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| Hebrews 7:24 (ESV) but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. |
We are continuing through our Sunday sermons in the book of Hebrews. It is a book that requires a lot of historical background to begin with and this is a real challenge to both the pastor and congregation. We have to travel to 1st Century Judaism to understand why and to who this letter was written before we can bring out the application for ourselves. The church are receiving this well and it has been the cause of a few discussions during our fellowship meal we have every week after the service. We are seeing steady numbers attending the Sunday sermons which is really good and have even seen a few familiar faces who haven’t been for a while as well as a couple of new ones. |
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| As well as church, we are continuing to meet together on Tuesday evenings for a meal followed by Bible Study and a time of prayer. Mez is faithfully teaching through the Gospel of Matthew, diving deeply into the scriptures. During this time which is also encouraging and challenging us all to examine our lives and make sure we follow the Lord in all we do. The 20 Schemes Edinburgh Weekender conference took place on the 3rdand 4th. Mez spoke on the Friday evening on the subject of “Good Authority” and Cee spoke at the Women’s Pre-Con on Roman’s 15:13. During October, Miriam and Cee were able to go off Island together to visit a lady who is currently in a Christian woman’s residential rehab. The lady had spent some time on Orkney where they had both come alongside her to point her to Christ and to help with her addictions. She was offered the place in the residential program and has been there for a few months with regular contact. It was so good for Miriam and Cee to get the chance to visit her as an encouragement and to pray with and for her. |
A few changes have taken place this month amongst the staff here at Grace Church Orkney. The younger Matt has finished his internship and has left us for his next season in life. We pray that He walks forward strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might and look forward to seeing what the Lord has next for him.
The remaining staff have all started new training programs under Mez’s direction. This involves reading, writing essays, delivering sermons and devotionals, and giving critical and constructive feedback. This is all done to help the staff grow in their love of Christ, to see the importance of good Bible interpretation, and to build them up and equip them better for ministry.
Mez and Miriam were away to Shetland for a couple of days. They went to visit Burra Baptist Church who have just partnered with 20 Schemes. As well as doing some filming about the church and the need that there is, Mez preached their Sunday service and both Mez and Miriam were able to spend time with the folks there, encouraging them and building upon the existing relationship.
Below is a photo of Jake Swadling and his family. They are currently in Australia and Jake is currently fundraising to come to Burra Baptist on Shetland to pastor the church. The family are keen to get over as soon as possible to begin the work the Lord has called them to. Having a large family all dedicated to follow the Lord is a blessing but is also expensive! If you feel you would be willing to donate and support them to come over please click the link below and choose Shetland from the drop down box. you will be able to leave a message with your donation and we ask that you could write “for the Swadling family” in that box.
https://church-plants.raiselysite.com
| At the end of the month, as the nights draw in and the days get shorter, we had a light party for the kids. The theme was “Jesus Is The Light Of The World”. The kids spent a couple of house playing games, having food, making craft and singing and dancing, with glow sticks, neon balloons and lots of fun. |
We are planning and thinking about youth work for older kids and would like to start something as soon as possible. We are in need of a couple, ideally, who feel called to ministry here on Orkney as intern youth workers. Please be praying the Lord for suitable workers to come and fill the roles. |
| Prayer points Pray for the congregation that we grow in our love for Christ and follow Him in everything we do Pray we are a good witness to the community around us and are above reproach Pray for the Swadling family in Australia for them to raise the funds needed to come to Burra Baptist in Shetland as soon as possible Pray that the Lord would send children/youth workers to serve here at Grace Church Orkney Pray for the ongoing training for staff and members as they seek to serve the Lord with the gifts He has given them |