This week the calendar turned to August and we await the coming of spring, summer and then 2020. As the days ahead draw into focus we are reminded that God has something ahead for each of us and for us as a church. Already this year we have sensed God’s wonderful hand as some of us have stepped into a relationship with God for the first time, or decided to re-engage their faith. We have experienced His hand of transformation in our lives, and we have seen people step out in ways that they have not before. We also have known God’s hand of refinement and stretching and feel certain that he wants to see us ready for all he has in store. So as a reminder, our theme for 2019 is GET READY and we feel that is exactly what has been happening.

As we finish our Hope Worldwide fortnight we begin a new series on Freedom based in the book of Galatians followed by a series on Wisdom.  We have a great team prepping for these messages so please keep them in prayer as we zero in on Get Ready.

The Get Ready theme is strong on a personal note for me too. To honour my learning agreement with the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) to be a local minister, I am picking up three study papers this semester at Laidlaw College.  We have prepared ourselves for this and you might see the Rolleston team, Local Mission Team, Hamish and others stepping into various roles, as they have graciously agreed to help make this possible. I am really excited to see how God will use all of us at this time.  So please feel free to ask how the study is going! Our aim is that you will not see too much visible difference. 

We trust that you will continue to be encouraged in your small groups, through your area pastors and mostly by the Word of God. May you encounter his continued presence and peace as he readies us all for what is to come. 

Many Blessings. 

Steve