Acts 1:3-8

After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

What a weekend to look forward to as we dedicate this building to God and thank Him for the incredible journey we have been on as a Church. I can think of no better weekend to celebrate the opening of the building than on Pentecost Sunday!

Be praying this week for God to move in the hearts of the people in this community as the Church opens its doors for all to come and hear the good news of Jesus! May His Holy Spirit come in and do a mighty work in our hearts.

Praise

• That God has been with us for 14 years, supporting and spurring us on as a Church.
• For the people that have come to know and love Jesus in this place.
• For the many lives changed and touched because of the community here at The Grove.
• For all the people that have made this building project possible.

Prayer

• That this Church would become a place where people can Belong, Believe and Become. Joining us in a community of believers that want the name of Jesus to be lifted high above all else. 
• For us as a church to be attuned to the Holy Spirit.
• That God would speak to us when we take intentional time to be still before Him.
• That this place becomes known in the community as a Church that loves people no matter their past or background.
• That The Grove is part of seeing a revival take place here on the northside of Brisbane in Ferny Grove, Ferny Hills, and Upper Kedron.
• That those driving by the Church on a Sunday would be led to come into this place.
• For God to move in our hearts and reveal His love afresh this weekend as we celebrate and enjoy what He has gifted us.
• That we would see friends, family members, and work colleagues come to know Jesus in the new building.

Youth/Kids

• For God’s Holy Spirit to come and fill this place and lead us in the direction He wants.
• That this building would be a safe place for youth and kids to come and feel accepted and loved no matter their background.
• For God to raise up the next generation of leaders, to equip them and give them wisdom in every situation they face.

 For the week leading into the Grand Opening, lets reflect on the dedication of the temple in 2 Chronicles 7. 

PART 1

The Dedication of the Temple (2 Chronicles 7:1-4, 10)

When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying,

“He is good; his love endures forever.”

4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the Lord. 

10 On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people to their homes, joyful and glad in heart for the good things the Lord had done for David and Solomon and for his people Israel.

PART 1 PRAYER POINTS...

• Worship and give thanks to the Lord, for he is good and his love endures forever.
• Give thanks for the worship centre built on the hill, and pray that God's glory would fill the sanctuary, especially as we meet for the grand opening.
• Its Pentecost Sunday on the 23rd of May, so pray that like on that first Pentecost, that the fire of the Holy Spirit would consume us and move powerfully to burn up sin and make people passionate for Jesus.
• Pray that many would bring thank offerings to the Lord to express our devotion to Jesus and heart the gospel. 
• Pray that everyone would go home joyful and glad in heart.

PART 2

The Lord Appears to Solomon (2 Chronicles 7:11-16)

11 When Solomon had finished the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the Lord and in his own palace, 12 the Lord appeared to him at night and said:

“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.

13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.

PART 2 PRAYER POINTS

• Praise God for his promise to see and hear the prayers of his people in the place chosen for his name. May The Grove always be a house of prayer.
• Pray for the upcoming 21 days of revival prayer. May many humble themselves in prayer during this season. Ask for a new burden for prayer from a desperate desire to see our land healed and lives changed
• Pray that the prayers of dedication at our Grand Opening would be powerfully answered and for the new season of God's presence and power to transform us like never before.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to break us so that a deep repentance from sin and turning to God takes place. Bring freedom and life Lord!
• Pray for a new desire to live in obedience and bold faith in God. Pray for new people to step into service, giving and sharing their lives with others at The Grove.   
• Pray for Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron and Ferny Hills to see a revival.  

MEMBERS MEETING CONSTITUTION CHANGE

In 2007 we planted as ‘The Grove Community Church’, with a small tag line ‘a ministry of Bridgeman Baptist Community Church’. 

In 2011 we added ‘Baptist’ when we constituted as a Baptist church. 

We dropped the tag line, and became ‘The Grove Baptist Community Church’.

In 2021, we have begun ministry in a new building, and believe it’s an opportune time to consider rebranding before we order permanent signage on the building. 

One change in particular to our current branding, needs members' approval. The Church Council recommends removing the word ‘Community’ from our name, to simply be called ‘The Grove Baptist Church’. 

Reasons for this change:

1. The word ‘community’ is a long word, making our name consist of five words in total. Such a long name has been a constant challenge for clear signage and advertising. In many cases, the words, ‘Baptist Community Church’ are so small, it’s difficult to read. Removing ‘community’ would enable our name to be easily identified in signage, online communication, letterhead and general advertising. It is also much easier to say, and to remember the right order.

1. The word ‘community’ came out of the contemporary church movement. Willow Creek Community church were the pioneers, and churches everywhere followed their lead, adding the word in an attempt to make their church sound more attractive. While community is a very good word, we believe it isn’t necessary for the church to be seen as relevant, as community in practice is what makes the difference.  
    

We are currently working on a new design of our name including a logo. Once a decision is reached by members, we will proceed with this work for our new signage. Please feel free to talk to a pastor or church council member for more information about this potential change. The recommendation to vote on in the members' meeting would be as follows:

The Church Council seeks members' approval to change the church name in the constitution from ‘The Grove Baptist Community Church’ to ‘The Grove Baptist Church’. 

PRAYER NOTES – PARENTS

Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you. (Deut 5:16)

• Give thanks for our Heavenly Father and his great love and care for us. Praise him for his guidance, discipline and acceptance of us through Jesus.
• Give thanks for our parents, and especially for mums as we celebrate Mothers Day, and pray for God’s blessing on them in their current stage of life. Ask for the Lord’s provision and strength to meet present challenges. 
• Pray and give thanks for our Mother’s Day service and for Mainly Music’s Mother’s Day High Tea. May the Holy Spirit continue to move powerfully to open parent’s hearts to the gospel of grace.
• Pray for parents at The Grove, for the wisdom they need to lead their children. Ask that they would also lead by example in life and faith. Ask the Lord to refresh and encourage busy parents of young children juggling so many responsibilities. 
• Pray that children would honour their parents and submit to their leadership.
• Ask Jesus to bring back those children who have got lost in the world, and for a day of celebration for parents when they return to Christ.
• Pray for those caring for ageing parents, for wisdom and love to treat them with grace and dignity. Remember also those who have lost a parent in recent years.
• Pray for reconcilation between children and parents where there is unforgiveness and broken relationships. Pray for protection and freedom for children and spouses where there is domestic violence. 
• Pray for parents, grandparents and carer’s who are nurturing children struggling with physical, emotional or relational difficulties. Ask for the guidance they need to help them, but also for breakthrough and freedom for the children.
• Pray for the raising up of spiritual parents who would invest hope and life in young people at The Grove.
• Pray for parents and families in India, and remember the many millions who live in slums. Pray for an outpouring of generosity to meet physical needs, and that the gospel would bring hope and light in the darkness.  

Hebrews 4:16

16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

During this season we are seeing a great need in our world. In our nation, we are seeing those lost and searching for answers. In places such as India, we are seeing a whole country come to a standstill due to the COVID-19 virus. 

Whilst in times like these we can become discouraged it is important to remember to draw near to our heavenly father. He provides a firm foundation in which to trust, giving us help in times of need. When we pray this week, let's align our hearts to see peace and provision brought to those that need it most.

Prayer notes:

Praise points

• Thanking God for His constant provision in our lives, praising him for the endless grace and mercy He shows us
• Praise God for the wonderful gift we have been given in His son Jesus, that we can live life to the full in Christ alone
• Thank God for nations everywhere stepping up and sending help to India in a time of crisis

Prayer points

• For our leaders, we are called to intercede on behalf of our leaders here in our nation. Pray that God would draw near to them and give them peace as well as understanding in each and every situation they face
• For our community, that God would touch the hearts of all people in our suburbs and across Brisbane
• That we would see people who are lost and searching come into the kingdom of God
• For those in India as a nation, that God would draw near to those that have lost loved ones, those that are serving and risking their lives for others, and that in the midst of chaos and heartbreak that God would find a way to meet people where they are and touch their hearts. Providing care and comfort for all who need it

Church prayer points

• Pray for God's blessing and leading over our grand opening. Pray that God gives provision for all things to come together on the day to honour those involved with the project and to ensure guidance over all ministries that take place here at The Grove
• For God's provision in the area of finance, that we would see many others join in supporting us as a church and giving into God's community to see more people hear the good news of Jesus Christ
• For a successful grand opening of the building as we thank God for all His provision along the way, it's been a long journey and we are so thankful for God's leading and perfect timing
• Pray that we would see fruit from our fundraising for the Rise Up building fit-out appeal
• That we would see many people attending partner with us in praying and asking God to be our ultimate provider as he has done so faithfully in the past