The Lyall Bay Community Church decided to have their first ever Sunday morning service on Pentecost Sunday: a symbolic act to remember the powerful way the Spirit of God moved, and the many people who believed. Also as a reminder of where our hope lies – Christ is building the church and can move in radical ways. 

They celebrated their third anniversary of Sunday services this year on Pentecost Sunday. Although they aren't yet up to 1,000 new followers of Jesus every day, they took some time to acknowledge the life that has blossomed in the beach community. Many shared stories of the transforming power of the Spirit in their lives and of the way that community has held them in the most difficult times. 

One such story was of the community garden that has been a wonderful place of connection and generosity in the neighbourhood. One of the crew had dreamed and schemed for a long time around the garden and over the last year it has taken shape and flourished. She is often there with her 2 year old daughter, sharing the joys of caring for the land and getting to know more people down the streets of Lyall Bay. 

In classic Lyall Bay form, they concluded the birthday service with a decadent brunch of bagels and pancakes, feeling grateful for all God has done and all that is still to come.