I remember the night I realised I had the wrong idea about church. I thought church was for loving myself, instead of loving others.

About ten years ago, in my Growth Group in Bathurst, we did a study series on loving our church family. One activity really changed me.

We were asked to make a list of all the different kinds of people who came to church: single mums and their kids, university students, retirees, people with non-Christian spouses, unemployed people, lonely people, and more.

Then came the question: How can you love them?

There were some answers that were a blessing to most people:

• Choosing to sit with someone new or someone on their own.
• Being kind and showing interest in them.
• Singing with joy to encourage others.
• Sharing my life and how God has been encouraging or challenging me.
• Praying with them.

I was challenged to think more about God’s hopes for me and church, rather than just what I wanted.

Hebrews 10:19–25 paints a beautiful picture of God’s hopes for his gathered church family.

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:19-25

What has shaped you and your approach to Sunday church? Have you been shaped by God’s hopes for you and his church?

Our Amazing Grace Opportunity

This past year, I’ve been so encouraged seeing people who were new to exploring Jesus welcomed by God’s people. As they experienced the kindness of God’s people, they grew to appreciate God’s kindness. And so they have then trusted Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life. Praise God! They weren’t only welcomed into St Michael’s, but into God’s family, so that they might also welcome others.

Sepid’s story shows how God’s people were kind to her, and that kindness helped her see God’s love and trust Jesus. Photographed by Gus Vichera.

Now, in our Amazing Grace series, we’re praying for more people to come. Some brought by friends, and others who just walk in. Thank you for praying and for seeing Sundays as more than just “attending.” Together, we help people experience the love of God.

Even if we come by ourselves, we can still welcome and love. Every Sunday is a chance to talk to welcome the newcomer, and show the love of Jesus.

Some of us are new to loving others at church. Some have been doing it for years. But we’re not trying to compare ourselves to the person next to us. The real question is: How can we all keep growing in love for God and others?

You can have a go at doing the activity at the bottom of this page. And you can share it with someone else so you can both get the most out of it.

Let’s keep praying. Pray that God works through our small acts of love, and beyond them, so many more people experience Jesus’ great love and take their next step with Him.

Step 1: Who is at church? Who am I praying for God to bring to church?
Write down the different kinds of people you see (or might see) in your church family.

Examples:

• Single mums with young kids
• Uni students
• Retired people
• People with non-Christian spouses
• Teenagers
• Newcomers
• Lonely people
• Those struggling with health or work

My list:

_______________________________________

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Step 2: How can I love them?
Think of simple, practical ways to show love and care on Sundays.

Examples:

• Sit with someone new
• Sing with joy to encourage others
• Ask thoughtful questions and listen well
• Offer to pray with someone
• Invite them for coffee or lunch during the week
  

My ideas:
_______________________________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

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Step 3: How can I pray before Sunday?

Examples:

• For yourself: “Father, help me come to serve. Give me eyes to see who needs love today.”
• For others: “Lord, please bring newcomers this week. Help them feel welcomed and included.”
• For the church: “Thank you for our church family. May we reflect your love so that people see Jesus clearly.”

My prayer for this Sunday:
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Hosea Luy 
Assistant Minister (9:45am & 11:30am)