We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third year under COVID, the ACR thought it would be helpful for us to begin the year by praying for one another.
The Sydney Anglican Diocese is a fellowship of churches partnering together in the gospel for the glory and Kingdom of our great God. There are many ways in which we can and should express this fellowship, and one great way is by praying for one another.
Over the next few weeks, the ACR will be sharing prayer points from various church pastors from within the Sydney Anglican Diocese. Will you join me in praying for these churches? What better way to express our fellowship as churches than by mimicking Paul in his relationship with the Philippian church, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer (Phil 1:3-5).
In Christ,
Mike Leite
ACR Editor
Narrabeen Anglican Church
Like all churches, COVID has had a big impact at St Faith’s and it has brought many challenges. Our staff team went through significant change when first hit by COVID including a new senior minister, a new associate minister overseeing youth and ministry training, and a restructure of current staff. Implementing these changes during the COVID lockdowns has been particularly difficult and yet our team have embraced change and led through the disruptions, as well as their own personal tragedy and health battles, with deep gospel conviction. Thank God for the staff team and pray that we continue to implement positive change and new strategies to see a Northern Beaches that knows Jesus.
In terms of our congregation members, many have been ill with COVID while others are fearful and anxious about getting sick or passing on the virus to family members. This has brought to the surface many opportunities for spiritual attack, especially around faith, fear and the importance of fellowship. Please pray for a positive season of consolidation as people begin to return to gathering again. Pray that fear of the virus will not drive people’s motivation. Pray that our people will understand deeply the significance and joy of regular fellowship, and that they will grow to maturity in Christ, trusting him in all of life.
Thank you,
Ben Molyneux