G’day ABC- Well here we are in 2023 and everyone is hoping for a good year. I guess that is our hope every year isn't it?  My mind goes back to our Proverbs series, Proverbs 30:7 

“Two things I ask of you, Lord;     
do not refuse me before I die:
8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;     
give me neither poverty nor riches,     
but give me only my daily bread.
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you     
and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal,     
and so dishonour the name of my God.

Based on that maybe we should pray that 2023 isn’t so good and easy that we forget about God or too hard that we curse God- but rather that God would daily sustain us through this year- every day giving us what we need.

Just a few things to update you with…

* Dan Macomish formally started at the beginning of January as our Youth Pastor. Pray for him as he takes on this critical role with our young people

* Jono Wesley starts mid February as the Great Southern Regional Pastor.  He is on long service leave at the present. Pray also for him and Joe as the prepare a new start

* Joe and Hannah Elliss now our church cleaners.  We are thankful for their good start and faithful service for us ·    

* Growth Groups will start the week of the 13th of February.  We would love to think everyone can be connected with a smaller group of people to go deeper into God’s word. Most groups meet weekly or fortnightly.  Now is the time to find a group- follow this link to join App Form - Join Growth Group • Albany Baptist Church (elvanto.com.au)   

* We have a couple of people getting baptised late January. If you are a follower of Jesus who has not yet been baptised and would like to consider this just reply to this email

* I trust you have been challenged from our January sermon series from 1 Kings on Elijah.  This weekend is the big contest; ‘Who is God?’   Definitely not to be missed.

God Bless

Phil