Church news for the week beginning 8th October 2016

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This weekend’s Bible Talk

This weekend we welcome Dan Odell who will be speaking on the topic “The Prodigal Son” from Luke chapter 15 verses 11 to 32.

Next week’s Bible Talk

Next week, Jodie will begin the second half of our series on the Old Testament book of Job, “Mythbusting Reality”, from chapters 22 to 24.

Mission of the month: Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES)

AFES is our mission of the month. Support this ministry by purchasing gifts from the ‘Mission Table’ in the Hall.

SWITCH Women’s Conference

The women’s conference for the Illawarra is on this Saturday 15th October from 8:45am to 4:30pm at Waterslea Conference Centre (Nowra). Cost $60. Bookings and details www.southernwomen.org.au. Registrations close Sunday 9th October.

Ladies Dinner

You’re invited to join the ladies of Oak Flats and our region on Tuesday 18th October to hear Christine Jensen. Dinner is $7 payable on the night at 35 Fisher Street Oak Flats, and there is no need to RSVP.

KBECET Dinner

The KBECET (Kiama Board for Employing Christian Education Teachers) Annual Dinner is on Saturday 22nd October. 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets are $25 each. Contact Vic East on 4236 0525.

 

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 $5616.00, leaving a gap of $684.00.

Olimometer 2.52

Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $218,400. Compared to that total we received $195,239, leaving a gap of $23,161.

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 .

Should you be a gospel worker?

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Recruiting the next generation of gospel workers at this year's MTS Mission Minded Conference

Recruiting the next generation of gospel workers at this year’s MTS Mission Minded Conference

I’ve always found it hard to describe my job.

You’d think it would be easy enough to just say that I’m an ‘Anglican Minister’.

But the problem is that this creates the impression that only paid and ordained people ‘do’ the ministry in the church.

Yet, when we look in the Bible at Ephesians chapter 4, we see that all of Jesus’ people are servants (ministers) who work to build Christ’s church:

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…

So, if you’re a follower of Jesus, then you’re a minister!

There are so many ways to minister: you can do the Bible reading during a church service, or set up the chairs, or do a talk in the kids’ ministry, or provide morning tea to our seniors.

After all, we’re all in the ministry!

But as we also saw in Ephesians, God uses some particular ministers to speak the gospel in order to equip all Christians for ministry.

And that’s why we still need some specific leaders in the church… and some of them will do it as their ‘job.’

So what do we call this kind of work?

At last weekend’s ‘MTS Mission Minded’ conference, I became convinced that the best description is ‘gospel work.’

So, for people who have their ‘job’ as a ‘worker’ who speaks the gospel to believers and unbelievers, this describes the heart of the task.

Should you be considering gospel work?

PS – I’m still looking for an apprentice gospel worker to train in our church as an MTS Apprentice… let me know if you’re interested…!

Coming up this weekend 8th – 9th October 2016

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This weekend we welcome Dan Odell, who will be speaking on the topic “The Prodigal Son” from Luke chapter 15 verses 11 to 32.

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 Holy Communion First Order AAPB service.

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

  1. What is the significance of Isaiah 14:12 where Satan is referred to as the “morning star, son of the dawn”?
  2. How is Satan involved with the Prince of the Persian Kingdom in Daniel 10:13?
  3. Did Sarah know about Abraham’s intention to sacrifice their son?
  4. Why did Abraham leave Isaac on the hill when he returned to his servants (Genesis 22:19)?
  5. Does God really test us or does he just appear to do so in order to teach us and others?

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 1st October 2016

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This weekend’s Bible Talk

This weekend we welcome Matthew Meek, who will be speaking on the topic “Trusting God” from Genesis chapter 22 verses 1 to 19.

Next week’s Bible Talk

Next week, Dan Odell, chaplain at Shellharbour Anglican College, will be speaking on the topic “The Prodigal Son” from Luke chapter 15 verses 11 to 32.

Mission of the month: Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES)

AFES is our mission of the month. 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 night 4th October for the next Men’s Dinner. Our speaker is Lachlan Edwards, from Figtree Anglican. 6.30pm at the Central Hotel Function Room. Bookings essential. Phone 0439 561 373 or email mensdinner@oakflatsanglican.com

Dinner at the Bowlo

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

SWITCH Women’s Conference

The women’s conference for the Illawarra is on Saturday 15th October from 8:45am to 4:30pm at Waterslea Conference Centre (Nowra). Cost $60. Bookings and details www.southernwomen.org.au. Registrations close Sunday 9th October.

Children’s and youth programs in holidays

During school holidays our normal midweek children’s and youth programs take a break until the week of 10th October.

Thanks from Lawrie Craft

To Meree’s friends of Jamberoo, and especially the church family. We thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers during the period of her illness and at her passing into glory. Her memories of Jamberoo were very precious to her, and even though the disease appeared to take every facet of her being from her, we were able to tell her about Jamberoo, the church and her neighbours and friends along with the other special people, events and places that had been important to her. Meree’s faith in her God was firm, established over 5o years ago, and that could not have been take away. Marie is now in heaven with her Saviour, well and sharing i the joys of that place, meeting up with those she so dearly loved, that have gone before her. Lawrie, Kyle, Glenn and Elise together with their families truly appreciate you all so much. God bless, and keep you safe. Lawrie.

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 $5616.00, leaving a gap of $684.00.

Olimometer 2.52

Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $218,400. Compared to that total we received $195,239, leaving a gap of $23,161.

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 .

Why God thinks cops are tops

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Police Remembrance

On this National Police Remembrance Day, it’s worth knowing that God thinks that cops are tops.

In the book of Romans, chapter 13 verse 1, we read that everyone should “be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” 

God has given authority to the New South Wales Police Force, which means that when they carry out their duties, they are doing his work in his world.

Whether it’s cancelling a drunk driver’s licence, or protecting a vulnerable person from abuse, our police force are doing God’s work in his world.

Indeed, the next verse in the Bible shows just how much authority they have from God in their job.

The Bible says, “Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”

But as this verse reminds us, we live in a world that does not willingly accept authority, and so we should expect people to rebel against the authority that God has given the police.

And this comes from the fact that all humans are rebels against God, by nature.

But praise God that Jesus has sacrificed his life, taking the punishment we deserve, and giving us the forgiveness we don’t deserve.

And to take advantage of this, all a person needs to do is to say sorry for rebelling, and rely on God as loving ruler.

This is the greatest act of sacrifice, and also a great model for those who risk life and limb to protect and to serve.

And this day we honour the members of our police force, along with their family and friends, who together are involved in carrying out God’s authority in this world that he has created.

Coming up this weekend 1st – 2nd October 2016

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This weekend we welcome Matthew Meek, who will be speaking on the topic “Trusting God” from Genesis chapter 22 verses 1 to 19.

Matthew is the AFES FOCUS National Director and will be sharing an update about his ministry at the University of Wollongong.

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, 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 24th September 2016

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This weekend’s Bible Talk

This weekend Graham Errington will be speaking on the topic “Blessed are your eyes” from Luke chapter 10 verses 17 to 24.

Next week’s Bible Talk

Next week, Matthew Meek will be speaking on the topic “Trusting God” from Genesis chapter 22 verses 1 to 19.

Mission of the month: Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES)

AFES is our mission of the month. 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 night 4th October for the next Men’s Dinner. Our speaker is Lachlan Edwards. 6.30pm at the Central Hotel Function Room. Bookings essential. Phone 0439 561 373 or email mensdinner@oakflatsanglican.com

SWITCH Women’s Conference

The women’s conference for the Illawarra is on Saturday 15th October from 8:45am to 4:30pm at Waterslea Conference Centre (Nowra). Cost $60. Bookings and details www.southernwomen.org.au

Children’s and youth programs in holidays

During school holidays our normal midweek children’s and youth programs take a break until the week of 10th October.

 

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 $5616.00, leaving a gap of $684.00.

Olimometer 2.52

Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $218,400. Compared to that total we received $195,239, leaving a gap of $23,161.

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 .

Making the most of our milestones

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jemimah-first-and-last-day-of-school

Jemimah’s first and last day of school

Throughout life we experience a range of milestones.

These are events that show the significant progress we have made along the path of life, and they give us an opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going.

Milestones come in many shapes and forms, and sometimes they are the ‘firsts’.

So, there is the milestone of our first step, or our first tooth, or the first day of school, or the first day in the workforce, or the first day of marriage, or the first day of retirement.

Some milestones are the ‘lasts’.

It might be the last day in nappies, or the last day of an apprenticeship or degree, or the last day in the workforce.

This week my daughter Jemimah experienced her last day of school, and along with thousands of others, she has been able to stop and reflect on this milestone.

On Monday she was given the opportunity to address all of the students and teachers in her school at the final chapel service, and in this talk she made the most of this milestone.

She encouraged them all to make sure they were ready for the biggest thing that they should ever need to worry about: the return of Jesus.

After all, life is short, and nobody knows just how much longer they will be alive to make the choice to repent and rely on Jesus as our loving ruler.

You may be a long way away from your next milestone, but as you watch others experience their ‘firsts’ and ‘lasts’ it is a good opportunity for each of us to reflect about our life’s journey.

Are you ready for the return of Jesus? 

Coming up this weekend 24th – 25th September 2016

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This weekend Graham Errington will be speaking on the topic “Blessed are your eyes” from Luke chapter 10 verses 17 to 24.

During our services we will be hearing an update about MTS (Ministry Training Strategy).

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

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

  1. Why does the Matthew genealogy mention Joseph’s name when you said it was referring to the family history of Mary?
  2. Why was Jesus conceived by God the Holy Spirit instead of God the Father?
  3. How did the Greek Orthodox church stray so far from Biblical Christianity?
  4. Could animals talk before The Fall?

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 17th September 2016

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This weekend’s Bible Talk

This weekend we welcome our guest speaker George Statheos. At our 5pm Saturday service, George will be speaking on the topic “Gospel to the world” from Acts chapter 17 verses 16 to 34. At our 8am Sunday service, George will be speaking on the topic “Fishers of people” from Luke chapter 5 verses 1 to 11.

Next week’s Bible Talk

Next week, Graham Errington will be speaking on the topic “Blessed are your eyes” from Luke chapter 10 verses 17 to 24.

Greek Food!

In honour of George’s visit, we will be having a Greek dinner after our 5pm service. Please join us for a wonderful time of fellowship and great food.

Weekendaway speaker announced!

We’re delighted to announce that Peter Jensen, former Archbishop of Sydney, will be our guest speaker at our 2017 Weekendaway. Keep 31st March – 2nd April free in your diary. An unmissable event in the life of our church.

Jamberoo Interchurch Service

Join with fellow churchgoers around our village and valley in our quarterly interchurch service. This Sunday 18th September at 7pm at Jamberoo Uniting Church.

Ladies Dinner

You’re invited to join the ladies of Oak Flats and our region this Tuesday 20th September to hear Tara Stenhouse. Dinner is $7 payable on the night at 35 Fisher Street Oak Flats, and there is no need to RSVP.

Mission of the month: Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES)

AFES is our mission of the month. Support this ministry by purchasing gifts from the ‘Mission Table’ in the Hall.

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 $5616.00, leaving a gap of $684.00.

Olimometer 2.52

Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $218,400. Compared to that total we received $195,239, leaving a gap of $23,161.

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 .