Connections: Issue 6

Issue No. 6, Apr-Jun 2023

Connections is the quarterly newsletter publication of LifeConnect.Church and communicates the ministry highlights of the church.

Church Life in the Basement

As a newly planted church, I see our ministry being done in the ‘basement’. I love this ‘incubation’ season we are in – forging our relationships, solidifying our identity and purpose, flexing our capabilities, learning from the pitfalls of being a novice in this endeavour. I pray that we will not lose our childlike curiosity and expectant anticipation of what God will do next in us.

Baby Dedication

Church growth happens in three ways: conversion growth, transfer growth, and biological growth. I’m glad to have had the privilege to dedicate two new babies – Taliyah Violet, daughter of Andy and Anna Simmons dedicated on 23 April and Cyprian Johannes, son of James and Zina Archer on 28 May.

Baby dedication is a significant event in the Church as a child is consecrated, blessed, and presented to the congregation. It’s wonderful to witness parents making their commitment to raise their child in the ways of God.

Newbies

Church is slowly growing with newbies. Welcome Tristan, John, Rubie, Karl and Kirby in the church. I’m so happy to see Donna Matern again. After more than a decade of not seeing her, she is back and gradually journeying with us in this ministry.

Farewell to Families

We said our farewell to these beautiful families who have been with us in the journey of church planting since the outset.

The Garpia family (Ryan, Daryl, Phoebe & Pontiff) have moved to Hamilton. Ryan accepted a key role in one of the country’s biggest energy providers. Ryan and Daryl have both been key leaders and instrumental in this church plant. Ryan and Daryl are still active remotely in supporting this ministry.

The Saludes family (Ver, Janece, Matthew, Simon & Joseph) have moved to Invercargill. Ver took the role as point person of his company in Southland. We will surely miss these families, but we’re happy that new doors have been opened to them. We rejoice in the relationships that God has fostered through this Church. We are deeply connected with one another regardless of distance. We continue to pray for these families that the Lord may strengthen them and keep them rooted in the Faith.

Upcoming events this next quarter

Water baptism

We have a water baptism scheduled for 17 September. If you want to publicly commit your life to Christ, you can sign up in the Infoodle app.

EHS Graduation

I can’t wait to recognize the students who are about to complete the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. Conferment of completion will be on 13 August.