We are Orthodox
The first of our six church values states that, “we are orthodox in our doctrine, as we believe and teach God’s unchanging word in an ever-changing world.”
The word ‘orthodox’ reminds us of ‘orthodontist’, a person who makes crooked teeth straight… just like how our church seeks to have ‘straight’ teaching that’s aligned to God’s word.
We hear God’s word when the Bible is read and taught, and that’s why we devote time to listening and reading aloud his words from the Bible, as well as learning and growing from the sermon, the Q&A segment, and the teaching in our small groups.
We want to know God’s word well because we live in a world that has drifted away from listening to the loving creator and ruler of the universe.
So, we want to know and tell God’s great gospel word to everyone, so that all people can hear what God really thinks is the world’s problem, as well as knowing his ultimate solution through the death of Jesus in our place.
This will also mean that our beliefs will clash with views in our society, especially in areas of ‘ethics’, (like abortion and gender), as well as other ‘doctrines’, (like the literal resurrection of Jesus, and the exclusivity of Christ for salvation).
We can be tempted to soften God’s word so that we don’t experience conflict with society, but we know God is offended when people miscommunicate him, and we want to honour him in every way.
But we also know that God’s unchanging word in the Bible is actually the most wonderful message to an uncertain and rapidly-changing world… and we want it to be spoken loud and clear, so it can offer true hope in Christ Jesus.
JODIE McNEILL
(Image credit: John Lustig via Flickr)
What are our values?
If someone asked you to sum yourself up in six words, then what would you say?
This was the challenge our church gave itself last weekend at our ‘Vision Day’, when after much discussion, we came up with a draft list of six values.
These describe what is special about our church, and help us plan for the future in a way that is consistent with what we cherish and value.
Here is a draft list of values for our consideration:
Firstly, we are orthodox in our doctrine, as we believe and teach God’s unchanging word in an ever-changing world.
Secondly, we are Anglican in our form, as we reflect the Reformation in the shape and substance of our common prayer.
Thirdly, we are missional in our outlook, as we recruit, train and send people and resources to proclaim the gospel locally and globally.
Fourthly, we are heritage in our style, as we gather in our historical building in a contemporary context.
Fifthly, we are intergenerational in our fellowship, as all ages and stages are nurtured together in faith and love.
Finally, we are village in our relationships, as we serve our local neighbourhood, and enjoy grace and peace in our church.
These six values, and the accompanying explanation, are still in draft form, and I’m sure we’ll keep developing and refining them as we prayerfully reflect on who we are and who we want to be, under God.
I’d love to hear your feedback, as well as your ideas about how to grow our church in a way that is consistent with these values.
Yet above all, let us commit ourselves, in prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit, to glorify God and love our neighbour by proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ, calling people to repent and living lives worthy of him, as we seek to see Christ honoured as Lord and Saviour in every community.
JODIE McNEILL
Coming up this weekend 1-2 August
This weekend we continue our new series lead by Jodie on the book of Ephesians called ‘United With Christ’. We will look at verses 8-11 of chapter one and learn about ‘God’s Good Plan’.
If you have any questions simply fill out a response slip during the service, email us at office@jamberooanglican.com or send an SMS to 0439 890 086 and Jodie would love to answer them this weekend during our services.
Join us on Saturday at 5pm where we will have fellowship over dinner afterwards, or Sunday at 9am followed by morning tea and hot espresso! If you can’t make it in person, you can watch our livestream over at watch.jamberooanglican.com.
Church News for the week beginning 26th July
OUR BIBLE TALK
This weekend we begin a brand new series lead by Jodie on the book of Ephesians called ‘United With Christ’, as we look at the beginning of chapter one in a sermon titled ‘Chosen for Blessing’. If you can’t make it to church in person, visit watch.jamberooanglican.com to watch our livestream.
MORNING PRAYER DAILY
Join us for Morning Prayer at 7am every morning (except Sunday) at zoom.jamberooanglican.com for a half-hour of prayer and Bible reading.
MISSION OF THE MONTH
Our mission of the month is Irish Church Mission, supporting Cameron and Alex. To support this great ministry, buy and donate from the mission table in the hall.
SRE RETURNS!
In answer to our prayers we have recommenced teaching SRE (Scripture) in Jamberoo Public School on Thursday afternoons. Please remember our Scripture Teachers in your prayers!
YOUTUBE CHANNEL
To watch videos of our Bible talks and other memories of our church, visit youtube.jamberooanglican.com and be sure to subscribe to our channel!
FAMILY NEWS
BIRTHDAYS:
25th Gavin Richardson
GIVING UPDATE
Each week we need to receive $3100.00 in order to meet our commitments. In the last calendar month, our average weekly giving was $2942.00, leaving a gap of $158.00. 
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.
Coming up this weekend 25-26 July
This weekend we begin a brand new series lead by Jodie on the book of Ephesians called ‘United With Christ’, as we look at the beginning of chapter one in a sermon titled ‘Chosen for Blessing’.
If you have any questions simply fill out a response slip during the service, email us at office@jamberooanglican.com or send an SMS to 0439 890 086 and Jodie would love to answer them this weekend during our services.
Join us on Saturday at 5pm where we will have fellowship over dinner afterwards, or Sunday at 9am followed by morning tea and hot espresso! If you can’t make it in person, you can watch our livestream over at watch.jamberooanglican.com.