Knowing Jesus ⢠Serving Jesus ⢠Proclaiming Jesus
December 4th 2016 WELCOME!
Church meets Sundays 8 am at St. Paul’s Classic Anglican service 10 am at St. Paul’s All age service with children’s programs 3 pm at St. Stephen’s All age service with children’s programs Ministry Contacts
Senior Minister Mark Smith 0430 393 414 [email protected] Not available Thursdays
Children’s & Youth Minister John Young 6352 4347 [email protected] Not available Wednesdays
Apprentice Minister Samuel Ogg 0409 792 811 [email protected] Not available Wednesdays
Wardens Scott Hookham John Stevens Eric Young
0419 708 801 6355 1337 0429 664 436
Office Administration Corinne Ogg 6351 3070 [email protected] Wednesdays & Fridays 9 – 4 pm For Children and youth
For all children yrs K-6 During School Term Tuesdays 3:15-4:30pm Youth Group for yrs 6-12 During School Term Fridays 7:30 - 9pm Growth groups
Small groups for adults to grow in Christ. Phone the office for details.
Knowing Jesus • Serving Jesus • Proclaiming Jesus Dear friends, Welcome to church! Entering December, the intensity for many increases. Holidays are almost upon us – but there’s still plenty of work to be done (from the paid to the unpaid labour of preparing celebrations). It’s an excellent time for us to reflect on the value & blessing of work. Put simply, in God’s eyes, All work matters. Work is not merely what we are paid for. Work is any use of God’s gifts to build communities of love (both love of God & love of others). Some of that work – we do get the blessing of pay for. Paid work is both freeing & limiting. Paid work limits the scope of our love. In paid work we have to focus our energy & build communities of love – so a dentist is limited to people’s oral care, & can’t go building houses. But paid work also frees us – giving us money so that we don’t have to be dependent on anyone, instead we’re free to share & support others (Ephesians 4v28). Unpaid work is no less valuable (after all, God is the greatest worker & no one pays Him!). Voluntary work – from doing the laundry in the home & to chairing the P&C in the community – doesn’t receive financial recompense. But it does give the chance to do what Jesus says is best: ‘It is better to give than receive’ (Acts 20v35). Just as there is no difference in value between paid & unpaid work, in God’s eyes there is no difference between ‘sacred’ & ‘secular’. Some Christians have made the error of dividing them. ‘Sacred’ meaning the ‘Sunday’ work of church, prayer & worship. ‘Secular’ the ‘Monday’ work of shopping, studying, factories & farming. The wonder of the gospel, is that all life is Christ’s – so all work is too:
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3v17)
It’s why the way we work matters just as much as the work we do – for our boss in all things is always watching (Colossians 3v23). All work is valuable. All work is for the Lord. & in the gospel, all Christians are partners in God’s greatest work – bringing new life! Jesus said how He & his Father are always at His work (John 5v17). Jesus’ own work was to finish the Father’s great plan of saving the world & granting eternal life – it was His ‘bread & butter’, the staple of his existence (John 4v34). In the great commission, we’re invite to share in God’s work or bringing eternal life, by making disciples of all & teaching them to obey Christ. And unlike other work that needs to be re-done (dirty dishes to the email inbox) – this work has lasting value. As Paul advises:
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain .
(1 Corinthians 15v58) That Paul calls it ‘labour’ recognises it is hard work to train disciples of Jesus. It’s not easy to model & teach consistently & faithfully. It’s not a breeze to lovingly challenge people’s misunderstandings about God. It’s labour. But it’s not in vain. It’s not a waste. It has value now & into eternity. So keep at it! Two ways to engage the Lord’s work: First, Build on Jesus’ words. In Matthew 7, Jesus finished the sermon on the mount by giving construction advice. He tells the story of 2 builders. One who built on a sandy foundation. The other on rock. Only one survived the storm. Jesus’ story wasn’t about those who’ve heard him & those who haven’t. Both types of builder heard Jesus’ words. But only one chose to build their life on all He said. The wise worker builds every aspect of life on Christ. It’s not enough for him to be a foundation for the ‘shed’ of life – keeping him in a little part, but not impacting the main part. To build on Him impacts who you marry, how you spend your money & how you relate to friends. It’s about building all week on Him, not just Sundays. Second, Fish for all people. Jesus’ first followers were fisherman. But he called them from the ocean, to fish on the land & bring in people to the kingdom (Matthew 4v18-20). This isn’t recreational fishing. It’s the grind of regular work, setting the net as wide as we can, to draw as many as we can from death to life. Wherever your field of paid or unpaid work – it’s also your ocean for the Lord’s work. In Him, Mark Smith
www.lpachurch.org.au • [email protected] • PO Box 192, Lithgow • (02) 6351 3070 St. Paul’s: Railway Parade, Lithgow • St. Stephen’s: Williwa St, Portland
Lorem Ipsum
readings Matthew 28:16 – 20 (page 706) 1 Corinthians 10:23 – 11:1 (page 812)
Responding to God’s Word in Practice: 1. HEAD: What did you learn? 2. HEART: What did God say to you? 3. HANDS: What will you do?
Thousands
Word of encouragement GREAT NEWS from the finance team!! The church offerings are above budget for the year to date… and as shown by the graph, the difference is close to $1500. This could possibly be the first time ever this has happened at out parish – Praise God for his answer to prayers and for the generosity of his servants at our church. Lithgow Anglican Parish Offertory 2016 to end October 206 205
Lithgow Anglican Parish Offerings Jan-Oct 2016
204
Prayer points 4th Dec Blessed Lord, you have caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: grant us so to hear them, read, mark and learn, and inwardly digest them, that, encouraged and supported by your holy word, we may embrace and always hold fast the joyful hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen 5th Dec Praise Christ, reflecting on these Carols lyrics: O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
6th Dec Give thanks for the Youth & Children Ministry team: aiming to make youth & children in our town & church disciples of Jesus. Pray for leaders & the ministries on Sundays, Arvos (K-6 Tuesday), SRE in schools, ONE (Friday Youth Group); Portland Playgroup & the Ambassadors in Football camp.
203 202 201 200 Actual 2016
Budget 2016
And more exciting news… the only task left to complete the process of changing banks is to close the General and Direct Giving Account at GIA. However, this can’t be done until all action has ceased and at the moment, 6 parishioners have not transferred their giving to the new account. I have personally contacted a number of these people, however, 2 are anonymous and I am unable to get in touch. If you have not transferred your giving from GIA to CBA, could you please do this before I close the Direct Giving account in early December - I would not like to offend anyone by having a bounce back on their very generous church offering. The details for the new Direct Giving account are on the bottom of this newsletter. Another praiseworthy note… in the September quarter, the following amounts were given to support our mission partners o CMS – $715 o BCA – $412 o LCEA – $220 o Blairs – $10 o Winter Appeal - $250 (from the Professionals) o EST - $800 Thank you The generosity of parish members is inspiring and I encourage you never to forget the value of your gift in assisting the spread of the gospel in our local area, throughout Australia and internationally. I have said it before but it never hurts to repeat the fact that everything… yes everything, from the necessary but simple things like paying the gas and electricity, all the way to the vital support of mission partners and paying ministry wages, is provided by your generosity. Our gracious God has given us so much - it is right that we should respond with generosity to make a way open for others to come to know his joy and provision. I asked a few parishioners to share in 10 words or less, why they give to the church: ‘To faithfully invest in the Kingdom’ ‘My giving helps resource gospel action’ To see ‘God’s Kingdom grow in Lithgow’ ‘To support the work of the Gospel here & beyond’ Billinda (Treasurer) News to share or point for prayer? If you would like the church family to hear of recent news, or request prayer for yourself, please contact the office by phone or email. Due to privacy laws we can only publish names with permission of those people .
7th Dec Give thanks for the Mercy ministry team: serving spiritual needs by meeting physical & emotional difficulties. Give thanks for all who serve in this area & pray for the ministries established (& hoping to begin): Foodbank, Aged Care Church services, Bereavement ministry, Annual Winter Appeal, Emergency Food & CAP (Christians Against Poverty – home budget course) 8th Dec Praise Christ, reflecting on these Carols lyrics: O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory over the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. 9th Dec Give thanks for the Reaching Out Ministry Team: aiming to make disciples of Jesus from this town & the world. Pray for all who serve in this area & pray for the ministries of Christianity Explored courses, Discipleship Explored courses; Promoting Mission partnerships, making the most of Christmas & Easter, Church missions & the BBQ church in 2017 10th Dec Reflect on the wonder of the Son becoming human & let John’s words shape your prayers:
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said,`He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'" From the fulness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No-one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. (John 1v14-18) 11th Dec Lord Jesus Christ, at your first coming you
sent your messenger to prepare the way before you: grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the ways of the righteous, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen
Roster reminders for next week th
11 December
notices Lithglo Saturday 10th December noon until 9pm at Queen Elizabeth Park Thank you to all who have offered to help with our stall and Carol singing spots. We still require assistance at these times: 3 – 5pm - 2 people required to assist with the stall. Extra people at other times would be helpful. 2:45 and 3:45 – carol singers for a 10-15 minute spot, Call Debbie Rayner: 0456 560 015 for more information December Services th 4 Dec- Commitment Service – 9.30am All Congregations come together th 11 Dec – 8am, 10am, 3pm Answering our community’s questions th 18 Dec – Christmas Carols – St. Paul’s Lithgow – 5:30pm Classic Carols & the timeless Christmas Story followed by Family Fun with face painting, balloons, bouncy castle, activities and food th 24 Dec – Christmas Eve at St. Stephen’s Portland – 6pm th 25 Dec – Christmas Day at St. Paul’s Lithgow – Summer & Term 1 2017 Rosters it’s time to let Corinne know of your availability for Rosters over Summer and in term 1 2017 please email [email protected] or write down on a slip of paper and place in collection bag. For Summer let Corinne know which service you intend on being at. thank you
Thank you for serving. If you are unable to fulfil your rostered duty please organise a swap and let the service leader and the office know.
readings for next week OT: NT:
Psalm 46 Luke 13:1 – 5
Lithglo Saturday 10th December 2016 How can you help? • Staffing the stall for a 2 hour block, from, noon-9pm (1 hourly is possible), • Your church can help us to fill a roster of carol singing, by offering to perform a song or two. • Assisting with setting up at 10:30am., • Assisting with the pack up of other stalls from 8:30pm. For more details: Please contact Debbie Rayner on 0456 560 015 New church Directory If you haven’t already please fill out a form and return to Carol Stevens
Direct Giving details Account Name - ANGLICAN PARISH Of LITHGOW DIRECT GIVING BSB Account No. -
062591
‘
10085204
Please return Bibles to the back of church at the end of the service. Thank you!
Church meets Sundays 8 am at St. Paul’s Classic Anglican service 10 am at St. Paul’s All age service with children’s programs 3 pm at St. Stephen’s All age service with children’s programs Ministry Contacts
Senior Minister Mark Smith 0430 393 414 [email protected] Not available Thursdays
Children’s & Youth Minister John Young 6352 4347 [email protected] Not available Wednesdays
Apprentice Minister Samuel Ogg 0409 792 811 [email protected] Not available Wednesdays
Wardens Scott Hookham John Stevens Eric Young
0419 708 801 6355 1337 0429 664 436
Office Administration Corinne Ogg 6351 3070 [email protected] Wednesdays & Fridays 9 – 4 pm For Children and youth
For all children yrs K-6 During School Term Tuesdays 3:15-4:30pm Youth Group for yrs 6-12 During School Term Fridays 7:30 - 9pm Growth groups
Small groups for adults to grow in Christ. Phone the office for details.
Knowing Jesus • Serving Jesus • Proclaiming Jesus Dear friends, Welcome to church! Entering December, the intensity for many increases. Holidays are almost upon us – but there’s still plenty of work to be done (from the paid to the unpaid labour of preparing celebrations). It’s an excellent time for us to reflect on the value & blessing of work. Put simply, in God’s eyes, All work matters. Work is not merely what we are paid for. Work is any use of God’s gifts to build communities of love (both love of God & love of others). Some of that work – we do get the blessing of pay for. Paid work is both freeing & limiting. Paid work limits the scope of our love. In paid work we have to focus our energy & build communities of love – so a dentist is limited to people’s oral care, & can’t go building houses. But paid work also frees us – giving us money so that we don’t have to be dependent on anyone, instead we’re free to share & support others (Ephesians 4v28). Unpaid work is no less valuable (after all, God is the greatest worker & no one pays Him!). Voluntary work – from doing the laundry in the home & to chairing the P&C in the community – doesn’t receive financial recompense. But it does give the chance to do what Jesus says is best: ‘It is better to give than receive’ (Acts 20v35). Just as there is no difference in value between paid & unpaid work, in God’s eyes there is no difference between ‘sacred’ & ‘secular’. Some Christians have made the error of dividing them. ‘Sacred’ meaning the ‘Sunday’ work of church, prayer & worship. ‘Secular’ the ‘Monday’ work of shopping, studying, factories & farming. The wonder of the gospel, is that all life is Christ’s – so all work is too:
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3v17)
It’s why the way we work matters just as much as the work we do – for our boss in all things is always watching (Colossians 3v23). All work is valuable. All work is for the Lord. & in the gospel, all Christians are partners in God’s greatest work – bringing new life! Jesus said how He & his Father are always at His work (John 5v17). Jesus’ own work was to finish the Father’s great plan of saving the world & granting eternal life – it was His ‘bread & butter’, the staple of his existence (John 4v34). In the great commission, we’re invite to share in God’s work or bringing eternal life, by making disciples of all & teaching them to obey Christ. And unlike other work that needs to be re-done (dirty dishes to the email inbox) – this work has lasting value. As Paul advises:
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain .
(1 Corinthians 15v58) That Paul calls it ‘labour’ recognises it is hard work to train disciples of Jesus. It’s not easy to model & teach consistently & faithfully. It’s not a breeze to lovingly challenge people’s misunderstandings about God. It’s labour. But it’s not in vain. It’s not a waste. It has value now & into eternity. So keep at it! Two ways to engage the Lord’s work: First, Build on Jesus’ words. In Matthew 7, Jesus finished the sermon on the mount by giving construction advice. He tells the story of 2 builders. One who built on a sandy foundation. The other on rock. Only one survived the storm. Jesus’ story wasn’t about those who’ve heard him & those who haven’t. Both types of builder heard Jesus’ words. But only one chose to build their life on all He said. The wise worker builds every aspect of life on Christ. It’s not enough for him to be a foundation for the ‘shed’ of life – keeping him in a little part, but not impacting the main part. To build on Him impacts who you marry, how you spend your money & how you relate to friends. It’s about building all week on Him, not just Sundays. Second, Fish for all people. Jesus’ first followers were fisherman. But he called them from the ocean, to fish on the land & bring in people to the kingdom (Matthew 4v18-20). This isn’t recreational fishing. It’s the grind of regular work, setting the net as wide as we can, to draw as many as we can from death to life. Wherever your field of paid or unpaid work – it’s also your ocean for the Lord’s work. In Him, Mark Smith
www.lpachurch.org.au • [email protected] • PO Box 192, Lithgow • (02) 6351 3070 St. Paul’s: Railway Parade, Lithgow • St. Stephen’s: Williwa St, Portland
Lorem Ipsum
readings Matthew 28:16 – 20 (page 706) 1 Corinthians 10:23 – 11:1 (page 812)
Responding to God’s Word in Practice: 1. HEAD: What did you learn? 2. HEART: What did God say to you? 3. HANDS: What will you do?
Thousands
Word of encouragement GREAT NEWS from the finance team!! The church offerings are above budget for the year to date… and as shown by the graph, the difference is close to $1500. This could possibly be the first time ever this has happened at out parish – Praise God for his answer to prayers and for the generosity of his servants at our church. Lithgow Anglican Parish Offertory 2016 to end October 206 205
Lithgow Anglican Parish Offerings Jan-Oct 2016
204
Prayer points 4th Dec Blessed Lord, you have caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: grant us so to hear them, read, mark and learn, and inwardly digest them, that, encouraged and supported by your holy word, we may embrace and always hold fast the joyful hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen 5th Dec Praise Christ, reflecting on these Carols lyrics: O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
6th Dec Give thanks for the Youth & Children Ministry team: aiming to make youth & children in our town & church disciples of Jesus. Pray for leaders & the ministries on Sundays, Arvos (K-6 Tuesday), SRE in schools, ONE (Friday Youth Group); Portland Playgroup & the Ambassadors in Football camp.
203 202 201 200 Actual 2016
Budget 2016
And more exciting news… the only task left to complete the process of changing banks is to close the General and Direct Giving Account at GIA. However, this can’t be done until all action has ceased and at the moment, 6 parishioners have not transferred their giving to the new account. I have personally contacted a number of these people, however, 2 are anonymous and I am unable to get in touch. If you have not transferred your giving from GIA to CBA, could you please do this before I close the Direct Giving account in early December - I would not like to offend anyone by having a bounce back on their very generous church offering. The details for the new Direct Giving account are on the bottom of this newsletter. Another praiseworthy note… in the September quarter, the following amounts were given to support our mission partners o CMS – $715 o BCA – $412 o LCEA – $220 o Blairs – $10 o Winter Appeal - $250 (from the Professionals) o EST - $800 Thank you The generosity of parish members is inspiring and I encourage you never to forget the value of your gift in assisting the spread of the gospel in our local area, throughout Australia and internationally. I have said it before but it never hurts to repeat the fact that everything… yes everything, from the necessary but simple things like paying the gas and electricity, all the way to the vital support of mission partners and paying ministry wages, is provided by your generosity. Our gracious God has given us so much - it is right that we should respond with generosity to make a way open for others to come to know his joy and provision. I asked a few parishioners to share in 10 words or less, why they give to the church: ‘To faithfully invest in the Kingdom’ ‘My giving helps resource gospel action’ To see ‘God’s Kingdom grow in Lithgow’ ‘To support the work of the Gospel here & beyond’ Billinda (Treasurer) News to share or point for prayer? If you would like the church family to hear of recent news, or request prayer for yourself, please contact the office by phone or email. Due to privacy laws we can only publish names with permission of those people .
7th Dec Give thanks for the Mercy ministry team: serving spiritual needs by meeting physical & emotional difficulties. Give thanks for all who serve in this area & pray for the ministries established (& hoping to begin): Foodbank, Aged Care Church services, Bereavement ministry, Annual Winter Appeal, Emergency Food & CAP (Christians Against Poverty – home budget course) 8th Dec Praise Christ, reflecting on these Carols lyrics: O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory over the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. 9th Dec Give thanks for the Reaching Out Ministry Team: aiming to make disciples of Jesus from this town & the world. Pray for all who serve in this area & pray for the ministries of Christianity Explored courses, Discipleship Explored courses; Promoting Mission partnerships, making the most of Christmas & Easter, Church missions & the BBQ church in 2017 10th Dec Reflect on the wonder of the Son becoming human & let John’s words shape your prayers:
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said,`He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'" From the fulness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No-one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. (John 1v14-18) 11th Dec Lord Jesus Christ, at your first coming you
sent your messenger to prepare the way before you: grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the ways of the righteous, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen
Roster reminders for next week th
11 December
notices Lithglo Saturday 10th December noon until 9pm at Queen Elizabeth Park Thank you to all who have offered to help with our stall and Carol singing spots. We still require assistance at these times: 3 – 5pm - 2 people required to assist with the stall. Extra people at other times would be helpful. 2:45 and 3:45 – carol singers for a 10-15 minute spot, Call Debbie Rayner: 0456 560 015 for more information December Services th 4 Dec- Commitment Service – 9.30am All Congregations come together th 11 Dec – 8am, 10am, 3pm Answering our community’s questions th 18 Dec – Christmas Carols – St. Paul’s Lithgow – 5:30pm Classic Carols & the timeless Christmas Story followed by Family Fun with face painting, balloons, bouncy castle, activities and food th 24 Dec – Christmas Eve at St. Stephen’s Portland – 6pm th 25 Dec – Christmas Day at St. Paul’s Lithgow – Summer & Term 1 2017 Rosters it’s time to let Corinne know of your availability for Rosters over Summer and in term 1 2017 please email [email protected] or write down on a slip of paper and place in collection bag. For Summer let Corinne know which service you intend on being at. thank you
Thank you for serving. If you are unable to fulfil your rostered duty please organise a swap and let the service leader and the office know.
readings for next week OT: NT:
Psalm 46 Luke 13:1 – 5
Lithglo Saturday 10th December 2016 How can you help? • Staffing the stall for a 2 hour block, from, noon-9pm (1 hourly is possible), • Your church can help us to fill a roster of carol singing, by offering to perform a song or two. • Assisting with setting up at 10:30am., • Assisting with the pack up of other stalls from 8:30pm. For more details: Please contact Debbie Rayner on 0456 560 015 New church Directory If you haven’t already please fill out a form and return to Carol Stevens
Direct Giving details Account Name - ANGLICAN PARISH Of LITHGOW DIRECT GIVING BSB Account No. -
062591
‘
10085204
Please return Bibles to the back of church at the end of the service. Thank you!
