The McQuoids - Dean and Jo McQuoid
Our very own Dean and Jo McQuoid have released their debut album.
One of the principle songwriters with Edge Kingsland, Dean McQuoid struck out on his own teaming up with wife and co-writing partner Jo McQuoid, to record their full length debut album.
Produced by Jonathan Class (The Varsity Recording Co) and Strahan Coleman, ‘The Strength of Stones’ is Kiwiana meets Americana worship of Jesus.
Check it out!
The Spirit who 'cries out' Abba Father!
Galatians 4:6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Abba,Father.”
I’ve been reading through Galatians lately, text that I’ve probably read countless times over the years, but lately it’s leaping back off the pages again, so much so, I thought I would share some of my thoughts and prayers off the back of the text, just in case it resonates with you as much as it has been for me…
What is popping for me?
1. The Trinity at work. A beautiful example of the synergy and flow of who You are and how You work together Lord. Father, Spirit, Son at work in this verse.
2. I love how it says ‘You sent the Spirit into our hearts.’ You didn’t just send the Spirit 'to' us, but You sent the Spirit 'into' our very hearts. The seat of who we are - the place of intimacy - why? Because that’s exactly what You want with us - intimacy. You sent your Spirit into the very place of warmth, emotion, feeling, intimacy - why? Because that’s exactly where and how You want us to engage You.
3. Abba Father! Not only did You send the Spirit into our hearts, but You sent the Spirit who cries ‘Abba Father!’ The ultimate invitation into intimacy! Not just ‘hey, come and have a relationship with me as your God. No, it’s come and have a relationship with me as your Father. And not just your Father, but your Abba Father. Your dearest Father, your Daddy.
4. ‘Cries out!’ I love how it says the Spirit ‘cries out’ Abba Father! Who cries out Daddy? A young child. It’s a picture of a young child standing there, arms up before their daddy, asking to be picked up, pulled close and embraced in the Father’s arms. ‘Cries out’ not just ‘says’ but Paul says ‘cries out’ ‘calls out’ - Abba Father! Daddy! A beautiful picture.
Wow! Love it!
Dean McQuoid
Spiritual Formation School Update
On April 24th, 2023 Our Spiritual Formation School kicked off with Jacinda Lilly from Coast Vineyard, looking at 'Devotional life'.
Right from the get-go, we dived into the week, open, and ready, expecting to hear from the Lord and to grow and form a deeper relationship through the input of the school, and our expectations were blown out of the water. God's Presence was very evident amongst us in the classroom, and a closeness and bond amongst the student group developed very quickly in terms of sharing and vulnerability, and we knew from the first week that we had the beginning of a very special journey or pilgrimage that we would be walking together over the next 3 months. We have a real mix in the student group, from brand-new believers to ones that had walked with the Lord for over 40 years or more, and we all felt like we were sitting down to a feast.
Each week the Teachers have been outstanding and are adding to this rich tapestry of teaching and practical application that has begun. Our classroom began to grow with more students both in the Orama Classroom and online on Zoom. We have just completed Module 6 The Prophetic, and it’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through the school.
People can still sign up for a Module. (if you are interested, you need to be able to commit for the full 5 day Module week, a total of 4 hours per day, 8:30 am -10:30 am / 11:00 am - 1:00 pm)
The remaining Modules are:
Module 7 Apologetics - Dr. Steve Kumar
Module 8 Miracles and Healing - Chris Gore
Module 9 Israel today -Graeme Carle
Module 10 Character of God - Dean McQuoid
Module 11 Spiritual Gifts - Nina and David James
Module 12 Church and Worship - Matt Lilly
Full details here: Spiritual Formation School
Job Vacancies
We have two part-time positions come available… Do you feel like a change? be in positions that help change people’s lives…
You will be joining a small team living onsite at Great Barrier Island in a stunningly beautiful bay, with a vibrant history of restoring and equipping people for life’s journey. Every year more than 2500 visitors come to Orama to enjoy a holiday adventure, a spiritual retreat, or a training school at Orama. This is a great opportunity for a couple to job share.
Position 1: Pastoral Care/Ministry Coordination/Operations support 20 hours (flexible)
This is a varied position, with a balance between hands-on practical work and providing pastoral care to staff, volunteers, and guests. Helping develop ministry opportunities, and foster/create partnerships with external ministries.
Position 2: Guest Services Manager 30 hours (flexible)
This role is a critical and rewarding role. You will be responsible for managing the operations around guest/client services for Orama. This would suit a friendly, welcoming person, who loves providing great first impressions for customers, with the ability to manage systems with accuracy & efficiency.
If you feel a calling to express an authentic Christianity through community and have a love for people, and a passion to show the love of God through hospitality, and can imagine living onsite in a stunning bay, we would love to discuss this amazing opportunity with you.
Please complete this employment application
Applications close 30th June 2023.