2 Healing Forward: A New Year Message of Hope As a new year begins, many people are not just thinking about what lies ahead, but also about what they are carrying with them. Some step into January with excitement and clarity. Others arrive tired, uncertain, or quietly hopeful that this year might be different. Wherever you find yourself, the invitation of Jesus is not to forget the past, but to heal forward. Healing forward does not mean pretending the last year did not happen. It means choosing to keep moving towards God's best for our lives, even when life has been difficult. It means allowing God to meet us in our weakness, not just our strength and guide us to restoration through the cross. The Christian faith reminds us that renewal rarely happens all at once. It happens slowly, through trust, grace, and small steps taken one day at a time. This, however, is not a journey we can take alone. Life is always lighter when it is shared. Community matters, and having people in our lives who will listen, encourage, and walk alongside us is essential for flourishing. Faith and hope are not strengthened in isolation, but in connection, through honest conversations and simple acts of care. Our prayer for you this year is that you will find the courage to keep going, the space to heal, and the support of others along the way. God’s presence is not reserved for perfect moments. It is found in ordinary lives, in real struggles, and in the quiet decision to begin again. At Authentic Church Ormeau, we aim to be a place where people can belong before they believe, and where no one has to pretend they have it all together. If you are looking for encouragement or community, you are welcome to join us at our Sunday services. During the week, our community food outlet is also open, offering practical support and connection for local families. Stop in, we’d love to meet you. With Love Ps. Tarun Stevenson Authentic Church Details about service times and the food outlet can be found at https://authenticchurch.com.au. From all of us at Authentic Church Ormeau, we pray God's best for you this year. 2026 Gold Coast Caravan and Outdoor Expo returns to People First Stadium, 6 - 8 February 2026. Explore the latest caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper and tent trailers, slide-ons and a huge range of accessories and gear. From budget friendly setups to top end motorhomes, it is all here. Every February, the Gold Coast draws the spotlight of Australia’s screen industry. Held at HOTA from February 4 to 8, the festival offers not just glitz and glamour but a thoughtful program rich in culture, nostalgia, creativity and connection. One of the greatest drawcards for mature audiences is the lineup of film screenings and premieres. Many feature the familiar faces and seasoned performers Australians have grown up with. From richly told dramas to heartfelt Australian stories, these screenings offer an opportunity to enjoy cinema the way it was meant to be experienced — on the big screen, surrounded by fellow film lovers. The festival also brings a series of conversations, interviews and masterclasses featuring some of the Feb 4 - 8, 2026 country’s most respected filmmakers and actors. These sessions are ideal for those who enjoy diving deeper into how a story is crafted, how performances evolve, and what inspires Australia’s leading creative minds. For anyone who has ever loved movies, these insights are pure gold. Whether it’s strolling the HOTA grounds, attending an evening event, or simply soaking in the festival atmosphere, it’s an enriching way to spend a summer day. With its warm weather, accessible venue, comfortable seating options and well-paced schedule, the festival is thoughtfully suited to visitors of all ages. For more information visit www.aactafestival.com
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