Copy of Remar Church Issue #5

Church Newsletter | Issue #05

June 2024

Remar Church

WHATS HAPPENING AT REMAr

Verse of the Week

XXIX Remar International Congress, Portugal

A Message from Pastor Luis Brito

Last fortnight, I had the opportunity to be in Portugal and take part in

Remar’s XXlX International Congress, an inspiring event that brought together a large family of faith, strengthening the wonderful vision and commitment to the work of Remar in Portugal, and all over the world.

We enjoyed three days full of communion, teaching of the Word and blessings, creating an atmosphere of unity and strengthening the faith of all those attending.

Remar keeps bringing hope and transformation to the lives of people that need it most.

At a personal level it was a time to renew myself in the Lord, breaking the distance barriers and enjoying the fellowship with brothers who have been part of this journey for the last four decades.

All the glory and honour to our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

”Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Hebrews 12:3

Important Dates

Sunday Church - Starts 11am

Coming Soon

10 Pin Bowling - July 14th. Reach out to Nicolas to confirm your spot.

Baptisms - Date to be confirmed. Reach out to Ps Luis if you would like to be Baptised

Fundraiser Dinner - Join us in September for a night of fellowship and raise funds for our Ministry.

More details to come!

Wednesdays @ Remar Church

Community Meals - 5pm every Wednesday

We hold a meeting every Wednesday at our church site so if you’d like to join us, make sure to checkout the information below!

Monthly Schedule:

Week 1 (Wednesday): Open Heaven (Worship) night.

Week 2 (Wednesday): Bible Study

Week 3 (Wednesday): Community Meeting

Week 4 (Wednesday): Bible Study

Week 5(Alternating 5th Wednesday

of the month): Bible Study

All sessions start at 7pm

Christians have always valued dining together for its deep symbolism, representing service, love, unity, and fostering genuine fellowship and community. In a time where a lot of our communication occurs through texts and emails, face-to-face interactions are so important for authentic communication. Sharing a meal ideally brings us into direct contact with others, facilitating genuine human connection and meaningful conversation.

During His ministry here on earth, we see Jesus frequently sharing a meal, engaging with people, and promoting genuine community and fellowship among His disciples. Jesus invites us to do the same and gather around His table, where we experience fellowship with Him and one another. The early church continued this practice by regularly meeting in homes to "break bread together," symbolizing their unity in Christ (Acts 2:46). In Romans 12:13 we read hospitality emphasised as a crucial aspect of Christian life. And ultimately, our eternal communion with God and fellow believers is depicted as the joyous marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:6–10).

Recently, on a cold, early Saturday morning, some of the women from our church gathered for a breakfast, sharing a warm meal and their personal journeys. This simple gathering provided a wonderful opportunity to deepen their connections outside the church walls and foster deeper relationships.

In an increasingly divided and isolated world, our church's authentic relationships and loving community will be what stands out as a compelling witness.

Let’s be recognized for engaging in interactions that reflect genuine care, embodying the spirit of personal connection and fellowship found in Christ.

And remember!-”Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 12:3)

Winter

Womens Breakfast

A Personal Reflection on Last Sunday's Sermon -"Rediscovering God's Personality"

‘Because you are His son, God sent the spirit of His son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, Abba Father.’ - Galatians 4:6

By understanding God’s personality, you discover a deep personal relationship with God – this thought-provoking concept was explored in Pastor Don’s sermon on ‘rediscovering God’s personality’. Jesus embodies the personality of God. It is through Him we understand who God is. Having been brought up in a ritualistic faith environment, I have spent years un-learning and re-learning who God is (and I am still learning). He is not a God who punishes or someone we must prove we are good enough to earn His favour. Instead, He is love. He is my safe space. He is understanding. He is compassionate. He is fun! He brings Joy. He is someone who knows me intimately and accepts me just the way I am. In a world, where trust is easily broken, it is in God we can fully trust, knowing He will never fail us. There are days I need to be reminded of the amazing God we serve and the relationship we can all have with the creator of the universe. Where are you with your relationship with God? Or rather how well do you know Him?

Father, reveal yourself to us daily. Help us to let go of our own limited thinking of who you are and help us see you. Open our hearts and break every barrier that might hinder us from having a deep personal relationship with you. Amen.

By Christabel Joy Seneviratne

Watch or Listen to Pastor Don’s sermon "Rediscovering God's Personality" on our webpage: remaraustralia.org or via our Remar Church Facebook page

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remar Church- 49 Bald Hill Rd Pakenham

remaraustralia.org

“Be grateful everyday.”

Church Newsletter | Issue #05

June 2024

1-How and when did you come to be a part of Remar Church?

Michelle - Graeme and I bought a house in Nyora in 2013 after living in Berwick for about 14 years. We had been active participants of the congregation at BCoC since coming to faith in Christ in 2005. We thought we would continue our connection at BCoC but at that time, in 2013, Graeme's job took us to Adelaide for 2 years and on our return to Nyora in 2015 we felt led to seek out a local faith community rather than returning to BCoC. After visiting a few other churches in the area we visited Remar in May 2016 and instantly felt it was where God wanted us. We have been part of the Remar family ever since.

Graeme- See Michelle’s answer above.

2-What is something we don't know about you?

Michelle- I love to write although I have not been doing much of this lately. After studying theology and pastoral care for 8 years I became a bit tired of composing essays with thousands of words and have taken a bit of an extended break for a few years. Prior to my studies I started a blog in 2011 called "shellswords" and still dream of writing book one day. Here's a link: https://shellswords.wordpress.com

Graeme- I once played football against Gary Ablett Senior. In 1977 I played for Korumburra Under 16’s in the West Gippsland Football league against Drouin Under 16’s. I was playing the position of ruck rover and my direct opponent on the day was Gary Ablet senior. I kept him to 1 goal for the day I think and we lost by 5 points.

3-What is your favourite thing to do outside of church/ministry?

Michelle - My favourite thing to do is cook. I love looking at recipes, planning special food for special events, sharing food with friends and family. For the last few years I have been working at learning how to bake sourdough bread and occasionally do sourdough croissants or cinnamon scrolls. I'm also quite partial to chocolate sourdough but try not to make this too often.

Graeme- Anyone that knows me will know that I am a passionate vintage tractor collector and restorer. I do this with my son Steven and we have been doing it together for more than 20 years. We have a collection of 19 vintage tractors, the oldest was made in 1925 and the newest was made in 1967. All but 4 of them run, the other 4 are either in progress or waiting their turn in the workshop.

4-What do you love about our church?

Michelle - What I love about Remar is that it feels like family. Everyone is accepted and welcome just as they are.

Graeme- What I love about Remar is seeing the changed lives of the guys that go through the program. Michelle and my family members have issues with addiction and when we see a person go through the program and see how God has changed and restored them it gives us hope for our family members.

5-What has God been talking to you about lately?

Michelle - God is always teaching me about trusting him, that he is for me and that there is purpose in everything. He will use any circumstance to remind me that he knows exactly where I'm at, the state of my heart, and that he will work all things for good, for my good, for the good of others, when I surrender it to his will. This is really hard to learn and to do.

Graeme- God recently shown me some very encouraging things and I am taking that to mean that the change we are praying for is coming and that we just need to wait and keep praying.

5 Minutes 5 Questions with...........

Michelle & Graeme