Church in the Marketplace

08/06/2026

Take A Breath

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest!’
MARK 6:31 (NIV)

During the mid-20th century, several 'expert' theorists predicted that by now our biggest problem in the world would be too much leisure time. The fear was that we would have so much free time it would lead to excessive boredom, social alienation and eventual complete moral decay. Futurists imagined a world of leisure, where machines did all the work and people struggled to fill their days with hobbies, diversions and 100% R&R. Granted, technical advancements, computers and advancing Al are constantly making our personal and working lives a lot easier and we have it pretty good, particularly in the west. But still, here in the 21* century, somehow we're more time-poor than ever.

With constant social media bombardment, and the seemingly endless 'ping' of notifications against a culture of blurring work-life boundaries, our days are filled from morning to night. We too often find ourselves 'coming and going that [we don't] even have a chance to eat, let alone rest. Jesus saw that in His disciples and, with compassion, invited them to step away and rest with Him. This gentle invitation is still open to us today.

God didn't create us to run nonstop. He designed rhythms of work and rest. Rest isn't laziness; it's obedience. It's in stillness that we hear His voice, regain strength, and remember who we are. If you feel overwhelmed, overbooked, or overlooked, hear Jesus' words to you. Let Him be your quiet place. Even five minutes with Him can restore peace to your soul.

Source: Robbie Parkin Hope 102.3 Real Hope Devotional

07/06/2026

CMP is closed today for the King's birthday public holiday.

05/06/2026

04/06/2026

Turn your bottles and cans into bedpans and medicine!

Bring your empty bottles and cans to church and put them in the blue bin so we can cash them in and donate the money raised to the hospital at Light Home in India.

02/06/2026

Abraham’s life journey is a masterful lesson in trusting God's promises despite our own human flaws and impossible circumstances. Abraham's obedience to God laid the groundwork for God’s gracious redemptive work in the world through Christ. Starting this Sunday 7th June, join us over the coming couple of months as we follow his amazing story of faith in the midst of uncertainty and doubt.

01/06/2026

What is Expected of Us

Luke 19:13 (NIV)
So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. “Put this money to work,” he said, “until I come back.”

Have you ever wondered what it truly means for Jesus to be King? Or what is expected of us during His absence? The Parable of the Minas offers profound insights into these questions.
The nobleman in the story, who represents Jesus, entrusts his servants with minas - a form of currency. He instructs them to "put this money to work" until he returns. This isn't just about financial investment; it's a call to invest our lives, talents, and resources in ways that honour God. The servants' responses reveal their hearts.
Some eagerly put the minas to work, multiplying their master's investment and earning his trust and greater responsibility. Others, out of fear or apathy, bury their mina, squandering the opportunity and facing the consequences of their inaction.

What are the ‘minas’ — the unique gifts and talents - that God has entrusted to you? How can you utilise them to further His kingdom?

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for entrusting me with the precious gifts You have given me. Help me to be a faithful steward of these gifts, investing them wisely and boldly for Your glory. Give me the courage to overcome any fears or doubts that may hinder me from fully participating in Your work. May my life bring honour to Your name.
Amen.

Source: Sower Magazine

26/05/2026

Our culture idolises different types of love. But Jesus said there was no greater love than sacrificial love for one’s friends. What's more, he issued a command to his disciples that they live out this kind of love. Christian friendship isn't just a 'nice-to-have'. It's vital, and Jesus showed us exactly what it looked like. Join us this Sunday 31st as Carlie Chapman helps us explore this powerful notion and what it means for our friendships.

25/05/2026

Surprise Love

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! — 1 John 3:1a (NKJV)

Commentator David Allen explains: "Had you lived in the first century in a Greek seaport town, you might one day be about your business, and suddenly ... word would spread through the town that a ship. was coming. People would ... look out on the horizon at the approaching ship. By the sail configuration they could tell whether the ship was from their own country or a foreign nation. You would hear people asking in Greek, "Potapen?" which literally means, “Of what country?" What new people are coming to visit? What language and goods are we going to encounter? What new things are we going to learn?
This is the word translated "what manner of" in 1 John 3:1. It bristles with surprise, astonishment, urgency, and excitement. What kind of love is this that the Father has given us?

Thank you, Father, that Your love is literally out of this world. Please help me not to reduce and tame Your love to a level that is familiar. Enable me to grasp how wide, long, high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge.

Source: Rev Dr Adam Dodds, Sower magazine