Dear Northside
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip. You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them. Just read straight through, and you’ll get the point.
- Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
- Name the last five soccer world cup winners.
- Name the last five winners of the Miss Universe pageant.
- Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
- Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
- Name the last decade’s worth of English Premiership winners.
How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish … Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
- List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
- Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
- Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
- Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
- Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚘𝚗: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.
As a church our strategy is Prayer, Care, Share and Walk. These are all relationship based. We pray for people. We care for people. We share with people. And we walk with people. And our 2024 theme is “Making Him Known!” Knowing Jesus, which is a relationship, not a religion. And then introducing people to Jesus.
Church is all about people. Being the people and family of God. Church is not a building or an organisation, it is people. And reaching out to people. Someone once said that the church is the only thing in the world that exists for those outside it.
I am hoping that I might be listed in the second quiz above. Don’t you want to be listed in someone’s answers as well? Who are you going to pray for going forward? Who are you going to show God’s love and care by caring for them? Who are you going to share your testimony with this week? Who are you walking with, who is walking with you?
Sarah and I are away for the next 2 weeks as we celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.
Please continue to pray for the youth camp and for the follow-up that will need to be done in the various churches. Pray that the young people’s lives will be transformed and that they will hear God’s call and know His purpose for their lives.
We have an exciting preaching series planned for the second term. I do not want to spoil the surprise, but can I ask you to start praying for Pastor Vere and me, as we prepare. Pray that God will speak to us all through His Word and by His Spirit.
Thank you and God bless, Pastor Gary