Summary of "Church Online | 12 April 2026 | Hold Fast to What is Good"

Hold Fast to What is Good — Church Online (12 April 2026)

Sermon/exhortation built around 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22:

Rejoice always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances; do not quench the Spirit; test everything; hold fast to what is good; reject every kind of evil.
Emphasis: anchor the church in prayer, humility, and listening to God in times of trial rather than rushing to judgment or speculation.

Worship as active prayer set to music — when singing, declare what you believe and realign your focus to Jesus rather than treating music as passive background.
Suggested worship/prayer pattern during one song:
1. First verse: remain silent and pray inwardly about what you need from God.
2. Chorus: respond aloud as a congregation (lead each other in worship).
3. Rest of song: remain in corporate response to the prayer.
Pray continually: cultivate persistent, habitual prayer instead of reactive conversation or over-analysis.
Give thanks in all circumstances as an act of faith and to anchor your trust in God’s sovereignty.
Do not quench the Spirit: stay open, listen, avoid gossip and speculation, and allow God to work.
Test everything; hold fast to the good; reject every kind of evil — discern and lock into God’s truth, unity, and presence.
Pray “like unbelievers” again: bring honest, dependent, awkward, desperate prayers — come raw and open to being changed.
Hospitality as ministry: welcome neighbors and newcomers; greeting others is encouraged as a spiritual practice.

Immediate small-group prayer during the service: groups of 4–5 for about 7–9 minutes.
Extended prayer opportunities:
- Listening stations after the service — guided, confidential listening prayer with trained people (located near partitions/barriers).
- All-church Tuesday-night prayer series on Zoom for four weeks starting the coming Tuesday — link available via QR code and Friday email.

Newcomer welcome: connect team (red lanyards) handing out goodie bags and vouchers (coffee and possibly lunch — note: double-check whether lunch vouchers apply today).
Newcomers lunch: 3 May (Room 2) — free lunch; meet leaders and other new people.
Membership class: 26 April — free and includes lunch; encouraged for regular attenders.
Child dedications planned for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day (parents publicly commit to raise children in faith).
Fundraiser lunch after service to support the GN (Chinese) congregation’s family camp — menu includes pork belly bao buns (noted price: $8 for two) and Portuguese egg tarts.
Offering/giving: options include online transfers/PayID or physical cash in a white box near the sound desk.

Congregation encouraged to remain united and faithful despite recent challenges; pastor commended the church’s faith and endurance.
Recent baptisms celebrated; financial giving highlighted as enabling ministry outcomes.
Invitation to seek prayer teams at the front after the service if further prayer is needed.

Locations: chapel, cafeteria, connect lounge (behind the elevator), Room 2 (newcomers lunch), listening stations (near partitions/barriers), Warburton (life group camping).
People/speakers: Pastor Paul (speaker likely Paul Tucker, jokingly called “Paul the Tucker”), Pastor Duke (birthday noted), board chair Charles.
Personal news: parents Cheryl and James — baby Samuel born 26 March.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22.
Products/food: pork belly bao buns ($8 for two), Portuguese egg tarts, vouchers (coffee/lunch).