Welcome

Welcome

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Prayer Points from Dongara

Dear prayer supporter,

Thanks again for your partnership in prayer for the Lord’s work in Dongara and Mingenew.

Things seem to be rolling along for us up here. Easter was a great time to remember the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. The church was packed with visitors, some of whom we’re continuing to follow-up. We also had heaps of visitors come through our home, some staying with us and others elsewhere. It was a great blessing to see so many friends and family.

We’re continuing to get to know people better and settle into life in Dongara. We’ve seen a few changes already (which weren’t pushed by us but seemed to be where the church was heading), especially to our services, including service times, more modern songs, kid’s talks, crèche and kid’s church.

As a result of moving Dongara church to 9am (rather than 8am) and offering kid’s ministry, we’ve seen two new families start coming to church. This has been very encouraging and provides a larger basis to growing more of a family ministry.

Our Bible study, which Matt leads, continues to be a great source of encouragement. A good number are consistently attending and eager to grow together. We’ve just finished Colossians and are about to start Exodus. We’ve also floated the idea of running “Introducing God” at both Dongara and Mingenew which will hopefully take shape next term.

Corinne and Penny have been making great contacts with young mums from playgroup. Corinne hosted a card-making party at our place which was a good opportunity to get to know some of them better. BBQ’s at different people’s places have been a good way to get to know some of the blokes too.

Life continues to be busy and enjoyable with all sorts of church and community activities to get involved in. Kate and Sam have settled in well. Kate loves having Sam in her life and has learned to show her love in a more gentle way. Sam is sitting up and developing well. Kate even taught him how to clap!

If you want to catch up on more Malcolm family life happenings then check out our blog site at:

malcolmsindongara.blogspot.com



Yours in Christ,

Matt and Corinne Malcolm (and Kate and Sam!)

Thanks and Praise

· For Easter services – for time to stop and remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, and for good numbers
· For the changes to service times and how they run
· For the new families at church
· For Tyler, Penny and Elijah Swartzentruber – who continue to be a great support and encouragement to us – for Tyler as he works at Geraldton Grammar school
· For Gary and Joyce Hamersley and their great support and encouragement. (Gary is Honorary Assistant who lives and works in Mingenew)
· For Corinne and Penny making great contacts with young mums through playgroup


Please ask God:

· For faithfulness to Jesus and to his gospel truth
· For good habits of Bible reading and prayer together as a family and individually for Matt and Corinne
· For Sam to sleep through the night (now only feeding once at night)
· For godliness in our tiredness
· For both centres to adapt well to service times changes
· For the new families at church– that they might keep coming and grow in the truth of the Lord Jesus
· For our continued meeting of people from the community, that we might be a light among the darkness
· For the Swartzentrubers and the Hamersleys
· For our next Men’s breakfast – May 12th – Jeremy Rice from the Cathedral will speak to us
· For future discussion about the direction of the Parish under God

Friday, April 6, 2007

Gone Fishing !

The Parsons are going fishing for the School holidays! (Dongara & Kalbarri...)
the 10am blog will be a little quiet...ok a lot quiet for the next couple of weeks !

Who is Ray Galea ?
Good News Week #3 is coming This August !

Cheers

GP

Perth Children's Convention Workshop!


If you are a parent, grandparent, anyone who tells stories to children, and especially if you teach or would like to teach children in Sunday School, schools or Beach Missions, you are invited to the Perth Children's Convention Workshop on Saturday, 26th May.
Our speaker is Sandy Galea, who has been involved in children's ministry in Sydney for over 20 years.
She will be showing us how to tell Bible stories in such a way that children are able to grasp their central point, as they fit into the overall context of God's plan.


For further information, and registration, go to http://www.ccowa.org/ and follow the links to PCC.



Thursday, April 5, 2007

Luke "Words of Passion" series available



Words of Passion - Luke 19-24

All talks for the Luke series are available in CD format or MP3 for ordering. To order please contact the office: 93812640 or office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au


or download them directly from the St. Matt's website
http://stmattsshentonpark.org.au/o/content/blogsection/6/83/

28/1 “Blessed is the King who comes…” Luke 19:28-48 GP
4/2 “The Stone the builders rejected…” Luke 20:1-18 KDR
11/2 “Render unto Caesar...” Luke 20:19-26 KDR
18/2 “He is not the God of the dead…” Luke 21:1-38 KDR
25/2 "They will see the Son of Man coming..."Luke 22:1-23 KDR
4/3 “Do this in remembrance of me…”Luke 23:24-38 KDR
11/3 “Who is greater?”Luke 23:39-53 GP
8/3 “Remove this cup…”Luke 23:54-71 GP
25/3 “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”Luke 23:1-25 GP
1/4 " Are You the King of the Jews?"Luke 23:1-25 GP

6/4 "Father, Forgive them...Luke 23:26-56 Good Friday KDR
8/4 "He Has Risen"Luke 24:1-36 Easter Sunday KDR
15/4 "Forgiveness will be proclaimed"Luke 24:36-53 NG

in Second Term We are looking at the book of Micah and then a topical series on The Holy Spirit stay tuned ! A study Book will be available for Micah for individual use or small group use.

Enjoy! GP

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

"Are you the King of the Jews?"

The trial of Jesus brings the political tensions of Jerusalem into focus. Luke 23:1-25 records the trial before Pilate. “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.” So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.

Observe three times Pilate declares Jesus innocent of the charges of treason:
“I find no basis for a charge against this man.” V.4
“…he has done nothing to deserve death…” V.15
“Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty” V.22

But the particular crowd of followers incited by the Religious leaders
brought political pressure to bear on Pilate to bring about the death of Jesus.

“Away with Jesus! Release Barabbas to us!”
“Away with Jesus! Release Barabbas to us!”

“Crucify him! Crucify him!”
“Crucify him! Crucify him!”
“Crucify him! Crucify him!”

But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

...and their shouts prevailed!

What is God doing in the trial of Jesus before Pilate?
What’s your response to Jesus in this scene?

God uses the actions of corrupt and evil people to bring about his purposes.

The early church recognize God’s sovereignty behind the political machinations of Herod and Pilate which saw Jesus the innocent man crucified!

Try their prayer…Acts 4:27-28

Sovereign Lord,
….Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness… Amen
GP