Community News

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At Church this Sunday

Sermon-Slide-page

This Sunday we’re not just finishing our series in 2 Samuel, but also baptising Hamish! It’ll be a great morning to not just give thanks for Hamish, but to pray for him, that he might love and serve the Lord Jesus all his days. So please be prepared to welcome Dan and Jo’s family and friends, and commit to supporting Dan and Jo as they raise Hamish to know Jesus.

Plus this Sunday we also have…

Charles and Kath’s Wedding

wedding

It’s so exciting that Charles and Kath will be getting married at the Thomas Street building this Sunday. Everyone is welcome to come along and not just witness their promises, but to agree to encourage them in their union, and join in praying for them. It’s from 2pm.

KidsQuest 2016 – Starting Tuesday!

 KidsQuest2016_Page

KidsQuest is now so close! You can read all about it plus register your kids here. You can also grab some promotional flyers from church on Sunday.

Frasier in Fiji

FrasierInFiji

While we don’t have too many direct updates from Frasier on his Youthworks Year 13 mission trip to Fiji so far, (though you can read posts from some of his buddies here), this photo might be a good reminder to pray for him. If you’ve got a keen eye, you’ll be able to spot not just Frasier, but also our link missionary Tony Wright who dropped in on the team!

Women’s Catchup!

Coming up on Tuesday 12th July there will be a women’s social night! Meet at 7pm for dinner at the Winston. Cathy Edwards will make the booking on Sunday evening (10th July) so please RSVP to her before then – All welcome!

Upcoming Dates

So many things coming up! Here’s a list:
July 10th – Bailey Baptism
July 10th  – Charles and Kath’s Wedding
July 12th  – Women’s Catchup Night
July 12-15th – Kidsquest
July 17th – Ore Baptism

Weekend Reading

The unsung hero of evangelism…

Community News

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At Church this Sunday

Sermon-Slide-page

Last week we continued our series in 2 Samuel, hearing about King David’s trouble with his third son Absalom. It was a fairly troubling time, and David eventually lost control of the Kingdom. This week, as we look at chapters 18-20, we’ll hear about the surprising end to this episode, and how David was changed by God’s grace. Try and have a read before Sunday if you can.

KidsQuest 2016 – Register Now

 KidsQuest2016_Page

KidsQuest is now so close! You can read all about it plus register your kids here. You can also grab some promotional flyers from church on Sunday.

Building Appeal 2016

Up at the Thomas Street site, the meeting room has been renovated! Plus “Narnia” now has outside access, making it work better for groups. But the biggest news is that a development approval has gone in for the new toilet block and temporary rooms, and that means that now is the time for us to raise as much of the funds as we can.

So please prayerfully consider how you much you would be able to contribute. All electronic bank deposits should be labelled “Building Fund” as this building development is separate from our church’s working budget.

Stretch Night

 

stretch-logo-black

We’ve got a stretch night coming up next week – it’s a chance to think harder about a biblical doctrine. At this stage I don’t know if it’s going to be Tuesday or Wednesday night, but the details will be on the back of the church outline on Sunday.

Upcoming Dates

So many things coming up! Here’s a list:
July 3rd – Winston Hills Gospel Team Leaders Catchup
July 10th – Bailey Baptism
July 10th  – Charles and Kath’s Wedding
July 12-15th – Kidsquest
July 17th – Ore Baptism

Weekend Reading

With the election just days away, here’s an article to help us put it into perspective. Plus here’s another one that zooms in on some of the current issues being debated and argues that this election is like all the others, and yet not.

Plus with the ongoing interest in marriage, here’s an article defending classic marriage.

Community News

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At Church this Sunday

Sermon-Slide-page

This week we’re looking at 2 Samuel 13-17. It’s records some pretty horrible events, which ultimately show us why we need Jesus! Try and have a read before Sunday if you can.

Leah’s Farewell – this Sunday

LeahFarewell

This Sunday is Leah’s farewell! She’s been the kid’s minister at our church since 2011, and she loves kids so much, that she’s stopping work to give birth to her own!

Please join us from 12:30pm at the Thomas Street building for a farewell lunch. Everyone is welcome!

KidsQuest 2016 – Register Now

 KidsQuest2016_Page

KidsQuest is on again this year! You can read all about it and register your kids here. You can also grab some promotional flyers from church on Sunday.

Plus, over the next few weeks you’ll see sign-up sheets at the back of the hall. We are looking for people who have the time and opportunity to serve in numerous ways throughout the week. So please consider how you might be able to help at KidsQuest this year.

Building Appeal 2016

Up at the Thomas Street site, the meeting room has been renovated! Plus “Narnia” now has outside access, making it work better for groups. But the biggest news is that a development approval has gone in for the new toilet block and temporary rooms, and that means that now is the time for us to raise as much of the funds as we can.

So please prayerfully consider how you much you would be able to contribute. All electronic bank deposits should be labelled “Building Fund” as this building development is separate from our church’s working budget.

Upcoming Dates

So many things coming up! Here’s a list:
June 25th – Missionary Prayer Breakfast
June 26th – Leah’s Farewell
July 3rd – Winston Hills Gospel Team Leaders Catchup
July 10th – Bailey Baptism
July 10th  – Charles and Kath’s Wedding
July 12-15th – Kidsquest
July 17th – Ore Baptism

Weekend Reading

Here’s an article on Daddy Issues.

Community News

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At Church this Sunday

Sermon-Slide-page

This week we’re looking at another couple of chapters from the Old Testament book of 2 Samuel. The question this week is whether power corrupts, and how much can God forgive? Have a read of chapters 11 and 12 before Sunday if you get a chance.

KidsQuest 2016 – Register Now

 KidsQuest2016_Page

KidsQuest is on again this year! You can read all about it and register your kids here. You can also grab some promotional flyers from church on Sunday.

Plus, over the next few weeks you’ll see sign-up sheets at the back of the hall. We are looking for people who have the time and opportunity to serve in numerous ways throughout the week. So please consider how you might be able to help at KidsQuest this year.

Christianity Explored

Christianity-explored-slider

Following on from Open Week, we’ve got two Christianity Explored courses running. Both of them are on Thursday, with one made up almost entirely of Mandarin speakers.

It’s great news, so please keep them in your prayers.

Building Appeal 2016

Up at the Thomas Street site, the meeting room has been renovated! Plus “Narnia” now has outside access, making it work better for groups. But the biggest news is that a development approval has gone in for the new toilet block and temporary rooms, and that means that now is the time for us to raise as much of the funds as we can.

So please prayerfully consider how you much you would be able to contribute. All electronic bank deposits should be labelled “Building Fund” as this building development is separate from our church’s working budget.

Leah’s Farewell

IMG_3649

Coming up on Sunday 26th of June is Leah’s farewell! She’s been the kid’s minister at our church since 2011, and she loves kids so much, that she’s stopping work to give birth to her own! The above photo was taken on Tuesday, when we celebrated her birthday, but we’ll have a much bigger party on the 26th when as a parish, we’ll give thanks to God for her service to us. Everyone is welcome!

Help the Groombridges Move

The Groombridges need to move house today (Friday) and Saturday, so if you can help out, please come and join the fun. I’m sure Mark will make it worth your while.

Upcoming Dates

So many things coming up! Here’s a list:
June 19th – Winston Hills Meeting Leaders’ Catchup
June 25th – Missionary Prayer Breakfast
June 26th – Leah’s Farewell
July 3rd – Winston Hills Gospel Team Leaders Catchup
July 10th – Bailey Baptism
July 10th  – Charles and Kath’s Wedding
July 12-15th – Kidsquest
July 17th – Ore Baptism

Weekend Viewing

D.A. Carson’s ‘How Long, O Lord? Steadying Our Soul in the Midst of the Storm’

 

Community News

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At Church this Sunday

Sermon-Slide-page

We’ve got another gripping read ahead of us this Sunday as we continue our journey through the Old Testament book of 2 Samuel. We’re scheduled to be working through chapters 6-10, but we’ll only be looking at chapters 6-7, which contain one of the biggest promises God makes. Try and read ahead if you can…

KidsQuest 2016 – Register Now

 KidsQuest2016_Page

KidsQuest is on again this year! You can read all about it and register your kids here. You can also grab some promotional flyers from church on Sunday.

Plus, over the next few weeks you’ll see sign-up sheets at the back of the hall. We are looking for people who have the time and opportunity to serve in numerous ways throughout the week. So please consider how you might be able to help at KidsQuest this year.

Christianity Explored

Christianity-explored-slider

Following on from Open Week, we’ve got two Christianity Explored courses running. Both of them are on Thursday, with one made up almost entirely of Mandarin speakers.

It’s great news, so please keep them in your prayers.

Building Appeal 2016

Up at the Thomas Street site, the meeting room has been renovated! Plus “Narnia” now has outside access, making it work better for groups. But the biggest news is that a development approval has gone in for the new toilet block and temporary rooms, and that means that now is the time for us to raise as much of the funds as we can.

So please prayerfully consider how you much you would be able to contribute. All electronic bank deposits should be labelled “Building Fund” as this building development is separate from our church’s working budget.

Help the Groombridges Move

The Groombridges need to move house on the 18th of June, so if you can help out, please come and join the fun. I’m sure Mark will make it worth your while.

Upcoming Dates

So many things coming up! Here’s a list:
June 18th – Men’s Breakfast
June 19th – Winston Hills Meeting Leaders’ Catchup
June 25th – Missionary Prayer Breakfast
June 26th – Leah’s Farewell
July 3rd – Winston Hills Gospel Team Leaders Catchup
July 10th – Bailey Baptism
July 10th  – Charles and Kath’s Wedding
July 12-15th – Kidsquest
July 17th – Ore Baptism

Weekend Reading

How to engage Catholics in conversation.

 

FIVE Community News – 8th June 2016

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A Better Kingdom – 2 Samuel

2-Samuel-Sermon-Icon

This Sunday we are considering 2 Samuel 6-10. That is five chapters including one of the most significant passages about God’s promises to David (2 Sam 7).

So how might you benefit more from our gatherings on Sundays when we cover such large sections of Scripture?

As a young Christian, it was once suggested to me to read the sermon passage before arriving on Sunday. At the time this didn’t make much sense to me, but it certainly transformed my understanding of what God was saying. Firstly, when I read the passage during the week, I started to digest the stories or the arguments, noticing stuff I didn’t understand. Then by the time the passage was read and explained on the Sunday, given shape and context by the speaker, I knew the details, I was more engaged with what was being said, and I understood more completely what was just a story/poem/argument earlier in the week.

On the one hand, this is just a basic process of comprehension. However, isn’t it worthwhile be passionate for comprehending what the Creator is saying?

Here is my summary of the key events in 2 Samuel 6-10, which we are considering this Sunday:

David has been anointed king over all Israel, centralising his rule in Jerusalem (Ch. 5). To centralise Israel’s worship of Yahweh, David brings Yahweh’s Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem (Ch.6). David desires to build a house for God, yet God promises to establish his Christ forever (Ch. 7). David has great success over the surrounding enemies (Ch. 8), acknowledging the victories all come from God (8:11, 14). David shows grace to Mephibosheth and Saul’s household servant, Ziba (Ch. 9). The Christ is rejected (10:1-5). David’s army has victory over all Israel’s enemies (Ch. 10).

That is a lot to take in during one talk. And we haven’t even considered what it all means for us. Consequently, why not work on your comprehension skills this week by reading the passage in advance?

Christianity Explored

Christianity-explored-slider

After our Open Week, a Christianity Explored course has started on Thursday nights. That’s great news and a step in the direction we’ve been planning for. Surprisingly a similar course will start this Thursday for a group of mandarin speaking Chinese people. This was not expected, but we welcome the enthusiasm of new church members who want to tell their friends about Jesus.

If you would like to sit in with us to build relationships with the people in this new endeavour, please contact Mark.

KidsQuest 2016

KidsQuest2016_Page

If you have children (or grandchildren) who will get on your nerves during the July school holidays, why not dump them at KidsQuest? Well, that is my suggestion to the parents that Rochelle and I meet in the school playground. Parents are always looking for a way to entertain the children during the holidays, and we have a solution that involves telling them about Jesus!

Over the next few weeks you’ll see sign-up sheets at the back of the church hall. We are looking for people who have the time and opportunity to serve in numerous ways throughout the week. So please consider how you might be able to help at KidsQuest this year.

Building Appeal 2016

Tiger-Stone-Paving-Machine-6-798x350

The meeting room has been renovated. “Narnia” has new access making it more functional for groups. The toilet block and temporary rooms are in the process of obtaining the development approval needed to being building. Consequently, it is time for us to raise the funds necessary to complete this work. Please prayerfully consider how you much you would be able to contribute. All electronic bank deposits should be labelled “Building Fund” as this building development is separate from our church’s working budget.

Dates for your Diary

June 2016

  • Saturday 18th – Men’s Breakfast (cancelled)
  • Saturday 18th – Groombridge Move: The Groombridges are moving to Baulkham Hills (17 Willow Drive) from 9am. Please come along and assist moving furniture, boxes, tools, clothes, pots, soil, wood, the chickens…
  • Saturday 25th – Missionary Prayer Breakfast

July 2016

  • Tuesday 12th – Friday 15th – KidsQuest
  • Sunday 17th – New Series: Mark’s Gospel
  • Sunday 24th – Gospel Team Leaders Training (Mark Overview by Lionel Windsor)

August 2016

  • Saturday 6th – NCEA Prayer Breakfast
  • Saturday 20th – FIVE Dinners
  • Saturday 27th – RIDE for Refugees

FIVE Prayer Points

  1. Praise God for the various Christianity Explored courses which have started these last 2 weeks.
  2. Pray for those who are ill, mourning, or continue to struggle with ongoing sickness or life struggles. Keep those who really struggle with the colder weather in your prayers.
  3. Pray for our Ministry Apprentices: Rusdyan C, Samantha O, and John K. Pray that they will continue to grow in faithful dependence upon God as they serve him and his Son.
  4. Pray for the Wrights in Fiji, particularly for Timothy’s adoption.
  5. Pray for those who are travelling, that they may enjoy God’s creation, giving praise to him for everything they see and experience.

 

Community News

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At Church this Sunday

Sermon-Slide-page

We’ve got a gripping read ahead of us this Sunday as we continue our journey through the Old Testament book of 2 Samuel, working through chapters 3-5. Following on from last week when we heard of the death of Saul and the installation of two rival kings over Israel, we’ll hear how, after numerous twists and turns, King David was eventually accepted by all. Once again Josh Russell will be joining us to speak to us from God’s word.

KidsQuest 2016 – Register Now

KidsQuest-Webbanner

KidsQuest is on again this year! You can read all about it and register your kids here. You can also grab some promotion flyers from church on Sunday.

Lisa and David – joining us this Sunday

Screen Shot 2016-06-02 at 3.48.10 pm

Lisa Massey (left) and David Johnson (right) will be joining us this Sunday to fill us in about their work at Parramatta High. It’s always encouraging to hear what God is doing in schools near us, so please make them feel welcome.

Upcoming Dates

So many things coming up! Here’s a list:
June 18th – Men’s Breakfast
June 19th – Winston Hills Meeting Leaders’ Catchup
June 25th – Missionary Prayer Breakfast
June 26th – Leah’s Farewell
July 3rd – Winston Hills Gospel Team Leaders Catchup
July 10th – Bailey Baptism
July 10th  – Charles and Kath’s Wedding
July 12-15th – Kidsquest
July 17th – Ore Baptism

Weekend Reading

 

Following on from the Nexus conference, one of our number sent this link, which has a wonderful discussion of ministering in exile from Don Carson.

FIVE Community News – 1st June 2016

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A Better Kingdom – 2 Samuel

2-Samuel-Sermon-Icon

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” 17 And Jesus responded, “Simon son of Jonah,  you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven.  18 And I also say to you that you are Peter,  and on this rock  I will build My church,  and the forces  of Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven,  and whatever you bind on earth is already bound  in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed  in heaven.” (Matthew 16:16-19 HCSB)

Peter identified Jesus as the Christ – God’s Anointed King. Such an understanding only comes through God the Father’s revelation of Jesus. Consequently, it is only upon the foundation of such a confession that God’s church will be built. Peter was given the “keys to the kingdom” – the authority as a steward to bring people in God’s kingdom.

How will God’s Kingdom be established? Initially, one of the disciples thought it might be through fighting…

Then they came up, took hold of Jesus, and arrested Him. 51 At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his ear. (Matthew 26:50b-51 HCSB)

How will God’s Kingdom be established? In this instance, it would not be through military force. Jesus quickly restores the slave’s ear. Rather, the Christ must suffer before entering into his glory.

Likewise, David’s kingdom would not be established through a political solution, treaties, or war. How, then, will David’s kingdom be established? Please read 2 Samuel 2:12-5:5 in preparation for this Sunday.

Christianity Explored

Christianity-explored-sliderIf you have friends, family or acquaintances who are interested in knowing what Christianity is actually about, then please invite them to our Christianity Explored courses. A course is starting this week, however it wouldn’t be too late to join next week. Please call Mark ASAP if you want more information.

KidsQuest 2016

KidsQuest2016_Page

If you have children (or grandchildren) who will get on your nerves during the July school holidays, why not dump them at KidsQuest? Well, that is my suggestion to the parents that Rochelle and I meet in the school playground. Parents are always looking for a way to entertain the children during the holidays, and we have a solution that involves telling them about Jesus!

Over the next few weeks you’ll see sign-up sheets at the back of the church hall. We are looking for people who have the time and opportunity to serve in numerous ways throughout the week. So please consider how you might be able to help at KidsQuest this year.

Dates for your Diary

June 2016

  • Saturday 18th – Men’s Breakfast
  • Saturday 25th – Missionary Prayer Breakfast

July 2016

  • Tuesday 12th – Friday 15th – KidsQuest
  • Sunday 17th – New Series: Mark’s Gospel
  • Sunday 24th – Gospel Team Leaders Training (Mark Overview by Lionel Windsor)

August 2016

  • Saturday 6th – NCEA Prayer Breakfast
  • Saturday 20th – FIVE Dinners
  • Saturday 27th – RIDE for Refugees

FIVE Prayer Points

  1. Praise God for the proclamation of the news about his Son during our Open Week.
  2. Pray for those who are attending the Christianity Explored courses that they may repent and believe that Jesus is their Lord and Saviour.
  3. Pray for those who are ill, mourning, or continue to struggle with ongoing sickness or life struggles. Rochelle and I would particularly welcome prayer for finding a new home to rent as we need to vacate our current house by the end of the month.
  4. Pray for our Gospel Team leaders that they may pastor and teach everyone with all wisdom.
  5. Praise God for the many new grandchildren born recently to members of FIVE (Wilemans, Skeltons, and Carpenters)

Community News

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At Church this Sunday – New Series

WH_GPPFC

This Sunday we’ll be starting a new series in 2 Samuel, as Josh Russell speaks to us from 2 Samuel 1-2. During this series we’ll be looking at King David, and exploring how it is that he prepares us for the coming of King Jesus.

KidsQuest 2016 – Register Now

KidsQuest-Webbanner

KidsQuest is on again this year! You can read all about it and register your kids here. You can also grab some promotion flyers from church on Sunday.

Open Week Recap

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We’ll be doing a recap of our ‘Open Week’ on Sunday (above is a shot from the Gamers night), but you can read about it from one of the student’s perspective on the Moore College mission blog site.

Nexus 2016

nexus

On Monday most of the staff team spent the day at the Nexus conference, thinking through what it means to do ministry in exile. It was an encouraging time, and you can watch the whole event here.

Weekend Reading

Today I heard the sad news that acclaimed theologian John Webster has died. Mark Thompson has written a nice appreciation.

An easier read is this piece on when God’s grace seemed evil. 

Community News

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At Church this Sunday – Open Week 2016 (Moore College Mission)

Banner-Pic-New

From Sunday 15th – Sunday 22nd May, a team of Moore Theological College students will be joining us for the week to partner with us as we proclaim Jesus to our suburbs. This Sunday we will be looking at Mark 10:35-45, with Moore College student Dan Allan exploring that passage with us.

Open Week Midweek Events

As part of Open Week, we have a number of events during the week.

Women's-Event

Women’s Rest and Relaxation Night (Tues 17th May)

The Women’s event is a Rest and Relaxation Night, where the women will be pampered a little (think nails done, facials etc) and be making bath bombs. There will also be a short talk on finding rest with God. There is going to be snacky foods provided, and it should be a lot of fun. The cost is $15 for you and a friend.

Men's-NightMen’s Meat Night (Thurs 19th May)

The Men’s event is a Men’s Meat Night, where you will be shown how to cook the perfect steak. There’s going to be a lot of meat, dessert and a token salad. There will also be a short talk of what God says about being a man. It should be great fun and delicious. The cost is $15 per person.

GamersGamers’ Night (Fri 20th May)

Do you like to smash out your frustrations on a computer keyboard? Is the world not enough for you when you play Monopoly or Risk? Why not take on the crowds at our Gamers Night? It’ll cost you $10 for yourself and a friend (includes pizza!).

Street-Food

Open Week Street Food (Sat 21st May)

Take a stroll amongst our food stalls and treat yourself to some delicious food from around the world. From Asian street vendors to Mexican antojitos, from Indian curry houses to classic American food trucks, our Open Week Street Market will present an unique selection of delicious experiences. A live cooking demonstration will show you how to make some simple dishes bringing spice to your life. And for a real taste for life, you’ll get to hear the great news of how God offers us lasting joy and community in relationship with him. Free!

Note that for The Women’s, Men’s and Gamers’ events, you will need a ticket, which you can buy at church this Sunday.

KidsQuest 2016

KidsQuest-Webbanner

 

KidsQuest s on again this year! You can read all about it and register your kids here.

Weekend Reading

This weekend we have a book review: Word-Filled Women’s Ministry.