Saturday 4 April

Daily-Devotional

Christ’s Return

I love end of world movies: Armageddon, The Day After Tomorrow, 2012. But I wonder how often we think about the end of the world and how what comes next effects our lives in the present? As Christians we know that Jesus promises that he will return like a thief in the night, Paul echo’s this sentiment in 1 Thessalonians, reminding us that people will say we have “peace and security,” then suddenly Christ will return and end our best laid plans.

And I wonder how much you’ve thought about Jesus’ return this week? As the world spirals out of control and all the news coming our way is bad, how has Christ’s certain and glorious return effected what you do and how you do it? How does knowing that Jesus could return any day, at any hour and at any minute change how you do, what you do? 

It’s an important question to keep asking ourselves and there is so much that could be said about how our we should live in light of our future with Jesus, but I’m constantly drawn back to Peter’s words in his first letter: now the end of all things is near, so maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4.7-8).

Does knowing the end of the world is coming make you earnestly care for your christian brother and sister? To be hospitable and serving and sharing? Love that shows itself in generosity that doesn’t complain? Love that goes beyond the conversations over morning tea? So this week keep your love at full strength, because the end is near and it’s 2,000 years nearer than when Peter wrote his letter.

JJ


Prayer of the Day

Sovereign Lord, you alone are the hope and healer of your people. You have promised us the hope of a world where there will be no more sorrow, sickness, or dying. Comfort and heal, merciful Lord, all who are in sorrow, need, sickness, or any other trouble.

By Jesus death and resurrection you have set your people free from both the penalty of sin and the fear of death. Give us a firm trust in your goodness, and bring us into the joy of the bodily resurrection, and the fulfilment of all your precious promises. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

 

Is this the best kids leader?

Yes, yes I am

Josie choosing the biggest numpty

It’s you, your the numpty

Does Peter Chin need a hug?

Yes, I am quite sure he does

Do we need more of JJ’s kids in slides?

Are JJ’s kids just more photogenic?

FIVE Community News – 24th May 2017

5pm-logoGenesis – The Origins of Everything

Main-page-talk-banner

This Sunday will be our final study in the Origins of Everything from Genesis for the moment. We will return to consider the rest of Genesis in the coming years. As we read Genesis 20-22 (and please do this before Sunday!), we notice there are numerous narratives about Abraham’s life after God’s horrific and just judgement on the towns of the plains (Genesis 19). Abraham falls back into his old ways, being deceptive out of fear for his life (Genesis 20). With the birth of Isaac, Abraham faces the challenge of dealing with tensions between family members (Genesis 21). And to top it all off, God challenges Abraham to sacrifice his only son (Genesis 22).

What is God teaching Abraham (and us) through these narratives? What does it look like to life by faith in God’s promises?

Upcoming:

28.05   Powerful Faith in Powerful Promises (Genesis 19-22) – Communion gathering

04.06   New Series: Truths Worth Dying For – Faith Alone

11.06   Truths Worth Dying For – Grace Alone

18.06   Truths Worth Dying For – Christ Alone

25.06 Truths Worth Dying For – Scripture Alone

Parish Prayer Night

Please join us at the Thomas Street building on Thursday 1st June to pray for our church.

Ministry Training

During the first half of the year, we’ve planned a series of training days for all congregations. The goal is to know what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and make sure we’re serving to the best of our growing abilities. Those expected to be involved will be invited and information about these events will be made available closer to the events.

Sun 4th June – Prayers Training afternoon

Sun 6th Aug – Bible Readers Training afternoon

Sun 3rd Sept – Sharing your Testimony training afternoon (with optional follow-up training on Sun 10th Sept)

Memory Verse of the Month

If we say, “We have no sin,”  we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive  us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:8-9 (HCSB)

Northmead Winter Appeal

logo-with-padding

Thank you to everyone for being extremely generous towards Anglicare. A big thanks to those who knocked on doors and spoke with people outside the Northmead IGA and in Winston Hills Mall. We pray that Anglicare may use all the groceries, blankets, clothes and items we gathered for them to talk about Jesus with people who are poor, destitute and in need.

Approximately 400 Thank-you Packs were given to people in our community. Pray that they may read the information about Anglicare and ourselves, and most importantly that they will read the Two Ways to Live gospel tract!

20170513_115018

20170522_130126

Stretch Night – Tonight!

Slide1This month’s Stretch night on Wednesday 24th May (tonight!) with be on the Sacraments, particularly Holy Communion. What are the Sacraments? What is happening when we share some bread and wine (aka grape juice) together or wash someone? What is Scripture describing or prescribing for us?

Location: Thomas Street building

Time: 7:30pm

This Sunday we will be expressing our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ on Sunday 28th May.

Working Bee

Slide3

Painting the inside of the church building; morning tea; fixing office building gutters; coffee break; moving a shed (or putting a new floor in it); morning tea; meet and smell people from other congregations; coffee break; gardening; painting; grab another coffee and muffin; shifting mulch into the garden beds; more painting the inside of the church building; chatting with other members of our church; pulling weeds; and then watching the paint dry.

These are some of the things that are happening during our working bee – Saturday 3rd June. If you have particular skills (e.g. painting or serving a good coffee), then please let Sharon in the church office know.

EQUIP Conference

EQUIP is an annual conference for women. This year it will be a day of learning and sharing and growing, as they explore the treasures in God’s word and what it looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life.

For more information, please speak with Sharon in the church office.

Equip

Marriage Weekend Away

What is the alternative to enriching your marriage other than our Marriage Weekend Away? Hearitol! (Please note the warnings at the end of the video – for a real long term solution to communication issues in marriages, we recommend our Marriage Weekend Away)

Our Marriage Weekend Away from 23rd-25th June at The Retreat at Wiseman’s Ferry will be a great opportunity to remind yourselves of God’s purposes for your marriage and to re-equip your marriage to deal with such conflict situations.

To register, please grab a brochure from the back of the church. Please return complete forms as soon as possible. Registration closes on 9th June. Payment plans are available.

For more information please contact Mark or Sharon in the office.

KidsQuest 2017

kidsquest-homepage-banner

As per the last few years, KidsQuest has been an extremely fruitful opportunity to tell children the news of salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Why not start considering how your children might invite their school friends along to this fun week.

You can register your children for KidsQuest on the Northmead Anglican Churches’ website.

Please contact Jacquie if you are able to help during the week with looking after kids, morning tea, rego, organising games, making lunches for the team, skits, giving talks, organising craft, chatting with parents, running the coffee cart, prayer or any other helpful acts of service for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ministry Opportunities

Parramatta Family & Local Court Support Group Inc

Over thirty years ago a volunteer service began at the Family and Local Courts in Parramatta, in reaction to a lack of support and positivity in places that both sought to resolve family disputes and misdemeanours of the law. An interdenominational group was formed from local churches in the area, to lend an ear, and a smiling face, and a hand of kindness by way of a cup of tea and a biscuit to those attending the Family Court and the local Court. The support group are seeking the help of people who might like to be a Rostered Volunteer about three hours a month for serving tea and coffee at either or both of the courts. Choice of day or week of the month is available ie. 3rd  Tuesday. Time is usually between 9am and 12.30pm. For more information, please contact Robyn Druitt (member of FIVE congregation) or call Margaret Wigmore on Ph: (02) 9871 8492, mobile 0407 436 642 or email at wiggy46@optusnet.com.au.

Winston Hills Wednesdays Women’s Gospel Team

The Gospel Teams for the Winston Hills women’s groups require a few people to assist care for the children while the mothers meet together. If you are able to join the roster (usually a fortnightly commitment), please speak with Rochelle or Amber.

Dates for your Diary

May 2017

June 2017

  • Thurs 1 – Parish Prayer Night
  • Sat 3 – Working Bee
  • Sun 4 – Prayers training
  • Sat 17 – Missionary Prayer Breakfast
  • Fri 23- Sun25 – Marriage Weekend Away

Longer Term

  • 16-18th March 2018 – FIVE Weekend Away

FIVE Prayer Points

  1. Thank God for the work of Anglicare, taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to those in need. Pray that God will use our gifts to build his kingdom in heaven.
  2. Pray for the financial situation of our church, particularly as financial giving is down, that we may all give generously, cheerful and in response to God’s outrageous grace to us in Jesus.
  3. Pray for those who have been sick, unemployed, mourning or struggling in life under many trials.
  4. Pray for the Santiches in New Zealand. Pray for their children as they make personal decisions about how they will live by faith in Jesus Christ. Pray that Mark and Renee will have wisdom in speaking about Jesus with them.
  5. Pray for Jacquie and her KidsQuest leaders as they prepare for this outreach event for children in July. Pray that they may be prepared and able to coordinate all the different aspects of the week.

FIVE Community News – 17th May 2017

5pm-logoGenesis – The Origins of Everything

Main-page-talk-banner

Then Abraham said, “Let the Lord not be angry, and I will speak one more time.  Suppose 10 [righteous people] are found there?” God answered, “I will not destroy it on account of 10.” (Genesis 18:32 HCSB)

Then the angels  said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here: a son-in-law, your sons and daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of this place, 13 for we are about to destroy this place because the outcry against its people is so great before Yahweh, that Yahweh has sent us to destroy it.” (Genesis 19:12-13 HCSB)

On Sunday we are considering the fascinating passage concerning God’s judgement on the cities of the plains, namely Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham seeks to mediate with God for any righteous people in the cities (Genesis 18:16-33). Will God relent from his judgement? On what basis will God’s judgement pass over sinners? Lot and his daughters are rescued from judgement, however the story does not end well for them. Their descendants become nations that are a continuous thorn in Israel’s side.

Please read Genesis 18:16-19:38 in preparation for Sunday.

Upcoming:

21.05   The Sinfulness of Sodom (Genesis 18:16-19:38)

28.05   Powerful Faith in Powerful Promises (Genesis 19-22) – Communion gathering

04.06   New Series: Truths Worth Dying For – Faith Alone

11.06   Truths Worth Dying For – Grace Alone

18.06   Truths Worth Dying For – Scripture Alone

YAK Training – Saturday’s Training is Cancelled

The Youth and Children’s Training scheduled for this Saturday has unfortunately been cancelled. Jacquie and JJ will contact those who are involved with information about the change of dates.

Ministry Training

During the first half of the year, we’ve planned a series of training days for all congregations. The goal is to know what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and make sure we’re serving to the best of our growing abilities. Those expected to be involved will be invited and information about these events will be made available closer to the events.

Sun 4th June – Prayers Training afternoon

Sun 6th Aug – Bible Readers Training afternoon

Sun 3rd Sept – Sharing your Testimony training afternoon (with optional follow-up training on Sun 10th Sept)

Memory Verse of the Month

If we say, “We have no sin,”  we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive  us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:8-9 (HCSB)

Northmead Winter Appeal (30th April – 21st May)

logo-with-padding

Thank you to everyone who has been generous with their time and finances this month during our Winter Appeal in gospel partnership with Anglicare. There are still opportunities to assist at the Northmead IGA and Winston Hills Mall stalls this Saturday. Please contact Mark if you’re able to help for 2 hours.

Stretch Night – The Sacraments

Slide1This month’s Stretch night on Wednesday 24th May (please note new date!) with be on the Sacraments, particularly Holy Communion. What are the Sacraments? What is happening when we share some bread and wine (aka grape juice) together or wash someone? What is Scripture describing or prescribing for us?

Location: Thomas Street building

Time: 7:30pm

This month we will be expressing our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ through Holy Communion on Sunday 28th May.

Working Bee

Slide3

Painting the inside of the church building; morning tea; fixing office building gutters; coffee break; moving a shed; morning tea; meet and smell people from other congregations; coffee break; gardening; painting; grab another coffee and muffin.

These are some of the things that are happening during our working bee – Saturday 3rd June. All help welcomed.

EQUIP Conference

EQUIP is an annual conference for women. This year it will be a day of learning and sharing and growing, as they explore the treasures in God’s word and what it looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life.

For more information, please speak with Rochelle or Sharon in the office.

Equip

Marriage Weekend Away

How would you resolve the following marriage conflict situation? [Warning: a few swear words]

Our Marriage Weekend Away from 23rd-25th June at The Retreat at Wiseman’s Ferry will be a great opportunity to remind yourselves of God’s purposes for your marriage and to re-equip your marriage to deal with such conflict situations.

To register, please grab a brochure from the back of the church. Registration closes on 9th June. Payment plans are available. For more information please contact Mark or Sharon in the office.

KidsQuest 2017

kidsquest-homepage-banner

As per the last few years, KidsQuest has been an extremely fruitful opportunity to tell children the news of salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Why not start considering how your children might invite their school friends along to this fun week.

You can register your children and grand-children for KidsQuest on the Northmead Anglican Churches’ website.

Please contact Jacquie if you are able to help during the week with looking after kids, morning tea, rego, organising games, making lunches for the team, skits, giving talks, organising craft, chatting with parents, running the coffee cart, prayer or any other helpful acts of service for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ministry Opportunities

Assisting with ESL (Monday mornings)

Are you available on Monday mornings to support our ESL outreach ministry? The ESL team is looking for a few people to run the kitchen, prepare morning tea, and be available to chat with anyone who joins the program. Please contact Mark at the office or Denise Carpenter (0431 737 559) if you can help or would be willing to join a roster.

Usher and Assistance at Woodberry Village Sunday service

Because of the failing health of those that help out in welcoming people, guiding people to a seat, and so on, we need volunteers to help out. Would your Gospel Team consider this as an opportunity to reach out to the residents at Woodberry with the gospel? We are looking for 1-2 volunteers for each Sunday service whose names would be added to the roster. Please contact Don Barker if you could assist with this.

Parramatta Family & Local Court Support Group Inc

Over thirty years ago a volunteer service began at the Family and Local Courts in Parramatta, in reaction to a lack of support and positivity in places that both sought to resolve family disputes and misdemeanours of the law. An interdenominational group was formed from local churches in the area, to lend an ear, and a smiling face, and a hand of kindness by way of a cup of tea and a biscuit to those attending the Family Court and the local Court. The support group are seeking the help of people who might like to be a Rostered Volunteer about three hours a month for serving tea and coffee at either or both of the courts. Choice of day or week of the month is available ie. 3rd  Tuesday. Time is usually between 9am and 12.30pm. For more information, please contact Robyn Druitt (member of FIVE congregation) or call Margaret Wigmore on Ph: (02) 9871 8492, mobile 0407 436 642 or email at wiggy46@optusnet.com.au.

Winston Hills Wednesdays Women’s Gospel Team

The Gospel Teams for the Winston Hills women’s groups require a few people to assist care for the children while the mothers meet together. If you are able to join the roster (usually a fortnightly commitment), please speak with Rochelle or Amber.

Dates for your Diary

May 2017

June 2017

  • Thurs 1 – Parish Prayer Night
  • Sat 3 – Working Bee
  • Sun 4 – Prayers training
  • Sat 17 – Missionary Prayer Breakfast
  • Fri 23- Sun25 – Marriage Weekend Away

FIVE Prayer Points

  1. Pray for couples, who would value some re-tuning in their marriages, that they will find the finances and time to come to our Marriage Weekend Away.
  2. Pray for those who have been sick, unemployed, mourning or struggling in life under many trials. Pray that they may particularly have faith to trust in Jesus through these things.
  3. Pray for the Santiches in New Zealand. Praise God that Renee was able to join with us on Sunday. Please continue to pray for their children.
  4. Pray for Jacquie and her KidsQuest leaders as they prepare for this outreach event for children in July. Pray that they may be prepared and able to coordinate all the different aspects of the week.
  5. Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are travelling this month that they will continue to read God’s Word regularly, pray continually, and proclaim Jesus Christ boldly with whoever they meet.

645 Community News (7.5.17)

645-logo

 1. Christianity Explored

Christianity Explored is a great opportunity to find out about who Jesus is, why he came and what it means to follow him. It’s especially designed for people who are not that familiar with the Christian message. If you’re still interested in coming along, you’d be very welcome.

Christianity-Explored

Date: Tues, May 2nd (for 6 Weeks)

Time: 7.30pm

RSVP: Let us know via your connection card, or message Josh R (0424 163 010)

2. 645 Training

At 645 we want to go hard at training each other for a lifetime of serving Christ and his people. That’s why we’re putting on two training courses this term to give people an opportunity to train intensively in a particular area of the Christian life and ministry. Everyone’s welcome.

645 Training

Date: Sun, May 21st (for 6 Weeks)

Time: 5-6pm

Course Options:

1) How to read the bible (Josh R)

2) How to share the gospel (John K & Alex H)

RSVP: Let us know via your connection card.

3. New Audio Equipment

*

Over the next few weeks at 645 we are wanting to raise enough money to pay for new audio equipment – a new sound desk etc. for everyone at church to use. If everyone at 645 gave $73 as a one off gift, we could make that happen.

Date: Sun, May 21st.

Time: 645

Cost: $73

If you want to give via electronic transfer:

Account Name: Northmead Anglican Church
BSB: 062 279
Account No.: 1008 2734

Please indicate in the description 645Sound.

* May not be an exact representation of the sound system we are intending to purchase.

4. EQUIP

The 645 Women are heading along to the EQUIP conference again this year. If you want to check out what it’s all about go to https://www.equip.org.au/women

Date: Saturday, May 27th.

Time: Meeting at 2.30pm at Church. Heading along to the twilight session (3.45-8.15pm)

Cost: $69 (Until the 10th May) $75 after that.

RSVP: via Facebook, or message Rach Sutton (0433 424 908)

 

5. Stretch Night – The Sacraments

holy-communion

 

 

 

 

 

 

This month’s Stretch night will be on the Sacraments, particularly Holy Communion. What are the Sacraments? What is happening when we share some bread and wine together?

Date: Wednesday, May 24th.

Time: 7.30pm

6. Northmead Winter Appeal (30th April – 21st May)

logo-with-padding

 

 

 

 

During the month of May, we are partnering with Anglicare to help those in need. We will go into our local community and shopping centres to ask people to give towards Anglicare’s Winter Appeal.

There are three key areas you and your Gospel Team can be involved:

  1. Donate yourself (Sun 30th April – Sun 14th May) – food, clothing, and blankets etc. Bring your items to the church and place them in the Winter Appeal buckets.
  2. Letterbox appeal postcards (Round 1: Sat 6th – Sun 14th May; Round 2: Sat 13th – Sun 21st May) – On the first weekend you place a Northmead Winter Appeal postcard in letterboxes in certain streets of Northmead and Winston Hills. The following weekend you knock on those doors with members of your Gospel Team and say you’re collecting food (as listed on the Appeal postcard) for the Winter Appeal. We will have Thank-you Packs for everyone (see below).
  3. Donations from Northmead and Winston Hills shoppers (Round 1: 11-13 May; Round 2: 18-20 May) – We plan to have tables set up outside a few shops in Northmead and Winston Hills. Members of Gospel Teams or groups of friends are rostered to stand behind the tables, giving a Winter Appeal Shopping Lists to shoppers, inviting them to contribute certain food items towards Anglicare’s Winter Appeal.

 

FIVE Community News – 3rd May 2017

5pm-logo

Genesis – The Origins of Everything

Main-page-talk-banner

Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:6 HCSB)

This weekend we’re returning to the book of Genesis, picking up the story of Abram after he has defeated the kings of the plains, rescued Lot, and been blessed by Melchizedek, the King of Salem (Genesis 14). How has Abram experienced the fulfilment of God’s promises to him (Genesis 12:1-3)? Abram had certainly become rich in livestock and financially (13:1). Yet how will he become a great nation and receive the land?

Please read Genesis 15-17 in preparation for Sunday.

Upcoming:

07.05   The Cutting of the Covenant (Genesis 15-17)

14.05   The Miracle of Motherhood (Genesis 18) – Mothers’ Day

21.05   The Sinfulness of Sodom (Genesis 19)

28.05   Powerful Faith in Powerful Promises (Genesis 19-22) – Communion gathering

04.06   New Series: Truths Worth Dying For

Ministry Training

During the first half of the year, we’ve planned a series of training days for all congregations. The goal is to know what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and make sure we’re serving to the best of our growing abilities. Those expected to be involved will be invited and information about these events will be made available closer to the events.

Sun 4th June – Prayers Training afternoon

Sun 6th Aug – Bible Readers Training afternoon

Sun 3rd Sept – Sharing your Testimony training afternoon (with optional follow-up training on Sun 10th Sept)

Northmead Winter Appeal (30th April – 21st May)

logo-with-padding

During the month of May, Northmead Anglican Churches are partnering with Anglicare to offer a helping hand to those in our community in need. We are calling on everyone in our parish to give generously from what God has generously given to us (2 Cor 8:8-9; Gal 2:10). And we will go into our local community and shopping centres to ask people to give towards Anglicare’s Winter Appeal.

There are three key areas you and your Gospel Team can be involved:

  1. Donations from Northmead Anglican Churches’ members (Sun 30th April – Sun 14th May) – Over two weeks, members of our congregations are invited to provide food, clothing, and blankets towards Anglicare’s Winter Appeal. Bring your items to the church and place them in the Winter Appeal buckets.
  2. Donations from Letterbox appeal postcards (Round 1: Sat 6th – Sun 14th May; Round 2: Sat 13th – Sun 21st May) – On the first weekend you place a Northmead Winter Appeal postcard in letterboxes in certain streets of Northmead and Winston Hills. The following weekend you knock on those doors with members of your Gospel Team and say you’re collecting food (as listed on the Appeal postcard) for the Winter Appeal. We will have Thank-you Packs for everyone (see below).
  3. Donations from Northmead and Winston Hills shoppers (Round 1: 11-13 May; Round 2: 18-20 May) – We plan to have tables set up outside a few shops in Northmead and Winston Hills. The tables will be decorated with Anglicare’s banners. Members of Gospel Teams or groups of friends are rostered to stand behind the tables, giving a Winter Appeal Shopping Lists to shoppers, inviting them to contribute certain food items towards Anglicare’s Winter Appeal. Those who contribute towards the appeal are given a Thank-you Pack.

The Thank-you Packs will contain advertising material from Anglicare, information about Northmead Anglican Churches, an evangelistic tract, and other goodies like a lolly. As we meet with people in our community we can promote Anglicare, ourselves, as well as the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Anglicare is asking if we would be able to provide:

  • pasta & pasta sauce
  • chunky soup
  • tuna & salmon
  • cereal
  • long-life milk
  • toothpaste & toothbrushes
  • soap & deodorant
  • small jars of olive oil
  • blankets & warm clothes

Where do we go from here?

  • Start considering how you might contribute towards the Winter Appeal (bring your gift to church this Sunday or drop them off at the church office)
  • Discuss with your Gospel Team how you would like to serve
  • Gather a few friends and set a time to sit behind the table outside the shops
  • Sign-up using the forms at the back of the church
  • Inform the office if you’re available to prepare the Thank-You packs (prep day is Tuesday 9th May)

For more information, please contact Mark Groombridge.

NCEA Prayer Breakfast

Please join us at the Thomas Street building on Saturday 13th May at 7:30am to hear about the work of God’s gospel in our local high schools and to pray for God to grow his people through the work of NCEA.

Stretch Night – The Sacraments

holy-communion

This month’s Stretch night on Wednesday 24th May (please note new date!) with be on the Sacraments, particularly Holy Communion. What are the Sacraments? What is happening when we share some bread and wine (aka grape juice) together or wash someone? What is Scripture describing or prescribing for us?

Location: Thomas Street building

Time: 7:30pm

This month we will be expressing our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ through Holy Communion on Sunday 28th May.

EQUIP Conference

EQUIP is an annual conference for women. This year it will be a day of learning and sharing and growing, as they explore the treasures in God’s word and what it looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life.

For more information, please speak with Rochelle or Sharon in the church office.

Equip

Marriage Weekend Away

How would you resolve the following marriage conflict situation?

Our Marriage Weekend Away from 23rd-25th June at The Retreat at Wiseman’s Ferry will be a great opportunity to remind yourselves of God’s purposes for your marriage and to re-equip your marriage to deal with such conflict situations.

To register, please grab a brochure from the back of the church. Registration closes on 9th June. For more information please contact Mark or Sharon in the office.

Ministry Opportunities

Assisting with ESL (Monday mornings)

Are you available on Monday mornings to support our ESL outreach ministry? The ESL team is looking for a few people to run the kitchen, prepare morning tea, and be available to chat with anyone who joins the program. Please contact Mark at the office or Denise Carpenter (0431 737 559) if you can help or would be willing to join a roster.

Usher and Assistance at Woodberry Village Sunday service

Because of the failing health of those that help out in welcoming people, guiding people to a seat, and so on, we need volunteers to help out. Would your Gospel Team consider this as an opportunity to reach out to the residents at Woodberry with the gospel? We are looking for 1-2 volunteers for each Sunday service whose names would be added to the roster. Please contact Don Barker if you could assist with this.

Parramatta Family & Local Court Support Group Inc

Over thirty years ago a volunteer service began at the Family and Local Courts in Parramatta, in reaction to a lack of support and positivity in places that both sought to resolve family disputes and misdemeanours of the law. An interdenominational group was formed from local churches in the area, to lend an ear, and a smiling face, and a hand of kindness by way of a cup of tea and a biscuit to those attending the Family Court and the local Court. The support group are seeking the help of people who might like to be a Rostered Volunteer about three hours a month for serving tea and coffee at either or both of the courts. Choice of day or week of the month is available ie. 3rd  Tuesday. Time is usually between 9am and 12.30pm. For more information, please contact Robyn Druitt (member of FIVE congregation) or call Margaret Wigmore on Ph: (02) 9871 8492, mobile 0407 436 642 or email at wiggy46@optusnet.com.au.

Winston Hills Wednesdays Women’s Gospel Team

The Gospel Teams for the Winston Hills women’s groups require a few people to assist care for the children while the mothers meet together. If you are able to join the roster (usually a fortnightly commitment), please speak with Rochelle.

Dates for your Diary

May 2017

  • Fri 5–Sun 7 – e11even Weekend Away
  • Sat 13 – NCEA Prayer Breakfast (NAC)
  • Sun 14 – Mothers’ Day
  • Sat 20 – Youth and Children Training Day
  • Wed 24  – Stretch Night
  • Sat 27 – EQUIP Conference

June 2017

  • Thurs 1 – Parish Prayer Night
  • Sun 3 – Prayers training
  • Sat 17 – Missionary Prayer Breakfast
  • Fri 23- Sun25 – Marriage Weekend Away

FIVE Prayer Points

  1. Pray for the Northmead e11even am congregation as they are heading away together this weekend. Pray that they may grow in love and service of God and his gospel concerning Jesus, as well as in love and service of one another.
  2. Pray for those who have been sick, unemployed, mourning or struggling in life under many trials. Pray that they may particularly have faith to trust in Jesus through these things.
  3. Pray for the Santiches in Christchurch, NZ. Pray for Mark as he proclaims Christ on the university campus.
  4. Pray for the married couples in our congregation that they will reflect the self-sacrificial service of Jesus Christ in their relationship with one another (Ephesians 5). Pray for those couples who desire to go on the marriage weekend away, that they will be willing to make sacrifices to meet the cost, that they may be wise and blessed, and able to listen to one another.
  5. Pray that God may give the Winston Hills congregation wisdom and grace as they consider how they will gather together next year (they were told by the school that they will to be unable to use the classrooms for their children’s ministries after this year).

The Reading Room

On Sunday, we briefly considered how God’s purpose for our lives is to serve one another in the context of spiritual opposition (Ephesians 6:10-22). Paul’s advice to Christians is to equip ourselves with the news of Jesus Christ.

The challenge from a church leadership perspective is to answer the question: How? How can we equip you with the gospel of Jesus Christ so that you will be able to stand firm in your faith? The follow-up question is how do we equip different people, facing different challenges in different stages of life?

Last year Rory Shiner wrote a very helpful article ‘We need to talk about church scheduling‘. He helps us understand these differences, then makes some helpful suggestions how we might schedule and plan appropriately.

I trust you find it helpful to know that our church leadership are not unaware of the daily challenges you may be facing, nor ignorant of the impact that a marriage weekend has on your finances. Rather, they are trying to be wise in how to prepare you for eternal glory.

FIVE Community News – 26th April 2017

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Living with Purpose

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Magnification – Mission – Membership – Maturity

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life — a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45 HCSB)

Jesus Christ serves both God and us through his death and resurrection. How then ought we to live as those who love the one who served us by giving up his life? This week we will consider from Ephesians 6 how God’s purpose and work for us is to serve him, his Son, and one another.

Upcoming:

30.04   Living with Purpose – Serving in God’s Kingdom

07.05   The Cutting of the Covenant (Genesis 15-17)

14.05   The Sinfulness of Sodom (Genesis 18-19)

21.05   The Fear of the Faithful One (Genesis 20-21)

28.05   Powerful Faith in Powerful Promises (Genesis 22) – Communion gathering

Christianity Explored course

Christianity Explored

Christianity is pretty simple. It’s all about one life, the life of Jesus. 

Christianity Explored is a fun and relaxed course which investigates who Jesus is and what he has done for us. Everyone who comes has the opportunity to ask all their questions, read through Mark’s Gospel, and consider the life of Jesus. Everyone is welcome.

Our next course starts on Tuesday 2nd May. For more information please contact the church office.

Ministry Training

During the first half of the year, we’ve planned a series of training days for all congregations. The goal is to know what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and make sure we’re serving to the best of our growing abilities. Those expected to be involved will be invited and information about these events will be made available closer to the events.

Our welcomers training is a necessity for everyone on the welcoming and ushering roster. Since we desire to welcome and integrate all people who join us, and this is not just the task of our welcomers and ushers, it is recommended that ALL members of our congregation attend this training!

Sun 30th Apr – Welcomers Training afternoon (2-4pm at the Thomas Street building)

Sat 3rd June – Leadership Team Training Day

Sun 4th June – Prayers Training afternoon

Please let Mark know if one of these is an area where you are interested in serving.

Northmead Winter Appeal (30th April – 21st May)

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During the month of May, Northmead Anglican Churches are partnering with Anglicare to offer a helping hand to those in our community in need. We are calling on everyone in our parish to give generously from what God has generously given to us (2 Cor 8:8-9; Gal 2:10). And we will go into our local community and shopping centres to ask people to give towards Anglicare’s Winter Appeal.

There are three key areas you and your Gospel Team can be involved:

  1. Donations from Northmead Anglican Churches’ members (Sun 30th April – Sun 14th May) – Over two weeks, members of our congregations are invited to provide food, clothing, and blankets towards Anglicare’s Winter Appeal. Bring your items to the church and place them in the Winter Appeal buckets.
  2. Donations from Letterbox appeal postcards (Round 1: Sat 6th – Sun 14th May; Round 2: Sat 13th – Sun 21st May) – On the first weekend you place a Northmead Winter Appeal postcard in letterboxes in certain streets of Northmead and Winston Hills. The following weekend you knock on those doors with members of your Gospel Team and say you’re collecting food (as listed on the Appeal postcard) for the Winter Appeal. We will have Thank-you Packs for everyone (see below).
  3. Donations from Northmead and Winston Hills shoppers (Round 1: 11-13 May; Round 2: 18-20 May) – We plan to have tables set up outside a few shops in Northmead and Winston Hills. The tables will be decorated with Anglicare’s banners. Members of Gospel Teams or groups of friends are rostered to stand behind the tables, giving a Winter Appeal Shopping Lists to shoppers, inviting them to contribute certain food items towards Anglicare’s Winter Appeal. Those who contribute towards the appeal are given a Thank-you Pack.

The Thank-you Packs will contain advertising material from Anglicare, information about Northmead Anglican Churches, an evangelistic tract, and other goodies like a lolly. As we meet with people in our community we can promote Anglicare, ourselves, as well as the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Anglicare is asking if we would be able to provide:

  • pasta & pasta sauce
  • chunky soup
  • tuna & salmon
  • cereal
  • long-life milk
  • toothpaste & toothbrushes
  • soap & deodorant
  • small jars of olive oil
  • blankets & warm clothes

Where do we go from here?

  • Start considering how you might contribute towards the Winter Appeal (bring your gift to church from this Sunday)
  • Discuss with your Gospel Team how you would like to serve
  • Gather a few friends and set a time to sit behind the table outside the shops
  • Inform the church office what times you’ve chosen
  • Inform the office if you’re available to prepare the Thank-You packs

For more information, please contact Mark Groombridge.

Friends of Northmead – Legal Issues Seminar

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NCEA Prayer Breakfast

Please join us at the Thomas Street building on Saturday 13th May at 7:30am to hear about the work of God’s gospel in our local high schools and to pray for God to grow his people through the work of NCEA.

Stretch Night – The Sacraments

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This month’s Stretch night on Wednesday 24th May (please note new date!) with be on the Sacraments, particularly Holy Communion. What are the Sacraments? What is happening when we share some bread and wine (aka grape juice) together or wash someone? What is Scripture describing or prescribing for us?

Location: Thomas Street building

Time: 7:30pm

This month we will be expressing our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ through Holy Communion on Sunday 28th May.

Ministry Opportunities

Assisting with ESL (Monday mornings)

Are you available on Monday mornings to support our ESL outreach ministry? The ESL team is looking for a few people to run the kitchen, prepare morning tea, and be available to chat with anyone who joins the program. Please contact Mark at the office or Denise Carpenter (0431 737 559) if you can help or would be willing to join a roster.

Usher and Assistance at Woodberry Village Sunday service

Because of the failing health of those that help out in welcoming people, guiding people to a seat, and so on, we need volunteers to help out. Would your Gospel Team consider this as an opportunity to reach out to the residents at Woodberry with the gospel? We are looking for 1-2 volunteers for each Sunday service whose names would be added to the roster. Please contact Don Barker if you could assist with this.

Parramatta Family & Local Court Support Group Inc

Over thirty years ago a volunteer service began at the Family and Local Courts in Parramatta, in reaction to a lack of support and positivity in places that both sought to resolve family disputes and misdemeanours of the law. An interdenominational group was formed from local churches in the area, to lend an ear, and a smiling face, and a hand of kindness by way of a cup of tea and a biscuit to those attending the Family Court and the local Court. The support group are seeking the help of people who might like to be a Rostered Volunteer about three hours a month for serving tea and coffee at either or both of the courts. Choice of day or week of the month is available ie. 3rd  Tuesday. Time is usually between 9am and 12.30pm. For more information, please contact Robyn Druitt (member of FIVE congregation) or call Margaret Wigmore on Ph: (02) 9871 8492, mobile 0407 436 642 or email at wiggy46@optusnet.com.au.

Dates for your Diary

April 2017

  • Sun 30 – Welcomers Training seminar
  • Sun 30 – Northmead Winter Appeal begins

May 2017

  • Tues 2 – Christianity Explored course begins
  • Wed 3 – Friends of Northmead seminar
  • Fri 5 – Sun 7 e11even Weekend Away
  • Sat 13 – NCEA Prayer Breakfast (NAC)
  • Sun 14 – Mothers’ Day
  • Sat 20 – Youth and Children Training Day
  • Wed 24 – Stretch Night
  • Sat 27 – EQUIP Conference

FIVE Prayer Points

  1. Pray that the new people who have been visiting our congregations will come along to our Christianity Explored courses.
  2. Pray for those who have been sick, unemployed, mourning or struggling in life under many trials. Pray that they may particularly have faith to trust in Jesus through these things.
  3. Pray “to the Lord of the harvest” for people to be raised up to assist with ESL at Northmead. Pray also that the number of people who are coming to learn English will continue to increase.
  4. Pray that as we finish off our Living With Purpose series this week, that we might consider who we live and what we live for. Pray that we might be a welcoming church that proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ to one another in word and deed.
  5. Pray for the teachers in our congregations and those who work in schools and universities that, as they start another school term, they may boldly stand for Jesus in the face of secular opposition and godless philosophies.