Report received from NCLS 2021 survey completed February 2022 - delayed by COVID 19 Pandemic.A
Report from Future Directions Workshops conducted in light of the report.
Watch this video from the Association of Baptist Churches in NSW&ACT
Article from Michael Frost's blog - used with permission.
The Original Full Version
God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
Origins of the Prayer:
It has been variously said that Reinhold Neibuhr himself denied writing it, and credited Friedrich Oetinger, an 18th century theologian, with its authorship; or that it was actually written in 500 A.D. by a philosopher named Boethius who was martyred for the Christian Faith.
Both of these theories have since been discredited, and it does now appear that the Theologian Reinhold Neibuhr was the actual author (he also did in fact claim credit for it). Niebuhr was a major influence on the German Pastor and Nazi resister, Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Words and Music by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty
Vocal Arrangement by David Wesley
This virtual choir a cappella performance features the voices of 48 singers from 14 countries. It was a labour of love lasting 5 months, and many dozens of work hours. We pray that you are blessed by the music and the message of this modern hymn.
God desires peace in your life and one of the most effective ways of finding that peace is invoking his aid. He wants to help you, but our hearts must be open to that divine assistance.
St. Teresa of Avila wrote a beautiful poem during her lifetime that has been used as a prayer throughout the centuries. It is simple in its format, which is why many turn to it in times of distress. If you are feeling afraid or anxious right now, consider praying this prayer, opening your heart to God and adding your own words, invoking God’s help in your hour of need.
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.
Jesus himself said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30).
An article from the blog of Michael Frost used with permission
An article published by Humanity Thriving providing tips on how to limit the impact of the Corona virus on mental health.