Hello, everyone,

 

I just want to start by expressing my gratitude for all the prayers, thoughts, visits, texts, gifts, meals, emails, calls and kind words I have received in my recuperation. I have felt very humbled by the volume of care and the interest people have taken in my surgery/recovery. If what I have received personally, is indicative of Catalyst Church’s level of Pastoral care and thoughtfulness; WOW our congregation is truly blessed.

 

It is three weeks today since the surgery and overall, I am doing very well particularly with the mechanics of the new hip. Mentally I have struggled (this is where you laugh and say what’s new) with getting my brain clear, having clarity in my thinking and recall and being free of fogginess. My mind has not enjoyed the anaesthetic, nor the side effects of pain killers or the trauma of major surgery.

 

One of the thoughts that can circulate in your thinking when you are incapacitated and heavily reliant on others (like I have been) is what if I was like this permanently. What if I could never work again, what if my body severely restricted what I could physically accomplish in life. Not be able to drive, travel etc. How would I respond in my faith? Would I become angry at the Lord, melancholic and bitter? Or would I find a strength and courage I never knew? How would I respond and how would it change me? I guess we can never truly answer that hypothetical scenario until we face that situation in reality. But I got a glimmer of it these past weeks and it made me appreciate those who are in a constant fight for better health and maintaining their independence and quality of life. It can be lonely and draining.

 

Many of our Church family are facing extended battles with ill health, coping with severe pain, grief, restricted mobility, isolation and it does play heavily on your psyche, attitude, sense of self-worth and belonging. Can I encourage everyone to take the time out this week to reach out to someone you know who is doing it tough. That phone call, text or visit will be priceless in standing with our brothers and sisters and encouraging them in their struggles. None of us want to face those seasons alone, let us continue to be a radical loving community that doesn’t let anyone slip through the net and is always mindful of those who might need our encouragement and good cheer to lift their spirits.

Beyond what we can offer in support of others, I know the Lord never leaves or forsakes us. He is the ultimate comforter. So many times, over the past few weeks, especially post op, the Lord has drawn near to me in ways that blow my mind. Reminding me of His enduring protection and healing. My prayer today is that the “God of all comfort” that Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 1:3 will shower you in His mercy and Grace!

 

I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday. I have enlisted the aid of Cheryl to help me share this week’s message, as we explore what it means to “THRIVE” in being a member of the local Church body, marriage and ministry.  We will co-share some of the struggles, wins and invaluable lessons we have learnt on our journey and hope it encourages you.

 

Blessings Mark

Our Connect Groups are well under way for the year.  But you don't have to miss out!  It's such a great way to journey through life together, growing in Christ.

 

Feel free to make contact with a connect group leader to find out more details, or click on the button below

Rejection

 

If you are uncertain whether or not you are living for the approval of others, answer the following questions honestly to see if you live with the fear of rejection:

• Do you avoid certain people out of fear that they will reject you?
• Do you become anxious when you think someone might not accept you?
• Do you feel disturbed when someone is not friendly toward you?
• Do you work hard at trying to determine what people think of you?
• Do you become depressed when others are critical of you?
• Do you try to see the negative in others?
• Do you find yourself trying to impress others?
• Do you repeat negative messages about yourself to yourself?
• Do you look for clues as to how others are responding to you in order to avoid the pain of rejection?
• Do you say ‘Yes’ when you should say ‘No’ to others?
• Do you expect others to respond to situations and conversations in the same way you would?
• Do you experience hypersensitivity to the opinions of others but insensitivity to your own emotions?
• Do you often feel overly controlled by others?
• Do you struggle with anger and resentment toward others?
• Do you seem to be easily manipulated by others?

If you tick yes to many of these questions, then you may be controlled by the fear of rejection and live for the approval of others. Book a session with Catalyst Counselling for some insight and healing.

 

Lynne Feldon – Catalyst Counsellor.

 

Contact details:

• 142 Pine Mountain Road, Brassall QLD 4305
• 07 3813 4999
• 0477 748 822
• counselling@catalystcare.com.au
• Website www.catalystcare.com.au/counselling

 

Some Feedback:

 

• • I have gained so much insight, discovered my fears and can now do something about them.
  • The notes Lynne provides after the session help me to keep working on my healing journey.
  • Cannot believe I didn’t do this sooner!

Do you need help keeping track of your personal finances?

 

• Are you living week to week?
• Is money ruling your life?
• Are you finances getting you down?

 

Need help? Christians against Poverty (CAP) have created an excellent program to help guide you through the process to better financial health.

 

Here at Catalyst church, there are now four Money Mentors willing to walk beside you as you work through your situation.

 

Please contact the church office (3813 4999) for more information.

You can give your tithes and offerings online by direct debit (preferred) to the following accounts (please consider making the gift recurring when setting this up):

Tithes and offerings
   Account Name: Catalyst Church Inc.
   (General A/c)
   BSB: 633 000
   Account Number: 132187154

Missions
   Account Name: Catalyst Church Inc.
   (Missions A/c)
   BSB: 633 000
   Account Number: 134471697

 

Heart for Ipswich (Tax Deductible):

   Account Name: Catalyst Care Ltd.
   (Catalyst Care A/c)
   BSB: 633 000
   Account Number: 182951780

 

If it’s your first time giving, you should receive a confirmation from us. Please ensure bank details are correct where applicable.