From this Friday there are 9 sleeps to go until Celebration Sunday! It’s such a joy to be able to celebrate 25 years of God’s good work through SCPC. In fact, I’m looking forward to it way more than my birthday!
On the day there are some things to keep in mind…
Parking
With all our gatherings combining there’ll be a lot more people than usual. Extra parking options include Dalley Street bus bay, College Road and beside the MPU (entry via Dalley Street) – you can see the map below. It might also be worth aiming to arrive early to give yourself more time to find a park and make your way to the hall.
The Gathering
Our time together will be full of stories celebrating what God has done in people’s lives. The Bible passage will be 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. Children will remain in the gathering and will have the option of sitting to the side and doing quiet activities with the kids leaders. Immediately following the gathering we’ll have our group photo, share morning tea and then celebrate a baptism on the grass.
Lunch
We’ll share lunch together as part of the day. A sausage sizzle, onions and slaw will be provided. Gluten- free, dairy-free and vegetarian options will be available. If you’d like to eat something else feel free to bring it along for yourself. Also please bring a picnic rug or camp chair.
Extra activities
There’ll be various sporting options for those who are keen. You may also like to bring along a game/activity for others to join in with you such as bocce, spike ball, hacky sack etc. The legendary Lolly Lads and Lolly Ladies will also be making a special appearance (of course).
To close, here are some words from the passage I’ll preach on, which you may like to read in full beforehand. They are about God’s work in the Thessalonian church, but they also beautifully reflect the sort of things he’s done amongst us over the past 25 years.
3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia – your faith in God has become known everywhere. 1 Thessalonians 1:3-8
JR
