Supporting One Another

This weekend marks Labour Day. Do you have any plans? We’ll be visiting family to celebrate my grandson’s 7th birthday. If you’re traveling to be with loved ones, please drive safely. In New Zealand, Labour Day is a time to recognize the contributions of workers and the importance of fair labour practices reflecting principles found in the Bible. It’s a great reminder of our call to support one another in our work and communities.

On Monday, I met with other ethnic leaders to discuss our combined service on November 10. On Wednesday, I attended the Kamai Council meeting in Matamata, where I learned about the wonderful work God is doing in other parishes across the Bay. It’s clear that our Lord is alive and at work, and with the Advent season just around the corner, I can already feel the Christmas spirit emerging in stores and hear it in our church fellowship, reminding us of this special time of year. Are you planning a special event for the holidays? 

Our church is organizing a Christmas Eve candlelight service, followed by lunch on Christmas Day. We’re also participating in the Christmas box initiative to send gifts to children in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. A big thank you to Angela for coordinating this effort! The Advent season is indeed a significant time for followers of Jesus as we celebrate His birth.

As Isaiah 40:9-11 reminds us: “Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’ Behold, the Lord God comes with might… He will tend his flock like a shepherd.”