 8.30 and enjoyed talking with people who were all abuzz about the new colours inside the church building. Most of the people I talked to really liked them, and saw the intent of the bold new contemporary design. It was great that in the morning we had testimonies from CF who has been working in North-West Australia as a remote area nurse, and from JL who spoke of the importance of having a big bible world view when her daughter was facing a life threatening illness. By all reports both were terrific testimonies of God's faithfulness.

I missed both, because I went off to St Augustine's in Moreland. They are still searching for a new Vicar since Keil left. The Bishop was there and was trying to encourage the congregation to keep on trusting that God had a plan. I was there to hand over this lovely memento - an embroidered quilt given to the Vicar of St A's in 1895, and recently returned by his gt gt grandson. The Revd William Jordan was vicar there and under him the Sunday school grew to several hundred kids. I reminded the parish that even though times were tough now - the one who began a good work in them is faithful to complete it (Phil 1: 6). We have a few leads for a new Vicar and renewed determination.

Back to St Jude's for some more reactions to colours and meeting a new Dad, (Praise God for Elsie's safe arrival!) and some great chats with other faithful persevering saints.

Home for a little sleep, then 4.30 back at St Jude's for the service at 5. It was a terrific service. Tim preached a powerful message from John 2 about the cleansing blood of Jesus. What spoke to me was the reminder not to carry false shame and guilt, because the perfect sacrifice of Jesus has cleansed me inside and out. There was a great buzz in the service, and lots of prayers in the open prayer time - always a good sign. I met an older couple here, who I could tell were not wild about the new colours, but they were so gracious realising that their personal preference was not the key issue, but appreciated the statement about our life together.

Then 7.30 - packed to the rafters - 261 people crammed into every available seat (missing the first few rows of course). This was because of the baptism of 4 members of Unichurch. What a joy to hear testimonies of God's faithfulness, in calling people to himself, and to clap and cheer as 4 young people made their public commitment to Christ. Rob preached a brilliant sermon from John 11 on the purpose of Jesus' death. It was a cram over supper. I stumbled home after 10.

What a way to start holy week! God is indeed very good. Looking forwrd to praying tonight at the Prayer Meeting.