Back to church week

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Back to Church“Why don’t you come back to church this week?”

This is the question that we’re planning to ask hundreds of people this week as we connect with our village and valley in a big push to welcome people back into church.

Some people will respond by saying, “I’ve never been to church before… so why should I come this weekend?” This will create the perfect opportunity for us to share that people should come to church to come alive with Christ.

For others, they’ll say that they don’t feel the need to come to church. This should naturally lead to a great chat about how God created every person and longs for us all to know him and come alive with Christ.

Some might also respond to this challenge by saying that they don’t feel they’d fit in to church. This should lead us to talk about the many different kinds of people who are part of our church, from all ages and walks of life.

Finally, they might feel that it wouldn’t be right for them to come to church because of the bad things they’ve done. This will create a wonderful opportunity to talk about the rich message of grace that comes through the death of Jesus on their behalf.

It’s my prayer that over this week we’ll have lots of different opportunities to share the good news that ‘Jesus is Lord’ so that many people will hear his call to repent and believe, and then be saved.

That’s a great reason to come back to church! What about you?

Coming up this weekend 14th – 15th May 2016

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This weekend, as part of our ‘Come Alive Week’, we’re hosting 24 Moore College students for eight days to help us connect with the village and valley of Jamberoo and to talk about the real hope in the real Jesus at our weekend services as well as many other events throughout the week.

This week, we’re up for a treat as Mitch Herps, a Moore College student, speaks on the topic “Meeting the man who calmed the storm” from Mark chapter 4 verses 35 to 41.

Our 8am Sunday service will be Morning Prayer, Sunday Service.

Every week is a great weekend to come along if you’re not yet a believer in Jesus, but the next two are especially good, because we’re going to be making it crystal clear about how to put your trust in Jesus and know the real hope only he can provide.

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 prayerbook service.

If you can’t make it in person, you’re welcome to jump online to watch the service at www.oakflats.tv.

From CHAOS to Refuge

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Refuge LogoFor many years our church youth group has been known by the name ‘CHAOS’, which stands for ‘Christ Honoured and Others Served’.

As a tagline or mission statement, it’s a terrific summary of what we want to happen in our youth group.

The problem is that the idea of ‘chaos’ in the Bible is generally a bad thing.

After all, God’s work in the world generally brings order where there used to be chaos, especially in the lives of those who have been filled with the Holy Spirit.

Now it’s true that youth often find a grungy, anti-establishment kind of identity to be one that is strangely attractive as they navigate the challenging journey from childhood to adulthood.

But, the problem with the name ‘CHAOS’ is that it doesn’t really communicate that we long for our youth group to attract people by the delight that comes from knowing Jesus and being transformed by his Holy Spirit.

So that’s why we’ve switched our name to ‘Refuge’, which seeks to sum up the security that comes from knowing God, and the safety we can experience as we gather together for youth group in the name of Jesus.

For as we know from the Bible, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46 verse 1).

Jodie.

PS: Refuge is for high-school aged people and it meets at Oak Flats Anglican each Friday from 7pm to 9.30pm during school terms.

Church news for the week beginning 7th May 2016

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This weekend’s Bible Talk

This weekend we finish a two-week mini series with Jodie speaking on the topic “Tell the gospel”, from Romans chapter 10 verses 1 to 15

From CHAOS to Refuge

Our church youth ministry has changed its name to be ‘Refuge’. Pray that this ministry continues to have a great impact on the teenagers of our region, for the glory of God.

Mission of the month: KBECET

KBECET (Kiama Board for Employing Christian Education Teachers) is our mission of the month. This weekend is the last opportunity to support this ministry by purchasing gifts from the ‘Mission Table’ in the Hall.

Ladies Dinner

You’re invited to join the ladies of Oak Flats and beyond on Tuesday 17th May to hear Kate Henderson, a Moore College student. Kate will be speaking on the topic of “How do we know that God will keep His promises?”, from Hebrews 11:1 – 12:3. Dinner is $7 payable at the door, and there is no need to RSVP.

Countdown to ‘Come Alive Week’

It’s only one week until we welcome a team of 24 theological students from Moore College to join with us for a week of mission to the communities of Oak Flats and Jamberoo from the 14th to the 22nd May. Please be praying! We will be providing meals along with morning and afternoon tea for the team while they are here. Can you help out by providing a plate for morning or afternoon tea, or by coordinating a meal? Please advise on comment cards or email office@jamberooanglican.com if you can.

Mini Market

Join us at the church on Saturday 21st May, 9am to 12pm. Plants, cakes, bric-a-brac, local produce, books. craft, coffee, tea & pike-lets all on offer.  A great day for our community! Contact 4236 0158 for further information. Donations would be greatly appreciated, please drop them off to the Church hall on Friday 20th May

MixER Young Adults Night

Event for younger adults up at Oak Flats Anglican church. Special guest speaker and musician from the Moore College team. 7.30pm on Monday 16th May.

Men’s Top Gun Night

Event for the men while the ladies are at Ladies Dinner. Special guest speaker from the Moore College team. 7pm to 9pm on Tuesday 17th May at 17 Gow Avenue, Albion Park Rail.

Men’s BBQ Breakfast

The men are meeting at 8am on Saturday 21st May for a BBQ breakfast at Oak Flats Anglican with special guest speaker. Perfect for your mates to come and hear about Jesus!

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 .

Coming up this weekend 7th – 8th May 2016

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This weekend we finish a two week mini-series called ‘Know and Tell the Gospel’. In the second talk, Jodie will be speaking on the topic “Tell the gospel”, from Romans chapter 10 verses 1 to 15.

At our 5pm Saturday service we’re going to find out from Liana McNeill about her upcoming Mission trip to Fiji with Year 13, and how we can be involved.

It’s also a time to meet together to pray for our mums, as we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend.

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

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 prayerbook 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 30th April 2016

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This weekend’s Bible Talk

This weekend we kick off a two-week mini series with Jodie speaking on the topic “Know the gospel”, from Romans chapter 1 verses 1 to 7.

Mission of the month: KBECET

KBECET (Kiama Board for Employing Christian Education Teachers) is our mission of the month. Throughout this month you can support this ministry by purchasing gifts from the ‘Mission Table’ in the Hall.

Men’s Dinner

You’re invited to join the men of Oak Flats and beyond this Tuesday 3rd May to hear Matthew Meek speak on the topic “Jesus Opens Blind Eyes”. 6.30pm at the Central Hotel Function Room, Shellharbour. RSVP mensdinner@oakflatsanglican.com or 0439 561 373.

Countdown to ‘Come Alive Week’

It’s only two weeks until we welcome a team of 24 theological students from Moore College to join with us for a week of mission to the communities of Oak Flats and Jamberoo from the 14th to the 22nd May. Please be praying!

Mini Market

Join us at the church on Saturday 21st May at the church in the morning. A great day for our community!

Gong Men’s Day – save the date

Join us on Saturday 18th June, 8.30am to 2pm, or 5pm to 9.30pm at Dapto Anglican for a great day of teaching and encouragement for the men of our region.

Dinner at the Bowlo

Join us this Thursday at 6pm at the Jamberoo Bowling Club for a relaxed Chinese meal together.

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 .

Anglicare and ARV Better Together

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Anglicare and ARV TogetherThe parliament of our church voted unanimously this week to merge Anglicare and Anglican Retirement Villages (ARV) to better meet the need for their services in the future.

Archbishop Glenn Davies told a special synod called to consider a merger that the landscape of aged care in Australia has dramatically changed.

“The future will see constraints placed on government funding of aged care services and development of the practice of consumer directed care. Users of aged care services will be required to pay more and will be given greater say in the way their services are delivered.” Dr Davies said.

“This is a dramatic shift in social policy by the Commonwealth Government, which has significant ramifications for both organisations. New players are entering the field of aged care services. These are large, international, for-profit organisations who are growing at a rapid rate. Scale will be vital for growth: scale is the new criterion for survival.”

Dr Davies said he was thankful for the strength of both Anglicare and ARV. “Strong financially, strong in reputation and strong in the foundation of their work on the love of Jesus Christ. I am thankful that we are able to look with confidence to the future and are able to plan that future from a position of strength.”

The Archbishop paid tribute to the 4,000 staff who work at Anglicare and ARV and the thousands of volunteers who he said ‘contribute greatly to our mission’. “I am excited about the prospect of one formidable agency working alongside our parishes to share the gospel by word and deed.” the Archbishop said.

Report from sydneyanglicans.net

Coming up this weekend 30th April – 1st May 2016

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This weekend we kick off a two week mini-series called ‘Know and Tell the Gospel’. In the first talk, Jodie will be speaking on the topic “Know the gospel”, from Romans chapter 1 verses 1 to 7.

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.

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 prayerbook 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 23rd April 2016

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This weekend’s Bible Talk

This weekend Graham Errington will be speaking to us on the topic, ‘No Answer’ from Luke chapter 23 verses 1 to 12.

Mission of the month: KBECET

KBECET (Kiama Board for Employing Christian Education Teachers) is our mission of the month. Throughout this month you can support this ministry by purchasing gifts from the ‘Mission Table’ in the Hall.

Men’s Dinner

You’re invited to join the men of Oak Flats and beyond on Tuesday 3rd May to hear Matthew Meek speak. 6.30pm at the Central Hotel Function Room, Shellharbour. RSVP mensdinner@oakflatsanglican.com or 0439 561 373.

Countdown to ‘Come Alive Week’

It’s only three weeks until we welcome a team of twenty theological students from Moore College to join with us for a week of mission to the communities of Oak Flats and Jamberoo from the 14th to the 22nd May. 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.

Managing Conflict Training Course

A new 8-week training course, “Resolving Everyday Conflict” will be starting Thursday 28th April, at the Oak Flats Church from 9.30am – 10.30am. All are welcome. Please contact Julie Hayward if you wish to attend, julie.hayward@oakflatsanglican.com or 0415 297 381.

Gong Men’s Day – save the date

Join us on Saturday 18th June, 8.30am to 2pm, or 5pm to 9.30pm at Dapto Anglican for a great day of teaching and encouragement for the men of our region.

Working Bee – 30th April

We’re going to get the whole church and hall setup in time for the Moore Mission. So, join us this Saturday 30th April at 8am at the church to help us make the place look great.

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 .

We must never glorify death

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Anzac memorial (CREDIT: Nadia Morgan via Flickr)

Anzac memorial (CREDIT: Nadia Morgan via Flickr)

As we come to Anzac Day, it’s impossible to avoid speaking of death.

As we remember the heroism of those who served, we never forget the many who gave their lives to protect our way of life.

Yet even as we honour their sacrifice, we must never glorify death.

Death is our greatest enemy, no matter how much we try to conquer it ourselves.

It brings us sadness and pain, even when it comes with valour.

Even Jesus wept as he stood at the grave of his friend.

And this is why Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life in order to conquer death.

And because of Jesus’ death for us, the Bible cries out,  “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1Corinthians 15:55)

As we remember those who gave their life for our nation, let us pray to the man who gave his life for the world. 

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Lest we forget.