Dear Northside
This week we celebrated Thanksgiving. Now I know this is an American thing, but it is always good to be reminded to be thankful. There is so much in our world that drags us down. But if we are intentional and we start looking for the things we can be thankful for, I think you will find the list is long. I received this online this week and it has a good perspective:
BE THANKFUL…
- Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
- Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
- Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
- Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
- Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
- Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
- Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, because it means you’ve made a difference.
It’s easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfilment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.
So what are you thankful for today? Write them down so that when you feel discouraged, you can read your list and be reminded of all the things you have to be grateful for.
I am grateful for Northside, for the church and family it has been to me and my family for over 50 years.
This past week our Coffee Club ministry and Livingstones held their Christmas celebrations. So we are already well into our Christmas program. The décor team have been planning and getting ready for weeks now. We have a full Christmas program ahead of us. Again, I ask that you make every effort to support our various services and use them as an opportunity to invite someone you know to join you. Let’s use this opportunity to reach out and invite people to Northside.
Parents, do not forget the Holiday program. Bring your children. And invite your children’s friends to come with them. Holiday clubs are always wonderful. And it gives us the opportunity to tell the next generations about Jesus.
Not much has been said about the Project127 camp to Nyanga North. We have an amazing team traveling 800+kms to run a Christmas camp for 150-200 orphans from 5th to 8th December. Please pray for them.
On top of our 4 Advent Sunday services (looking at Christ BC), we have our 3 special services:
- 14th Dec at 4pm – Service of Remembrance
- 21st Dec at 6:30pm – Carols by Candlelight
- 25th Dec at 9am – Christmas Day service
May each one of us find Hope, Joy, Peace, Love and Jesus this Christmas!
God bless, Pastor Gary