Summary of "Church Online | 12 April 2026 | Hold Fast to What is Good"
Hold Fast to What is Good — Church Online (12 April 2026)
Main theme
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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.
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Emphasis: anchor the church in prayer, humility, and listening to God in times of trial rather than rushing to judgment or speculation.
Practical spiritual and lifestyle guidance
- 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:
- First verse: remain silent and pray inwardly about what you need from God.
- Chorus: respond aloud as a congregation (lead each other in worship).
- 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.
Prayer practices and group activities
- 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.
Church life, events & opportunities
- 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.
Notable announcements and church life notes
- 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.
Notable locations, people, scripture, and items mentioned
- 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).
Category
Lifestyle
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