Hearing What God Is Doing

I may be biased but Xcel has been so good recently. We have seen and heard about God doing some incredible things in people’s lives. What was your highlight from yesterday. Here’s what I enjoyed…

Great worship. Always enjoy lifting up the name of Jesus and when we gather together in faith the presence of God is so good. Big thanks to our creative team who work so hard but more than that, are faithful in giving up their gifts and talents for God.

Stories. Hearing about all that God is up to in people’s lives ~ bringing change, healing, new jobs, restoration and so much more. It’s important to hear what God is doing, to encourage our faith and increase our own levels of expectation as we pray. If God can do it for ‘them’ He can definitely do it for us.

Family Time. There is something special about being in church with your own family. It has been a part of our ‘family time’ to be together in Church every week. Now my girls are of an age that they don’t actually sit with us but I am blessed that they are planted in the House, flourishing and serving in God in their own way.

Please tell us what you are enjoying about church at the moment. How is God impacting your life? What is your story?

Don’t forget this week we are praying. Join us if you can or just take a moment wherever you are to pray. Our focus for each day is below…

Monday [12-1pm] Praying for leaders ~ in our nation, region, at Xcel

Tuesday [in our Connect Groups] Praying for people in our world and those who need healing

Wednesday [7-8am] Praying for those who need healing, for our towns, for the future of Xcel

Thursday [6.30-7.30pm] Praying for Planet Kids, Planet Youth & Xcel Young Adults

Friday [7.30-8.30pm] Praying for this next 3 months at Xcel, for John & Lisa, for growth, revival, the lost

[All at Xcel Centre except Tuesday which will be part of our Connect Groups]

 

Your Xcel 2011 Highlight

Thought it might be fun for you to share your Xcel highlights with us – include photos in your comments too. Here’s a list of just some of the things we have done this year….

• Influence 2011 – our first ever Church Conference in the Xcel Centre
• Christmas Production 2011
• Summerfest with PK
• Servolution – including the incredible Family Fun Day
• Church on the Green
• Volunteer Party
• Xcel Mens Getaway
• Rock Nations / Kids Camp
• Visiting preachers – Dave Gilpin, Clive Urquhart, Jane Evans, Ian Green, Chris Denham, Steve & Rachel Mawston, Magnus Persson, Philip Cameron & team
• Preaching series – ‘Faith, Hope & Love’, ‘I AM XCEL’, ‘Pioneer’, ‘Time, Talent & Treasure’ (including the pie video), ‘WHAT?’

Or maybe for you it was something else, something less dramatic but just as significant. This is a call out to all of the Xcel family to upload those pics, share some thoughts & let’s see how 2011 has had an impact.

Xcel. Vision & Me, Julie.

‘Without a vision the people perish’. ‘Those planted in the House of God will flourish’.

Both of these scriptures have been relevant and directional to me on my daily walk with God. I have been attending Xcel Church for almost 30 years now and I love God, love people and love my church. I love serving in Gods House as it gives me an opportunity to be a part of the Xcel vision. As David wrote in the Psalms ‘I would rather be a doorkeeper in the House of the Lord…than be anywhere else’. By aligning my vision with that of Xcel Church, I believe I am blessed and that my life is flourishing.

It’s not always easy fulfilling the vision but I know it’s for a great and bigger cause. It is definately rewarding when someone thanks you for going that extra mile and putting that one person before yourself. When you are passionate about something you invest your time in to it and that’s why every Sunday 10.30am & 6pm you will find me and my family at Xcel Church – living our dream, making a difference and living for the cause.

[Julie Sutherland is part of Xcel Church. Along with her husband Tim, she is a CG leader, as well as a Connect Team leader on a Sunday helping people feel welcome. Check out our website for more information on how you can become a part of Xcel Church]