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Philippian Partnership
While sitting in a Roman prison, the apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians,
It was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. (Philippians 4:14-16)
The Philippians were faithful and generous friends who repeatedly supported Paul in his rescue work of preaching and planting churches. Though poor themselves, they gave “beyond their means” and “overflowed in a wealth of generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2-3). And when Paul landed in prison, they kept on supporting him. “Once and again” meant a lot to Paul. The Philippians loved Paul and believed in his mission, so through their faithful support they partnered with him to rescue others.
It is this kind of partnership I would like to invite you to join as I lead a team on mission between the City and Bondi. If you would like more information about our thinking and planning you can read more here. Otherwise I hope these monthly emails will enable you to prayerfully support us in mission.
A venue for our meetings
So far we have gathered a team of roughly 6 marrieds, 6 singles and 6 children who are excited to be on mission between the city and Bondi. Our plan for this year is to begin by planning, praying and studying culture and scripture. We will meet monthly until July, fortnightly until October, weekly until December, and then biweekly in 2011.
At present we have been meeting at the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre. The centre is located on Crown Street amidst designer stores, cafes, restaurants and pubs. The centre itself was designed by FJMT architects and City of Sydney, and “is a lavish architectural exercise in modernist eco-thinking, exotic materials and intricate detailing.” The venue reflects the kinds of people we hope to reach with the story of Jesus: ecologically sensitive and aesthetically attentive. It contains a function room which can accommodate 100 people seated theatre style, or 48 seated around 8 tables. Additionally there is also a separate meeting room in which we expect to run kids church, and a commercial kitchen.
During our meetings this year we will spend time planning, praying and dreaming of being the kind of church we see in Acts 2:42-47.
Please pray for us and let me know especially if your would like to be more involved in planting this church.
Living in Christ’s story
Toby Neal
(If you would like to sign up to join the Philippian Partnership click here and signup for the monthly emails.)