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I hope this letter finds you well and walking in the grace and peace of Jesus.
This week, I’ve been reflecting deeply on what it truly means to be the Church for our community—not just to gather as believers, but to live in such a way that others see Jesus through us. We live in a time where the Church is being watched more closely than ever—not just for what we believe, but for how we act, how we serve, and how we love.
Here in Australia, where faith often feels like a private matter, it can be easy to keep our “church life” separate from our “everyday life.” But Jesus never made that separation. He didn’t just go to synagogue—He went to people. He walked dusty roads, ate meals with the outcast, and showed up in the place’s others avoided.
If we’re to be His reflection, we must do the same. Being the Church for our community might not always look like standing on a street corner preaching. It might look like offering a warm meal to a struggling family at school. It might look like taking time to chat with the bloke behind the checkout who seems like he’s having a rough day. It might even be helping out a neighbour who’s just come home from hospital, by mowing their lawn or dropping off a homemade dinner.
Sometimes it's as simple as turning up. We reflect Jesus’ best when we take the posture of a servant. When we’re not concerned about being noticed but about noticing others. When our love shows up in practical, tangible ways that make people wonder, “Why are they so kind? Why do they care?” And the answer will always be the same: because of Jesus.
Serving others isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a form of worship. Every time we show grace, give generously, or simply make time for someone who needs it, we’re serving God. Not with grand gestures, but with everyday faithfulness. As Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
I believe God is calling our church into a deeper connection with our community. Not just through programs, but through people—you and me—living out the gospel with our hands and feet. People might never read a Bible, but they will read our lives.
So, this week, I encourage you to ask: “Where is God placing me to shine His light?” Maybe it’s in your classroom, your job site, your neighbourhood, or your sporting club. It doesn’t have to be big or flashy—it just needs to be faithful.
Let’s keep being the kind of Church that doesn’t just meet on Saturday’s but moves with compassion every day of the week.
Blessings, David Peñate.
