Remar Church Issue #10

Church Newsletter | Issue #10

September 2024

Remar Church

WHATS HAPPENING AT REMAr

Verse of the Week

New Creations

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians 5:17

Important Dates

Sunday Church - Starts 11am

Coming Soon

Men’s Breakfast October

Fundraiser Dinner - Join us 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)

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

Last weekend was a special occasion where 11 members of our church made the life-changing decision to be baptised. It was a touching service, as each individual publicly declared their faith in Jesus. Not only was it beautiful to witness the unity and joy among those being baptised and their families, but also the atmosphere of celebration and renewal, as our Remar church family grew closer in faith and support for one another.

Each person being baptised shared a heartfelt testimony, reflecting on their journey of faith, the struggles they had overcome, and the peace they found in Christ. It was incredible to hear stories of deliverance from addiction, healing from past wounds, and the undeniable power of God’s grace. These testimonies moved many of us who were there, reminding us of the transformative power of Christ’s love.

In Christ, we are no longer defined by our past mistakes, addictions, or trauma. We are made new, redeemed, and restored. As we embrace this new identity, we are empowered to walk in freedom, overcoming the challenges that once bound us, and living fully in the abundant life He promises.

For those burdened by trauma and pain, Jesus offers healing and restoration. He understands our suffering, as He, too, endured so much pain for our sake. Isaiah 53:5 reminds us, "By His wounds we are healed."

Through Jesus, we can find comfort in knowing that our brokenness can be mended. As we walk with Him, He gradually replaces our pain with peace, our sorrow with joy, and our fear with hope.

“The old has passed away- behold, the new has come!”

Is there someone you know who needs to hear this good news ?

A Personal Reflection on Last Sunday's Sermon “It’s Just A Chapter”

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

We are passing THROUGH the valley, yet it feels like it never ends. Pain, disappointment, anger, hurt are all feelings that are hard to deal with in the valley, but it is a special place. It is a good place. It is a place of increased intimacy with God. It is a place God wants us to experience what He can do. It is a place we grow as children of God. Pastor Luis uses the analogy of a book to represent our life and the valley represents just one chapter in that book. This really gives us perspective on how we should approach those periods in our life. Like it says in verse 4, we will come out on the other side but how we choose to respond to what we might be experiencing in the valley determines how long we are in the valley and how we will come out. We reap what we sow. Whilst this might make sense – it is hard. Do you know when you are in the valley? Pastor Luis talks about what gets influenced when you are there:

Your feelings.
Your mind is in the past.

In my personal reflection, I have come to realise, these two things are also what I have control over to go through my “valley” moments in a way that pleases God. Where do I take my feelings? Does it go to complain, to gossip, to blame? Where does my mind go? Does it play back all those instances in the past when I have been disappointed or hurt? Haven’t we all at some point done that? What did it do for us? It made me more angry, bitter, and resentful. Is this God or is it from Satan? If the valley is just a chapter, we know it will end. If God is with us in the valley, we know how it will end. He is good. He will get us through to the other side. The other side is a promise and God keeps His promise. He NEVER fails.

What season are you in? What is God speaking to you in this chapter of your life? Do not waste it – He is always working to make all things work for your good.

Dear Father, thank you for your faithfulness in every season. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. Help me in this season I am in. Help me hear your voice in my life and stay on the path you would like me to walk. Help me take my thoughts captive and honour you in everything I do. In Jesus name. Amen

By Christabel Joy Seneviratne.

Help us help others

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remar Church- 49 Bald Hill Rd Pakenham

“Be grateful everyday.”

remaraustralia.org

Church Newsletter | Issue #10

September 2024

5 Minutes

5 Questions with...

1. How & When did you come to be a part of Remar?

Ricky- I became a part of Remar ministry in May 2022. Being a part of a Christian ministry was an important decision and choice I made.

Matt- I came to Remar on January 23rd, 2023. I was on a waiting list for another rehab when I was told about Remar. There were rooms available, so I met pastor Luis on a Saturday and came to Remar the following Monday

Robbie- I first Came to Remar Australia about 18 years at King Lake when my brother-in-law brought me to Remar because I was drinking alcohol a little too much and was a bit under the weather. And then after the fires, I came with Pastor Luis to Remar here in Nyora. Since then, I haven’t touched a drink for years and am walking straight.

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

Ricky - I was in a movie when I was 5 or 6 years old. It was NZ film. Can't recall the name, it was a long time ago!!

Matt - My gran is 101 years old. She has prayed for me my whole life.

Robbie - I worked at a tool making factory for early 30 years and I got a gold watch when I left. It must be a good one because it still works!

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

Ricky – Spending time with family and friends especially any type of sporting activities. I really like laying on the beach with my headphones on with a good history book.

Matt - Spend time with family at my grandparent’s

farm or spend time with my girlfriend and her family

Robbie - I love sitting on the veranda on the farm with my radio, a can of soft drink and a few Tim Tams- (Karina doesn’t know!)

4. What do you love about our church?

Ricky – I love the rawness of our church. Not only do you hear the honesty, but you can also see the changes in people's lives. And what I really appreciate are the friendships and relationship's that I'm building and becoming a part of.

Matt - I love seeing the changes god makes in people. Watching him rebuild lives.

Robbie - I like the church, it is well run. The songs are good, I like talking to all the people. I love saying hello to people and asking how their day is going.

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

Ricky – Perseverance and patience. I believe in surrounding yourself with good people that will support and build you up. Because God only gives you things which you can carry. "For I know the plans I have for you declares the lord", plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah 29.11

Matt - Be patient and don't judge others. I can't change the way people act but I can change the way I react to others.

Robbie- Get more of Jesus and God . And pray more!