Isca Church

Norman Alford, one of the founding members of Isca, gives an encouraging prophetic word before Rich speaks on Corinthians 12:12-27.

Rich's reminds us that being a follower of Jesus means committing to and sharing life with other Jesus followers. The church is God's radical family.

He sets out three themes: Show Up, Step In and Step Out.

Join us for an inspiring first gathering of the year!

Together, we’ll reflect on our rich history, embrace the present, and look ahead with hope.

Rich is joined by Bob and Muriel, Ellie, with prayers led by Kath and Dave, and prophetic words shared by Matt, Karl, and Richmond.

And don’t miss the special treat at the end—a funky rendition of Be Thou My Vision, courtesy of Julian!

 

 

Nick encourages us to remember the shepherds’ story with awe and wonder and thank God for the transformative message and the freedom they shared it with. 

Jenny Flannagan launches our Advent series by exploring how Mary might have felt as she waited for Jesus’s ministry to begin. She opens with a powerful monologue from Mary’s perspective.

How do we remain faithful to God during those “in-between” times of waiting?

Jenny offers three invitations for us to reflect on this Advent:

1. Surrender our plans to God
2. Reach out and connect deeply with others
3. Ponder and pray over all that does not yet make sense

 

Gaynor encourages us to find God in the season of advent by: preparing, slowing and waiting.

Here are Gaynor's simple ways to “practice Advent” this year:

• Light a candle each evening and spend two minutes in silence
• Listen to a carol and allow the eternal truth to draw you out of the instant
• Make an Advent Spotify list
• Practice daily gratitude by asking where did I see God today?
• Share a meal slowly and be fully present to those around the table.
• Go somewhere different and find someone different from you
• Get an Advent guide and get into reading again
• Invites other in – do it in community
• Be creative!

Andy begins the first of two teaching sessions on the practice of fasting focusing on:

Offering ourselves to God

Growing in holiness

Amplifying our prayers

Standing with the poor

Cherryl and Rebecca delve deeper into the practice of generosity as we continue our Practising the Way series.

During this Thanksgiving Celebration we heard from 9 different speakers, all telling of God's goodness throughout the year: Bonnie, Exmouth, Kathy and Karen, Hatherleigh, Sim, Isca youth, Kristian, Isca children & families with testimonies from Isca members, John and Adrian. Matt Finn, chair of trustees gave the final word.

Cherryl Hunt introduces the first of two talks on generosity in our Practising the Way series.

She reminds us that there is more joy in giving than receiving and we must watch out for greed.

Cherryl's challenging talk encourages us to look at our lifestyles choices, holidays, clothes, food, investments - are they ethical?

Karl encourages us to enJOY the Sabbath. He suggests that on Saturday morning we ask God to help us rest, enjoy, worship and delight in Him this Sabbath.