Our Story Begins: The Meeting Place Granville is where people meet people and people meet God!

Our Story Begins – A New Beginning

In March this year the Meeting Place commenced operation as a stand alone entity.

And wow – these last few months can only be described as scarily exciting. Through God’s leading we have moved out from under the umbrella of Maryborough Baptist Church.

Let us say right here that we are very thankful to Maryborough Baptist Church for initiating this ministry of the Meeting Place at Granville [QLD]. Without such foresight and willingness this would never have happened.

Since the commencement of the Meeting Place in 2015 many exciting opportunities have developed – and continue to develop.

As can be seen in the “title” the Meeting Place is now an incorporated entity – with our own ABN and registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission. This brings with it many new responsibilities.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the group of dedicated people, the Caretakers (see images here) who continue to wait on God’s leading for everything that happens at the Meeting Place.

Back in November 2017 God revealed to me (Stephen) that I was to take a step of faith and conclude as pastor of Maryborough Baptist Church. One of the keys in the continued development of the Meeting Place Granville that God has made clear is that we are to go deeper with Jesus at the Meeting Place Granville.

Part of this is to develop a rhythm of prayer, something we are beginning to investigate now.

One of the challenges we are facing is how to provide for this financially (Please note our new banking details).

We are thankful to God for LifeChurch Maryborough renting the residence for all of 2018. We are thankful to God for a young married couple renting the residence for 2019. We are thankful to God for the donations people generously give (including friends of the Meeting Place Granville). We are thankful to God for the purchases people make in the opShop.

Above all we are are thankful for your prayers as we continue to look for where God is at work and join with Him in what He is doing in our great community.

Our Story Begins – A New Kind of Church

It is exciting to be part of a growing community where our perceptions and definitions are constantly being challenged.

One morning, a ‘regular’ at our opShop/cafe – someone who also frequently brings some cooking for the cafe – shared how her husband said they had a busy weekend coming up and would not be able to come to the opShop / cafe this weekend. Her response was, “What, I can’t miss church!” Of course they were there on the Saturday.

I wonder what your definition of ‘church’ might be? And I wonder what our culture around us perceives as ‘church’. To this person it is where she experiences a real sense of community, where people love, accept and care for her.

And then we have twin brothers who had a significant birthday coming up. They approached us and asked if we would serve the food and drinks at their party. What an honour and privilege!

These are examples of the opportunities we have at the Meeting Place to connect with people in the local community. We look forward to how the presence of God will bring further impact.

Some of the ‘new’ opportunities God is opening for us include:

1) The establishment of a prayer garden based on the best selling book “I grow in Grandad’s Garden – with different areas of the garden suggesting areas of focus eg. Think and Thank Seat; Let Go Log (letting go of hurts); Cross Over Corner {what will I need extra courage for); Dream Table (what are your dreams?)

2) Worship times

3) Faith community – where followers of Jesus are being transformed by Jesus and transforming the world around them.