Who rules really?

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This weekend will see many Aussies head to the ballot box, with five by-elections to be held around Australia.

Depending on what happens, it will increase or decrease the stability of the federal government… and may influence the decision of when the next federal election is called by the Prime Minister.

Regardless, it is important to remember that God rules the world, and every political leader on the Earth would be well-advised to recognise this as they go about their acts of civic service.

For the Bible reminds us that “there is no authority except that which God has established”, and that “the authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1)

As a result, we should recognise the authority of our leaders and be subject to them, even if we don’t like them or their policies, remembering that “the one in authority is God’s servant for your good”, and that we should submit to them, “not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.” (Romans 13:4, 5).

For this reason, our Anglican Prayer Book invites us to pray for all who hold office in our land:

“Grant that all things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavours on the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, faithfulness and true religion, may be firmly established among us, and make us a blessing to other nations.” (AAPB, p.34)

As is our custom, we should continue to pray for our politicians and give thanks for the political stability of our land, as God rules through them for the good of our nation.

JODIE McNEILL

Coming up this weekend 28th – 29th July 2018

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This weekend we begin the next part of our series on ‘Romans: The Heart of Truth’, with Jodie speaking on the topic ‘The Spirit of life’ from Romans chapter 8 verses 1 to 13.

At our 5pm Saturday service we will have an opportunity to meet one of our church members, which is always a great encouragement to us all.

We will also have our weekly question and answer time, and Jodie will be answering these questions:

  1. Why in Exodus does the Bible use the name ‘Pharoah’ instead of ‘King Tut’ or something like that?
  2. What does it mean to “redeem your firstborn son”?
  3. If today we don’t hear God’s audible voice, then can we hear the Holy Spirit speaking?
  4. Given we’ll be given a new body when we die, why does it matter if we enter heaven with no hands or feet?
  5. Are all sins equal?
  6. Does God forgive us if we continue committing the same sin after we have repented?
  7. Does Mathew 18:18 contradict what Jesus said about no marriage in heaven, since marriage is a bond between two people?
  8. How should we encourage a friend to return to church if they haven’t been for a while?

Our 8am Sunday service will be the Lord’s Supper Sunday Service.

If you’re wanting to check out our church we’d really love you to visit us on Saturday at 5pm for a contemporary service with kids’ program and dinner afterwards. Our youth group ‘Alive’ runs straight after dinner on Saturday night. Or come along on Sunday at 8am for a Prayer Book service.

If you can’t make it in person, you’re welcome to jump online to watch the service (with the same sermon and many other items) at www.oakflats.tv.

See you at 5pm this Saturday or 8am this Sunday, God willing!

Church news for the week beginning 21st July 2018

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This weekend’s Bible talk

This weekend Jodie concludes the mini-series called ‘The gospel at GAFCON’, with the last talk titled ‘The gospel demands repentance’ from Matthew chapter 18 verses 6 to 20.

Romans series returns next week

Our series titled, ‘Romans: The Heart of Truth’, returns next week with Jodie speaking on the topic ‘The Spirit of life’ from Romans chapter 8 verses 1 to 13.

Mission of the month

Church Missionary Society (CMS) is our mission of the month. Support this ministry through the ‘Mission Table’ in the Hall.

Youth returns next week

Our normal youth program, ‘Alive’, returns next Saturday, 28th July.

Serve Teams

Our new-look Serve Teams (small groups) kick off this week. If you’re not in a team, then chat to a minister and we’ll help you find a great group.

Men’s Dinner

The next Men’s Dinner will be held on Tuesday 7th August at 6.30pm at the Central Hotel Shellharbour, with guest speaker, Richard Chin, speaking on the topic ‘Male Misunderstandings of Marriage: God’s word to husbands and would-be husbands’. $31 per person (or $23 concession). Register online at www.oakflatsanglican.com/mensdinner.

Bookstall now available

Biblically faithful and challenging books are a great blessing from God and we now have a small selection of books available for sale. Make sure you check out what is in stock. You can pay by cash, cheque or credit card.

 

Giving update

Each week we need to receive $6300.00 in order to meet our commitments. In the last calendar month, our average weekly giving was $5402.00, leaving a gap of $898.00.Olimometer 2.52Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $81,900. Compared to that total we received $71,624, leaving a gap of $10,276.Olimometer 2.52Electronic 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 .

Have you passed on the baton?

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Given that one of our family’s favourite childhood movies was Pixar’s ‘Cars’, I was looking forward to watching the third movie in this series.

Even though it’s targeted at younger kids, the Pixar special sauce produced some terrific entertainment for older kids like me.

As the movie progressed, it was clear that it was a story designed to resonate strongly with older parents and grandparents.

Without spoiling the plot, the underlying message is about passing on the baton from the oldies to the next generation.

Lightning McQueen is no longer able to compete against the rookies, with their new technology and bulletproof confidence.

So, as his midlife crisis unfolds, he is given an insight into the often-hidden pleasure of those who are forced to deal with the realities of losing the ‘competitive edge’.

This is the pleasure of investing in the next generation, and experiencing their ‘wins’ as our own.

McQueen sees this as he discovers the delight that he himself brought to his mentor, Doc Hudson, who vicariously experienced the triumphs of his younger subject.

This is a timely reminder about the importance and pleasure of intergenerational ministry.

Those who are older can delight in mentoring and discipling the younger people in our church.

Furthermore, our elders can be enriched as we identify, recruit, train and encourage the next generation of leaders within our ministries.

Passing on the baton may involve some initial grief, but it will transform to a lifetime of joyful partnership with the next generation of leaders.

And then we will be able to follow the example that the Apostle Paul gave to Timothy:

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

JODIE McNEILL

Coming up this weekend 21st – 22nd July 2018

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This weekend, Jodie concludes the mini-series called ‘The gospel at GAFCON’, with the last talk titled ‘The gospel demands repentance’ from Matthew chapter 18 verses 6 to 20.

At our 5pm Saturday service, we will have an update on our ‘Serve Teams’ (the new name for our Bible Study groups). We will also have our weekly question and answer time, and Jodie will be answering these questions:

  1. Given that nobody has seen God, is it possible to hear his voice?
  2. What is Satan like, and does God use him as a tool for punishment?
  3. Will those who once but no longer believe in Jesus receive eternal life?
  4. How old is the earth?
  5. How should we respond to the external and internal attacks on the gospel?

Our 8am Sunday service will be a Holy Communion Second Order AAPB service.

If you’re wanting to check out our church we’d really love you to visit us on Saturday at 5pm for a contemporary service with kids’ program and dinner afterwards. Our youth group ‘Alive’ is taking a break for the holidays, but will return next week.. Or come along on Sunday at 8am for a Prayer Book service.

If you can’t make it in person, you’re welcome to jump online to watch the service (with the same sermon and many other items) at www.oakflats.tv.

See you at 5pm this Saturday or 8am this Sunday, God willing!

Church news for the week beginning 14th July 2018

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This weekend’s Bible talk

This weekend we continues the mini-series called ‘The gospel at GAFCON’, with the next talk by Jodie titled ‘The gospel is under attack’ from Acts chapter 20 verses 17 to 35.

Mission of the month

Church Missionary Society (CMS) is our mission of the month. Support this ministry through the ‘Mission Table’ in the Hall.

Children’s and youth programs in holidays

During school holidays our normal midweek children’s and youth programs take a break until 28th July. However we plan to continue a mini-program during the 5pm Saturday service as required.

Men’s Dinner

Don’t forget to put the 7th August in your diary to hear Richard Chin at our next men’s dinner.

Jamberoo Interchurch Service

Join with fellow church-goers around our village and valley in our quarterly inter-church service. This Sunday 15th July 7pm at Jamberoo Anglican Church, with supper to follow.

Ladies’ Soup and Slice lunch

Join the Ladies Guild of Jamberoo Anglican for a Soup and Slice lunch this Wednesday 18th July. Guest speaker is Marion Gabbott, who is on her way home from Tanzania. There will also be a craft table available to buy some terrific gifts. Cost is $10 at Jamberoo Anglican church hall at 11.30am. Please RSVP to Helen on 4236 0158 for catering purposes.

Floral Demonstation

A floral demonstration and competition will be held at the church this Friday 20th July, from 9.30am. Cost is $25, with morning tea and lunch being provided. RVSP by Tuesday 17th July to Helen Curll.  Something very special – “Handbook of Floral Design” by Deidre Hill will be launched at the meeting. Cost $39.95 (Cash only as no facilities for EFTPOS).

Giving update

Each week we need to receive $6300.00 in order to meet our commitments. In the last calendar month, our average weekly giving was $5402.00, leaving a gap of $898.00.Olimometer 2.52Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $81,900. Compared to that total we received $71,624, leaving a gap of $10,276.Olimometer 2.52Electronic 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 .

Living in the light of life

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The cave rescue of the Thai soccer team has had us glued to our screens.

It is no surprise that Hollywood film executives are already jockeying to bring this remarkable message of salvation to the big screen.

It was a great answer to the prayers of so many people that these trapped boys were brought to safety, despite almost insurmountable physical challenges, and enormous risks by the rescuers.

If you’ve ever been deep inside a cave, you will have experienced a sense of darkness that is hard to describe.

Even when your light has been turned off for minutes, it’s so dark that you still can’t even see your hand in front of your face.

Then, when you leave the cave, you are overwhelmed with the brightness of the daylight.

That’s why the cave survivors have been seen wearing sunglasses as they recover from their ordeal.

Light and darkness are often used in the Bible to contrast the differences between following Jesus and disobeying him… and there’s no middle ground.

And so, the Bible says of followers of Jesus that:

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:9-11)

As people who have been saved by God from the darkness of eternal death, let us love living in his light, enjoying the privilege of pleasing him by our good, right, and truthful living.

For to anyone who has been freed from the darkness of death, light represents life to the full.

And that’s why followers of Jesus have the privilege of living in a way that pleases the Lord.

It’s wonderful to leave the darkness and live in the light of Jesus.

JODIE McNEILL

Coming up this weekend 14th – 15th July 2018

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This weekend, Jodie continues the mini-series called ‘The gospel at GAFCON’, with the next talk titled ‘The gospel is under attack’ from Acts chapter 20 verses 17 to 35.

At our 5pm Saturday service, we’ll have our weekly question and answer time, and Jodie will be answering these questions:

  1. How did the locals in Jerusalem react to GAFCON, and in particular to all the delegates gathering on the steps of the temple?
  2. Why isn’t GAFCON interdenominational?
  3. Does it really matter if you belong to an Anglican church rather than another?
  4. Will you be attending GAFCON again in five year’s time?
  5. Why were all the Apostles male, since half the population is female?
  6. If people remarry after they have wrongly divorced, are they living in sin?
  7. Who resurrected Jesus?
  8. Why isn’t ‘he’ capitalised in John 1:8-9 when it refers to God?

Our 8am Sunday service will be a Morning Prayer Sunday service.

At both our services this weekend, we will have a special report from the McNeills from their time catching up with our CMS link missionary, Jo during their visit to Israel.

If you’re wanting to check out our church we’d really love you to visit us on Saturday at 5pm for a contemporary service with kids’ program and dinner afterwards. Our youth group ‘Alive’ is taking a break for the holidays. Or come along on Sunday at 8am for a Prayer Book service.

If you can’t make it in person, you’re welcome to jump online to watch the service (with the same sermon and many other items) at www.oakflats.tv.

See you at 5pm this Saturday or 8am this Sunday, God willing!

Church news for the week beginning 7th July 2018

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This weekend’s Bible talk

This weekend Jodie begins a three week mini-series called ‘The gospel at GAFCON’, with the first talk titled ‘The gospel is God’s power’ from Acts chapter 4 verses 1 to 12.

Mission of the month

Church Missionary Society (CMS) is our mission of the month. Support this ministry through the ‘Mission Table’ in the Hall.

Children’s and youth programs in holidays

During school holidays our normal midweek children’s and youth programs take a break until 28th July. However we plan to continue a mini-program during the 5pm Saturday service as required.

Jamberoo Interchurch Service

Join with fellow church-goers around our village and valley in our quarterly inter-church service. On Sunday 15th July 7pm at Jamberoo Anglican Church, with supper to follow.

Ladies’ Soup and Slice lunch

Join the Ladies Guild of Jamberoo Anglican for a Soup and Slice lunch on Wednesday 18th July. Guest speaker is Marion Gabbott, who is on her way home from Tanzania. There will also be a craft table available to buy some terrific gifts. Cost is $10 at Jamberoo Anglican church hall at 11.30am. Please RSVP to Helen on 4236 0158 for catering purposes.

Floral Demonstation

A floral demonstration and competition will be held at the church on Friday 20th July, from 9.30am. Cost is $25, with morning tea and lunch being provided. RVSP by Tuesday 17th July to Helen Curll.  Something very special – “Handbook of Floral Design” by Deidre Hill will be launched at the meeting. Cost $39.95 (Cash only as no facilities for EFTPOS).

Giving update

Each week we need to receive $6300.00 in order to meet our commitments. In the last calendar month, our average weekly giving was $5402.00, leaving a gap of $898.00.Olimometer 2.52Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $81,900. Compared to that total we received $71,624, leaving a gap of $10,276.Olimometer 2.52Electronic 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 .

Taking things for granted

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As Mandy and I spent two weeks in the Middle East, we understood how easy it is to take things for granted.

For example, even though I loved the Israeli Breakfast, with hummus, olives, falafel, fish, cheese, and pita bread, it made me crave Vegemite and bacon!

But our time at the GAFCON (Global Anglican Futures CONference) Jerusalem 2018 showed how easily we can take Sydney Anglicans for granted.

Our bishops and church leaders share our same love for Jesus, as he is revealed in the Bible.

They love it when we preach Christ faithfully through the gospel, and they support us when we defend the truth and seek to correct and rebuke people to restore them to godliness.

Yet, in other parts of the world, the hierarchy actively seeks to persecute Anglicans who are simply doing what Anglicans have done and believed for centuries.

Furthermore, these church leaders have evicted godly congregations from their buildings, and continue to pursue legal action against their ministers.

This, then, is why GAFCON exists: to provide a church family for Anglicans who have been thrown out of their church by leaders who no longer follow the teachings of the Bible.

GAFCON also exists to reform and renew the worldwide Anglican Church, and to call upon ungodly leaders to repent of their sins.

By sending Mandy and me to GAFCON as part of the 216 Australian delegates, our local church has given genuine support to worldwide Anglicans who have been persecuted and abandoned by their church leaders.

In doing so, Mandy and I have been reminded afresh that we should never take for granted the blessings of our precious local church and the godly, biblical leadership in our diocese.

We are very blessed!

JODIE MCNEILL