New Year New Start

Called to be different Hopes & Dreams? Plans & Expectations? “Salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) “Light of the world – a city on a hill that cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14) “People called out of darkness” (1Peter 2:9) 2012

Destined God’s people Redeemed by Jesus Filled with the Holy Spirit Purpose Reason Rationale Intention Aim Serving God Seeking His Kingdom Sharing His love

No accident Deliberate Planned Intentional Psalm 139 – days ordained by God Acts 17:26 – places and times determined “God has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him. He isn't far from any of us” Acts 17:27 (CEV)

Core Values Agents Ambassadors Advocates Real  authentic | reliable | genuine | faithful Relevant  culturally appropriate | valid yet distinct Relational  upwards | outwards | inwards

Isaiah 54:2 (NIVUK) Impacting and Influencing the community “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes”

multiply increase stretch grow expand unfold lengthen enlarge strengthen cultivate develop don’t hold back liberate reinforce nurture support inspire elongate spread release extend toughen unrestrained

We need Involves commitment and determination Creativity  big picture thinking  imagining the possibilities  not limiting God Breakout & Breakthrough mentality  not being afraid to take a risk or to launch out  confronting and overcoming our fears Accountability  weighing up the costs  being responsible for the outcomes

We have Opportunities are immense Resources  No. 7 – a new gateway for activities never undertaken before  people with gifts and talents willing to be involved Momentum  growth which is destined to continue Desire  to see God at work in our community

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes”