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 $6272.00, leaving a gap of $28.00.Olimometer 2.52Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $98,802. Compared to that total we received $109,200, leaving a gap of $-10,398.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 $6272.00, leaving a gap of $28.00.Olimometer 2.52Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $98,802. Compared to that total we received $109,200, leaving a gap of $-10,398.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

Coming up this weekend 7th – 8th July 2018

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This weekend we welcome back Jodie as he starts a new 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.

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

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

  1. How did people know they were sinning before God gave the Ten Commandments?
  2. Why did God make the Law if it brings wrath, judgement, and makes lawlessness?
  3. If a person remarries after divorce, then are they living in sin and unforgiven by God?

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

We will also hear from Jodie about his time in Israel and about the GAFCON conference during both of our services.

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 30th June 2018

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This weekend’s Bible talk

This weekend we continue our series ‘The Heart of Truth’ as Simon Chaplin preaches on the topic ‘Free from slavery to the law’ from Romans chapter 7 verses 1 to 25.

Next week’s Bible Talk

Next week we take a break from our series on Romans, and welcome back Jodie, as he starts a new 3 week mini-series called ‘Lessons from GAFCON’.

Mission of the month

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

Jodie and Mandy away

Jodie and Mandy return this Wednesday 4th July.

Monthly Midweek Service coming up

Our next service is this Wednesday 4th July at 11am, followed by a light lunch in the hall.

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).

New Rosters

New rosters are out now. If you need a paper version, grab one from the information table, or otherwise log onto www.jamberooanglican.net to see what dates and roles you are scheduled for.

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 $6272.00, leaving a gap of $28.00.

Olimometer 2.52

Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $98,802. Compared to that total we received $109,200, leaving a gap of $-10,398.

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 .

Free to be me?

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CREDIT: Diego Albero Román via Flickr.

The freedom to be yourself is one of the fundamental rights that modern society seeks to protect.

At first glance there are parts of this that the Christian can agree with. God has made us who we are and we don’t need to change ourselves just to please others. There is freedom to express who we are as unique parts of God’s creation.

As Christians the goal then is to glorify God with who we are. This means that our individual expressions are always tempered by serving God within the bounds he has created.

This will especially mean a willingness to forgo some of our individuality in order to love and serve others.

However once God is removed from the picture any boundaries of expressions are also removed.

Each person has the right to think and believe whatever they want about themselves. You are then free to express yourself however you choose. In fact, you must express yourself.

Forget about what everyone else thinks or the impact you have on them. Without God there is no limit to this, no morality that will constrain you. Life is about you and your fulfilment, finding out who you are then expressing the desires you have found.

So in the 70’s it was sexual freedom; material freedom (ie greed) in the 80’s; then came freedom of sexual orientation and now it is even freedom from gender.

It is a sad irony that this relentless push for freedom is actually an expression of the slavery that sin has brought into the world. (Romans 6). But all that sin offers us is death (6:23).

Freedom is found not in being who we want to be, but in whom God wants us to be.

In Jesus we are set free from sin (6:18). We now have the freedom to really live, for this is the gift that God gives (6:23).

SIMON CHAPLIN

Coming up this weekend 30th June – 1st July 2018

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This weekend we continue our series ‘The Heart of Truth’ as Simon Chaplin preaches on the topic ‘Free from slavery to the law’ from Romans chapter 7 verses 1 to 25.

It’s the right time for us to recognise many of the needs of our missionaries, so at both our services, we will have a special update about CMS (Church Missionary Society) which is our Mission of the Month.

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

  1. As there is only one God, why are there so many different religions?
  2. Why has no human ever seen God?
  3. In Exodus 10 when Moses asks for all the animals to go out to the festival, was he misleading Pharaoh? Or was it just a ruse to get everybody and everything out of Egypt for good?

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.

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