When he was in Sydney last October, the British prophet Graham Cooke declared that Australia was coming into "The Year of the Lord's Favour". It is interesting that only a few weeks ago our economy was declared the "Miracle Economy" by international financial experts, because of the way we have weathered the storm of financial downturn around the world.

On the local scene, the preliminary figures for St. Mark's accounts for the past year indicate a dramatic improvement in our finances. Wheras 12 months ago we were struggling to meet the minimum requirements to avoid demotion of our Parish status, we have ended last year well ahead of that figure. And this has come without any effort at fund-raising or pressure upon the congregation. We have simply seen our Heavenly Father touching the hearts of His people.

The favour of the Lord has been evident in other areas as well, as we have seen a number of new younger families enthusiastically attach themselves to our congregation. The new year has only just begun, but I am conscious of a subtle change in the atmosphere around our church. God is doing new things. This is the year of the Lord's favour.

One of the most exciting events looming this year is the Alpha Course being conducted by the Catholic parish of Northbridge and Naremburn. Although this has been their initiative, they have been particularly grateful for our contribution, from having run several courses ourselves.

I was particularly excited by the initial planning meeting last week and the response to the promotional video. Although the Alpha Course comes from a Christian culture that is somewhat foreign to many Catholics, they responded enthusiastically to the presentation and the prospect of studying the Bible and coming into a new experience of the Holy Spirit. One young man saw in the course the fruition of the desire of the Vatican II Council many years ago; that Catholics become better grounded in the basis of the Christian faith.

I have believed for many years that the unity of God's people, across denominational barriers, was very high on God's agenda. In fact, Psalm 133 says not only that it is 'good and pleasant' when brothers dwell together in unity, but that there God bestows his blessing. Last year we saw the formation of the "Inter-Church Council" as a significant step forward in promoting the unity of Churches in Northbridge. This year, as we work together at a deeper level of Christian activity, I believe we will see a much greater level of God's blessing. Indeed, this may well be the key to the spiritual breakthrough into the heart of our suburb that many have been praying for for a long time.

Meanwhile, the challenge to us is to cooperate with what God is doing. The 'showers of blessing' do not obviate the need to plough, sow, cultivate and reap. But they do make it easier and more profitable. If I am hearing God correctly, we are about to experience a deluge from God, but physically and spiritually, and we are going to see such an influx of new people that it will greatly change the face of the Church as we have known it.

With the prospect of such change it is important that we are properly founded in the basics of our own faith and life. I shall be seeking to revisit these issues over the next few months

Rev. John Davies
3 February 2002