Here’s some of what we’ve been up to and what we’re praying for…
ADVENT SEASON
The word “Advent” literally means “arrival” or “appearing”. As Christians, we spend this Advent season waiting on Christmas. It’s a time of entering into the story and perspective of Old Testament Israel who longed and waited on God to send the Saviour. We are reading Advent devotional books with Perry and Shepherd and talking about what it means to wait on God.
WE’RE PRAYING FOR THREE SPECIFIC THINGS IN THIS SEASON…would you join us in praying for them?
QUEEN’S PARK CAROL SERVICE
All prayers for Saturday 10 December when we get together for our Carol Service. We have been blown away by the amazing team of leaders from the Redeemer community who have stepped up and poured so much into this special day. We’ll gather at Salusbury Primary School at 4 in the afternoon and have a reception after with mulled wine and mince pies.
Please pray for our community. Please pray that people would hear and be changed by the story of God’s love in sending the Saviour.
PERRY AND SHEPHERD TO KNOW AND LOVE GOD
One of our big hopes for this year is that our children would come to know and love God. We know that involves reading books and having good conversations with them. It also requires unhurried time together to foster real conversations.
Please pray for our children. Please pray that they would know and love God and that this Christmas season would provide noticeable growth in their spiritual lives.
A NEW CATECHISM FOR THE CHURCH
Thomas is embarking on a new writing project that might sound ridiculous. He’s been in a research and outlining phase for writing a new catechism for the modern church. Over the last few years and through a few words and conversations it seems like it’s time to take up this project. He’s going to write weekly instalments for the Redeemer community that is aimed at clarifying the biblical story that the church inhabits over and against the cultural story of which we’re a part.
Please pray for wisdom and discernment for Thomas. Please pray for diligence and steadiness to carry this project through 2023.
(And finally, just a little family update…)
THANKSGIVING IN BRUGES
We just enjoyed two really good weeks with Thomas’ parents. They flew over when Thomas was returning from Raleigh and helped with the kids while Thomas was away at Co-Mission Staff Focus (all staff, all network retreat). We had fun catching up and showing them around our normal life in London.
We went to Bruges (Belgium) for a few nights around Thanksgiving. We ate the waffles, smelled (and of course ate) the chocolates, and made some memories. The time away was hindered by Shepherd and Thomas beginning the trip with really bad colds who then gave it to everyone else. They flew back on Tuesday. Please say a prayer for Thomas’ mom who is still recovering.
I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
