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“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
- Luke 19:10

Our deep dive into Luke’s Gospel over the past few months has been a refreshing reminder of the priority and purpose with which Jesus speaks concerning his own life and ministry. Jesus uses his power to heal the sick, free the oppressed, give sight to the blind, even raise the dead, and yet all of this is done in the context of his greatest concern: to seek and save the lost.

As we at St. John’s consider the thousands in our own city who are lost, we long to see them know eternal life with Jesus. This is the reason why our current 5pm congregation will be branching into two new congregations on May 11. Our new 4pm and 5.30pm services are all about seeing our city transformed by the hope of the risen Christ.

These last few months have been a time of anticipation and excitement for the leadership teams (staff and lay leaders) for both of these new congregations. The leaders have met together, planned together and prayed together in the lead up to the launch on May 11.

These wonderful teams have been hard at work to consider how they can provide Sunday services that are socially warm and biblically rich so that, under God, we might continue to see people to grow as disciples of Jesus. Many are already considering who among their friends and neighbours they can invite to these new services.

As we lead up to the launch of 4pm and 5.30pm, please continue to support and prayer for us:

  • Pray that each congregation and their leadership teams would continue to grow a heart for the lost in Parramatta.
  • Pray that the 5pm weekend away (May 2-4) will be a great time of encouragement, growth and closure as the 5pm congregation gathers for the last time and looks ahead to branching.
  • Pray that Callan and Jaison would be faithful, godly and humble leaders who model to their congregations love for God and love for others.
  • Pray that congregation members would adapt swiftly and be sustained through change, and continue to grow as mature disciples of Jesus.
  • Pray that God would bring new people into both congregations and that both congregations might continue the warm welcome of 5pm.

Thank you for your partnership in the gospel.

Jaison Jacob and Callan Pritchard
Associate Ministers

 

PRAY: Give thanks for the launch of the new 4pm and 5:30pm congregations, and for the leaders and teams who have prayerfully prepared for this next season of ministry. Ask God for his blessing on these new gatherings, that they would be marked by warmth, faithfulness, and a deep love for the lost. Ask God to bring new people to hear the hope of the risen Christ, and to grow these congregations in maturity, unity and joyful service.

 

Photo by Chantel on Unsplash