Happy New Year,

By the grace of God I pray that we may have a fruitful year as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

It's a good time to remember what we have deemed as our vision for the church, that is

Making Jesus known through our local church, our regional footprint and our global impact. (Acts 1:8)

The objectives of our church as set out in the constitution are:

• Impact the world with the Gospel.
• Build up the body through the Word of God.
• Promote family fellowship, unity and care.
• Train Christians in Leadership; the exercising of their spiritual gifts; and the development of their God-given abilities.

DISCIPLESHIP COURSE

We have nearly finished the Christianity Explored series. In several weeks' time, I intend to host a discipleship course looking at the basic doctrine of the Christian faith. Have a talk to me if this interests you, so that I can order the correct number of resources.

CHILD SAFE

Elissa has stepped out of the Child Safe coordinator role, meaning that until a new coordinator steps up, child safe issues and plans will need to come to me.

If you are a ministry leader of a children's ministry, please ensure you have written up your child safe plan for your ministry, until this is completed you won't be able to commence.

Just noting a few things that often get asked:

1) What do I need to have/do to serve in a Children's ministry?

A Blue Card, positive references, and the completion of the childsafe training material.

2) When can new people to the church start leading in a Children's ministry?

Our policy states that if a person has a good reference from a previous church they can begin to help in Children's ministry after 3 months. If no reference from a church is provided, then they need to wait 6 months.

3) What is the Adult-child ratio?

• Low Risk - 1:10
• Medium Risk - 1:8
• High Risk - 1:4

Risks are defined by the safety matrix

There is an entire page on our church website devoted to our child safe strategy.

I will be sending messages to leaders and volunteers who need to action either their safety plan, or update their information or complete their training.

If your email or phone number has changed recently, please let Tanith know so that she can update the database.

You can email office@mountisabaptist.com.au or phone the office on 0747435515 on Monday mornings.

Please click here to access the latest newsletter.

Update from Sam -

Sadly, the Indian government has recently closed down the bank account of the Mother Teresa Trust, along with many more Christian organisations.

So beginning this month we are not posting our monthly prayer letter on the GHI website. In addition to that, in the neighbouring state of Karnataka, they have passed an anti-conversion law with three years in jail for the first offense.

A prayer request will be made for three of our church families every week. This is to encourage us to pray for our church family.

This week’s Families to pray for are:

• Nathan Woodall
• Benjamin & Sarah Beard, Jonah, Ryelle, Seth
• Michelle Belia