<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:rssdatehelper="urn:rssdatehelper"><channel><title>Pastoral Leaders RSS</title><link>http://www.bridgeman.org.au</link><pubDate></pubDate><generator>umbraco</generator><description>An RSS feed of the Pastoral Leaders written by our church leaders.</description><language>en</language><item><title>Sunday May 19</title><link>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-may-19.aspx</link><pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 10:18:31 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-may-19.aspx</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ 
<p>Today, on this Pentecost Sunday, we are giving God the glory for
His great goodness to us!<br />
<br />
It was almost two years ago that we set out to follow God's call to
make more room through the development of 'The House' property. The
verse that captured the heart of this call was 2 Corinthians 4:15.
<em>And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be
great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.<br />
<br />
</em>The project involved the need to raise $1,000,000 through the
Everyone Reaching More appeal in order to see this project become a
reality. Over the last two years many people having given
generously and sacrificially towards this project and we have been
so aware of God's amazing provision. Today it is with great
anticipation that we now stand just $1,781 short of our completed
target. This is nothing short of a miracle!<br />
<br />
We are trusting that 'The Loose Change Offering' we are taking up
across all our services today will help get us over the line. What
a great way to celebrate reaching this final target with the
opportunity for everyone, from the very youngest to the oldest, to
play their part in building God's kingdom through this final
offering. God's kingdom is not built on the efforts of a few but
the generous contribution of many operating together in unity and
love as His body.<br />
<br />
God's timing is perfect as we also give thanks today for the final
building approvals coming through late last week after much prayer
and overcoming numerous obstacles. Nic, our builder, is now looking
to start construction in just four weeks time. Today in between our
morning services we will be 'breaking ground' up at The House
property and praying over the project. We will be praying
particularly for our builder Nic and architect Russ who are sharing
with us today. We also want to pass on our sincere thanks today to
Russ for working so tirelessly over the last few months to help us
get the final approvals through. He has been a gift from God to us
in this project and his assistance is greatly appreciated.<br />
<br />
We are also excited to have Jenny and Helenarh being baptized at
our 8.00am service and Jan and Bucky being baptized at our 10.00am
service. I couldn't think of a better way to top off the
celebrations today as we remember again what this is all
about…seeing lives transformed through the power of the Gospel. I
know you will be blessed and encouraged by their stories.<br />
<br />
Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part
in the Yes We Care day yesterday. It was officially our biggest
ever with 93 jobs and over 350 volunteers. Special thanks to Brad
Taylor, David Clegg, Barry MacDonald and Pastor Jodi Traves who
spent hours coordinating this great day of blessing for our
community.<br />
<br />
I am continually in awe of how great our God is and His
faithfulness to us as His people. Today we give Him all the glory
for the great things He has done and look forward to all He is yet
to do.<br />
<br />
<em>'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord
Almighty.</em> Zechariah 4:6<br />
<br />
Nathan</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sunday May 12</title><link>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-may-12.aspx</link><pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 10:53:30 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-may-12.aspx</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ 
<p>On this Mothers' Day, I want to express a very warm welcome to
all those who may be visiting with us. Mothers' day provides a
wonderful opportunity to again thank our heavenly Father for those
who brought us into the world and those who have nurtured and cared
for us as we grew and developed. For those who have mums here
today, we pray you will be filled with joy and thankfulness. For
those whose mums can't be with us because they are in other places,
including some whose mums are now with Christ, we pray that you too
will be filled with gratitude to God.<br />
<br />
It was great to hear of so many attending <em>'Breakfast for the
Girls'</em> yesterday. As I write, the number booked in was over
230. We are praying the Lord would continue to move powerfully
through the women's work in our church. On this mothers' day it is
also a great joy to have Pastor Jodi Traves sharing God's Word with
us.<br />
<br />
Some long awaited and much prayed about good news came last week!
The officers in the drainage section of the Brisbane City Council
have now approved the proposed sewerage plan. Praise God! This
means that project works will be commencing very shortly. Praise
God! We have a strong sense that this is God's perfect timing. A
month ago we still needed a $100,000 to reach our <em>Everyone
Reaching More</em> (ERM) goal. Today just $5,000 remains and we
believe by next Sunday the $1,000,000 will be fully met. The timing
also works well for our builder Nic and even next Sunday's special
celebration was planned by faith before we had received the final
okay from the council. The Holy Spirit is leading us according to
His perfect timing.<br />
<br />
Make sure you are with us next Sunday, as we share morning tea
between the services up on the top property, hold a very short
'ground breaking' service at 9.30am and celebrate all the Lord's
goodness to us over the past two years of preparation.<br />
During the services we will be taking up our 'Loose Change'
offering. We trust that every person, including all the children,
will bring some coins to share in this final corporate offering for
the <em>Everyone Reaching More</em> appeal. We pray there will be
great joy as we sing, give thanks and place our 'loose change' in
offering buckets at the front of the church.&nbsp; There are also
three baptisms planned for next Sunday. Jenny who comes from
Nafinua, in Solomon Islands, (where we are about to build a third
stage of Fera'abu Bible College) will be baptised at the 8.00am
service and Jan and Bucky who met Jesus last year, will be baptised
at the 10.00am service. (If you have been thinking about being
baptised, a class is being held 3.15pm today and next Sunday in the
library.) We are believing for a Pentecost Sunday overflowing with
the joy of the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
There's a wonderful opportunity to let the joy of Jesus fill you
not only next Sunday but also next Saturday as we head out for
<em>'Yes We Care'</em>. Working with others in our church family
and serving the needy through practical acts of kindness, always
fills&nbsp; you full to overflowing. Proverbs&nbsp; 21:25 says,
<em>"When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous."</em>
Our heavenly Father is full of grace, mercy, goodness, and love and
we are so blessed to know and serve Him.<br />
<br />
<strong>Peter</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sunday May 5</title><link>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-may-5.aspx</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 15:26:40 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-may-5.aspx</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ 
<p>God continues to lead us as a church to assist and care for
those in need in our world and show His love in very practical
ways. God's heart breaks over the injustice, suffering and evil so
present around us and has given us an opportunity to be His hands
and feet, bringing His good news that changes everything!<br />
<br />
This week we received a letter from someone who has experienced
this blessing. They wrote the following;<br />
<em>For the last few years it has been a very difficult time for
myself and my daughters. I have been very thankful for all the help
we have received from Bridgeman. Bridgeman people came on the 'Yes
We Care Day' in 2012 and helped scrub walls and windows in
preparation to sell our house. A group of five young men from one
of the&nbsp; Connect Groups then came in and did many other odd
jobs. At Christmas, Bridgeman young people brought around a food
hamper that too was greatly appreciated. I and my girls have seen
the love of Christ in very practical ways. I would like to say
thank you so much and would like to contribute to the ERM project
so that others too may be blessed.<br />
<br />
</em>What an affirmation and encouragement to receive this letter
just two weeks out from our next Yes We Care day. We now have 80
homes nominated and need over 200 helpers! Don't miss this
opportunity to be part of sharing the love of Christ and
experiencing His blessing. You can register today at the info table
in the courtyard. This week we also farewelled the Solomon Islands
preparation team. This group of six men are preparing the way for
our main team of 35 people who will be heading over in the
June/July holidays to build a ladies' dormitory at the Fera'abu
Bible College. This is another one of the ways we are seeking as a
church to help others in our world with little in the way of
material resources and spread the good news of Jesus. Thanks to
many who continue to give generously to this project. We now have
only $7,800 to raise to meet the $70,000 needed.<br />
<br />
Finally, today as we meet there are over 60 men away at our men's
retreat. We are so thankful for all God is doing through our men's
ministry and the lives that are being impacted in a powerful way.
Pray for them this morning as they meet for their final session.
And for ladies of all ages we have something special for you next
Saturday also. Don't miss 'Breakfast for the Girls' featuring guest
speaker Ruth Knight. This is a great way to celebrate Mothers' Day
and an opportunity to invite a friend or family member as Ruth
shares her inspiring story. All the information is on page 5 of
your Newsletter today.<br />
<br />
Thanks again to so many in this church with a passion and heart to
show Christ's love so generously to others. It is this heart that
enables God to continue to bless us as His people in many ways. I
pray that wherever you are on your journey you will be so aware of
His presence as you share with us today.<br />
<br />
<strong>Nathan</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sunday April 28</title><link>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-april-28.aspx</link><pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:47:44 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-april-28.aspx</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ 
<p>Last Monday survey drawings were lodged with the department of
Natural Resources and Mines, in order to amalgamate three of our
property deeds into one. This is required in order to resubmit our
sewerage plans to the Brisbane City Council. On Tuesday we received
an email from our solicitor to say that the deeds had already been
changed. He concluded his email with the following comment…
<em>This is probably a record for the creation of a new title deed
- one day is pretty amazing.</em> Praise God for causing this
process to be so short and please continue to pray that that our
sewerage resubmission to the BCC would be a similar story.<br />
<br />
Following another substantial gift last week, we now need only a
further $17,500 to reach our <em>Everyone Reaching More</em> goal
of $1 million. It's amazing to think that over the past two years a
further $500,000 each year has been given and raised over and above
budget. Thank you to everyone who has given so generously and a
special thank you to the fund-raising team who have worked so hard
over that period. As we draw near to reaching this goal we are
planning to take up one final, special offering in which we would
love everyone to participate.<br />
<br />
Over the past two years many have given goods from their homes to
be sold at our garage sales. Many also gave away jewellery in a
special offering which raised over $20,000. The final corporate
offering we would love everyone to share in, is our 'Loose Change'
offering. We want to encourage everyone who has a heart to&nbsp;
share in this offering, to scour your homes and cars for any coins
that may have accumulated in containers or compartments and bring
them in on Sunday May 19. We realise this will raise only a
relatively small amount, but we did want to give everyone,
including all our children, the opportunity to share together in a
final offering. We are trusting by this date that we will be very
near to our $1 million goal and be able to celebrate all the Lord's
amazing provision.<br />
<br />
Between our two morning services on that same morning
(9.00-10.00am) we are&nbsp; planning to hold a special morning tea
up on The House property. We will celebrate the commencement of the
project by holding a very short breaking-ground service and commit
the building project to the Lord. Do plan to be with us on this
special day of celebration and thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
Around 70 people attended last Wednesday's corporate prayer
meeting. We prayed over the single mums Love to You, Yes We Care,
the Solomon Islands' project, Men's Camp, our church plants, those
overseas from our church family, the building project, lost people
and much more. There are so many opportunities to reach out and so
many are involved in mission. I received this email the following
day... <em>Just a quick note to say 'Thank you' for the meeting
last night. Much was done in the heavenly realms. Also, I wanted to
share with you something that someone in our group said when
praying over the building project… 'The more people who come, will
allow the arms of Bridgey to reach right around the world'. I
immediately thought in terms of both directly ministering (reaching
more people groups) and in supporting those involved in missions
overseas. Just wanted to encourage you, that there are people who
share with you the vision of an outward looking church.<br />
<br />
'Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the Lord, 'and
work. For I am with you,' declares the Lord Almighty'</em> (Haggai
2:4).<br />
<br />
<strong>Peter</strong></p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sunday April 21</title><link>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-april-21.aspx</link><pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:18:34 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-april-21.aspx</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ 
<p>Last week we received news that the Tribunal upheld the refusal
notice of the Brisbane City Council concerning our present sewerage
plans. These plans had previously been&nbsp;agreed to in our
development application. This prevents us pressing forward
immediately, but we are praying that one of the options to resolve
this issue (the least costly), the amalgamation of three of our
four properties, will satisfy Brisbane City Council officers. This
will permit the spread of effluent from <em>The House</em> property
onto gardens over the rest of the property. The church council has
instigated the amalgamation process and we are also preparing to
resubmit our sewerage plan. Both these processes are likely to take
some weeks, so please continue to pray that this will resolve the
situation and enable us to commence building in the near
future.<br />
<br />
The Lord has been powerfully affirming that He is with us as we
press on to complete the things we believe He has called us to do.
Neil Bernard reminded us in last weeks morning sermon from Romans 8
...<em>that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according to his purpose</em> (v.28).
Todd Langford in last Sunday evening's sermon directed us to the
book of Haggai. Chapter 2:4 says <em>"Be strong, all you people of
the land,' declares the Lord, 'and work. For I am with you,'
declares the Lord."</em> The day after the Tribunal reported, my
reading in <em>Encounter with God</em>, (reflecting on the rescue
by God at the Red Sea in Exodus 15,) said ...<em>the Lord majestic
and awesome</em> (v.11) <em>whose right hand initiates the winning
moves</em> (v.6,12). It was as though the Lord sent word after word
assuring us that He is in control of all things and He is working
out His master plan.<br />
<br />
Added to these words has been the recent flood of financial
blessings. The $1,000,000 <em>Everyone Reaching More</em> appeal,
now stands at $970,000. How we are looking forward to the day when
this two year goal is fully met! The Solomon Islands' Project
appeal of $70,000 is now only $8,000 away from being met. How we
look forward to sending the team of 35 people in June to construct
another stage of the Fera'abu Bible College. The weekly budget is
now just $300 short of its weekly goal of $37,624. How we look
forward to meeting the budget in full before 30 June. In the face
of the obstacles and challenges we are experiencing, the Lord has
reminded us that the <em>silver and gold</em> are indeed his
(Haggai 2:8)!<br />
<br />
Next Wednesday evening we have called a special corporate prayer
meeting to pray over the sewerage resubmission to the Brisbane City
Council and the commencement of building works on the top property.
We will also be committing the Solomon's project to the Lord,
asking the Lord to bless Hope Baptist, which is having its
community launch today, praying about some of the ministry visions
we are considering in the new financial year, and continuing to ask
the Lord to send revival. We want to keep crying out to the Lord,
asking for His leading and provision and praying that He would move
powerfully in our hearts. <em>So the Lord stirred up the spirit of
Zerubbabel... governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua... the
high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people</em>
(Haggai 1:14).<br />
<br />
Our God is mighty!<br />
<br />
<strong>Peter</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sunday April 14</title><link>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-april-14.aspx</link><pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:12:47 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-april-14.aspx</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ 
<p>We have just had an amazing week with over 300 children
attending our holiday Buzz program. We also had over 80 leaders
many of whom are still in high school and a huge team of helpers
(30-40) in the kitchen and other support roles. As I write these
words, I am hearing from my office 350+ children, young people and
adults singing <em>One Way! Jesus! You're the one I'm living
for!</em> What a blessing to be part of the greatest kingdom there
is on earth. I thought of some of the words Patricia shared in her
Good Friday testimony… <em>"I remember my younger brother and I
went to a Good News Club that was being held by some neighbours for
all the neighbourhood kids. It was the first time I had heard about
Jesus, about God and about all the wonderful love that He has for
us".</em> &nbsp;What an incredible joy to be telling so many
children about the love of Jesus this week and I wonder how many
stories will be told, even many years later, of hearts that were
first impacted by the gospel at Buzz 2013.<br />
<br />
A very big thank you to Pastor Trish and all the leaders and
helpers who did such a brilliant job in loving so many children and
telling them the good news. A young boy came up to me a few moments
ago and said <em>"I'm having an awesome day!"</em> I also wanted to
say thank you to everyone who has given financially over the years
and supported property projects. If you could see the facilities
being filled with children then your heart would soar in gratitude,
as mine did, for the amazing privilege of&nbsp; being able to share
in God's great plans to bless our community. Praise
God!&nbsp;<br />
<br />
It was the large numbers of children and young people on the
property which reminded me of the urgency concerning the planned
developments on The House property. The renovation of <em>The
Shed</em> to create another great meeting place for kids on Sunday
mornings and young people on Friday evenings, a covered walkway so
the kids can always arrive dry at <em>The House</em> as well as
additional car parking spaces for everyone, are desperately needed.
We received a fair hearing at The Tribunal this week concerning the
setback which has arisen about sewerage treatment plans. Russ, our
architect, and Rob, our treasurer, made a very clear presentation
concerning our desire to proceed with the plans, already agreed to
in our development application. The Tribunal chairman is expected
to present his ruling sometime this week. Last Tuesday the church
council initiated a process to amalgamate three of our four
properties. This will overcome a legal requirement not to disperse
effluent from one title deed to another (even though we own all
three properties) but the Brisbane City Council representatives
made very clear this would not guarantee approval of our current
sewerage plan. Do keep praying that this very important matter will
soon be resolved .<br />
<br />
For our encouragement to keep pressing forward in the midst of the
current obstacles, we received two very significant gifts for our
<em>Everyone Reaching More</em> Appeal and also another promised
gift, which together total $70,000. What amazing&nbsp;timing that
in such a difficult week, our God would remind us that He is
sovereign over all things and that He will provide all we need so
children and young people and adults in our community will keep
hearing the good news about Jesus. Our prayer is&nbsp;that the
remaining $32,000 of our $1,000,000 million ERM goal will soon be
reached and we will be rejoicing that we are able to welcome more
than ever before.<br />
<br />
And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be
great <em>thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more
glory</em> (2 Corinthians 4:15).<br />
<br />
<strong>Peter&nbsp;</strong></p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sunday April 7</title><link>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-april-7.aspx</link><pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:46:17 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-april-7.aspx</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ 
<p>Last week I looked back through my journal and noted just some
of the Lord's blessings since the beginning of the year…<br />
<br />
¨&nbsp;Early in January we were able to interview the footballer
Brad Thorn. It was an amazing answer to Pastor's Nathan's big
prayer from 2011. The auditorium was packed and at least one man
met Jesus through the outreach.<br />
¨&nbsp;We had another huge Garage Sale with thousands coming from
the community, lots of amazing answers to prayer and opportunities
to share faith and a great financial outcome of $65,000. We gave
away $7,500 to the Bundaberg flood victims and $7,500 to the
Solomon Islands project.<br />
¨&nbsp;Jonathan Harris was welcomed as a part-time Pastor of the
church with a special focus on the youth. 130 high schoolers and 30
leaders attended the SWITCH camp where God blessed many
lives.<br />
¨&nbsp;Hope Baptist led by Pastor Dan and Elissa Perkins began
meeting at Burpengary with a congregation of up to 90 people. More
than $40,000 was given to support this new church plant.<br />
¨&nbsp;Over a 1000 people participated in the weekly Connect Group
series <em>When God's people pray</em>. Reports flowed of many
prayers being answered. Around 600-700&nbsp; people attended the
special prayer night at the conclusion of this series. It was an
amazing evening full of God's presence.<br />
¨&nbsp;Many people have experienced healing. At a powerful healing
service there were testimonies to God's healing power and a couple
committed their lives to Christ a week after attending the
service.<br />
¨&nbsp;More people attended the Easter services than ever before.
At the 10 am service on Resurrection Sunday 900+ people were
present in the Main Auditorium and Chapel and over 390 cars were on
or around the property (what a reminder of our need for additional
car parks and safer traffic flow!). Throughout the Easter services
a number of children and adults received Bible packs as they
responded to the good news.&nbsp;<br />
¨&nbsp;Again we have sought to fulfil God's mission for us as a
church to <em>welcome the crowds speak to them about the kingdom of
God and heal those who need healing</em> (Luke 9 :11) <em>and thus
far has the Lord helped us</em> (1 Samuel 7:12).<br />
<br />
As we look ahead to the tasks of this new term, constructing the
planned developments on The House property, (please keep praying
that the sewerage issue would soon be resolved), raising the final
$100,000 to complete the <em>Everyone Reaching More</em> appeal,
sending a team to Solomon Islands, ministering to hundreds of
children at Holiday Buzz next week and much more, then we need to
again cry out for the Lord's help and empowering. In the
Application Bible it comments on the events in 1 Samuel 4 with
these words... <em>Spiritual victories come through continually
renewed relationship with God. Don't live off the past. Keep your
relationship new and fresh.</em> That's our prayer as we set out in
this term, that we will stay close to our great God. For our
encouragement we read these words in Isaiah 51:2... <em>Abraham was
only one man when I called him.&nbsp;But when I blessed him, he
became a great nation. The comment in the Application Bible said If
we Christians, even a faithful few remain faithful, then what can
God do?<br />
</em>I look forward to seeing all that the Lord is going to do in
the term ahead as together we seek to faithfully follow Him.<br />
<br />
<strong>Peter</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sunday March 31</title><link>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-march-31.aspx</link><pubDate>Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:42:27 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-march-31.aspx</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ 
<p>On this Resurrection Sunday, I did want to give a very warm
welcome to all those who are visiting or have come at the
invitation of a friend or family member. We pray you will feel
uplifted and encouraged as you worship with us and do
stay&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; afterwards in the
courtyard for a tea or coffee.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago someone drew my attention to the small garden
bed in the café area. It had been looking a little the worse for
wear but our garden expert&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Desley and her husband
Brendan, had stoned the garden bed and created a great little herb
garden which Lyn can use in our meals. I love seeing
transformation&nbsp; projects around the church. Mal has recently
serviced all the car park lights (a very big job) and David and
Graham did some trimming, so a number of areas which had grown dull
on the property are now bathed in light. I love seeing places which
are meant to shine, shining brightly. Brian and his team have just
completed renovating two rooms at the side of the main auditorium.
Walls removed, cupboards and doorways built and so two areas have
now become of much greater usefulness than ever before. I love
renovations, seeing spaces looking good and being effectively used
for kingdom purposes.<br />
<br />
On this Easter Sunday we are reminded of the greatest renovation
work this world has ever seen. All that would diminish and destroy
life has now been overcome through the death and resurrection of
Jesus. His kingdom has now broken into our world and He has begun
to make everything new. It's like the dawning of a new day as the
signs of light increasingly infiltrate the darkness. More and more
lives are being liberated, forgiven, healed and transformed by the
power of His Spirit. The fullness of this new day is yet to come,
but for everyone who has been made a child of God, along too with
all of creation, there is an eager expectation as we await that
great day. Romans 8:20, 23, 24 says <em>"...with eager hope, the
creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children
in glorious freedom from death and decay... we, too, wait with
eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as His
adopted children, including the new bodies He has promised us. We
were given this hope when we were saved."</em> What a great day is
coming when the fullness of God's great renovating work will be
revealed. On this Easter Resurrection Sunday we celebrate with
great joy and thankfulness as we expectantly await the coming of
our Saviour.<br />
<br />
Until that great day comes, we love sharing the good news about
Jesus. In the second week of the school holidays (April 10-12) we
are holding a fantastic three-day program for kids in prep to grade
6. Pastor Trish is co-coordinating this special event, called
<em>The Big Top</em>. More than 120 children are already registered
and 70+ leaders have volunteered to help. It's going to be an
awesome, fun-filled time and it's not too late to join in. Details
are in the today's newsletter and you can register your child/ren
at the Information Table.<br />
<br />
Have a very blessed and refreshing Easter and keep looking forward
to that amazing day when all things will be made new!<br />
<br />
<strong>Peter</strong></p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sunday March 24</title><link>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-march-24.aspx</link><pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:22:36 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-march-24.aspx</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ 
<p>Last week I spoke to someone who began her spiritual journey at
<em>Easter Live at the Tent</em> 2012. She told me how she had
prayed aloud for the very first time in a special meeting held for
someone in our church family last Monday week. On the Wednesday of
that same week, she attended the <em>Dwell Among Us</em> prayer
meeting where we asked the Lord to open the doors of people's
hearts. Later in that week she was talking to a former neighbour
whose husband was undergoing surgery.&nbsp;<br />
As they talked on the phone she felt prompted to ask if she could
pray for her old neighbour. The reply was a yes and as she began
praying aloud over the phone she heard crying at the other end. She
later rang the husband who was in hospital.<br />
He was a man who had been very closed to anything spiritual but she
again felt strongly prompted by the Holy Spirit to ask if she could
pray for him.<br />
Very surprisingly, he too said yes and as she prayed, again she
heard weeping at the other end. How great is our God! In the same
week that this lady prayed&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; publicly
for the first time, the Holy Spirit revealed so clearly to her how
powerfully He can use our prayers to impact the lives of others.
Prayer is powerful!<br />
<br />
Tonight Clare is being baptised and in her story she included a
word of&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
encouragement for all of us about prayer. She wrote, <em>I have
lost friendships and that was expected due to this massive change
in my life. But it was okay. My best friend used to be my dealer.
Now I have a best friend that is my prayer partner and sister in
Christ. As I started to meet more people here at Bridgey, I found
out that so many people have been praying for me and my family
through knowing my dad. I want to encourage you Bridgey, that your
prayers are powerful. I am a witness to this. After 5 years of
prayer, here I am, my life transformed and I'm getting
baptized!</em> Praise God! Prayer is powerful.<br />
<br />
I know that many have been praying for family, friends and
neighbours to come to know Christ. God has been hearing all of our
prayers. This Easter provides another wonderful opportunity for
those we care about to hear the good news. The Celebrative Arts
Team are preparing some special music; Tricia will be sharing a
wonderful story about coming home after being away from God for
more than 20 years (another amazing answer to prayer), Pastor Billy
will speak about God's love at the Thursday and Friday services and
Pastor Nathan will share on Resurrection Sunday the hope that's
found in Jesus. Please keep praying that the Lord will move
powerfully in these services and also through the team who will
be&nbsp; distributing Easter gift packs this afternoon. Prayer is
powerful! Do remember too that at all our Easter services there
will be an opportunity to give towards the Orana Youth Shelter and
also the Solomon Islands' project. As we remember again all that
Jesus has done for us this Easter I pray that we will be generous
as a church towards others.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
There is one final prayer need I did want to especially mention.
There is still no resolution to our discussions with the Brisbane
City Council over the sewerage treatment plan for the developments
on the house property. Please keep praying earnestly about this
matter. Prayer is powerful!&nbsp;<br />
<em>The prayer of&nbsp; a righteous person is powerful and
effective</em> (James 5:16).&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Peter</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sunday March 17</title><link>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-march-17.aspx</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:22:05 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://www.bridgeman.org.au/pastoral-leader-items/sunday-march-17.aspx</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ 
<p>Last Wednesday evening well over 500 people met to pray at our
special night of prayer, <em>Dwell Among Us</em>. It was a deeply
moving night, full of the presence and power of God. Around 200
people arrived prior to the prayer meeting and spent time at a
number of prayer stations, interceding for others and receiving
prayer. The rest of the evening was filled with inspiring worship,
stories about the power of prayer, prayers for the lost, praying
for our suburbs and those ministering to the world and asking the
Holy Spirit to bring revival. One of the worship team sent the
following reply to a thank you note... <em>I loved it - looking
down and seeing people lost in worship like that, individually as
well as corporately was something I'll never, ever forget!</em>
Another person wrote in an email titled AWESOME… <em>what a
marvellous privilege it was to be part of last night. Yes, we will
continue to pray that a wholesale Revival will come and in the
meantime that many will come to Jesus and find that freedom&nbsp;in
Him that we sang about last night.</em> Thank you to everyone who
came out including the children and we know that many more amazing
things are going to unfold through the prayers we were led to pray
on Wednesday evening.<br />
<br />
God has called us to be a people of prayer and this year He has
called us to persist in asking for a great movement of His Holy
Spirit. The <em>When God's People Pray</em> Connect Group series by
Jim Cymbala has been powerfully used by the Lord to stir us as a
church and we are asking the Lord to help sustain these prayers for
revival&nbsp; throughout the year. Commencing next term we are
planning a series of prayer meetings which will be held throughout
Sunday morning, afternoon and evening. More details soon! If you
are wanting to read some more of Jim Cymbala's material, then he
has a written a series of books including <em>Breakthrough Prayer,
Fresh Wind Fresh Fire</em>. I am sure they will stir your faith and
encourage you to keep praying.<br />
<br />
Last Wednesday night we also committed a special need to the Lord
in relation to the planned developments on The House property.
After gaining approval for the sewerage treatment plans in our
development application, it appears that the City Council is now
not willing to approve the agreed plan. This is a very serious
issue which has the potential to create additional costs and a very
significant delay in the commencement of this project. Please pray
earnestly that this matter can be resolved as soon as
possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Easter is now just two weeks away! It's a special time of the year,
as we again thank our Saviour for giving His life for us. It's also
a great opportunity to tell others about Christ's love. Next Sunday
afternoon we are looking for those who will help distribute our
Easter gift packs to another section of our community and we will
also have 11,000 Easter invitation cards to letterbox drop. The
services on Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday morning will
include special presentations by the Celebrative Arts team so
please invite family and friends who are on the journey to
faith.<sup>&nbsp;</sup> <em>For God so loved the world that He gave
His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish
but have eternal life</em> (John 3 :16).<br />
<br />
<strong>Peter</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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