A final few words

Hi church family, 

Today was officially my last day "in the office" - the office I've just finished clearing out! From this afternoon, I'll be on leave for about a month, before starting in my new role with the Presbytery, so I wanted to take a moment and share some final words with you all. 

First of all, thank you for the beautiful "send off" you gave my family and I on Sunday 29th June and for the gifts, letters, prayers and more. We were truly touched by it all and are still slowly taking time to read through the booklet of letters and notes. The Billabong has been, and will continue to be a huge part of our lives.

Many have asked about the role I am moving into in August. The Presbytery is responsible for the care of Uniting Church congregations across WA and has a number of "Presbytery Ministers" with different portfolios. My responsibility as one of those Ministers will be to assist congregations in "Mission" - ie. outreach, evangelism, making disciples. For many years, decades even, God has given me a burden for renewal in the Uniting Church. I covet your prayers as I seek to play my part in what God is doing in this dry and weary land over the next few years. 

Kerin and the kids will be with you again in August, however I will take a little more time away from worship on Sundays, allowing adequate space for our interim Minister, Stephen Larkin. But I will be praying for you all behind the scenes, especially as the church council and nominating committee progress the search for the next Minister/Pastor. 

May I also submit to you a couple of requests. First, please keep our church council (eldership) in prayer. Aside from navigating the complexities of Uniting Church processes during a time of transition, the council carries a range of responsibilities, not least that of spiritual and pastoral oversight of the congregation. They need your daily prayers and support.

One particular challenge facing our congregation that the church council must now lead us through is our financial situation. Unfortunately, giving and tithing is well below budget this year, a budget that was already a large deficit. Sometimes we don't realise that our recurring direct debit giving has ceased (I'm guilty of that!) or we haven't revisited what we are able to give for a while. For those who call The Billabong home, can I ask you to consider your ongoing contribution for the season ahead? This will allow The Billabong to continue our local ministry in Canning Vale and Piara Waters, support overseas missionaries and maintain our well utilised community centre. 

Finally, keep trusting in God. Really. This morning I was drawn to Psalm 33 which says "A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save." I'm good at trusting the various "horses" in my life - money, skills, status, intelligence. And yet time and time again I find myself dissatisfied, disappointed or having let others down when I trust in these things instead of God. They cannot save. Only God deserves our trust. Only God can come through for us, whatever the situation. Friends, keep trusting in God. He is our deliverer, our strong tower, our helper, our saviour. 

A parting "psalm"

This afternoon as I cleaned out my office, I found a poem written by a previous member of The Billabong, Brian Hill, in 2014. I figured they would be a great "final few words" to leave you with as I finish my ministry placement here. May they bless and stir you. 

Grace and Peace

Luke