Blessings
“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
Program Opening: In a voice over by Rhema FM CEO John Mark's spoke of what it meant to be blessed by God. A combined churches team of musicians, led by Pastor Stuart Brown from The Grainery Church sang The Blessing over the people gathered.
Blessings from Scripture: Four Scriptures that declared the blessings of God were read by the School Captains of Maitland Christian School, Belmont Christian College, Hunter Christian School and St Philip's Christian College.
- May God give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” (Psalm 20:4, NIV)
- “May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, NIV)
- “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it, and may you be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Ephesians 3:16, NLT)
- “May your love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:9-11, NIV)
Acknowledgment of Country: Donna Meehan powerfully lead the gathering in an acknowledgement of country and a prayer of blessing.
On Friday the 4 June 2021, 400+ people representing Churches, Schools, Businesses, Civic and Community organisations gathered to acknowledge God, the power of prayer and to ask for His blessing over its people. The Master of Ceremonies was Nic Cassar University Chaplain NUspace and Pastor of NewCity Baptist Church.
The Lord Mayor who was accompanied to the breakfast by her daughters, welcomed guests and acknowledged the work of the Church.
Beneficiary Presentation: Hunter Homeless Connect's Connecting the Hunter and Community Services Directory programs were chosen by the Lord Mayor to be the beneficiary of the breakfast. The award was accepted by Alyson Segrott on behalf of the Hunter Homeless Connect Committee.
Grace: The Very Reverend Katherine Bowyer, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral led the gathering in a prayer of blessing for the gathering and breakfast.
Stuart Brown and Alex Moss sang The Prayer.
Prayers of Blessing:
- For leaders, led by Pastor Scott Samways, Hillsong Newcastle.
- For families, led by Pastor Sue Irwin, The Grainery Church.
- For future leaders, led by Pastor Joseph Skaf, Seventh-day Adventist Church Warners Bay and University Chaplain. Got to prayer in full - Joseph Skaf - Prayer for Future Leaders
Three generations of the O'Dea Family from Northlakes Salvos then led all gathered in a prayer of declaration and blessing.
Prayer of Declaration and Blessing
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth, here in this region as it is in heaven.
This morning as one we lift up the name of Jesus. At Your name every knee will bow. We welcome Your presence and Your perfect peace here in the hearts and minds of every person present.
This day we pray for our city and our future. We confess our need of You. We believe in You. In Your powerful name we declare Your Blessings over the people of this city and region.
Blessings of Hope and life.
Blessings of Healing and Wholeness.
Blessings of Strength and Courage.
Blessings of Faith and Salvation.
We ask You Holy Spirit to awaken the hearts of men and women, young and old. We ask that You show Yourself with signs, wonders and miracles.
Lord we ask for the unearthing of creativity. We pray for the entrepreneurs and pioneers to arise with confidence. We ask for the birthing of new ideas that would lead to resourcing the region and her people. Every good thing You bring forth we want to send it to the world.
Jesus, You are our hope and in You there is a future. Awaken us to the purposes of heaven we ask. O Lord, touch us with Your presence today to empower us for our tomorrow. Lord be glorified through our lives and throughout our city and into our future.
This we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen
Corporate Worship: The morning closed with all standing to sing Amazing Grace.
