Coming up this weekend 16-17 March 2019

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Well maybe it was because we were talking about sex, but last weekend was probably our biggest weekend in recent history, as we gathered in great number to hear God’s word, to pray to him, and to do it in a community of energetic, enthusiastic and loving disciples of Christ.

If you’re thinking of joining us this weekend, you’d be very, very welcome. We love it when new people come along, and we really do go out of our way to include visitors and newcomers. God is working among us to draw many people into our church, and maybe this is the weekend you’re going to experience that, first-hand?

Our topic this weekend is ‘True Sex is Honourable’, as we look at our second instalment in the four-week series on the Old Testament book, ‘The Song of Songs’. It’s going to be an important word from God about an issue that touches all of us in a real way. Don’t miss out!

Each week we have some questions from the week before that we answer. Here they are for this week:

  1. Where does the Bible say that slavery is wrong?
  2. Would you recommend Melinda Tankard Reist as a resource against child sexual trafficking?
  3. Is it OK for Christians to attend a yoga exercise class?

Our service times are 5pm Saturday, which caters really well for kids and youth, but still includes good numbers of people from all ages and stages. We have dinner afterwards, then they youth hang around for their group. Or, join us 9am Sunday for a classic Anglican service, which includes espresso coffee for morning tea.

Is ‘Sex’ a Good Excuse?

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Is ‘sex’ the reason some people choose not to follow Jesus? (CREDIT: freestocks.org via Flickr)

I’ve known Jesus for a long time, and to be honest, I find it hard to understand why someone wouldn’t want to accept his love and forgiveness?

But I wonder if sex is the excuse people give for why they don’t want to follow Jesus and enjoy a relationship with their loving creator?

Perhaps people don’t want to follow Jesus because they think that it will mean they have to give up their sexual freedoms in order to be constrained by the Bible’s rules?

They don’t want to give up having sex with their boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancee… or the person they’re having an affair with.

They don’t want to stop having homosexual sex or visiting prostitutes, or doing all the kinds of things that they know God forbids.

Or maybe people don’t want to follow Jesus because they feel that their sexual sins will somehow disqualify them from being a Christian.

After all, it would seem impossible that Jesus would accept someone who’s had the kind of sex that is prohibited in the Bible.

But both of those excuses don’t work.

When Jesus chatted to a woman who was drawing water from a well, he promised her spiritual water that would fulfil her forever.

And even though this woman had been in a series of sexual relationships, Jesus was willing to accept her and to give her the kind of satisfaction that sex couldn’t bring.

So, no matter what you’ve done, Jesus will forgive you if you seek him.

And even though your sexual practices will be restricted to the maker’s instructions, it will actually provide the true sex that was designed for the greatest enjoyment.

As Jesus promised the woman,

“…those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 14:4)

JODIE McNEILL

True Sex in the Song of Songs 1: True Sex is Wonderful Song of Songs 1:1-17 Jodie McNeill – 9 & 10 March 2019

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Does God hate sex?

The Ancient Greeks saw the body as ___________.

The Song of Songs is ________ about sex.

The early church looked for a _________ meaning.

The Song of Songs __________ sex. 

We must read it as ______.

Poetry tries to communicate ________.

He compares ________ to other things.

We should read it as ___ song.

Sexual love should happen at the right ____.

Recognise the _____ sequence.

The mention of Solomon tells us it is ______ literature.

It’s about ____ living as the people of God.

The foundation of all wisdom is _______ the LORD.

The most important thing in life is knowing _____.

Jesus will accept you no matter how you’ve _______ sex.

The sex the world sells is a _____.

Jesus will forgive and ______ you.

Sex is how our society _______ people.

It’s more important to ____ Jesus than to have good sex.

Speaking about sex will stir up ________.

Download the PDF of this (with pictures!) hereDownload

News 9-10 March 2019

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OUR BIBLE TALK

This weekend we kick off our brand-new series ‘True Sex in the Song of Songs’ with a talk by Jodie on chapter 1 called ‘True Sex is Wonderful’ 

NEXT WEEK’S TALK

Next weekend Jodie will be speaking on topic is ‘True Sex is Honorable’ from Song of Songs chapters 4 and 5.

MISSION OF THE MONTH

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

ELVANTO LOGINS

You’ll need a new password for your Elvanto login soon as we migrate to a new setup. Check emails for details.

LUNCH & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Join us on Sunday 17th March for a pot-luck lunch at midday, then a 1pm AGM. Please grab a nomination form and the various reports from the welcome table.

INTERCHURCH SERVICE

The next quarterly Interchurch service is next Sunday 17th March 7pm at St Matthew’s Church.

CAN YOU HELP WITH CLEANING?

Help us save money by volunteering to clean the church once a month or less.

NEW BOOKSTALL IS HERE!

Check out the all-new titles!

HOT CROSS KBECET BUNS

Eat Hot Cross Buns and support the Scripture Teaching at Kiama High.  Fill in your orders on the sheet in the hall. $8 per tray.Orders close 24th March.

NEW ROSTERS

Our roster runs out on 24th March, so let us know if you’re keen to serve. If you know you’re not available advise unavailabilities online or via Response Slip.

REGIONAL YOUTH NIGHT

‘Christ for the Coast’ on 22nd March at Figtree. See Rayne for details.

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 $5509.00, leaving a gap of $791.00. Olimometer 2.52 Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $273,000. Compared to that total we received $245,588, leaving a gap of $27,412.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.

Does God Hate Sex?

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If you think God hates sex then you’ve probably never read ‘The Song of Songs’. (CREDIT: christiancrush.com)

Have you ever thought that God hates sex?

Maybe it’s because the Bible has lots of rules that seem to restrict our freedoms and that cause us to miss out on the ‘fun’ and ‘naughty’ side of sex?

Well, if that’s the case, then you’ve probably never read ‘The Song of Songs’.

This book of the Bible talks openly and unashamedly about sex, and its mention of private parts and private acts is enough to make anyone blush.

Throughout history some people have thought that the intimate love portrayed between the husband and wife was only just describing the love between Jesus and his church.

These people couldn’t cope with thinking that this saucy sex was in the Bible.

But God is pro-sex, and he made sex to be celebrated and enjoyed.

But like any good thing, it can easily be damaged if it’s not used according to its maker’s instructions.

And that’s why we learn in Song of Songs that true sex is wonderful, honourable, secure and committed.

It’s designed to be between a married man and a women, who together preserve this remarkable gift from God.

So instead of seeing God as some sort of spoil sport, we should see his words in the Bible about sex as the kind of wisdom that is worth a fortune.

The Song of Songs shows sex to be mind-blowingly good, but it also makes it clear that this powerful tool has the potential to cause real harm when it’s not used according to its maker’s instructions.

We carry this glorious love poem around inside our Bibles, so it is good for us to read it, and understand it.

And so, over the next four weeks, we’re going to study this remarkable book of the Bible, and whether you’re old or young, married or single, male or female, this will be a spiritual journey not to be missed!

The talks will run on 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, and 30-31 March 2019 at both our 5pm Saturday and 9am Sunday services at Jamberoo Anglican Church.

JODIE McNEILL

Coming up this weekend 9-10 March 2019

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This week we’re talking about love, sex and marriage! (CREDIT: Theo Crazzolara via Flickr.com)

It’s been a buzz to welcome so many new people to our church over the past few weekends, and we’d really love you to join us at 5pm Saturday or 9am Sunday.

This weekend we begin a four-week series called ‘True Sex in the Song of Songs’. We’re going to look at the book of the Bible that is dedicated to sex, and learn what God thinks about this very important part of our human life.

This week’s topic is ‘True Sex is Wonderful’, where we will see that God is far from being anti-sex… because he made sex, and he made it to be enjoyed… which is truly wonderful.

You can learn more about this week’s talk by checking out this link https://jamberooanglican.com/2019/03/08/does-god-hate-sex/

Like every week, we spend some time answering your questions from the previous weeks, and this time we’ve got some pretty meaty issues to discuss:

  1. Should Christians be active in protecting the Judeo-Christian virtues of our society?
  2. Should we use secular reasoning to engage with the world, or only Biblical arguments?
  3. The Bible appears to be in conflict with science, so how can we help unbelievers with this hurdle?
  4. What can we do to help bring an end to the sex trafficking of children?
  5. What is our new body going to be like in heaven?

So, join us for dinner after our 5pm Saturday service, which includes a kids’ program, with youth program after dinner. Or come at 9am Sunday for a more classic Anglican service, with some great espresso right after our service.

Grace and peace, Jodie.

Church News for 2-3 March 2019

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OUR BIBLE TALK

This weekend our guest speaker, Adrian Lovell will be preaching on the topic ‘Hearts Aligned’ from Genesis 3 and 2 Corinthians 5. 

BOLIVIAN FIESTA

This weekend we welcome special guests Adrian, Anita and Matias Lovell, our missionaries from Bolivia. After our 5pm church we’re having a special Bolivia-themed dinner, with trivia and activities.

NEW BIBLE TALK SERIES

Our new series ‘True Sex in the Song of Songs’ begins next week with Jodie speaking on ‘True Sex is Wonderful’.

MISSION OF THE MONTH

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

ELVANTO LOGINS

You’ll need a new password for your Elvanto login soon as we migrate to a new setup. Check emails for details.

NEW ROSTERS

Our current quarterly roster runs out on 24th March, so please let us know if you’re keen to serve in the coming quarter. If you know you’re not around up to the end of June, please advise unavailabilities online or via Response Slip.

LUNCH & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Join us on Sunday 17th March for a pot-luck lunch at midday, then a 1pm AGM.

CHRIST FOR THE COAST

Regional youth night on 22nd March at Figtree. See Rayne for details.

CAN YOU HELP WITH CLEANING?

Help us save money by volunteering to clean the church once a month or less.

REGIONAL MEN’S DINNER

Ben Pfahlert is guest speaker at the next quarterly Men’s Dinner this Tuesday 5th March 6.30pm at the new venue of Oak Flats Bowling Club. Tickets at www.oakflatsanglican.com/mensdinner 

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 $5509.00, leaving a gap of $791.00. Olimometer 2.52 Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $273,000. Compared to that total we received $245,588, leaving a gap of $27,412.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.

Hearts Aligned – 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
 Adrian Lovell : 2-3 March 2019

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SELF EXAMINATION

1. MOTIVATION (verses 14 to 15)

2. MINDSET (verses 16 to 17)

3. MINISTRY (verses 18 to 21)


Download a copy of the PDF here: Download


When The Church Fails

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Even if you feel like giving up on the church, don’t give up on Jesus. (CREDIT: Jim, The Photographer via Flickr)

As news broke this week about the conviction of Cardinal Pell for child sexual abuse, I was deeply saddened.

It reminded me again of how the church has failed so many people.

Sexual abuse has occurred in churches of all denominations, and it is an overwhelming tragedy.

There have been many cases of abuse in the Anglican Church of Australia, and we remain truly sorry for the betrayal of trust and the harm experienced by so many people.

Whilst new systems now provide greater protection from abuse, it comes too late for those who have already been hurt by the leaders they trusted.

Indeed, the impact of sexual abuse in the church goes wider than the immediate victims: it affects everyone who has had faith in the church.

For those who see the church as the place to meet God and receive his grace, this news can create serious disillusionment.

After all, if the church is polluted, then it seems impossible to really know God and receive his blessings.

Yet, from the ashes of this tragedy rises a new hope.

The Bible says that every one of us can relate directly to God, without priest or sacrament.

God speaks directly to all of us in the Bible, and you can hear him for yourself.

Which means that when the church fails, God doesn’t.

Even if you feel like giving up on the church, don’t give up on Jesus.

You can meet Jesus directly by reading God’s word, the Bible for yourself.

And you can pray directly to Jesus, because his death on the cross brings the ultimate forgiveness.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).

JODIE McNEILL

Coming up this weekend 2-3 March 2019

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We’re banging the drum for Bolivia this weekend! (CREDIT: OpenDemocracy via Flickr)

Hola!

This weekend we’re having a special South American feel, as we welcome our special friends, Adrian and Anita Lovell (along with Matias, the newest member of their family).

The Lovells serve in Cochabamba, Bolivia, which is a country in South America. They are missionaries with CMS (The Church Missionary Society) and their job is to help Christian leaders grow in their understanding of the Bible, so they can teach and influence others with the great news of Jesus.

To celebrate, we’re going to have a special Bolivia night this weekend, with special Bolivian food and trivia during our after-church dinner. So, be sure to turn up at 5pm Saturday 2nd March, and hang around for dinner, which will finish around 8pm.

During our 5pm Saturday and 9am Sunday services, Adrian Lovell will be our guest preacher, and we’ll also have a special opportunity to learn more about what these Aussies do in faraway Cochabamba!

As always, we’re also having a bunch of questions answered during our services and here they are:

  1. If church is dual-action, then should we avoid running men’s dinners, kids’ clubs and other community events?
  2. Does God speak to us through the Bible using audible voices or words on our heart, and how do we know it’s really him speaking to us?
  3. What does verse 15 mean when it speaks about singing in the Spirit?
  4. Is it good for Christians to be on social media?
  5. Are there surfing beaches in Heaven?
  6. Will there be espresso in Heaven?
  7. If there is technology in Heaven, will it be Apple or Android?

If you’ve not come before, then this is an awesome weekend to join us. Sunday’s service is a little more classic in style, and Saturday night is a little more relaxed and has a bunch of kids and youth programs happening as well. We’d really, really love to see you!

Grace and peace, Jodie.