To give and to receive

October 11th, 2024

Dear church family

I often think healthy relationships look a lot like being on a playground see saw. Sometimes we are called to give and at other times, to receive. This is also true of seasons in our lives. There are seasons to do and to give and there are seasons when it is time to receive. The ability to do both is a mark of a generous life.

For many, the giving comes naturally and when we are accustomed to being the helper or carer, receiving can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Although it may seem that we are being noble, capable or strong, refusing to receive can not only cause unintended feelings of rejection, but it also deprives someone of an opportunity to serve us and therefore God.
Proverbs 11:25 says 'A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.'

To offer a helping hand to someone in need is certainly a way to refresh them, but by equal measure, gracefully accepting a gift or helping hand communicates to the giver that they are accepted, useful, appreciated and that they belong. Learning to receive gracefully and gratefully could be one of the most refreshing gifts we could give to each other. As people of God, we are called to community, living interdependently, which means that all of us have something to give and if we are to release people into their gifting, empowering and encouraging them, perhaps the greatest gift we can give is to become proficient in the art of receiving.

Where could you bless someone this week by simply saying yes to an offer of help, irrespective of your need?

Paula

SUNDAY GATHERING - 4PM THIS WEEK Join us this Sunday afternoon for our 'Worship for Everyone' service at 4pm. For those who are unable to attend in person please join us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T0SKwnlC840

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GIVAUDAN 10K THIS SUNDAY 9:30AM - The route for this run starts at the Julie Rose stadium and comes directly past church. Last year we set up an extra support 'Hype' station. This was a fantastic opportunity for us to be out there with our community supporting a local event. We provided water, sweets, music and most importantly, supporting the runners as they came up the hill with lots of encouragement! We had so many appreciative comments from runners last year and we will be supporting them again this year. Come and join us! Note the morning service has been moved to 4pm

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Givaudan 10K - 4PM Service (Oct 2024) SOCIAL.png

DEAF AWARENESS TRAINING LAST SESSION Join us for the last session on Thursday 17th October. We would like as many of our church family to attend as possible, especially if you volunteer in any area of WBC life, including the Well Cafe and Welcome teams.

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Deaf Awareness Training - Socials_94 OCT.png

AGM NEXT MONTH - Join us for our Annual Gratitude Meeting! We will be meeting as a family on Thursday 7th November at 7pm. Please make this meeting a priority

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JOB OPPORTUNITY Our Preschool is looking for an Early Years Educator.
If you are interested in the role or know someone who might be, you can apply for the role or get more information here: https://www.willesboroughbaptist.church/jobs

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