God’s Peace

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God’s Peace typically refers to a deep sense of calm, assurance, and well-being that comes from trusting in God, especially in the midst of difficult or uncertain circumstances.  It’s relaxing in God’s character and promises.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters

Psalm 23:2

This verse is a picture of the Good Shepherd leading his people to a peaceful existence. It is “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

What it means to be at peace with God:

1. Relaxing in God’s Character despite Circumstances

God’s peace isn’t dependent on everything going right in life.

It’s described as something that can guard your heart and mind even when things are going wrong.

God’s peace isn’t just the absence of problems or war — it’s the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding and leading us. The fruit of the Spirit being evident in our lives.

In Hebrew, the word shalom (translated as peace) means completeness, wholeness, and harmony.

2. Trusting in God’s Promises in His Word

It comes when a person puts their trust in God rather than in their own ability to control life. This trust brings a sense of surrender and relief which David continues to highlight in Ps. 23

3. Accepting God’s Gift

God’s peace is seen as a gift — not something one earns. It doesn’t mean we have to be busy working for, but something one receives through faith, in Jesus Christ.

Ps. 23:2 expresses trust in God’s care. It means God provides peace, rest, and spiritual nourishment — leading us to calm and safe places, both literally and metaphorically. It’s an image of deep security and well-being under God’s guidance.

Tony Galea

Psalm 23:2 “He makes me lie down in green pastures – “

This implies a place of rest, nourishment, and peace. Green pastures are where sheep graze — full of food and safety. The verse paints a picture of God (the shepherd) providing not just sustenance but a restful place, suggesting that with God, you have what you need, both physically and spiritually.                       

– he leads me beside still waters”

Still waters (as opposed to rushing or dangerous currents) symbolize calm, peace, and safety. For sheep, still water is drinkable – they won’t drink from turbulent water. Spiritually, it suggests inner peace, restoration, and guidance toward serenity.  

Tony Galea

Coming Up This Sunday August 10th at Jamberoo Anglican!

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Come and join us this Sunday at either 9am or 4pm. We are going to be hearing from God’s word as Tony Galea preaches to us from Psalm 23:2 with a sermon titled “My Busyness.”

After church we’ll have brunch in the morning and dinner in the evening, so there’s plenty of time to chat together!

Every day (except Sundays) we meet online at 7:30am for half an hour of morning prayer at zoom.jamberooanglican.com and you’re very welcome to join us!

See you on Sunday, God willing!

Church News for Sunday August 3rd at Jamberoo Anglican

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Service Times

Please join us on for fellowship on Sunday morning at 9am or Sunday afternoon at 4pm.

Sunday’s Sermon

This weekend we are going to be hearing from God’s word as Tony Galea preaches to us from Psalm 23:1 with the title “My Anxiety.“

Christmas Club

Our very first Christmas Kids Club is on the 22nd of December! I’d love your prayers and help to make this special day happen — from craft and games to group leading, registration, welcoming families, music, and so much more.

If you’d like to be part of it, come along to our planning meeting on the 10th of August at 2 pm in the church hall.

Rach Bemmer

Partnering To Make A Difference!

We’re excited to announce a new partnership between our church and Jamberoo Public School to support a lunchtime group for students (SUPA Club)! This weekly gathering on Friday provides a safe, welcoming space where students can connect, enjoy community, and explore faith during their lunch break.

Friday Kids and Youth

Each Friday during term we meet for our kids and youth groups of SPARK (Years K to 6) at 4:30-6pm, and Youth Group (Years 7 to 12) from 7-9pm at the church hall.

Spark Letterbox Drop

Can you help Letterbox drop some flyers around Jamberoo? Put your name down for a street at the church hall!

Commencement Service for Rev. Ron Irving

Dear church family,

On Saturday 1 November this year we officially welcome Ron Irving as the rector of our parish. He and Julie are coming from St Matt’s, West Pennant Hills to minister in our village, valley and region and we are so grateful to God for them. The Commencement Service will begin at 2 pm and there will be many people joining us to commission Ron and Julie and bless them. The Bishop of Wollongong Peter Hayward will be leading the service and preaching the Word. Local Anglican rectors, friends and family of Ron and Julie, and representatives from many other churches will be with us. While it seems a long time away there will be many roles to fill and opportunities to serve, such as welcomers, afternoon tea catering team, music and ushers. Please make a date in your calendar for the afternoon and look out for more information over the next while.

In Christ,

JAC Wardens

Helpers Needed

We are in need of some volunteers for operating the Slides at church! No expertise required, talk to Tony if you’re keen.

Book of the Month

Our book of the month for August is “Angels” by Tim Chester. “Angels” explores what the Bible truly teaches about angels – their nature, their role as God’s messengers, and their place in pointing us to Jesus rather than being objects of worship themselves. Tim grounds his insights firmly in Scripture and encourages us to understand the spiritual realm with clarity, discouraging both obsession with and ignorance of angels. The book is helpful in daily life by offering comfort in knowing God’s care is active – sometimes through angels – and by reminding us that our focus should be on Christ, supported by a greater spiritual reality.

Physical copies are available at our bookstall or to buy online at: wanderingbookseller.com.au

Safe Ministry Matters  

Our Safe Ministry Representative is Gemma Bartlett. Speak to her about anything related to safety in ministry on 0414 425 639 or email gemma.bartlett@jamberooanglican.com

Christianity Explained

Are you or a friend interested in understanding the Christian Faith more? Our church is offering this short course of 4 sessions, of about 1 hour each. It’s an easy & straightforward way to know. See Tony Galea after the service for details.

Our Finances

Please pray and be generous as we remember God’s generosity to us!

7 Ways to Deal With Anxiety

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1. God Invites Us to Cast Our Anxiety on Him “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

God doesn’t ignore our anxious thoughts—He invites us to bring them to Him.

2. God Offers His Peace in Place of Our Worry “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6–7

Rather than scolding us for worrying, God offers a trade: our anxiety for His peace. This peace isn’t just the absence of trouble—it’s the presence of God guarding our hearts and minds even while trouble may still be present.

3. Jesus Understands Anxiety Personally “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death…” – Matthew 26:38In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus experienced intense anguish. This shows that feeling overwhelmed isn’t a sign of weak faith—Jesus Himself felt that way but he did pray.

4. God Provides Through Church family Encouragement “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25 Sometimes God’s comfort comes through people—friends, counselors, pastors—who remind us we’re not alone.

5. He Reminds Us of Our Value and His Care “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life… Look at the birds of the air… Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:25–27 Jesus teaches us not to obsess over future outcomes.

6. He Promises to Be With Us “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…” – Isaiah 43:2. God never promises that we won’t go through hard things—but He does promise we won’t go through them alone.

7. God Provides his Care and interest The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing – Psalm 23:1. God deals with our anxiety not with judgment, but with compassion, control, and care.

The Christian journey is not about being anxiety-free, but learning to trust God in the midst of it—even if it’s a daily process.

Tony Galea

I don’t know what you’re worried about or stressed out about today, but I do know this: God loves you, He cares about your stress, and He can help you. “The Lord is my Shepherd”.

Emphasize different words — “The Lord is my Shepherd” — there is only one real Lord, all the others are fakes and imitations. “The Lord is my Shepherd” –not might be, He will be, He always has been, He always will be. “The Lord is my Shepherd” — Can you say that

with certainty? Is the Lord your Shepherd? Is the Shepherd your Lord? He can’t be one without the other. When you can say that and mean it, you’re going to stop worrying.

Don’t carry that burden one more second. It’s unnecessary.

So pray:

“Jesus Christ, I don’t understand it all, but I’ve seen that You’ve promised to take care of my needs if only I’ll trust You. And I realize that worry is just a warning light that I’m trying to control everything.

I don’t want to be anxious any more. I want you to be in control of my life. I want You to be my manager. I want You to be my Lord. I want to know You. I want to listen to You. I want You to lead me in the life plan that You made me for. Amen”

Tony Galea

Coming Up This Sunday August 3rd at Jamberoo Anglican!

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Come and join us this Sunday at either 9am or 4pm. We are going to be hearing from God’s word as Tony Galea preaches to us from Psalm 23:1 with a sermon titled “My Anxiety.”

After church we’ll have brunch in the morning and dinner in the evening, so there’s plenty of time to chat together!

Every day (except Sundays) we meet online at 7:30am for half an hour of morning prayer at zoom.jamberooanglican.com and you’re very welcome to join us!

See you on Sunday, God willing!

Dealing With Life: Psalm 23

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Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and beloved passages in the Bible. Attributed to King David, it expresses deep trust in God as a caring and protective shepherd.
Psalm 23 is a declaration of faith in God’s provision, guidance, protection, and eternal care. It presents God not as a distant deity, but as an intimate caretaker who walks with His people through every season of life.

David pictured God’s people as lowly sheep. Why? So we would learn about the Shepherd and see how tenderly He cares for us. Sheep are defenceless animals that are prone to get lost, and they need almost constant care. You can’t drive sheep as you do cattle; they must be led.

The Eastern shepherds know their sheep by name and can call them and they will come (John 10:1–5). The sheep were kept, not for food but for wool, milk, and reproduction. In this psalm, David explains that if we follow the Lord and trust Him, He will meet our every need, no matter what the circumstances may be.

Try This for Meditation!’

Take a deep breath.
Remember: God is your shepherd.

You are not alone.
You are not forgotten.
You are cared for, guided, and loved.

Even when the path is unclear or the valley is deep, God walks with you. He provides rest, peace, and strength.

Let His goodness and mercy surround you today.
You are safe in His presence—now and always.

Tony Galea

The Lord is my Shepherd. The Lord is Jehovah God, the covenant making God of Israel.

David deals with some difficulties in his life. While people of all ages love and quote this Psalm. Its message is for mature Christians who have fought battles and carried burdens.

The derivatives of the Lord God are: The Lord will Provide, The Lord our Peace, The Lord who Heals, The Lord of Righteousness, The Lord is with me, The Lord our Protector and The Lord who Sanctifies. What a Lord!

Praise God He is MY Lord!!!

Tony Galea

Coming Up This Sunday July 27th at Jamberoo Anglican!

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Come and join us this Sunday at either 9am or 4pm. We are going to be hearing from God’s word as Tony Galea preaches to us from Psalm 23:1 with a sermon titled “My Identity.”

After church we’ll have brunch in the morning and dinner in the evening, so there’s plenty of time to chat together!

Every day (except Sundays) we meet online at 7:30am for half an hour of morning prayer at zoom.jamberooanglican.com and you’re very welcome to join us!

See you on Sunday, God willing!

Coming Up This Sunday July 20th at Jamberoo Anglican!

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Come and join us this Sunday at either 9am or 4pm. We are going to be hearing from God’s word as Tony Galea preaches to us from Mark 13 with a sermon titled “The Greatest Day.”

After church we’ll have brunch in the morning and dinner in the evening, so there’s plenty of time to chat together!

Every day (except Sundays) we meet online at 7:30am for half an hour of morning prayer at zoom.jamberooanglican.com and you’re very welcome to join us!

See you on Sunday, God willing!

Servant-hearted Leadership

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This year of service as wardens at Jamberoo Anglican has been an unusual one. While we wait for our new minister, Ron, to begin, we have been privileged to serve alongside Tony as he faithfully and capably leads our church in his role as Locum. In addition to the usual responsibilities of church wardens, we’ve also been supporting the expansion of volunteer administration roles—for members of our church to carry out tasks previously handled by staff—while attending to the repairs of the old rectory and preparing the current rectory for Ron’s arrival. Throughout the year, we’re also facing important financial decisions and, together with our Treasurer and the Parish Council, we are seeking wisdom from God as we chart a path forward.

Greater than any of these responsibilities, however, is the calling to be servants of our church community. This is a responsibility all of us share. Jesus taught His disciples that anyone who would follow Him must take up their cross—and with that comes the call to humble service. He modeled this most strikingly when He washed the dusty feet of His disciples (John 13:1–17)—a task normally reserved for the lowliest servant.

In fact, servant-hearted leadership turns worldly leadership on its head. In a church that faithfully follows Jesus, leadership looks less like a pyramid and more like an inverted triangle—with leaders placing themselves beneath others in order to serve their needs, just as Christ did.

As we anticipate the arrival of Ron and Julie, let’s each consider how we can grow as servants to one another at church. Not so that we can feel proud or important—but so that we might walk humbly with our Lord, following the One who gave everything for us: Jesus, the Saviour of the world.

From your Wardens: Andrew McPhail, Greg Baker, and Philippa Cleall

In Mark 13 Jesus speaks about future events both immediate (like the destruction of the Jerusalem temple) and distant (the end of this age).

Mark 13 is Jesus’ prophetic roadmap, blending immediate historical judgment with a long-term future vision of history. He doesn’t give a timeline, but a call to watchfulness, faithfulness, and trust in God’s plan.

Much can be said about this difficult passage, but the big idea remains.
Are YOU Ready for Jesus’ Return?

Tony Galea

Church News for Sunday July 13th at Jamberoo Anglican

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Service Times

Please join us on for fellowship on Sunday morning at 9am or Sunday afternoon at 4pm.

Sunday’s Sermon

This weekend we are going to be hearing from God’s word as Matt Bartlett preaches to us from Mark 12 with the title “The Greatest Commandment.“

School’s Out, Kids In!

In line with the school holidays, for the next 2 Sundays there won’t be a kids’ program in the Hall. Instead, the regular church services will be tailored to better help the kids of our congregation learn as much as possible about Jesus. Some of the changes taking place will be:

  1. Language better suited to the younger audience
  2. A variety of ages up the front
  3. Creative prayers
  4. A fun segment to prepare for the sermon

One of the ways we help the growth of God’s kingdom here at Jamberoo Anglican is by being intergenerational. We really don’t mind if there’s noisy children roaming about, in fact we encourage them! We love it when the gospel is preached to all ages and stages.

Partnering To Make A Difference!

We’re excited to announce a new partnership between our church and Jamberoo Public School to support a lunchtime group for students (SUPA Club)! This weekly gathering on Friday provides a safe, welcoming space where students can connect, enjoy community, and explore faith during their lunch break.

Friday Kids and Youth

Each Friday during term we meet for our kids and youth groups of SPARK (Years 3 to 6) at 4:30-6pm, and Youth Group (Years 7 to 12) from 7-9pm at the church hall.

Youth Group and Spark are starting up again after the holiday break on Friday 1st August. Get keen!

Are You Able to Help?

The Anglican Church of Melanesia, Bishop James Tama (Bishop of Central Vanuatu and Noumea) and his wife
are asking if they could spend 2 months of their Sabbatical Leave in NSW and the Sydney Diocese. If you have a
spare bedroom, or a unit, or a cottage (can be on the coast) that is free, and available for a couple of weeks or a
month I would love to hear from you. The Bishop’s stipend in Vanuatu is very different to Australian standards.
He is not able to pay for the accommodation. 
Please speak to Tony Galea, or June Bock.

Ron and Julie Irving

We are pleased to announce that our new Senior Minister is Ron Irving! He and his wife Julie are starting at Jamberoo on October 27th. In the meantime, please pray for the parish of St Matt’s that they are leaving behind, as they begin the process of appointing a new minister.

Helpers Needed

We are in need of some volunteers for operating the Slides at church! No expertise required, talk to Tony if you’re keen.

Book of the Month

Our book of the month for July is “A New Day” by Emma Scrivener. “A New Day” is an honest and compassionate exploration of mental health struggles – such as anxiety, eating disorders, and shame – through the lens of Christian faith, offering readers hope and practical steps for recovery. Drawing on her own experiences, Emma emphasizes the importance of acknowledging pain and vulnerability, and shows how sharing your own story and seeking community can be transformative. The book ultimately encourages us to pursue ongoing personal and spiritual renewal, highlighting that genuine change and healing are possible as part of a continual journey with God.

Physical copies are available at our bookstall or to buy online at: wanderingbookseller.com.au

Safe Ministry Matters  

Our Safe Ministry Representative is Gemma Bartlett. Speak to her about anything related to safety in ministry on 0414 425 639 or email gemma.bartlett@jamberooanglican.com

Christianity Explained

Are you or a friend interested in understanding the Christian Faith more? Our church is offering this short course of 4 sessions, of about 1 hour each. It’s an easy & straightforward way to know. See Tony Galea after the service for details.

Our Finances

Please pray and be generous as we remember God’s generosity to us!