Coming up this weekend 17th – 18th February 2018

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This weekend we continue the series titled ‘Jesus is___’ as Simon Chaplin preaches on the topic ‘Jesus is… compelling’ from Matthew chapter 11 verses 1 to 24.

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

  1. Since John 2:1 says “I write this so that you will not sin”, is it therefore possible not to sin?
  2. What should a married couple do when they disagree about which church or denomination to be a part of?
  3. Given the way you speak to the Jehovah’s Witnesses, do they still keep coming to your door?

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

We will also hear a Youth update at our services to learn about the upcoming youth event ‘Free to be‘.

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 10th February 2018

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Today’s Bible talk

Today we we continue the series titled ‘Jesus is___’ as Jodie preaches on the topic ‘Jesus is… God’ from John chapter 1 verses 43 to 51.

Mission of the month

Nungalinya College, Darwin is our mission of the month. Support this ministry through the ‘Mission Table’ in the Hall.

‘Jesus is___’ key dates

Special training and prayer nights at 7pm in the Shellharbour Civic Centre: 13th of February and 13th March. Public meetings at the Shellharbour Civic Centre at both 11am and 7pm: 20th, 21st and 22nd of March 2018.

‘Jesus is___’ Launch night

Join us this Tuesday night 13th February at 7pm in the Shellharbour Civic Centre for our launch night, with a special talk from guest speaker Ben Pfahlert on the topic ‘Jesus is leading’. Please do all you can to come along, as we want to familiarise ourselves with the venue and program so we can have confidence to invite people to hear the gospel in March.

Countdown to Mission

It’s only five weeks until we welcome a team of theological students from Moore College to join with us for a week of mission to the communities of Jamberoo and the Shellharbour area from the 18th to the 25th March. Please be praying!
If you are able to help by hosting one or more students to live in your home with you for that week, please indicate on a comment card or email office@jamberooanglican.com.

Ladies’ Dinner 

The first of our new-look quarterly Ladies’ Dinners will be held on Tuesday 20th February with guest speaker Cassie Sharp who will speak on the topic of ‘Purity’. 7pm at Oak Flats Anglican, cost $15. Please visit www.oakflatsanglican.com/ladiesdinner to register.

Ladies Guild AGM

The Ladies Guild are meeting on Wednesday 28th February in the church hall at 2pm for their Annual General Meeting.

AGM 10th April

Please note that our AGM (Annual General Meeting) will be held after the mission on Sunday 8th April at 1pm.

 

 

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 2.52

Up 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 2.52

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 .

It’s too costly to lose free speech

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(CREDIT: RebeccaBarray via flickr.com)

When our nation debated the redefinition of marriage, there were moments when things were said that were difficult to hear.

Yet, it was vital that we felt the liberty to openly and honestly share our convictions and beliefs.

The mark of a healthy democratic society is the ability to speak freely about what we hold dearly, and as we consider the nature of freedom of speech and religion, it is vital that Australia maintains the liberty to say what we think, so that our society can work out what is right.

Many religious and ethical views are controversial, and they will inevitably cause some strong emotions.

When people say things about Jesus that we know are untrue or unkind, we can feel upset and even angry.

Yet, it would be tragic if people felt gagged to talk about things that might clash with what others believe.

For the sake of the truth, all Australians need to feel free to say what they believe, so that each of us can engage with those views, and allow healthy debate about what is right in heaven and on earth.

If you believe in the value of freedom of speech and religion, then I’d like you to consider making a submission to the ‘Religious Freedom Review’.

I’m told that the most valuable thoughts would be real-world examples of concern you might know of in Australia or other parts of the world.

Please pray for this ‘Ruddock Review’, and please consider visiting this link to make a brief submission before the 14th February: https://pmc.gov.au/domestic-policy/religious-freedom-review

Jesus is controversial, and his words will challenge people to their very heart.

Let’s pray and act so that our nation might continue to be open to hear the radical words of Christ, who created us, rules us, and gave his life for us.

Jodie.

Coming up this weekend 10th – 11th February 2018

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This weekend we continue the series titled ‘Jesus is___’ as Jodie preaches on the topic ‘Jesus is… God’ from John chapter 1 verses 43 to 51.

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.

Also during our 5pm Saturday service is the return of our popular weekly question and answer time, and Jodie will be answering these questions:

  1. Is it ever OK for Christians to be angry?
  2. Won’t it scare people away if we say that Jesus is bringing the fire of judgement?

Our 8am Sunday service will be a Holy Communion First 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’ 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.

Church news for the week beginning 3rd February 2018

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Today’s Bible talk

Today we begin our new series titled ‘Jesus is___’ as Jodie preaches on the topic ‘Jesus is… controversial’ from Luke chapter 12 verse 49 to 59.

Mission of the month

Nungalinya College, Darwin is our mission of the month. Support this ministry through the ‘Mission Table’ in the Hall.

‘Jesus is___’ key dates

Special training and prayer nights at 7pm in the Shellharbour Civic Centre: 13th of February and 13th March. Public meetings at the Shellharbour Civic Centre at both 11am and 7pm: 20th, 21st and 22nd of March 2018.

‘Jesus is___’ merchandise

Sign up for your t-shirt, badge, sign, or other merchandise. FINAL CHANCE TO ORDER!

Monthly Midweek Service

Our first Monthly Midweek Service will be this Wednesday 7th February at 11am, followed by a light lunch.

Men’s Dinner

Our first of the quarterly Men’s Dinners will be held this Tuesday 6th February at 6.30pm at the Central Hotel Shellharbour, with guest speaker, Bill Salier. $31 per person (or $23 concession). Register online at www.oakflatsanglican.com/mensdinner.

Ladies’ Dinner 

The first of our new-look quarterly Ladies’ Dinners will be held on Tuesday 20th February with guest speaker Cassie Sharp who will speak on the topic of ‘Purity’. 7pm at Oak Flats Anglican, cost $15. Please RSVP to office@jamberooanglican.com.

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 2.52

Up 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 2.52

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 .

What a beautiful name!

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I was buzzing after Tuesday night’s combined prayer and training night for the ‘Jesus Is___’ campaign.

180 local Anglicans joined together to pray and sing, and to be pumped up and trained to talk about Jesus.

On the way home from the meeting, I stopped at the petrol station, and I realised I was still wearing my ‘Jesus Is___’ t-shirt.

Even though I’d been encouraging others to be courageous in speaking about Jesus, I suddenly felt a bit self-conscious.

Would the cashier ask me what the t-shirt meant? Or would the guy at the petrol pump pay me out?

And then I remembered what Sandy Grant taught us about the 12 words that help start the conversation:

“We’re interested in people’s opinions. (point at the logo). Jesus is… What goes in the blank?”

And then I relaxed, knowing that I was ready to have a chat with whoever I might encounter.

When it comes to March, I’m looking forward to regularly wearing the t-shirt, badge, or wristband, and using the coffee cup.

I’m expecting that it’s possible that I’ll have some awkward moments, but I’m also sure that I’ll have some terrific opportunities to chat with people about Jesus.

There’s no name that is more beautiful than the name of Jesus, and it will be an honour to wear his name, even if it sometimes gets a bit uncomfortable.

And we all need to remember that… “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. …praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:14, 16b).

Will you join me in displaying Jesus’ name by purchasing some merchandise? Orders close this Sunday, so now’s your last chance to let us know what you need!

Jodie

 

Coming up this weekend 3rd – 4th February 2018

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This weekend we begin our new special series titled ‘Jesus is___’ as Jodie preaches on the topic ‘Jesus is… controversial’.

We will also share the Lord’s Supper at 5pm Saturday, so be sure to join us for this important reminder of the death of Jesus.

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

Church news for the week beginning 27th January 2018

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This weekend’s Bible Talk

This weekend we welcome Michael Williamson, the director of Year 13. Michael will be talking on the topic ‘Shout for Joy to the Lord’ from Psalm 100.

New Bible talk series begins next week

Next weekend we begin our new series titled ‘Jesus is___’ as Jodie preaches on the topic ‘Jesus is… controversial’.

Mission of the month

Nungalinya College, Darwin is our mission of the month. Support this ministry through the ‘Mission Table’ in the Hall.

‘Jesus is___’ Prayer night

Join us this Tuesday night 30th January at 7pm in the Shellharbour Civic Centre for a prayer night. We’d really love you be there to join with Anglicans from our region to pray that we’d be fired up to talk about Jesus.

‘Jesus is___’ key dates

Special training and prayer nights at 7pm in the Shellharbour Civic Centre: 30th January, the 13th of February and the 13th March. Public meetings at the Shellharbour Civic Centre at both 11am and 7pm: 20th, 21st and 22nd of March 2018.

‘Jesus is___’ merchandise

Sign up soon for your t-shirt, badge, sign, or other merchandise.

Monthly midweek service

Our first Monthly Midweek Service will be on the new day of Wednesday 7th February at 11am, followed by a light lunch. Join us and share the news.

Men’s dinner

You’re invited to the first of the quarterly Men’s Dinners for 2018 to be held 6.30pm Tuesday 6th February at the Central Hotel Shellharbour, with guest speaker, Bill Salier.

 

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 2.52

Up 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 2.52

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 .

Bridging the gap in our youth

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CREDIT: Photo Vanova, via Flickr.

One of the most significant bridges for our young people is the gap between youth group and church.

Research presented by the Moore College’s CMD reports that there is a significant drop off in church involvement in the later teen years.

We all know that this is a fragile time, with all kinds of pressures.

So what do we do? Firstly, we pray. For what appears fragile from our perspective is not at all from God’s. Those he has hold of are secure in his vice-like grip.

Secondly, we work hard to develop the faith of our young people in ways which will help them bridge the gap to adulthood.

This will only be done through his word in their hearts in the fellowship of Christian community.

The fellowship we have as Christians is crucial, and helping our youth thrive in community is vital. That’s why we make our youth group, ‘Alive’, as good as possible.

But there’s also another factor that can help our youth stay connected to church: the time of the group.

We run ‘Alive’ on Saturday nights at 7.30 to 9.30pm because we want the youth of our church to first attend an intergenerational church at 5pm and then have an all-age dinner at 6.30pm with people young and old.

It means that it’s a big night for our teenagers, but it also means that there is a healthy integration between the generations.

Plus, we’re strengthening the discipleship that happens at times other than Saturday night, so that the youth can be further strengthened to go the distance.

Being part of church is being part of God’s family, with everybody of all ages. We are looking forward to helping our young people experience that as they grow into a lifelong of faith in Christ.

Simon Chaplin and Jodie McNeill

Coming up this weekend 27th – 28th January 2018

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This weekend we welcome Michael Williamson, the director of Year 13. Michael will be talking on the topic ‘Shout for Joy to the Lord’ from Psalm 100.

At both our services, we will hear a special update, and see a presentation about Year 13, and all that the Christian gap year program provides.

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, or come along on Sunday at 8am for a Prayer Book service.