Every time I think of you I give thanks to my God

Philippians 1:3 says ‘Every time I think of you I give thanks to my God.’ There is no denying that for us, as a body of Christ’s people, July is a manic month.

Camp Supreme as you have probably already heard was attended by up to 300 children and young people. On top of those that attended there were those that gave their time behind the scenes and face to face with the Campers that gave over and above, not to mention those that came and helped out at the BBQ!

I want this article to be dedicated to you, yes YOU reading this. You may not have had an opportunity to get involved in Camp Supreme but you might serve me and the rest of the leadership in other ways. Maybe you make the tea at the start of the service or being a part of the P.A. team or the worship team. Thank you for how you diligently and faithfully serve us. You are a blessing, not only to us as a leadership, but also to the rest of the New Springs family.

In truth though, you might serve the body in other ways like helping out with someone’s children when the parents are poorly or visiting someone in the week who is sick and needs a bit of ‘God with skin on’.

Do you know how much we value you? Can you take the scripture at the beginning personally? Whatever you give big or small, seen or unseen I just want to tell you how much you are appreciated, not just by me and the leadership but also by the rest of the brothers and sisters here at New Springs.

Us caring for each other makes us family and I am so privileged to watch how you selflessly care for one another.

Some of you may remember that a few weeks ago I spoke to you about getting involved and I shared the areas where you could make your mark for Jesus (because we all need to remember that’s who we’re actually doing it for). I was so overwhelmed by the response and I think the turn out for Camp this year has been so outstanding that I actually feel a bit speechless (Jen will be delighted – but don’t worry it won’t last long).

We asked you to come and you came. We shared with you where we were struggling and you turned up to serve.

Can I thank just you again.

In Psalm 133 it says this:

1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

There is nothing more rewarding for a Pastor than to see a person eagerly follow after Christ and service is most definitely a part of serving our Lord Jesus.

You might be reading this thinking ‘what about me?’. For some reason or another you might be struggling at the moment to find your place. There might also be personal issues that are holding you back, don’t worry, seasons like this come to us all at times. But, can I encourage you that your season has an expiry date! We are excited that one day, with God’s help and some encouragement you will find a place to serve where you feel fulfilled.

Can I encourage you to allow the rest of the church family to help strengthen you (try not to shut people out), read the Bible and fill yourself with its treasures… talk to God and be honest, allow Him to strengthen you and show you where to start.

It is really important that you know that you are loved right now, just as you are, saved or not, serving or not! This love firstly comes from God, but secondly comes from us and from the rest of the church family.

We don’t just love you because you do helpful stuff!

The brutal truth is that is does help church life run a bit smoother when you find a part to play and it is so encouraging when we see you surrender a bit of your personal time or energy (especially when it hurts) in support of someone else.

But, you are loved regardless of whether you feel you can help out or not. If you know you’re struggling a bit, maybe you’re not sure where you might fit best, why not come and talk to one of us. We’d love to talk it through with you.

In closing, can I just thank you for all your messages of love and support after the car accident last Sunday morning. I appreciated the love you showed me and my family. I thank God that He kept me safe and all I can do is praise Him for His hand of protection on my life! He is truly watching over us friends, don’t doubt it!