Coming up this weekend 4th – 5th March 2017

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This weekend we continue our five-week series looking at the five Solas of the Reformation called ‘Five Foundations’. This week, Jodie will be speaking on the topic ‘Faith alone’.

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.

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

  1. Given that God hates divorce, should someone who is abused remain in their marriage?
  2. What books would you recommend as an introduction to The Reformation?
  3. What happened to Martin Luther?
  4. Why did some writings get included in the Bible and not others?
  5. Does the Bible tell us whether or not we should stand up when we sing?
  6. Why would God command humans to fill and subdue the earth, when subduing the earth means ruling it, which is God’s job, not ours?
  7. If adding extra words to The Bible will get us into trouble, then how does that work with the Trinity?
  8. Hebrews 6:4-6 says it’s impossible for those who have fallen away to receive repentance again, but doesn’t God forgive all sins, if we truly repent?
  9. Is there a difference between tithes and offering, and what are the principles today for giving?
  10. Can we print these questions in the bulletin each week?

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.

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 25th February 2017

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This weekend’s Bible Talk

This weekend Jodie begins our new five-week series looking at the Five Solas of the Reformation, with the first talk titled ‘Scripture alone’.

Mission of the month: Church Missionary Society (CMS)

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

‘What has God Joined Together?’ booklet now available

The booklet “What has God Joined Together?” is now available. This booklet has been released by the Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney to help inform Christians in our Diocese, and equip us to engage with friends and neighbours on the critical issue and debate on the redefinition of marriage.

Parish Council

Our Parish Council meets this Monday, 27th February at 2.30pm at the church. Please remember them in your prayers.

Dinner at the Bowlo

Join us this Thursday at 6pm at the Jamberoo Bowling Club for a relaxed meal together at the ‘Wok and Grill’ restaurant, for great steaks, tasty Chinese, and lots of laughs.

Day of Prayer

Join us on Friday 3rd March at 2pm for the Day of Prayer, held at Jamberoo Anglican Church.

Men’s Dinner

You’re invited to join the men of Oak Flats and beyond on Tuesday 7th March to hear Ben Pfahlert at the Central Hotel, Shellharbour. RSVP via the comment card or 0439 561 373.

AGM and Pot Luck Lunch

Our AGM will be held on Sunday 19th March, with a BYO Pot-luck lunch starting at 1pm. This is a great opportunity to meet people from across our two congregations, with the formal meeting from 2pm to 3.30pm.

Five weeks to the Weekendaway

Don’t miss out on our awesome church retreat on the weekend of the 31st March – 2nd April.  Our guest speaker is Peter Jensen, former Archbishop of Sydney. It’s time to register!

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 .

The Five Solas

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As you might have heard, this year marks the 500th anniversary of The Reformation.

This really is an important event in the Christian calendar, but its importance lies not in the nice round number of 500, nor in the fond feelings it might arouse.

The significance of this anniversary is not so much about looking back, but it’s about a call to continue what was begun.

It is in the nature of man to take the loftiest of things and turn them around for the worst.

This is perhaps most true of religion.

There is no higher or loftier subject than that of God, and yet given enough time all religions seem to displace God from the centre and replace Him with man.

We shape God in our own image… we speak of what man can discover about God… we create the works that man must do to reach the God we have invented.

When the Incarnate Son became man He exposed the corrupt nature of man-centred religion.

This was God become flesh, revealing God to us.

Man, a finite sinful creature, has no hope to reach up to God and take hold of Him.

But in Jesus, God reaches down to us: in his Word he reveals himself to us. 

What’s more, we have no ability to work our way up, as if somehow we could erase the debt of our sin.

And yet it is grace, all of grace, that Jesus pays our debt for us. We simply accept this gift by faith.

The Reformation exposed what the church had become: man-centred religion… and it sought to take us back to God. 

The five “Solas”, (which just mean ‘alone’ in Latin), are the the catch-cry of the Reformation.

And these five statement capture this so well: ‘Scripture Alone,’ ‘Faith Alone,’ ‘Grace Alone’, ‘In Christ Alone’, ‘To the Glory of God Alone.’

And the call of the Reformation continues today, to turn from man-centred religion to Christ alone.

Simon Chaplin

Coming up this weekend 25th – 26th February 2017

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This weekend we’re kicking off a new five-week series looking at the five Solas of the Reformation called ‘Five Foundations’. Jodie will be speaking on the topic ‘Scripture alone’.

Two hundred years ago, people knew that reading the Bible before and after the day’s labours would change the feel of the day. It was widely accepted, unlike today, that the Bible contributed to the private and public good. This is why, as the Bible Society Australia marks its bicentenary (200 years) of sharing the Bible, that we will join in the celebrations this weekend during our services.

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

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

  1. What does it mean to be ‘equal?’
  2. How should we understand the Old Testament practice of men having multiple wives?
  3. Since the immaculate conception of Jesus is a form of surrogate birth, does this condone surrogacy more generally?
  4. Doesn’t adoption cause the same issues as the other attempts to provide same-sex couples with children?
  5. If a couple in a traditional marriage struggles with infertility, are they right to pursue things like IVF, or should they just accept this as God’s will?
  6. Since same-sex couples argue that they are a child’s legitimate and loving parents, does that not fulfil the child’s rights to having parents under international law?
  7. Given that marriage is seen so positively in the Bible, how should single people respond?
  8. If we are to avoid making political statements, should we avoid praying about refugees?
  9. Given we’ve had this topical talk on marriage, can we also have talks on the Bible’s view of refugees and the environment?
  10. How should we respond if a gay person joins our church?

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.

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 18th February 2017

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This weekend’s Bible Talk

This weekend we welcome Bishop Peter Hayward who will be speaking on the topic ‘A Building that lasts’ from 1 Corinthians chapter 3 verses 5 to 23.

New sermon series

Next weekend we’re kicking off a new five-week series looking at the five Solas of the Reformation. The series is called ‘Five Foundations’.

Mission of the month: Anglicare

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

A new Bible and Prayer gathering

Starting next Saturday, 25th February, 4.00 – 4.45pm (before 5pm church), meeting in the Church Hall. Hearing the Bible, learning in community – you ask your questions, make your comments, praying and caring, reading and prayer guide for personal use at home. Contact Mark on 0438 342 042, or markdonaldhoward@gmail.com.

Kyngdon Catch-up

Roger and Amanda Kyngdon are over here from Western Australia, and will be joining us for a coffee and dessert night to share about their ministry with BCA (The Bush Church Aid). Thursday 23rd February 7.30pm at Oak Flats Anglican.

First Ladies’ Dinner for the year

You are invited to join the ladies of Oak Flats and beyond this Tuesday 21st February to hear Cassie Sharp. 7pm in the church, cost $7. No need to RSVP, just turn up!

Ladies Guild AGM

The Ladies Guild are meeting this Wednesday 22nd February in the church hall at 2pm for their Annual General Meeting.

Combined Leadership Meeting

Saturday, 25th February is our next Combined Leadership meeting at Oak Flats Anglican Church, starting at 8.00am.

Six weeks to the Weekendaway

Don’t miss out on our awesome church retreat on the weekend of the 31st March – 2nd April.  Our guest speaker is Peter Jensen, former Archbishop of Sydney. It’s time to register!

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 .

More than a rain shelter?

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Jamberoo Anglican Church

This weekend we give thanks to God for 150 years of ministry in our building at Jamberoo Anglican Church.

This milestone reminds us that this building has had a special place in our hearts for we who have regularly gathered here since 1867.

It is the place where we have baptised babies and new believers, married new couples, and said farewell to our loved ones.

This makes this building very significant to many generations of Jamberoo Anglicans.

Yet despite the fond memories of our church, the Bible makes it clear that this building does not perform a special religious function beyond helping us gather together in comfort and safety.

Before Jesus’ time, God’s Temple was the place at which God chose to be especially present, and his people gathered there to have priests make sacrifices with special rituals.

But when Jesus came, he transformed the way that we were to meet with God.

Instead of needing a physical building, we now meet with Christ, by his Spirit, as we hear his word in the Bible.

And because of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice on the first Good Friday, we no longer need to offer sacrifices at an altar in a temple.

What’s more, we no longer need to have a special priest to stand between us and God, because Jesus is that high priest who constantly brings our requests to our heavenly Father.

This means that the reason we meet together in a building like ours is to hear God’s word, pray to him, and to encourage one another through love and good deeds.

When we do this, it will create rich and warm memories that should prompt us to bring thanksgiving to God for all that he’s done in our special building.

And we should be energised to work together to extend the reach of our church to include more and more people in our village and valley.

Happy Birthday, Church of the Resurrection! 

Coming up this weekend 18th – 19th February 2017

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This weekend we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the opening of the church building with two events:

Saturday 18th February

Join us from 3pm for devonshire tea and an historical display, whilst the kids enjoy a jumping castle and ice creams. Then we’d love you to join us for the official celebration at our 5pm contemporary church service, which will be followed by a sausage sizzle and lamingtons, and a fun night of all-age bush dancing.

Sunday 19th February

Join us at the special time of 9.30am for a traditional Anglican service of praise and thanksgiving for the 150 years of ministry in our historical building. This will be followed by a delicious morning tea and a hearty lunch for all.

The Bishop of Wollongong, the Right Reverend Peter Hayward will be our preacher at both church services as we join together to give thanks to God for his faithfulness. The Bishop will be speaking on the topic ‘A Building that lasts’ from 1 Corinthians chapter 3 verses 5 to 23.

Everyone is welcome for this special celebration, and we look forward to you joining us to renew old friends, and start some new ones!

Church news for the week beginning 11th February 2017

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This weekend’s Bible Talk

This weekend Jodie will be speaking on the topic ‘Who becomes one: God’s Word on marriage’, from Genesis chapter 1 verses 19 to 25.

Mission of the month: Anglicare

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

150th Anniversary Celebrations

Next weekend we remember the 150th Anniversary of the opening of our church building at Jamberoo. To celebrate, we have two, big events.

On Saturday 18th February at 3pm we’re having a free Devonshire tea and history display, whilst the kids enjoy a jumping castle and ice creams. After church at 5pm we’ll have a free sausage sizzle and lamingtons, followed by a fun night of bush dancing in the hall.

On Sunday 19th February we’re joining together for church at the special time of 9.30am, which will be followed by a delicious morning tea and free lunch together, with historical displays.

At both services we welcome Bishop Peter Hayward to speak to us from God’s word, and we will have an opportunity to give thanks to God for his faithfulness.

If you haven’t already invited friends and neighbours, then this is the week to give them a call or drop them a note.

Volunteers needed for Celebration

If you are able and willing to be a volunteer for next weekend’s celebrations, then please see Jodie to find out what needs to happen… thanks!

Kyngdon Catch-up

Roger and Amanda Kyngdon are over here from Western Australia, and will be joining us for a coffee and dessert night to share about their ministry with BCA (The Bush Church Aid). Thursday 23rd February 7.30pm.

First Ladies’ Dinner for the year

You are invited to join the ladies of Oak Flats and beyond on Tuesday 21st February to hear Cassie Sharp. 7pm in the church, cost $7. No need to RSVp, just turn up!

Ladies Guild AGM

The Ladies Guild are meeting on Wednesday 22nd February in the church hall at 2pm for their Annual General Meeting.

Combined Leadership Meeting

Saturday, 25th February is our next Combined Leadership meeting at Oak Flats Anglican Church, starting at 8.00am.

Seven weeks to the Weekendaway

Don’t miss out on our awesome church retreat on the weekend of the 31st March – 2nd April.  Our guest speaker is Peter Jensen, former Archbishop of Sydney. It’s time to register!

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 .

Fake news or good news?

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Silence

The Macquarie dictionary has announced its 2016 word of the year: ‘fake news.’

This term came to prominence in 2016, referring to websites that deliberately published disinformation — often then promoted on social media.

One such site published a story about a German town’s oldest church being burnt down by refugees on NYE.

Except it wasn’t the oldest church, and it didn’t burn down. A firecracker landed in some scaffolding while some refugees happened to be celebrating nearby.

ABC’s Media Watch summarised why fake news has such a power to be believed: “We love to hear things that confirm what we think and what we feel and what we already believe. It makes us feel very comforted.”

And this is exactly the premise behind these stories.

While the use of social media has seen these stories gain a widespread footing, the spread of false or misleading stories is not a new phenomenon.

People have always loved to hear lies that confirm what they already believe.

In the first book of the Bible we read that when the serpent whispered to Eve that she would become like God, and that she would not surely die, both Adam and Eve believed. They believed because this is the truth they wanted to hear.

Humanity craves autonomy from God and it is comforting to think that there are no consequences. But it is a lie.

The environment that has led the rise of fake news is that of our “post truth” world, (the 2015 word of the year!)

When two stories vary dramatically in the events which they report the question used to be “which one is true?” 

But that question is rapidly becoming irrelevant. Truth itself is becoming irrelevant.

But only truth will bring salvation.

Jesus not only speaks truth but is himself truth to our world. His good news is the only antidote to the fake news of sin.

Christ also brought you the truth, which is the good news about how you can be saved. Ephesians 1:13

Simon Chaplin

Coming up this weekend 11th – 12th February 2017

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What does the bible say about marriage? And why is it that Christians are at loggerheads with a large number of the population about the definition of marriage? If history was different, this weekend a plebiscite would have been held to decide about the redefinition of marriage as a nation.

To recognise the significance of this decision and the significance of what is facing our nation today, Jodie will be speaking on the topic ‘Who becomes one: God’s Word on marriage’ this weekend.

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

  1. When were the individual Psalms organised into five books, and why does that make any difference to how we interpret them?
  2. Since Psalm 90 also includes the question, “How Long?”, does this weaken the idea that Books 4 and 5 answer this question?
  3. Since God loves justice, how can the cross of Christ be the ultimate act of injustice?
  4. Is it appropriate to make criticisms about Trump from the pulpit?
  5. Where is Jamberoo Anglican headed in 2017?

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