papanui baptist church logo

A New Thing

a new thing
1 December 2022

As we draw near the end of 2022, I can’t help but reflect on the blessings that God continues to pour out. I think we can all agree that 2022 has been a space and time that has presented challenges and uncertainty. However, it has also been a time where we have seen more people wanting to connect and be a part of a community bigger than themselves. It is a beautiful space and one that I believe God has his hand on in this time.

On Sunday we had some of our families share in the first Sunday of Advent liturgy, sharing in what gives people across generations hope. As I have reflected on this I have been thinking about how much hope I feel each week as I jump into the chaos and fun of our children’s programmes. This year we have experienced a lot of growth in our children’s spaces with new children and their families connecting in. The energy is exciting, there is new learning taking place and relationships are growing. It doesn’t matter the week I have had (and we all know life in the Thorne family is quite crazy and chaotic), I can come and immerse myself into the energy that the children bring and feel hope for what God is doing in and through our young people. A new thing is happening. God is present in this space.

What are the spaces where you are finding hope? What new things do you see God doing? Learning to see the hope in the uncertainty of the past couple of years has been a journey for myself, and I am sure for many of you too. As we come into the Christmas season, let us reflect upon the new things God is doing, His presence in our lives, and take time to rejoice in his faithfulness.

Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow
with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Blessings
Abbey

See All Pastor's Blogs
papanui baptist church logo

144 Sawyers Arms Road
Christchurch, New Zealand

+64 3 352 4227

Quick Links