GRAIN SHED
THIS big question is being asked by us all – when are we coming out of this?
Sounds familiar doesn’t it… Moses leading the Israelites to the land of milk and honey, and the discontentment along the way.
Well I am sure many of you, like me, are feeling like the Israelites and wandering around in the wilderness, feeling a bit lost, stressed about both the now and the future, while waiting on that now infamous 70% target, missing the social contact with friends and family.
So, when?
Patience.
People are doing the best they can.
Be patient with our leaders who are making decisions for us.
Be patient with family.
Be patient with yourself.
Remember, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Mark 12:31.
Persistence.
As we are confronted by the constant challengers of this pandemic, we need to persist and sometimes be willing to ask for help.
You can do it!
This isn’t a time where good things come to those who wait, it is a time when good things can be done by those who persist in good behavior and kind acts.
Prayer.
We can find different prayers that are appropriate to us today and numerous ways to pray with others online, text, etc. or directly with God, no mask required.
As we contemplate life without lockdowns, the transitions we will experience, and whatever will be the new normal; as we contemplate our path to and through this; as we contemplate the parts we can play in this process; remember Moses’ words to his people, as they were to enter a promised land he would not see:
“But take care and watch yourself closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; Make them known to your children and your children’s children”(Deut 4: 9).
Please, prayerfully persist with patience.
At the time of writing this article our Sunday church service will not be in house, only online on our Grain Shed Church Facebook page and Youtube channel at 10am Sunday.
We await news of changes to restrictions and will be in contact as soon as we are able to open up.
And until then, remember that shoeboxes can still be collected for the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox appeal.
Giving is such an fulfilling way to bring not only a smile to the children we bless but also to ourselves.
‘Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’ 2 Corinthians 9:7
Currently our office is open from Tuesday to Friday, 12pm to 2pm
If you haven’t already, check out our Instagram Grain Shed Church page for daily scripture and encouragement.
Those in need of prayer send in your prayer requests to prayer@thegrainshed.org.au
ANGLICANMOST of the TV stories this week have been focused on the events of twenty years ago in New York on September 11.
Ever since – but also, long before 9/11 – unknown thousands have been victims of man’s inhumanity to man.
People everywhere feel helpless when confronted by the newsreels from Afghanistan and the suffering of the people.
Our frustration in a pandemic pales in comparison to the man- made grief in the world.
Medical reports speak of the silent ‘pandemic’ of mental illness.
Healthy people are also suffering from the uncertainty of the future and of their ability to cope.
One ray of sunshine within this doom and gloom has been reported recently in our church.
Rev’d Denis Gell has been permitted to take a service at Jacaranda Lodge for the isolated residents.
This was a really wonderful cause to celebrate, and hopefully will soon extend to Alcheringa and Hope facilities.
There has also been other activity at the church while electrical work has been able to be done in the currently unused Function Centre.
People have continued with careful visits and phone calls, also participating in streamed Diocesan services.
How great also to be able to sing along with the ABC’s “Songs of Praise”.
UNITING
SITTING out the back on our verandah the other day enjoying the burst of sunshine, enjoying its warmth, I was reminded of the goodness of God in the creation of our world.
The world is an amazing place, and you have to admit that it was done well.
We have all we need to sustain us and give us life.
That is what Psalm 19 reminds us of today.
“The heavens declare the glory of the Lord.”
God created our world and gave it life.
It is also evident that we have not treated our world with respect and care.
We have taken much from her without keeping the balance.
And we now realise that we need to give back, to restore the balance and that is why we are encouraged to do all we can to reduce our negative impact.
The Psalm today also goes on to say that the wisdom of God is seen in the creation of the world, and that God’s wisdom is amazing.
It is a wisdom that, when listened to, revives the soul.
It is trustworthy, bringing joy and understanding for how to live life well.
The psalm describes this wisdom in the way the sun rises and sets, showing his continuing faithfulness.
It reminds us that His wisdom is in front of us everyday and is accessible to everyone.
Finding balance in life has been a talking point within society for many years.
It is often spoken about in terms of ways to take back control, but our control is limited.
Our psalm reminds us to bring our imbalances to God, recognising that we were created as part of keeping the balance.
God wants us to work in partnership with him restoring the wisdom of His balance to our own lives.
