Dec 19, 20245 min read

Newsletter 19/12/24

"Little is much when God is in it.

Labor not for wealth or fame,

For there’s a crown—and you can win it,

If you go in Jesus' name."

Most weeks, I’m the last to leave the warehouse after a Sundown Session. It’s a quiet routine: the bins go out, a final sweep for what’s been left behind, the lights go off, and I press the button for the heavy roller door. But the other week, I stood still. Silent. Paused at the doorway, gazing back into the space.

In that moment, I saw more than equipment or fairy lights. I saw generosity embodied. I saw all the good God has done through us. I stood there, overwhelmed by the reality of it all, whispering to myself, “This is real.”

It’s a feeling I won’t forget—a gratitude so deep. A small, brave group left what was comfortable. Another small group gave with generous hearts, offering equipment, finances, and a space to run our events. I remember stepping into that little warehouse for the first time, full of forklifts and clutter, and thinking, “Yeah, we can make this work.” because little is much when God is in it. It's amazing to remember those humble beginnings.

We don’t have giant crowds. We don’t have riches and wealth. We didn’t even have enough chairs some nights. But little is much when God is in it. And this? This is real. It’s happening. It’s the greatest adventure of our lives... I feel for those who’ve never been part of something that sets their soul on fire, that ignites a passion they can’t contain. I feel for those who haven’t seen miracles unfold daily—provision at every turn, doors opening in impossible places. I feel for those who haven’t yet said yes to the wild risk of following the call... To those people I say, take the risk.

Looking back on this year, my heart overflows with thanks. To those who dared to say yes—thank you. To those who walked this road alongside us, making the journey less lonely—thank you. To the churches and ministries who chose to believe in us when it would’ve been easier to doubt—thank you. ANW isn’t bound by a single denomination; it’s a tapestry of many, woven together to help us. To the individuals who’ve given generously, often beyond what I can comprehend—thank you. Your gifts have kept the lights on, the warehouse cool, the tables full of food, and our community strong. Your generosity lets us dream, plan, and take steps forward with faith. And to those who have prayed with earnest hearts, who’ve carried us in spirit—thank you. God has provided for every need. Our greatest joy is seeing people encounter Jesus for the first time. We’ve had big nights and small nights, but every moment matters. Every soul matters. We’re reaching those who need it. We’re outside the four walls of any institution. We’re real. This is real.

Thank you, God.

In 2025, we'll launch again, this time as an official incorporation and charity, seperate from Narara Valley Baptist Church. This will be a large process involving constitutions, insurance, banking, policies, and other legalities; but we have started and we are ready.

We continue to need help. We are looking for people who want to take the risk and join us in the next season of our journey. We invite everyone to pray! Do you want to be part of the greatest little adventure of your life? Little is much when God is in it. Take the risk, contact us, we need you.

Christmas Party!!

We woke up to the worst weather of the week—storms and strong winds—but our community chaplain, Evan, decided to believe that the sun would come out. And it did! The weather cleared, and we enjoyed an amazing day filled with joy, connection, and celebration. Everything came together perfectly, with many new faces from the community joining us for a BBQ. A newcomer even stepped in as our main chef on the tongs, showing just how welcoming and collaborative the day turned out to be.

We also wrapped hundreds of gifts for our community! Although we hadn’t heavily advertised this initiative, everyone who came brought along gifts and presents, showing just how much our community cares about helping others. It was heartwarming to see even our new guests jump in and join the gift-wrapping station. Evan will be delivering these gifts to a variety of charities, youth refuges, domestic violence shelters, and hospitals on Friday. He’s worked hard to partner with local organisations on the Central Coast to ensure the gifts meet specific and immediate needs.

Of course, it wasn’t just about gift-wrapping! Our MCs kept the festive spirit alive with some Christmas-themed rapping, entertaining everyone who passed by.

As the event came to a close, a few of us reflected on what makes ANW truly special. We don’t just want to do things "for" the local community; we want to do things "with" the local community. That’s the heart of what we’re about—working together to bring joy and hope to those around us.

Camping!!

We wanted to provide some clarity on our camping trip over the Australia Day weekend!

This is not a regular "Church Camp". We wont be planning activities, planning meals, or planning any spiritual services... So what are we doing? We are letting you know that a bunch of us are going camping from the 24th-27th of January at Williams River Holiday park near Clarence Town. We may even eat together sometimes and hangout. We did book extra sites next to eachother to make it cheaper for everyone who wants to join.

There are clean toilets and showers, but there is no electricity or cabins. If you are coming along we recomend that you love camping, and have methods to cook your food and charge your appliances, or come with a group of friends who can do those things!

Anyone is welcome, it's a normal caravan park where we are going to make our own fun, float down the river, and visit a brewery. This is living. $10 per adult, per night.

Book In Here ASAP: anewway.church/camp

Relaxing into the Holiday Season

When people ask about our charity’s name, A New Way, I sometimes wonder if it might come across as pretentious or dismissive of “the old way.” But that’s not the case at all. We know there's nothing new under the sun! In fact, the deep meaning behind our name, continues to grow and evolve for us.

Right now, doing things ‘a new way’ means embracing simplicity and relaxation. Instead of packing our calendars and getting caught up in the Christmas rush, we have decided we are doing things a new way, and that is to not NEED to do anything.

We’re encouraging everyone to explore some of the incredible events happening across the Central Coast this holiday season.

The Seventh Day Adventists host a fantastic interactive Christmas experience.
Hope UC offers amazing music and a beautiful midnight service.
The Central Coast Mariners even play soccer on New Year’s Eve!

Take the time to enjoy what’s happening in your community, or create your own quiet moment to reflect on the reason for the season. Whether it’s celebrating with loved ones or helping those in need, we hope you find joy and peace this Christmas.

As for us, we’re taking it slow into the New Year. There will be no event on Christmas or New Years. January will be about easing into 2025 with a simple and relaxed approach including jam session, prayer nights, bible studys, and beers at the Hawksberry. Stay tuned for updates on our events at www.anewway.church/whatson or follow us on social media.

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season!

Prayer Requests

That our visitors at the Christmas party felt welcome and might join more of our community events!
That our community would stay safe this holiday season.
That those who recieve our donated gifts would feel incredibly loved and valued.
For Jonah and Zoe who were married a few weeks ago!