FIVE Community News – 19th April 2017

19 April, 2017/in Event

Living with Purpose

The New Testament writers used many metaphors to describe how God works in and through his people. What spiritual reality might you be describing if you described a building under construction, a father’s height, a seedling, a body, and a child? The Apostle Paul uses many of these images in a single paragraph…

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, ¹²to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building the body of Christ, ¹³until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, ¹⁴so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ¹⁵Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself in love. (Ephesians 4:11-16 HCSB)

This week we will consider from Ephesians 4 how God’s purpose and work in us is to grow us to be just like Jesus Christ. He is working to make us mature in Jesus Christ.

Upcoming:

23.04 Living with Purpose – Growing to be like Jesus

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)

Christianity Explored course

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.

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 FIVE 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

These training events are open for all members of Winston Hills. Please let Mark know if one of these is an area where you are interested in serving.

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

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:

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.
Donations from Letterbox appeal postcards (Round 1: Sat 6th – Sun 14th May; Round 2: Sat 13th – Sun 21st May) – With your Gospel Team, 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 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).
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.

Where do we go from here?

Start considering how you might contribute towards the Winter Appeal
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

Ministry Opportunities

Kitchen Aids for 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.

Dates for your Diary

April 2017

Mon 17-Fri 21 – Forge Youth Camp
Sun 30 – Welcomers Training seminar
Sun 30 – Northmead Winter Appeal begins

The Groombridges will be away from 21st-25th April.

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
Wed 17 – Stretch Night
Sat 20 – Youth and Children Training Day
Sat 27 – EQUIP Conference

FIVE Prayer Points

This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. ¹⁷I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. ¹⁸I pray that the perception of your mind may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, ¹⁹and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength. (Ephesians 1:15-19 HCSB)

Praise God for those non-Christians who came along to our Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday services. Pray that they might continue to discuss the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ with us, and come along to our Christianity Explored courses.
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.
Pray for the mission of ESL at our church, that as people read the Bible in the classes, they may know more about our Creator and our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray that the numbers will continue to increase over the coming term and that more helpers can be found for both conversation and serving in the kitchen.
Pray that as we finish off our Living With Purpose series in a few weeks, 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.
Pray for the youth who are away at Forge Camp this week that they will enjoy reading the Bible together, praying together, and having fun together.

645 Community News (6.4.17)

6 April, 2017/in Event

1. Evangellyfish

Our Men’s and Women’s events are on tonight. We will be kicking off our series in 2 Timothy focusing on being Evangelicals with backbone!

Date: Tonight!

Time: 7.30pm

Cost: $10 for dinner.

RSVP: Guys: https://www.facebook.com/events/1282791748502217/

Girls: https://www.facebook.com/events/991446104325095/

2. Doorknocking

In the lead up to Easter, we have an opportunity to reach out and share the gospel with our neighbours (2 Timothy 1:7).

Date: Sunday, April 9th (This Sunday)

Time: 1pm (Training), 1.30pm (Doorknocking)

Cost: Free

3. Good Friday & Easter

Easter is a great opportunity to share the gospel with our neighbours and networks. Lots of people are willing to come to church at Easter who wouldn’t normally consider it. So come along, and take the opportunity to invite your friends and family.

Date: Apr 14th (GF) & 16th (ED)

Time: 9.30am (GF) & 6.45pm (ED)

Cost: Free

4. 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. Think about who you can be inviting, and start talking to them now.

Date: Tues, May 2nd (for 6 Weeks)

Time: 7.30pm

RSVP: Let us know via your connection card.

5. 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 next term to give people an opportunity to train intensively in a particular area of the Christian life and ministry. Everyone’s welcome.

Date: Sun, May 7th (for 6 Weeks)

Time: 5-6pm

Course Options:

1) How to read (and understand) the bible – Josh R

2) How to share the gospel (using two ways to live) – John K

RSVP: Let us know via your connection card.

6. Giving Generously

This is just a reminder to think about how much you’rer giving to church. Remember, Jesus is less concerned about how much you give, more concerned about how much you hold back. We want everyone at 645 to be giving as generously as they can to gospel work – both so that the gospel work at Northmead can continue and because giving is good for those who give (Acts 20:35).

Date: Today.

Time: Right now!

Cost: $

Giving Details:

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

Please indicate that you attend 645 & your name (optional).

FIVE Community News – 5th April 2017

5 April, 2017/in Event

Living with Purpose

Is it any difference between being a member of the church and the local sports club? Pay your yearly dues, volunteer to run the BBQ for an event, make some mates. Is there any difference between gathering with friends at a local cafe and gathering in your Gospel Team? Some laughs, nibbles, and social interaction. How is being a member of God’s church different to other gatherings?

This week we will consider from Ephesians 2.11-22 how we live as God’s desires in this time before Jesus returns. In particular we’ll be hearing from Paul, what it means to belong to God and his family.

This month we will be remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ during our special Easter services. These services are an opportunity to ask your friends and family to celebrate Easter with you. We will have a children’s program and morning tea is provided. A short talk will seek to help people understand why the unjust death of a man at the hands of a foreign occupying force and religious leaders was actually the best thing that could ever possibly happen for us.

Upcoming:

09.04 Living with Purpose – Belonging to God and his Family

14.04 Good Friday (9.30 am)

16.04 Resurrection Sunday (5.00 pm)

23.04 Living with Purpose – Growing to be like Jesus

30.04 Living with Purpose – Serving in God’s Kingdom

Online Bibles and Apps

The publishers of the Holman Bible must have decided that they would spend as little as possible on the binding for their pew Bibles. Consequently we’ve observed most of our pew Bibles disintegrating and coming off their covers. However you do not have to put up with tattered paper version if you carry your modern phone or tablet.

Online Bibles

You can read most versions of the Bible, even the original languages, through online Bibles. You only need internet access and a browser. One of the most simplest sites is Biblia.com. You have access to dozens of versions of Scripture. Just type in the passage you want and Bob’s your uncle. The Bible Gateway has even more versions for you to read, even in foreign languages.

Some of these online Bible sites can be set up to read the passage out loud. You can even copy the sound files, dump them onto a CD and listen to the Bible in your car on the way to work.

On some of these sites you can sign up to receive a passage from Scripture each day in an email. That’s handy if you’d like a small passage to reflect upon each day.

Bible Apps

The benefit of a mobile app is that you can download and read the Bible on your device. So no internet connection is required. Usually they do not take up too much memory space either. Most of the apps come with a select number of Bible versions, and so you might need to purchase your desired version if it is not on their list.

Check out the following free apps:

Logos app

The Bible (Bible Society app)

Bible Gateway app

Another benefit of the mobile apps is that you are able to purchase and download commentaries and dictionaries which will also help you study the Bible. You can, say, have the New Bible Commentary open in one half of the window pane while reading the passage in the other half.

So why our Bibles slowly fall apart, please consider using such online sites or apps. We would also recommend you try to avoid being distracted by everything else on your device if you’re in your Gospel Team or our Sunday gathering!

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 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

These training events are open for all members of Winston Hills. Please let Mark know if one of these is an area where you are interested in serving.

Ministry Opportunities

Kitchen Aids for 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.

Dates for your Diary

April 2017

Fri 14 – Good Friday service (9:30am)
Sun 16 – Resurrection Sunday service (9:30am)
Mon 17-Fri 21 – Forge Youth Camp
Sun 30 – Welcomers Training seminar

The Groombridges will be away from 21st-25th April.

FIVE Prayer Points

This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. ¹⁷I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. ¹⁸I pray that the perception of your mind may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, ¹⁹and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength. (Ephesians 1:15-19 HCSB)

Pray for boldness to take the opportunity to invite non-Christian friends and family along to our Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday services. Pray that our gatherings over that weekend will clearly explain the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pray for your non-Christian friends and family that God may reveal himself to them through the announcement of Jesus Christ, so that people may know him (Eph 1.17).
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.
Pray for the mission of ESL at our church, that as people read the Bible in the classes, they may know more about our Creator and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray that God continues to work in our hearts and minds, transforming us by his Holy Spirit, so that we might be like his Son, Jesus.

Winston Hills Community News – 5th April 2017

5 April, 2017/in Event

Living with Purpose

Is it any difference between being a member of the church and the local sports club? Pay your yearly dues, volunteer to run the BBQ for an event, make some mates. Is there any difference between gathering with friends at a local cafe and gathering in your Gospel Team? Some laughs, nibbles, and social interaction. How is being a member of God’s church different to other gatherings?

This week we will consider from Ephesians 2.11-22 how we live as God’s desires in this time before Jesus returns. In particular we’ll be hearing from Paul, what it means to belong to God and his family.

This month we will be remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ during our special Easter services. These services are an opportunity to ask your friends and family to celebrate Easter with you. We will have a children’s program and morning tea is provided. A short talk will seek to help people understand why the unjust death of a man at the hands of a foreign occupying force and religious leaders was actually the best thing that could ever possibly happen for us.

Upcoming:

09.04 Living with Purpose – Belonging to God and his Family

14.04 Good Friday

16.04 Resurrection Sunday

23.04 Living with Purpose – Growing to be like Jesus

30.04 Living with Purpose – Serving in God’s Kingdom

Online Bibles and Apps

The publishers of the Holman Bible must have decided that they would spend as little as possible on the binding for their pew Bibles. Consequently we’ve observed most of our pew Bibles disintegrating and coming off their covers. However you do not have to put up with tattered paper version if you carry your modern phone or tablet.

Online Bibles

You can read most versions of the Bible, even the original languages, through online Bibles. You only need internet access and a browser. One of the most simplest sites is Biblia.com. You have access to dozens of versions of Scripture. Just type in the passage you want and Bob’s your uncle. The Bible Gateway has even more versions for you to read, even in foreign languages.

Some of these online Bible sites can be set up to read the passage out loud. You can even copy the sound files, dump them onto a CD and listen to the Bible in your car on the way to work.

On some of these sites you can sign up to receive a passage from Scripture each day in an email. That’s handy if you’d like a small passage to reflect upon each day.

Bible Apps

The benefit of a mobile app is that you can download and read the Bible on your device. So no internet connection is required. Usually they do not take up too much memory space either. Most of the apps come with a select number of Bible versions, and so you might need to purchase your desired version if it is not on their list.

Check out the following free apps:

Logos app

The Bible (Bible Society app)

Bible Gateway app

Another benefit of the mobile apps is that you are able to purchase and download commentaries and dictionaries which will also help you study the Bible. You can, say, have the New Bible Commentary open in one half of the window pane while reading the passage in the other half.

So why our Bibles slowly fall apart, please consider using such online sites or apps. We would also recommend you try to avoid being distracted by everything else on your device if you’re in your Gospel Team or our Sunday gathering!

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 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

These training events are open for all members of Winston Hills. Please let Mark know if one of these is an area where you are interested in serving.

Winston Hills Women’s Event

Date: Saturday 22^ndApril

Time: 8pm

Location: Pocknall’s Place (5 Andrews Ave, Toongabbie NSW 2146)

Bronwyn Edney is coming to speak to us on ‘Joy in God’s Promises’. An event to encourage one another. All ladies welcome!

Ministry Opportunities

Kitchen Aids for 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.

Dates for your Diary

April 2017

Fri 14 – Good Friday service (9:30am)
Sun 16 – Resurrection Sunday service (9:30am)
Mon 17-Fri 21 – Forge Youth Camp
Sun 30 – Welcomers Training seminar

The Winstonite Holiday Program will be running on Sunday 9th, 16th, and 23rd April (including Good Friday). For more information, please speak with Bronwynne Pocknall.

The Groombridges will be away from 21st-25th April.

WHAC Prayer Points

This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. ¹⁷I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. ¹⁸I pray that the perception of your mind may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, ¹⁹and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength. (Ephesians 1:15-19 HCSB)

Pray for boldness to take the opportunity to invite non-Christian friends and family along to our Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday services. Pray that our gatherings over that weekend will clearly explain the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pray for the names we wrote down on Sunday that God may reveal himself to our contacts through the announcement of Jesus Christ, so that people may know him (Eph 1.17).
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.
Pray for the Santiches in Christchurch, NZ. Pray for the Christian Union conference (7-11 April) as they look at the cross of Christ. Pray for Mark who is giving the talks.
Praise God that although Term 1 has been extremely busy for us all, we have formed our Gospel Teams, enjoyed new people joining us on Sundays as members, survived changes in timing and seating arrangements, and the news about Christ is being proclaimed. Pray that God continues to work in our hearts and minds, transforming us by his Holy Spirit, so that we might be like his Son, Jesus.

FIVE Community News – 29th March 2017

29 March, 2017/in Event

Living with Purpose

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 HCSB)

As we saw in Ephesians 1 last Sunday, God’s first key purpose for us is to live for him and his glory. In fact, God has been working and making decisions before the beginning of this creation to make it possible for us to glorify him through Jesus Christ. Living for God and his glory is therefore foundational for everything we are and do at Winston Hills Anglican Church. From our gatherings to our daily response to the news about Jesus, God desires for us to honour and serve him and his Son.

This Sunday we will look at another purpose that God has for our lives. Why are we still living here on earth? What does God want us to do before Jesus returns? Please read Ephesians 1-2 in preparation for our Sunday gathering.

Please don’t forget that daylight savings starts this Sunday (wind your clocks back an hour). Feel free to come early and enjoy conversation on the lounges.

Next month we will be remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ during our special Easter services. These services are an opportunity to ask your friends and family to celebrate Easter with you. We will have a children’s program and light snacks with coffee and tea are provided. A short talk will seek to help people understand why the unjust death of a man at the hands of a foreign occupying force and religious leaders was actually the best thing that could ever possibly happen for us.

Upcoming:

02.04 Living with Purpose – To Share God and Make Him Known

09.04 Living with Purpose – Belonging to God and his Family

14.04 Good Friday

16.04 Resurrection Sunday

23.04 Living with Purpose – Growing to be like Jesus

30.04 Living with Purpose – Serving in God’s Kingdom

Ministry Training – This Sunday: Kids’ Spots

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 2nd Apr – Kids Spot Training afternoon (2-4pm at the Thomas Street building)

Sun 30th Apr – Welcomers Training afternoon

Sat 3rd June – Leadership Team Training Day

Sun 4th June – Prayers Training afternoon

These training events are open for all members of Winston Hills. Please let Mark know if one of these is an area where you are interested in serving.

Friends of Northmead Picnic

This month’s event is a picnic at Cumberland State Forest (off Castle Hill Road, just past Coonara Ave) on Saturday 1st April from 11am. There are some lovely walks through the forest and if you’re interested in knowing the names of the various eucalyptus tree varieties in our area, many of trees along the walks are nicely labelled. There is a great native plant nursery and a cafe. So please invite your friends for a day in the forest.

Of course any visit these days to Cumberland Forest should include a walk through the treetops…

For more information about this event, please contact Bev Ivins (0412142090), Robyn Dunlop (0417066827) or Hedley Mooney (0400207806).

Ministry Opportunities

Kitchen Aids for 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.

Dates for your Diary

March 2017

Wed 29 – Northmead Anglican Churches AGM

April 2017

Sat 1 – Friends of Northmead Cumberland Forest Picnic
Sun 2 – Kids’ Spot Training seminar
Fri 14 – Good Friday service (9:30am)
Sun 16 – Resurrection Sunday service (9:30am)
Mon 17-Fri 21 – Forge Youth Camp
Sun 30 – Welcomers Training seminar

The Groombridges will be away from 21st-25th April.

FIVE Prayer Points

Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. ³At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah, for which I am in prison, ⁴so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak. (Colossians 4:2-4 HCSB)

Pray for boldness to take the opportunity to invite non-Christian friends and family along to our Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday services. Pray that our gatherings over that weekend will clearly explain the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Moore College PTC training that pastors in Kenya have recently received through Steve Dunlop, that they may use what they have learnt from God’s Word to build the church in that country and region of Africa.
Praise God for the parish leadership teams (wardens, parish council, treasurer, and Adrian Russell) for serving us, managing our finances, and making (hard) decisions regarding our property so that we might proclaim the news about Jesus.
Thank God for everyone in our congregation, for he has brought us all together through Jesus Christ. Pray that the Friends of Northmead event will be an enjoyable opportunity for fun and relationship building with those who do not know Jesus.
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.

FIVE Community News – 15th March 2017

15 March, 2017/in Event

Genesis – The Origins of Everything

Abraham returns to the Promised Land from a poor performance in Egypt (Genesis 12). Will he now remain faithful to God’s promises as his nephew Lot offers to settle in the best parts of the land? Please read Genesis 13-14 in preparation for our time together on Sunday.

Upcoming:

19.03 Gen 13-14 The Beginning of the Blessing

26.03 New Series: Living With Purpose – Living for God and his Glory

02.04 Living with Purpose – To Share God and Make Him Known

09.04 Living with Purpose – Belonging to God and his Family

Praying For One Another

This month we have committed ourselves to pray for one another using the Praying for One Another diary. How are you going with it? How has God been answering your prayers?

Missionary Prayer Breakfast – Sat 25th March

Please join us at 7.30am at the Thomas Street building to hear about and pray for our missionaries. Breakfast included. All welcome.

Ministry Opportunities

Kitchen Aids for 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.

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 2nd Apr – Kids Spot Training afternoon

Sun 30th Apr – Welcomers Training afternoon

Sat 3rd June – Leadership Team Training Day

Sun 4th June – Prayers Training afternoon

These training events are open for all members of Winston Hills. Please let Mark know if one of these is an area where you are interested in serving.

Western Sydney Region Annual Women’s Autumn Dinner

Tickets can be purchased online here for the dinner. For more information, please speak with Rochelle.

Dates for your Diary

March 2017

Tues 21 – Western Sydney Region Annual Women’s Autumn Dinner
Sat 25 – Missionary Prayer Breakfast
Sat 25 – Winston Hills Beach Day
Wed 29 – Northmead Anglican Churches AGM

April 2017

Sat 1 – Friends of Northmead Parramatta Picnic
Sun 2 – Kids’ Spot Training seminar
Fri 14 – Good Friday service (9:30am)
Sun 16 – Resurrection Sunday service (5pm)
Mon 17-Fri 21 – Forge Youth Camp
Sun 30 – Welcomers Training seminar

FIVE Prayer Points

Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. ³At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah, for which I am in prison, ⁴so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak. (Colossians 4:2-4 HCSB)

Pray for boldness to take the opportunity to invite non-Christian friends and family along to our Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday services. Pray that our gatherings over that weekend will clearly explain the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pray for Caroline Freitag (NCEA) and our Ministry Apprentices who are teaching Year 7-8 teenagers at Model Farms High School.
Pray for the Northmead Anglican Church staff who will be away together next week to prepare and plan for parish activities in the second half of this year.
Praise God for the rain he provides as well as the sunny days. Pray that we might be thankful to him no matter how the weather may disrupt our plans.
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.

645 Community News (8.3.17)

8 March, 2017/in Event

1. Launch

Get excited! Launch is this weekend. Why don’t you shoot up a quick prayer now. Ask God that the weekend would be a really good time of fun, fellowship and learning from God’s word.

Date: Fri 10th-Sun 12th March

Time: 7.30pm (Fri) – 2pm (Sun)

2. AGM

The parish Annual General Meeting is a good chance to hear about what’s been happening across the parish over the last year, to thank God for his work among us and to pray together about the coming year. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions about the general business of the parish, to vote for significant positions and so on. Everyone is welcome.

Date & Time: 29th March, 7.30pm
Where: 6-8 Thomas St, Northmead.

FIVE Community News – 8th March 2017

8 March, 2017/in Event

Genesis – The Origins of Everything

It is obvious that by the time we’ve read to Genesis 11, human sinfulness is completely entrenched in human hearts. Yet God has not decided to wipe out humanity in one just act of judgement. Therefore the promise to bless Abram in Genesis 12 comes as a surprise. How is God able to deal with human sin through a promise? This week we will unpack Genesis 12 to understand the promise and see how God plans to save people from their sin on the basis of trusting it.

Upcoming:

12.03 Gen 12 The dawn of Justification

19.03 Gen 13-14 The Beginning of the Blessing

26.03 New Series: Living With Purpose – Living for God and his Glory

02.04 Living with Purpose – To Share God and Make Him Known

Allan Webb’s Thanksgiving Service

Allan Webb will be remembered with great thanksgiving to God on Friday 10th at 12:30pm at Eastwood Baptist Church (3 First Avenue, Eastwood). More details can be found here. Everyone is welcome to come and thank God for Allan who has been part of our FIVE congregation for the past few years.

Missionary Prayer Breakfast – Sat 25th March

Please join us at 7.30am at the Thomas Street building to hear about and pray for our missionaries. Breakfast included. All welcome.

Friends of Northmead – Managing Arthritis

The Friends of Northmead is an initiative by Third Stage Empty-Nesters at Northmead Anglican Churches who desire to meet together and who also desire to bring their non-Christian friends into their friendship networks in a non-threatening manner.

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 2nd Apr – Kids Spot Training afternoon

Sun 30th Apr – Welcomers Training afternoon

Sat 3rd June – Leadership Team Training Day

Sun 4th June – Prayers Training afternoon

These training events are open for all members of Winston Hills. Please let Mark know if one of these is an area where you are interested in serving.

Western Sydney Region Annual Women’s Autumn Dinner

Tickets can be purchased online here for the dinner. For more information, please speak with Rochelle.

Dates for your Diary

March 2017

Tues 15 – Friends of Northmead Seminar
Tues 21 – Western Sydney Region Annual Women’s Autumn Dinner
Sat 25 – Missionary Prayer Breakfast
Sat 25 – Winston Hills Beach Day
Wed 29 – Northmead Anglican Churches AGM

April 2017

Sat 1 – Friends of Northmead Parramatta Picnic
Sun 2 – Kids’ Spot Training seminar
Fri 14 – Good Friday service (9:30am)
Sun 15 – Resurrection Sunday service (5pm)
Mon 17-Fri 21 – Forge Youth Camp
Sun 30 – Welcomers Training seminar

FIVE Prayer Points

Praise God that he treats us with grace in Jesus Christ, dealing with our sin and shame on the cross.
Please pray for Lyndall Burke and Adrian Webb as they mourn for the passing of their father Allan. Pray that we might all look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and eternal life with those who trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray for Caroline Freitag (NCEA) and our Ministry Apprentices who are teaching Year 7-8 teenagers at Model Farms High School.
Pray for 645 who have their Launch weekend away this weekend that they grow in their understanding of the Holy Spirit and evangelism as they grow in relationship with one another.
Pray for our service leaders that they may serve us and lead well, putting into practise everything they were reminded of and learnt last Sunday.

645 Community News (2.3.17)

2 March, 2017/in Event

1. Launch

The Holy Spirit and Evangelism. Phillip Jensen. Hanging out all weekend. Kicking off the year. Nuff. Said.

Date: Fri 10th-Sun 12th March

Time: 7.30pm (Fri) – 2pm (Sun)

Cost: $130

Part-Time Options Now Available:

1 Meal: $40
2 Meals: $60
3 Meals: $80
4 Meals: $100
5 Meals: $120
Overnight Stay: $30

RSVP: This Sunday (March 5th) is your last opportunity to register! Use the Online Form.

2. AGM

The parish Annual General Meeting is a good chance to hear about what’s been happening across the parish over the last year, to thank God for his work among us and to pray together about the coming year. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions about the general business of the parish, to vote for significant positions and so on. Everyone is welcome.

Date & Time: 29th March, 7.30pm
Where: 6-8 Thomas St, Northmead

3. Community BBQ

Come and celebrate community with Northmead Anglican Churches as we have a free BBQ at one of our local parks. Location and time will be decided closer to the date.

Date: April 1st (this is not a joke).

FIVE Community News – 22nd February 2017

22 February, 2017/in Event

Genesis – The Origins of Everything

And God said to Noah, “There’s going to be a floody floody.” (Classic Sunday School Tunes ’50s-’80s)

Last Sunday we saw how the descendants of Cain are compared and contrast with the descendants of his brother Seth. Cain’s descendant Lamech boasts of his vengeful murder (4:23-24). Whereas Seth’s descendant Lamech cries out in hope that his son would bring relief from God’s judgement (5:29). And we see the extent of human sin at the beginning of Genesis 6 as mankind multiplies on the earth, but marry in a manner that continues to displease God (6:1-4).

How does God respond to this situation?

When the Lord saw that man’s wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every scheme his mind thought of was nothing but evil all the time, ⁶the Lord regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. ⁷Then the Lord said, “I will wipe off from the face of the earth mankind, whom I created, together with the animals, creatures that crawl, and birds of the sky—for I regret that I made them.” (Genesis 6:5-7 HCSB)

Is there any hope for mankind? What might turn God from completely regretting his creation of man? A righteous man, Noah (Genesis 5:8).

Can I recommend reading Genesis 6-9 this week in preparation to hear what God plans and does through his Saviour.

Highly Recommended Devotional Reading

Peter Jensen’s Power and Promise: The Epic Journey from Adam to Abraham in Genesis 1-15 is an excellent book to use as a devotional material while we are reading Genesis together. I have been using this booklet each day for my devotional time and thoroughly enjoying it. Peter’s explanation and reflections on the passages are very short yet insightful. Highly recommended!

Upcoming:

26.02 Gen 6-9 A New Hope?

05.03 Gen 10-11 We Built This City…

12.03 Gen 12 The dawn of Justification

19.03 Gen 13-14 TBA

Prayer Resources

One item of feedback from our congregational meetings last November was that people wanted to be able to pray informed prayers for one another. In response to this, Jann and Carol have been working on a prayer resource that you can use throughout March.

If there are any specific prayer points you would like us to be praying for you during the coming month, please let Carol know.

Friends of Northmead – Managing Arthritis

The Friends of Northmead is an initiative by “Third Stage Empty-Nesters” at Northmead Anglican Churches who desire to meet together and who also desire to bring their non-Christian friends into their friendship networks in a non-threatening manner.

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.

Sat 25th Feb – Music Training Day (10am-2pm at Thomas Street building)

Sun 5th Mar – Service Leaders Training afternoon (2-4pm at Thomas Street building)

Sun 2nd Apr – Kids Spot Training afternoon

Sun 30th Apr – Welcomers Training afternoon

Sat 3rd June – Leadership Team Training Day

Sun 4th June – Prayers Training afternoon

These training events are open for all members of Winston Hills. Please let Mark know if one of these is an area where you are interested in serving.

Western Sydney Region Annual Women’s Autumn Dinner

Tickets can be purchased online here for the dinner. For more information, please speak with Rochelle.

Dates for your Diary

February 2017

Sat 25 – Music Ministry Training

March 2017

Sun 5 – Newcomers’ Lunch
Sun 5 – Service Leaders Training
Tues 15 – Friends of Northmead Seminar
Tues 21 – Western Sydney Region Annual Women’s Autumn Dinner
Sat 25 – Winston Hills Beach Day
Wed 29 – Northmead Anglican Churches AGM

FIVE Prayer Points

Praise God for the peace we experience in Australia, which allows us to gather and know our Lord. Pray for those whose lives are surrounded by relational, spiritual or physical conflict, that they may hold onto their faith and hope in Jesus while suffering.
Thank God for those who serve us every week using their musical abilities. Pray for everyone involved in music at FIVE and as they attend the training this week, that they will value the training they receive from Ben Pakula and find encouragement from members of other congregations.
Pray that as Dan, Ateca and Shimon start the Moore College correspondence courses, that God will build their knowledge and love for Jesus Christ. Pray that they will then be effective in teaching God’s Word to students in Fiji.
Pray that the Allen family can settle quickly into the Gladesville Community, will be welcomed by the church, and be effective in proclaiming Jesus Christ in everything they say and do.
Pray for the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ amongst “Third Stage Empty Nesters” at Northmead. Pray that they may have the boldness to invite friends and talk about Jesus.