A Letter From the Editor: Service and the Heart of Worship

I have just come out of a Big Camp Planning Committee.

The discussion was animated. Various opinions were expressed as we discussed how we, here in Victoria, could implement an initiative of the global Seventh-day Adventist Church. Our world leaders have made a global appeal calling all people into a daily personal worship time with God.

Would we call it, The Heart of Worship? Or would Back to the Heart of Worship better communicate our need for a closer connection with Jesus? “Back to…” suggests we may have drifted a little – or a lot – from the ideal – and when we’re honest, that may well be a current reality for at least some of us.

So many lead busy, media-saturated lives. It is challenging to find the time for essential communion with God that is so necessary for our spiritual well-being.

Without it, the God-shaped hole inside is empty. It’s what our hearts are desperately craving.

After thoughtful and prayerful discussion, the decision was made that our Big Camp at Elmore, Easter 2024, will revolve around this theme:

Back to the Heart of Worship.

It’s not about being prescriptive, or judgmental. It’s not even about the form of worship. Rather, it’s about a lifestyle. It’s about being supportive and encouraging as we seek to follow the example of Jesus who cherished personal moments of deep connection with His Father.

It’s about bringing families together as they focus on our wonderful heavenly Father. It’s a recognition of the invitation to start each day with Him, to walk each moment of the day with Him, and end each day with Him.

By now, I think it’s obvious that “Back to the Heart of Worship” is about coming closer to Jesus. What may not be so obvious is that it is also about how we live our lives, the way we treat others and the way we serve. You may be aware that justice, mercy and faith were the ‘big three’ for Jesus. All flows out of who we are before God.

So, now is the time to plan to be at Big Camp at Elmore, Easter 2024 where we’ll explore the theme, Back to the Heart of Worship. I think of Big Camp as a time for fellowship, inspiration and being together as we turn our minds heavenward.

Now that you know what our team are working on, please pray that God will lead and bless as plans are put into reality. See you there?

Graeme Christian
Victorian Conference President