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I hope this message finds you well. Recently I’ve been reflecting on a few things I’ve had the opportunity to be part of, and how they’ve connected deeply with what we’re growing together here as a church.
In July I was away for a couple of speaking appointments—one in the Whitsundays and another on the Gold Coast. Both were focused on ministry with young adults, and I came away feeling deeply encouraged by the conversations, the hunger for God, and the sense of shared purpose.
The speaking engagements also formed part of a university externship for a unit I’ve been studying. Another one of those moments where theory met reality. We’ve been learning about ministry in external environments this semester, and it was beautiful to see those ideas come to life—being present with people, listening well, and watching how God meets us outside the familiar walls of church. It reminded me that ministry is not something we turn on and off depending on context, it’s simply who we are, wherever we are.
At the Whitsundays, we spent time diving into some of the same themes we’ve been exploring here at Park Ridge: the gospel of Jesus, His gracious power at work in our everyday lives, and what it means to live faithfully in the “in-between”—between promise and fulfillment, brokenness, and restoration. I’m grateful for those conversations, and even more grateful that we get to keep having them here together as a church family.
Now that we’ve started a new preaching series at church focused on prayer, I’ve been thinking even more deeply about what it means to be a people who truly pray. You may have noticed the sign at the front of church: “If my people will pray…”. That’s more than just a nice idea—it’s a promise, and an invitation. What happens when God’s people pray? What happens when our church family prays? What changes when prayer becomes our culture—not just something we do occasionally, but the foundation of who we are?
We know that sometimes, God’s answer is “not yet”, and that can be hard. But even in the waiting, there’s power. When we pray, not just occasionally, but consistently, we are choosing to trust. We are saying with our actions that we believe God is still working, even when we can’t see the full picture. Imagine what it would look like if prayer was our first instinct, not our last resort. If instead of striving to carry everything ourselves, we brought every burden, joy, decision, and uncertainty before God. Imagine the kind of peace, clarity, and spiritual strength that could grow in a church that leans into prayer together. When we come together with God, He can do great things through us.
This Saturday night, we have a great opportunity to come together across all generations for our church working bee. It’s not just about getting jobs done, it’s a chance to connect, share stories, and strengthen the bonds that make our church feel like family. Bring along some cleaning gear, a good story or two, and a willing heart. Let’s make it a meaningful evening of service, connection, and shared purpose—an expression of who we are as a church that works, prays, and grows together.
God bless you, Malin Andersen
Intern Church Pastor
