Forrest Hill sunrise
2022 ticks on and with each new day I suppose we see ourselves coming to the end of pandemic restrictions bit by bit. Of course, first we have to get through the Omicron part.
While numbers in church were modest on Sunday, our live streaming views so far sit at around fifty for the same service, which increases the numbers significantly when you consider couples or families might be watching the same screen, either live or after the event.
The rapid up-skilling of our streaming team has been such a blessing, as we look to leaving no one behind in the Covid environment. Sound quality to the video stream is much improved even in a few short weeks, so bravo to those who have put their hand up and made it happen. I'm thankful for their commitment. It is an encouragement to me and an example of God's grace in action through fellow believers.
It's all about including people and this is a significant way to include those not attending in person for various reasons, and even friends overseas or in a different city. Distance and absence can feel like exclusion. Maybe after covid we'll just keep streaming, as an opportunity to minister grace beyond geographical and personal limitations..
I've been pondering the concept of grace this week, and the need for it. Ephesians two reminds us we are saved by grace, not by our own awesomeness.
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.
(Eph 2: 4-5 NIV)
We are surrounded by breakdowns of civility, kindness and normal expectations. We need more grace, because we don't know what sort of day the other person has had. In fact we need to meditate on the amazing grace we have received from God and pass it on, pay it forward to someone else. There is enough grace for each day, and Christians of all people know there is more than enough to share. Peace to you all.