Alive with Christ

We had a cracker of a time last weekend as we gathered together to encourage each other as we look forward to Jesus’ return, real soon. That was the main message of the Bible talk, and this weekend we’re considering just how it is that God is gathering more and more people into his church. In other words, it’s the topic of ‘evangelism’.

If you’re a person who already knows Jesus but is looking for a church to visit or join, then come along this weekend at 5pm on Saturday (with dinner and programs for kids and youth), or 9am on Sunday (with Lord’s Supper, espresso coffee and a more ‘classic’ Anglican styled church).

If you’re not yet a follower of Jesus, then you should definitely drop in this weekend. We’d love you to tyre-kick church and check out what makes Christians tick. Come along, feel at home, ask lots of questions, and join our family. It’s really special.

Part of church each week is our Q&A segment, where I answer the tough questions you asked me via the response slip at church or via SMS. Here are the questions lined up for this weekend:

1. Why does Genesis 1 say that God created male and females from dust, and then in the next chapter say he created the man and then later made the woman from his rib?
2. Why do we sing hymns when we could instead read them from the Bible in a more powerful way?
3. Why shouldn’t we just end our lives and go to heaven to be with God right now?
4. Since we no longer possess the actual timber cross upon which Jesus died, then do we still have any altar?
5. Did you and Mandy visit the place in Jerusalem where Jesus died on the cross?
6. Is there technology in heaven?

So, come along and come alive! See you Saturday or Sunday!

JODIE McNEILL

If you’ve ever sailed on a yacht then you’ll know the exhilaration of submitting to the awesome power of the wind.

Yet when the breeze turns into a gale, it can be terrifying.

The Bible records a time when Jesus and his friends hit a fierce storm as they sailed across a lake, and it caused their boat to fill with water.

They were in real danger, and they feared for their lives.

And in their powerlessness, they woke up Jesus who was asleep in the boat.

They said to him “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” 

As he awoke, Jesus did not share their fear like any other human would, but instead he showed his sovereignty over the weather.

The Bible simply says “When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm.”

Like a parent rebuking a naughty child, Jesus rebukes the wind and the waves.

Can you imagine what it must have been like to be in the presence of a man who could truly control creation?

And as the roar of the wind was silenced, Jesus simply asks the disciples, “Where is your faith?”

On the one hand, it was a rebuke to them for not trusting that Jesus was in control.

But on the other hand, Jesus’ statement is a genuine question: “Where is your faith?”

For the people in the boat, fearing for their lives, they had to choose the place in which they would put their faith.

The only real hope is in the man who could still the storm with a statement.

In their wonder, they asked the question: “Who is this man?”

For before their eyes they witnessed the power of the man who created and rules the universe, and now offers true comfort and forgiveness when you put your faith in him.

JODIE McNEILL

OUR BIBLE TALK

This weekend Jodie is continuing our series, ‘How to build the church’ as he speaks on the topic, ‘How is God building his Church?’ from Ephesians 4:1-16. Next week we’ll be looking at ‘What’s happening when we ‘do’ church?’ from Hebrews 10:1-25.

MISSION OF THE MONTH

School Scripture is our mission of the month. Support this ministry through the ‘Mission Table’ in the Hall.

WET PAINT

Thanks to Rayne and everyone who is helping with the repaint of our hall.

CALLING ALL MUSICIANS

In the coming weeks we’re planning to relaunch our music ministry across our two services. If you’re musical, then we’d love you to serve with us. Write a note on a Response Slip or let Jodie know.

NEW KIDS’ MINISTRY

This weekend we’re going to have two, different kids’ ministries on Saturday nights. During 5pm service our children will continue to move to the hall for their programs, but now there will be one group for the younger kids, and a special group for Upper Primary. 

SCRIPTURE KICKS OFF

Pray for our SRE (Scripture) Teachers as they begin teaching this Thursday at Jamberoo Public School.

FRANKLIN GRAHAM EVENT

The late Billy Graham’s son, Franklin, is preaching in Sydney on 24th February. Details at grahamtour.com.au 

GIVING UPDATE

Each week we need to receive $2650.00 in order to meet our commitments. In the last calendar month, our average weekly giving was $2010.00, leaving a gap of $640.00. Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $10,600. Compared to that total we received $8,041, leaving a gap of $2,559.

Electronic giving is a great way to give! It helps us prayerfully plan our giving, and then the bank will help us keep that commitment, even when we may be unable to attend. To give by direct transfer then these are the details. Account name: Church of England Jamberoo. Account number: 10081274. BSB: 062562.