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Mission support 2012 STD

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World View Finder!

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Midcamp 2012

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Element Term 4 2011

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The Last Post....

2010-01-04T21:35:00.000+08:00

Hi All,

This is note to say the Parsons family are on the move to Sydney this week.

We are moving from Shenton Park, Perth, WA to Forestville/Killarney Heights, Sydney, NSW to take up the position of Senior minister at St. David's Anglican Church Forestville.

We are flying out at 3:30pm on Wednesday afternoon on the 6th January.

Thank you for all your encouragement during these last 8 years at St. Matthew's. Pray for us in our travels and transitions. It has been rewarding yet gruelling to say goodbye to our Perth friends and church family. I cried in the last song of my last service at Unichurch the place where I began at St. Matthew's.

Thank you for welcoming us into your lives and allowing God to work through us among you. We have shared with you in many gospel adventures,...weddings parties anything. We are privileged to have the mercy of seeing fruit for our labours among you.

Pray for Sam, Tom, Jack, and Lucy as they all settle into new schools next year. Pray that they might find good friends who will encourage them in the Lord in these difficult early months. Pray for Susan and I as we give a lead to a new church family.

I will send some more detailed info concerning St. David's when I get all our new addresses and phone numbers etc... We are being "inducted" on the 20th January and have our first service on the 24th January.

We will sorely miss you and will keep you in our prayers and politicking

Love and Prayers

Gavin, Susan, Sam, Tom, Jack, and Lucy

Christmas at St. Matthew's

2009-11-27T16:32:00.000+08:00

We invite you to Christmas events
At St. Matthew’s Shenton Park

Sun, 13th Dec
Carols in the Sunken Gardens
7:30pm UWA

Sun, 20th Dec
Carols and readings 8am, 10am, 5pm

Thurs, 24th Dec
6:00pm Kids ‘n Carols ‘n camels
At Rosalie School undercover area

11:00pm traditional service
At church

Fri, 25th Dec
8am Communion
At church

9:30am Family Christmas Service
At Rosalie School undercover area

Info 9381 2640

Ginger bread House Event

2009-11-12T16:20:00.003+08:00

We invite you and your friend to the Ginger Bread house event

When: Saturday 28 November, 7:30 - 9:30pm

Where: St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Shenton Park (cnr Onslow Rd and Derby Rd)

Short talk from the Bible about the true meaning of Christmas

Cost: $25 - includes all you need to take home a beautiful miniature gingerbread house

Tickets: on sale now Booking essential

RSVP St. Matthew’s Office 9381 2640
office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au

The tomb of Reckhmire governor of pharoah Thutmose III 1425 BC

2009-11-04T20:55:00.002+08:00

This picture is from the tomb of Reckhmire Governor under pharoah Thutmose III 1425 BC

The accompanying inscription describes the workers "as prisoners from Nubia and Syria-Palestine".

Getting to know God: Exodus 1-20

2009-11-03T10:04:00.001+08:00

We are starting a new series in Exodus

08/11/09 1 The God who keeps Promises Exodus 1&2 GP

15/11/09 2 The God who is personal Exodus 3-4:17 GP

22/11/09 3 The God who is determined Exodus 5-6 GP

29/11/09 4   The God who is Boss Exodus 7:8-10:29 GP

7/12, 13/12, 20/12, 27/12   Advent & Christmas Services

3/1/09 5 5 The God who saves Exodus 11-12 KDR

10/1/09 6 The God who triumphs Exodus 13-15 KDR

17/10/09 7   The God who provides Exodus 16-18 KDR

24/01/09 8   The God who is holy Exodus 19-20 KDR

We are preaching through the units in the Getting to know God Study booklets.
Study Books are available for personal reading or small group discussion

2nd November Congregational Music Workshop with Nicky Chiswell

2009-10-22T11:10:00.001+08:00

Calling all church musos and song leaders

As part of her participation in Jesus all about life at St. Matthew’s Shenton Park. Nicky Chiswell is running a workshop for congregational music.
Monday, November 2nd, 7:30pm
We are inviting any musos from other churches who might like to join us. Forward this on to interested musicians, and song leaders. (I am not sure who the keeper of the emails is for your music team?)

We encourage you to come. Nicky is a skilled teacher and enthusiast for congregational music. We are strongly encouraging all our musos to come across the congregations.

In the evening, four things will be happening:

1. Reflecting on the privilege of congregational music
2. Making the most of the band (the mechanics of maximising band music)
3. Singing to lead God’s people
4. Reviewing your participation in the church music

This is for musos of all ranges of experience
The workshop is practical so please bring your instrument.

Monday 2nd November 2009.
7:30pm to 9:30pm
St. Matthew’s Shenton Park
114 Onslow Road
Cost $5

RSVP St. Matt’s Office 9381 2640
Gavin Parsons office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au

Nicky Says :

I have 2 distinct parts to my musical life really. I write songs for churches to sing and in this regard I am involved with a small record company called EMU. EMU has as its core business making and distributing great, biblical songs that are cool to sing. We want to help people respond to the truth with depth and joy. But I also do solo /acoustic concerts and the songs I sing at these are very different.

My solo stuff is a folk/jazz/blues/pop / (anything you can think of) / fusion, but with just me and a guitar. I love doing it! It is where I really get to dig deep and deliver. The gigs are arranged by churches who then do up the venue to look like a cafe with candles etc, very warm and atmospheric! I sing mainly original stuff.

Check out Nicky’s website:

http://www.nickychiswell.com/biography.html

Gavin Parsons

Who is Nicky Chiswell? Why Should we be excited she is coming?

2009-10-20T14:58:00.001+08:00

Nicky Chiswell is joining us for some of Jesus All about life events.

1. Saturday 31st October Women's High Tea at Church 2-5pm

For more info, Click!
http://stmattstenam.blogspot.com/2009/10/womens-high-tea-31st-october-230pm.html

2. Saturday 31st October The Soul Lounge 7:45 -10:00pm Nicky will be doing two sets on music with Kanishka is giving a short reflection on why Jesus is all about life. This i designed to be comforatable

For more info Click
http://stmattstenam.blogspot.com/2009/10/soul-lounge-ii-all-about-life.html

3. Sunday1st November All About Life services with Kanishka speaking

Nicky will participate in the music of each of the services.

She is a terrific musical artist and your friends will enjoy hearing her.
Invite them along ... Please come eithwer way, sign up today via above websites.

Who is she ? Her promo blurb describes her music in the following way:

Nicky Chiswell is a singer /songwriter with great maturity and depth. Well known for her intimate and moving solo/acoustic performances. Her style has been likened to early Joni Mitchell. She draws upon styles as diverse as folk, rock, jazz and blues. She has also produced a large repertoire of songs for congregational singing in churches.

She is from Melbourne were her husband works amongst unistudents.

She performs regularly as a solo artist and has developed a very warm rapport with her audiences over the years. It is in this environment that Nicky says she gets to "dig deep and deliver".

These performances draw together both her own life experience and her journey of faith. Fellow musician, Nathan Tasker, makes this comment:

"She invites the listener into a world that is real, in that it resembles there own, yet full of hope and wonder. Nicky shares an honesty and vulnerability that engages any audience."

For more info Check out her webite http://www.nickychiswell.com/

Parsons Holiday snaps

2009-10-14T21:43:00.000+08:00

Here are a few Parsons holiday snaps, October 2009

Click!

http://picasaweb.google.com/theparsonis/CoralBayOct2009#

GP

Join the China Short Term Mission Debrief

2009-10-01T21:13:00.000+08:00

All five of the team who went to China in July (Doreen and Peter Chia, Bec Nielson (CCC) and John and Blodwyn Timms) invite you to the church on Thursday 8th October 7.30p.m. where we will share our experience of a month in Szechuan Province teaching English to the Yi minority youth. We would love to share our vision with you.

Please join Us

Women's High Tea, 31st October 2:30pm

2009-10-01T15:39:00.000+08:00

Beer, Prawns, & Eternity III

2009-10-01T15:31:00.000+08:00

Beer, Prawns, and Eternity III

We invite you to a night for blokes.
“What banner do you march under?”
Friday 6th November, 2009.
7:30pm to 10:00pm at the Hotchkins’
76 Keightley Rd, Shenton Park

$10 for food and refreshments.

RSVP St. Matthew’s Church Office
9381 2640 or mailto:office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au

Soul lounge II: All About Life

2009-10-01T15:27:00.001+08:00

We invite you to the Soul Lounge

All About life
an evening of music all about life with Nicky Chiswell.
And a reflection on Jesus & life by Kanishka Raffel

Saturday October, 31st, 2009
7:45pm to 10:00 pmish $5

At St. Matthew’s Anglican Church,
Cnr Derby and Onslow

Everyone Welcome

RSVP St. Matthew’s Church Office
93812640 or office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au

Jesus has answers

2009-09-24T10:45:00.000+08:00

Hey Jesus, Thanks for everything.
Like, thanks for sunshine, but what about sunburn?
How come the more you have, the more you want?
We’ve got more friends, but less friendship
More convenience, but less patience
More hope, but more uncertainty
A healthy body still isn’t good enough
And how come the best things always have to end?
Jesus Has Answers.

Jesus All About Life ad

2009-09-23T11:43:00.000+08:00

The Jesus all About Life ad

Jesus:Connections for Life

2009-09-22T15:30:00.000+08:00

Dominic Steele, Samantha Boog and the Christians in the Media team have put together an excellent booklet and DVD to spell out Jesus’ answers to the questions raised by the Jesus All About Life campaign which starts in Perth on September 26.

In the workbook Dominic addresses directly Jesus’ answer to each of the issues raised by the Jesus All About Life TV commercial and gives a model answer. Dominic also digs deeper through four video studies based on the last book of the Bible to explore Jesus claim that he is the origin of life and the provider of true life, eternal life.

In the DVD course we see that Jesus really is all about life: He is ultimate life, the living one who offers eternal life. We can connect with him for life. He was dead and now is alive forever and ever. He offers us access to the tree of life and to drink from the river of the water of life. And the best thing in the world is to have one's name written in his Book of Life.

The course is ideal for a Christian to do with a friend or in a small group to better address the issues raised by the Jesus All About Life commericals.

St. Mattew's are running it for the four wednesdays From Follow Up: Brendon Shirriff and Gavin

4 Week Jesus Connections for life Course Start Weds Nov 11, 18, 25, Dec 2

Sign Up with a friend!

Gavin

Jesus All About Life events at St. Matthew's

2009-09-22T14:45:00.000+08:00

Here are some opportunities we are having during the Jesus: All About Life season:

1. 8am St Ives Event 20th October at St. Ives

Kanishka is telling his story how he moved from Buddhism to Christianity, for 8amers and their friends.

2. 31 October High Tea For Women with Nicky Chiswell as musiciaian and storyteller.

3. 31 October Soul Lounge for all: Nicky Chiswell & Kanishka. A musical evening for men and women
With a short talk on Jesus all about life.

4. 1 Nov 8,10,5pm All About Life Services Kanishka and Nicky Chiswell accompaniment

5. 1 Nov Nicky Chiswell at Unichurch for Romans 8, followed by a Nick Chiswell Supper sesssion after Unichurch.

6. 2 Nov @ Church Nicky Chiswell Musos training

7. 3 Nov Nicky Chiswell at Dalkeith

8. 6 Nov Beer, Prawns and Eternity III A gathering for Blokes "What banner do you march under?"
Kanishka and Gavin

Lock them into your diaries and invite someone to come along

More info coming!

Gavin

JAAL and the death of journalism

2009-09-21T20:25:00.000+08:00

Jeremy Halcrow
September 19th, 2009

I’ve been surprised at the excellent coverage of the Jesus All About Life (JAAL) campaign in mainstream broadsheet papers.
Fellow blogger Steve Kryger has slammed the start of JAAL at Communicate Jesus – but from a ‘PR’ point of view the campaign has nailed it.
The whole point of this part of the campaign is to put ‘Jesus’ on people’s lips. So it seems churlish to complain when people start asking the hard questions.
In our fragmented culture no one slogan is going to resonate with everyone. There will always be a vocal minority that will mock church advertising – whatever the message. (Indeed research from McCrindle show that 14% of Sydneysiders do not think Jesus is a historical person but a fictional character. Yet, significantly the most common response by 42% of respondents is that Jesus is real, has miraculous powers and is the son of God.)

The aim of JAAL is to speak to the 1/3 of Australians who don’t go to church but who are sympathetic to the church and believe Jesus is God.

Especially pertinent to note when critiquing the quirky poster campaign, research by McCrindle shows that over 1 in 3 Australians feel moved to pray when they are thankful for something good that has happened (34%) A similar number say they pray daily.

The report in The Australian was excellent, putting the quirky ‘teaser’ posters in the context of the whole campaign.

ABC broadcaster James Valentine is his whimsical way was probably the most insightful
It even made the English tabloids.

Click here for full article

GP

Jesus All about Life website

2009-09-21T20:10:00.002+08:00

As part of the Jesus All About Life internet Campaign

Email this link to your friends

This is a warm up for the media ads

http://www.allaboutlife.com.au/

Jesus: All About Life Talks

2009-09-14T09:09:00.002+08:00

Sept 27
Make the Most of Every Opportunity
Colossians 4:2-6
KDR 8, 10 and 5
For Equipping

Jesus has Answers: for curious inquirers
Oct 4 KDR
What about sunburn?
Lk 6:20-26

Oct 11 KDR
How come the more you have, the more you want?
Lk 12: 13-21

Oct 18 GEP
More friends, less friendship
Lk 10:25-37

Oct 25 KDR
Bigger hopes, bigger fears
Lk 12:4-8, Lk 23:42-43

Nov 1 KDR
Jesus came to seek and save
Lk 19:1-10

These will be talks designed to engage the curious inquirer so feel comfortable to bring a friend
GP

Being Balm Conference

2009-09-12T23:15:00.001+08:00

As most of you already know, the end of the month is a BEING BALM conference.

I hope to see as many as posible there. We have Laurance and Peggy Epp from the UK and Peter Rowlands speaking.

There will also be opportunites to share the ministries to Muslims that you are involved in. If you are interested ring Peter 0410 259 059.
BEING BALM conference
(Building and Equipping Believers who All Love Muslims)
What do Muslims Believe?
How can we share the gospel with Muslims?
How can we disciple Muslim Background Believers?

Mon 21 – Fri 25 Sep

Session 1 17:15-18:30, followed by dinner
Session 2 19:30-21:30
2nd Floor 82 Beaufort St Perth

Conference registrar
Gerard Field 0419 790 510
gerardfield@hotmail.com
PO Box 2201 Churchlands WA 6018

BALM Perth
Bill Rowlands 9345 1672
balm.perth@gmail.com

The heavens declare the glory of God

2009-09-10T22:59:00.002+08:00

Here is a picture from the Hubble Telescope.

The heavens declare the glory of God....GP

Jesus: All About Life Internet Campaign

2009-09-10T14:12:00.000+08:00

As part of the Jesus All About Life internet Campaign

Email this link to your friends

This is a warm up for the media ads

http://www.allaboutlife.com.au/

Cheers

Gavin

Join us for prayer, 23rd September, 7:45pm

2009-09-09T15:52:00.005+08:00

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matt 9

We are having our Third Term All Congregation Prayer Meeting on

Weds 23rd September, 2009. 7:45 pm At The Church

We are particularly focussing in on our mission partners but will also have the opportunity to pray for other concerns too.

It is a privilege to pray please make it a priority to join us!

Jesus All About Life Campaign rolls into action

2009-09-08T21:04:00.001+08:00

As the campaign draws near we are happy to announce we have some final dates to roll out the advertising:

September 7 - Viral Campaign (that means, it starts on the internet through Digital media).
September 14 - Outdoor Advertising (banners begin to appear in front of churches across WA)
September 27 - TV Advertising (our ads will be featured on prime time TV and run for 2 weeks)

Let your Church community know how wide spread the campaign will be and get people talking about it.

To compliment this great news, the latest edition of “Challenge The Good News Paper” has now been sent out to the normal distribution points, and the whole of the back page is about Andrew Fisher and the Jesus Racing Team. It has a great testimony by Andrew and explains why he proudly has the branding Jesus All About Life on the vehicles that he races, which includes competing in the Yokohama V8 Ute series, the Fujitsu Supercar and now also a turbo Mini in the Mini Challenge Cup. If your church doesn’t already get copies of this excellent newspaper, contact Andrew Trezona on Ph: 9453 3311, email: andrew@challengenews.org, or check out the website: www.challengenews.org

Praise God for all the good works he has done leading up to the campaign

Pray for Church Leaders and spokespeople, to give them wisdom and the right words to say when responding to the press regarding the campaign.

Pray for the people in our community, that they will respond to the advertising, and to the invitations to attend events and programs.

Pray for the quiet Christians in all of our churches that they will now be confident to share their faith.

"For the battle is the Lord's..."
1 Samuel 17:47

Watch these updates carefully because we have some great events happening that we want to keep you informed about – places to take your non Christian friends to seeker friendly activities. Make sure you have all of your events on the website so people can view what is happening in their local communities and access the relevant information.

Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing this journey of bringing Jesus into the homes of West Australians all over the state.

Blessings.
Rick Birch
Project Officer
Jesus. All About Life WA Campaign

Ph: 0439 971 774
Email: jaalwa@biblesocietywa.com.au
www.jesusallaboutlife.com.au

Join the Facebook page Jesus. All about Life to keep you updated with any new and exciting information!

Jesus: All About Life is Coming!

2009-09-07T11:22:00.000+08:00

Jesus all about life is coming !

2009-09-02T15:24:00.001+08:00

A Prayer for families on Father's day

2009-09-02T14:46:00.003+08:00

Dear Heavenly Father,
help every kind of family to find God’s grace in our relationships.
Give parents and foster-parents wisdom, patience and insight
in caring for their children.
Keep teenagers safe
as they test the rules they have been taught.
Give children enough food, enough love,
and enough freedom to grow and flourish.
To adult children and their parents,
give mutual respect and freedom to change.
To people who live alone, give fruitfulness in their solitude,
and pleasure in good friends and companions.
Where our family members cause us anxiety,
help us to trust them to your care.
Where their priorities are different to ours,
help us to see their world through their eyes,
and be more faithful to our own calling.
Where people we love are in relationships that are fragile or broken,
help us know how best to help you in your work of healing.
Where we are estranged from family members,
help us discover and use the bridges you build between all people.
Where our family relationships are strong and healthy,
help us to welcome strangers to our homes and tables.
Bring us closer in love and obedience by your Word and Spirit,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Contending for faith in a multifaith world

2009-08-26T10:10:00.002+08:00

Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund is speaking in Perth
Perth 28-30 August onthe topic CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH in a multi-faith world.

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH in our response to Islam
For Pastors & Church Leaders
Friday 28 August 1pm-2.30pm
North Beach Baptist Church
10 Groat Street North Beach

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH when Islam attracts
Ladies Morning with Rosemary Sookhdeo
Saturday 29 August 10am-11.30am
North Beach Baptist Church
10 Groat Street North Beach

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH in the face of persecution
Public meeting
Saturday 29 August 7pm
St Matthews Anglican
114 Onslow St Shenton Park

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH because Christ is unique
Sunday 30 August 9.45am
Foothills Church of Christ
287 Hawtin Road Forrestfield

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH in the last days
Sunday 30 August 6.30pm
Thornlie Church of Christ
319 Spencer Road Thornlie

Family Service and family finals footy BBQ

2009-08-25T15:35:00.003+08:00

You are invited to be part of
the Rosalie Church Family Service
September 20
and afterwards

Family finals footy match and BBQ

BYO BBQ lunch and refreshments
We will supply sausages and BBQs.

This time we will have a game for the alpha male men
(to protect the beta male children)

Shine up your boots... Beware Yr 6 Boys....

Pray for Trinity Theological College

2009-08-20T14:01:00.002+08:00

Here are the prayer points for Trinity Theological College

Please pray

Click!
prayer_notes_for_august_2009 344.35 Kb

Combined Churches Men's dinner outreach

2009-08-20T13:39:00.004+08:00

Hi Men,

St. Matthew's is part of a combined churches Men's outreach Dinner. Andrew Heard is in town for Perth Men's convention on 12th September. He is also speaking on Friday Night 11th on the topic .

"All that a man needs"

This will be an outreach talk to challenge men in an engaging way to consider Jesus.

Mt Claremont Community Centre Montgomery Avenue, Mt Claremont.

7:00pm-9:30pm

Cost $15

Andrew is an excellent speaker and your friends will find him interesting and engaging

St. Matthew's has a limited number of seats for our men and their friends please book in soon.

RSVP 6th September

St. Matthew's office 93812640 St Matthew's [office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au]

guess_whos_coming_to_dinner 577.41 Kb

Indonesia trip debrief and prayer night

2009-08-02T08:31:00.000+08:00

Hi All,
The Indonesia Short Term Mission Exposure Team invite you to join us for a night of debriefing and prayer.
Steve Ritchie, David Entwistle , Mark Grobicki, Sam Parsons, Peter Chapman, Adrian Mikula, Ken Frewer, Gavin Parsons

Meet the Team, Hear the stories, See pics and video footage, Taste "Extra Joss", Learn some facts... and most importantly pray with us for the missioners, pastors, and Christians we met living and serving in Indonesia in Java and West Kalimantan.
The night starts 7:00 for 7:30pm to 9:30pm

At St. Matthew's Church, Cnr Derby and Onslow
Thursday 6th August
Ken Frewer is returning to Indonesia on the 13th to do a Locum at the Anglican Church in Jakarta.
See you there
RSVP for catering purposes office 9381 2640 or
Email: office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au

The Indonesia Short Term Mission Team

For sneak preview of pics Click!
http://stmattstenam.blogspot.com/2009/07/indonesia-mission-trip.html

Trinity Annual Lecture, 24th August.

2009-07-23T11:15:00.004+08:00

Come and hear New Testament Historian Dr. Paul Barnett

"Mission, Ministry and Church in First Peter"

Monday 24th August, 2009
9:30am-1:30pm at Trinity Theological College
Level 2, 632-634 Newcastle Street, Leederville
$40 Per Person ($35 Concession & Group Discounts)
Morning Tea and Lunch Provided

Trinity Annual Lecture
"The Cross of Christ, the Conversion of Paul and Ministry Today"
7:30pm-9:30pm at Subiaco Church of Christ
240 Bagot Road, Subiaco

This is a Free Event but RSVP required.

Perth Women's Convention 15 August 2009

2009-07-23T11:05:00.003+08:00

Discovering Jesus in the pages of Micah

Perth Women's Convention is on again

15 August 2009

This year the speaker is Clare Deeves, who works with the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students at Murdoch University. She will be giving a series of talks from the book of Micah, helping us to understand more about Jesus from what was foretold about him. Clare is an insightful and engaging speaker who will challenge our perceptions of Jesus and help us to love and follow him.

Swan Christian College 381 Great Northern HighwayMiddle Swan Show location map

Click here for Online Registration

The Best a Man Can Get Perth Men’s Convention 2009 Saturday 12 September

2009-07-23T11:01:00.002+08:00

Do you want to be the best man you can be? You probably answered “Yes!” Any thoughtful man would. But how often do we actually give thought to being the best we can be? Where would we start?The trouble is, we usually start with ourselves. We compare ourselves to other men like movie or sports stars. However, we only see their outward appearance,we don’t see their hearts. If we did, we would not aspire to be them! We need something beyond ourselves to know the best a man can be. And we need to know that it’s possible to become it. At this year’s Perth Men’s Convention, Andrew Heard will help us to look to the only true source of information about humanity that does not originate with us – God’s word. We’ll consider what we are supposed to be, what God’s intention for us is, and see how the Bible answers the question: When is a man at his most glorious – the best he can be?

Andrew Heard leads the ministry team at the Central Coast Evangelical Church in NSW, a church that he helped to plant in 1996. Andrew is married to Cathie and they have four children. He has spoken at several Men’s conventions and is passionate about men’s ministry.

Registrations will soon be open online at <http://ccowa.org/> and brochures are available week’s time.

I look forward to spending the day together as we are challenged, encouraged and sent out to be the best a man can get!Gordon Killow (Chairman PMC)For the PMC Committee: Ray Arthur, Julian Bull, Ross Fraser, Wes Jacobs, Gordon Killow and Michael Van Oudtshoorn.

2009-07-22T13:43:00.001+08:00

Please join us for a special Pastors’ and Church Leaders’ issues briefing with Jim Wallace AM, Managing Director of the Australian Christian Lobby and Michelle Pearse, ACL’s WA State Director.

Wednesday 5th August @ 3:00-4:30pm
The Boulevard Centre, 99 The Boulevard
Lower level Cambridge Library, Floreat
RSVP by Wednesday 29th July to waoffice@acl.org.au or 9221 0655
Light refreshments will be provided

Our nation and our State are facing serious challenges. Moves to introduce a Federal Charter or Bill of Rights are a grave threat to our religious freedom. Now more than ever, the church must take its place in the public square.

If we are to see positive change in our nation, we need a unified and strategic approach. ACL is well positioned to inform and activate the church on key issues. This short 90 minute session will be well worth your time to be briefed on those issues.

Questions of and discussion with Jim and Michelle are welcomed. Come and hear how you and your church can partner with ACL to be activists for positive change.
For further information, please contact Michelle Pearse on 9221 0655 or michelle.pearse@acl.org.au

The Indonesia Mission Trip

2009-07-17T21:22:00.003+08:00

Hi Folks
We safely returned from the Short term mission trip to Indonesia
All are healthy and happy !

Click for a highlights set of Photos

http://picasaweb.google.com/theparsonis/TheKenFrewerMacaroniTourToIndonesia#

thanks for your prayers

See you soon

GP

Third Term Teaching Program 1 Peter

2009-07-01T18:08:00.001+08:00

19/07/09 1 GEP Future Glory 1 Peter 1:1-12 Psalm 119:1-16

26/07/09 2 GEP Pilgrim's Progress 1 Peter 1:13-21 Psalm 119:17-40

2/08/09 3 KDR Purpose driven people 1 Peter 1:22-2:10 Psalm 119:41-64

9/08/09 4 KDR Real Freedom 1 Peter 2:11-17 Psalm 119:65-80

16/08/09 5 KDR Workin' for the man 1 Peter 2:18-25 Psalm 119:81-96

23/08/09 6 KDR A Love Story 1 Peter 3:1-7 Psalm 119:97-112

30/08/09 7 KDR All for One 1 Peter 3:8-12 Psalm 119:113-128

6/09/09 8 GEP Christ Victorious 1 Peter 3:13-4:11 Psalm 119:129-144

13/09/09 9 GEP Suffering and Glory in the World 1 Peter 4:12-19 Psalm 119:145-160

20/09/09 10 GEP Suffering and Glory in the Church 1 Peter 5:1-14 Psalm 119:161-176

Short Term trip to Indonesia

2009-06-23T08:53:00.003+08:00

Our Short Term trip to Indonesia with Ken Frewer leaves soon. There are 8 in the team 6 unichurchers and Ken and myself. Here is a brief itinerary for your prayers and interest:

July 07 - Arrive in Jakarta: Orientation in Indonesia's capital city

July 08 - Travel from Jakarta to Bandung visit Oz missionaries in language study, and the Revd Yopie.
July 09 - Travel Jakarta to Pontianak - West Kalimantan - overnight at hostel of the Theological College of the National Christian Protestant Church of Indonesia.Visit/observe Oz missionary family engaged in teaching English as a Second Language.
July 10-14- Travel By road to in inland towns of Bodok/Brontas/Semintoh/Sanggau - reside in homes/hostel. Engage with local church population in worship and community development activities (eg child activity program), home-visiting, sporting fixtures, outings together for mutual encouragement/sharing stories. Together mastering basic language-learning skills in Indonesian and English.

July 15- Return to Pontianak - evaluation of visit to inland. Sightseeing, shopping and eating out !

July 16 8AM by air Pontianak to Jakarta. Daytime - sightseeing in Jakarta.
Jakarta to Perth - ARRIVE PERTH at 01:15AM Friday 17 July 2009 !!

Pray for us, our health safe travel and cultural sensitivity to our hosts, mutual encouragement with hosts.

GP.

CMS: Opportunities to serve

2009-06-20T16:17:00.002+08:00

On the CMS website is a list of opportunities to serve both short term and long term. Challenge yourself by looking at the list you could be the next person CMS sends out from St. Mathtew's Shenton Park.

Click here to access the opportunities to serve list

GP

STEPPE INTO N.E. ASIA

2009-06-16T22:57:00.002+08:00

As Part of our Global Gospel Focus, meet Mikey and Lil Bayliss (and Raph – 6 months)

– our new missionary family going to N.E. Asia in 2010.

Saturday 20th June, 7.00 – 9.30p.m. St. Matthew’s Church

Come and enjoy an interactive café-style evening
Explore a world of need – millions without the Gospel
Taste the foods of Korea, Japan, Mongolia and North China

At St. Matthew's Church

RSVP: office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au or 9381 2640

Global Gospel Focus #1: Chappels in Bolivia

2009-06-14T22:02:00.003+08:00

Help us send Jeremy to Bolivia !

off to the judiciary...

2009-06-14T21:49:00.004+08:00

Click here for pics of the Family Footy Match at Rosalie Church

Enjoy ! GP

Sunset at Clergy Conference

2009-06-13T16:53:00.003+08:00

Yorkster and the leap of Faith

2009-06-11T21:02:00.001+08:00

This is the pole I was talking about....

I wet my pants doing this

GP

Postcard from Paris

2009-06-10T09:27:00.001+08:00

This Mission focus is on Libby Leach, with CMS in Paris, France seeking to reach students with the message of the Gospel. From her recent letter we sense the hard slog it is to reach secular students whose world view is so different. I think we can all relate to that. She speaks of the GBU Conference in April focussing on helping Christian students bridge this big cultural gap. This is a spiritual battle echoed long ago with Paul's words in 2 Cor 4:4 "The god of this world has blinded the eyes of those who do not believe lest the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ should shine in" It is in this that our prayers are so vital. Libby can't break through this barrier on her own. She depends on us and other prayer partners to be part of her team to defeat the Enemy of souls.

Libby asks us to pray especially for the End of Year Camp in late June when the topic will be "The End Times". They are planning for that and also wondering whether a radically new strategy is called for to reach students in this huge city. She continues to work with her two Ministry Trainees - Claire and Jungmin. Jungmin would like to continue on in student ministry but lacks funding. We can pray that Christians who have the resources, will make it possible.

Why not promise yourself to drop Libby an email to encourage her in her faithful service of the Lord Jesus.

Blodwyn Timms

I encourage you to use the Mission Partners Update to help us be faithful in upholding those far from family and friends for the sake of the Gospel. A new Mission Partners

The Global Gospel Focus June 2009

2009-06-09T17:08:00.003+08:00

June 13th - Missions Concert

June 14th - Focus on Pioneers
Hear from Jeremy and Annie Chappell headed for Bolivia early 2010 with Kaitlin, Holly, Sam and Jessica

June 20th : A Steppe into North Asia : Meet Mikey and Lil Bayliss (and Raph - 6 months) - our new missionary family going to N.E. Asia in 2010. Come and enjoy an interactive café-style evening. Explore a world of need - millions without the Gospel. Taste the foods of Korea, Japan, Mongolia and North China 7:00pm -9:30pm

June 21st - Focus on OMF

Hear from Mikey and Lil Bayliss headed for NE Asia in mid 2010 with baby Raphael

27th June CMS Missionary awareness day

June 28th - Focus on CMS
Hear from Dan Claughton, CMS Associate, Gove, N.T. and Ken Frewer
Greg Anderson (CMS, N.T,) will preach at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 5 p.m. and 7p.m.
Short Term Team to Indonesia with Ken Frewer will be commissioned at 7 p.m. service

Father's and daughters: SCC AGM

2009-06-08T10:12:00.003+08:00

If you missed Bruce Robinson at the Autumn Sessions. There is another chance...

Why not join us for an informative evening at the Shenton Christian Council AGM? Come along, share a meal and hear about what is happening with Chaplaincy and Christian Religious Education in our local schools.Business includes reports and election of officers. All reports are circulated prior to the meeting. Following the AGM, we look forward to hearing a stimulating and challenging address for families and teachers presented by Prof. Bruce Robinson.

Dr Bruce Robinson recent author of ‘Dads and their Daughters’ is also author of the best seller ‘Fathering from the Fast Lane’. A daughter's relationship with her father is usually her first male-female relationship, and it has a profound effect on her life, for good or bad.
Lecturing on fathering for nearly 20 years to thousands of people in 5 different countries, he is a doctor, teacher and scientist, with over 150 published papers and numerous awards. He co-leads The Fathering Project team at the University of Western Australia.

6.00 p.m.THURS. JUNE 11th.

at HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH

Thomas St. NEDLANDS

$10 Pay at the door
R.S.V.P. June 4th
Laurel on 9381 8095 OR
email: collin1@iinet.net.au

African Enterprise Opportunities

2009-06-08T09:35:00.000+08:00

St. Matt's has always had a connection with the work of African Enterprise and many of our members actively support its work. To remind you we have included below an extract from AE's website;
"The mission of the African Enterprise Partnership is:
To evangelise the cities of Africa through word and deed in partnership with the church
Over 45 years of ministry we have determined that the best way to achieve this mission is through the integration of four key ministry areas. These are:
Evangelism, Social Action, Reconciliation, Leadership Development

By God's grace we have seen amazing fruitfulness in our ministry. We are thankful for this and seek to be excellent in all we do, yet we understand that our primary purpose is to seek to be faithful to God's call. Therefore we are committed to upholding the following values in our ministry:
We are evangelical Christians in faith and practice
We are team based - seeking to form strategic partnerships and alliances
We are committed to reaching every strata of society holistically
We seek to bring peace where there is conflict
We are committed to the authority of scripture and hold to the Lausanne Covenant as our statement of faith"
How can you support AE?
If you are interested in supporting this work or are already involved as a supporter, African Enterprise would like you to re-affirm your interest. Peter Cheel the executive Director, together with Jeff Collett (an ex- St. Matt's member), will be in Perth at the end of this week to promote the work of African Enterprise and to plan how they might raise its profile in Western Australia.

You can assist them by indicating your interest in an email to Ian & Ngaire Jeffery at - ijeffery@aapt.net.au by Friday 12th June.
Thanks
Ian Jeffery

Leap of Faith

2009-06-08T09:13:00.001+08:00

Jack Parsons is braver than his Dad.....

Postcard from Jordan

2009-06-06T18:31:00.002+08:00

Some news of Peter R. ( Jordan) I was able to visit with Peter in April for several days. He was busy with language study (now with a tutor) and doing some IT work to generate income to fund future study plans. We joined in his bible study group (all non English speaking Christians in Jordan to learn Arabic for mission work) and had dinner with his Jordanian tutor and family, as well as visiting the Jordan River for a baptism and exploring some ancient sites in Amman and Jerash.

Peter's flat seemed to be a bit of a drop-in centre as he is very welcoming and hospitable to expats and locals alike. His Arabic was in use constantly when we were out and about. Peter has just completed a unit of study at the University of Jordan and hopes to do more next year with the ultimate goal of working on the campus. He will be back in Perth in July and looking forward to catching up with us all in Perth.

Keep praying for Peter's friendships with locals and expats and opportunities to talk about Jesus. Pray for good health and continued progress in language study.

Ask for guidance in the time back in Perth and in plans for the future in Jordan.

Allison Chapple

Braveheart!: The 5pm Highland Games

2009-05-25T16:19:00.003+08:00

Click here to view some pics from the 5pm Highland Games

Postcard from Mexico: A Chapman update

2009-05-24T22:26:00.001+08:00

Mexico has been in all of our minds since Swine Flu first hit. Our thoughts immediately turned to Rob and Shelley Chapman, our Mission Partners there. They were very prompt in emailing us to say that thus far all was well. We continue to pray for them that they will keep well and that this virus will continue to abate.

In the few months since Rob and Shelley returned to Mexico City with Tom and Luis, they have expanded their ministry to students through coffee shopping. Playa Coyote will reopen in July but in the meantime they have supported two Christian friends , Ivan and Susi, to start a similar enterprise in the form of a mobile bus, affectionately called "The Cow" but officially registered as Coffee and Milk Mobile Shop. This has now successfully run for six months and with the combined profits of it and Playa Coyote, Rob is helping Ivan and his friend Robert, to fix up yet another bus. These mobile stands are proving a rich source of contacts for their student ministry.

To follow up on these contacts, Rob and Shelley are holding meeting on most Friday nights to nurture Christian student leaders as they study the scriptures together. This group is a strategic group for us to pray for. From that group can come future leaders of the Christian student movement.

Shelley is teaching English three nights and week and as well takes a Teacher Training class on writing. Two of the girls in her English class are meeting with her each week to study the Bible.

Tom and Luis have recently been off to a Kids' Church camp and came back enthusiastic about loving Jesus. Theirs is a full and strategic ministry and deserves our prayer support.

B T

PS this note just came in

We had an earthquake here yesterday (Saturday 23rd) (the second in less than a month) and while we didn't feel it at all, others that were in the centre of the city said it was very strong and quite alarming. I have only just received the news that one of my fellow teachers from the CELE, a lovely young woman, had a heart attack as a result of the earthquake and died yesterday. Pray for her family, and pray that from this terrible news that someone will look to God and call on his name.

Autumn Session #6: Issues about dying

2009-05-24T22:14:00.003+08:00

Australia has a death denying culture. Have you thought about how you would like to die? Have you thought about how you would cope if someone close to you dies? Perhaps you have experienced the loss of a loved one. Dr Doug Bridge wants to help us face up to the issues of dying. He is head of palliative care at Royal Perth Hospital. As a doctor of palliative care he helps people die well, and he helps families cope with the death of their loved ones.

Autumn Session 6 is helping us think through the issues of dying.

Here is a seminar to think through issues of dying well! Facing death and grief. It will be an interactive session and time for asking questions about this most sensitive issue.

Autumn Session 6: Weds 27th May 7:45pm

At St. Matthew's Church
RSVP: office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au or 9381 2640

New Women's Bible Study

2009-05-21T08:37:00.001+08:00

A new Monday morning Women’s Bible study is starting. They would love women to join them, please come to a launch morning tea on Monday 25th May. Bible Study starts on Mon June 8th.

For more info contact:
Sue Parsons 9388 1914
or Kylie van der Kooy 9361 2231

Mission Concert

2009-05-20T11:00:00.004+08:00

Missions Concert

Saturday 13th June, 7pm

Fund raising concert
for our short term mission trips to China and Indonesia in July.

$20.00 per ticket (+ other
donations gratefully received)

Concert - A wonderful mix of musical style and culture; Chinese, African, Indian & Aussie. People will sing with swing & without, a story will be told, bells will ring & Bach will be heard. From sweet violin to classical guitar & some Jazz for pizzazz.

RSVP church office

93812640 or office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au

and tickets will be on sale at all services.

Missions Working Group

Autumn Session 5: Living together, Black and White

2009-05-18T14:18:00.007+08:00

Self determination, reconciliation, treaty, Intervention, even "sorry" are words thrown around in recent discussions of indigenous issues. But what about the people? What is it like to be an indigenous person living in Perth? What are the issues of strattling two cultures in the same city? How can we live together in Perth city as black and white?
Autumn session 5 Living Together, Black and White

David Michie is chairing a panel of local indigenous people so they can share their story about what it is like to be indigenous Australian in Perth. David has a long history as a family councillor amongst indigenous communities, he continues to help indigenous families relate in healthy ways and make the most of life.
St. Matthew's supports AEF at Balga as one of our mission Partners. Harley Hayward is the pastor of Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship (AEF) I strongly encourage you to come to this session to be informed about what are some of the issues for indigenous people living in our city.
As we take the opportunity to love our indigenous neigbours in Perth, here is a chance for us to be informed through the stories of indigenous people from our city.

Autumn Session 5: 21st May 7:45pm At St. Matthew's Church

office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au
RSVP 9381 2640

Autumn Session 7: Daughters and Dads

2009-05-18T13:41:00.003+08:00

Here is some more information About Session 7:

Fathers and father-figures have a powerful impact on girls, for good or bad (or often a mixture of both). This affects the girl’s sense of her attractiveness, her confidence and they way she relates to men throughout her life. So it is vital that men understand what it is that their daughters need from them as distinct from their sons.

Also, adult women continue to be impacted by the way they related to their fathers, even when become adults. It is helpful for adult daughters to understand those impacts so that they can begin to live free of any negative impacts.

This is a seminar for fathers, father figures, and adult daughters.

"That was the best talk I have ever heard on any subject. Thank you. My wife enjoyed it too and said she was glad I was there to listen to it". John Alvarez. Surgeon. Perth.

The Speaker: Dr Bruce Robinson has been lecturing on subjects such as parenting, boys and girls needs, busy lifestyles and work-life balance 19 years in Australia, Britain, the USA, Canada and New Zealand. He is a busy doctor and knows what it is like to struggle with the balance of professional life, family life and time away from his 3 children.

His best selling book about busy dads (‘Fathering from the Fast Lane’), his DVD (‘What Kids Really Need from their Dads’), his booklet for school dads (“The Blue Book of Tips for Fathers and Father Figures’) are all popular. His recently released book for men and women is titled ‘Daughters and their Dads’ and is already in its second printing. He is the recipient of a Family Service Award, 3 Teacher of the Year awards and numerous scientific awards. “Bruce Robinson is Australia’s foremost author on fathering.” W Marsh, Fatherhood Foundation.

The Book: This seminar is based on the popular book ‘Daughters and their Dads’, released late in 2008.

“You'll love the stories from this book and they'll keep you reading, fathers and daughters alike”. Geraldine Doogue, ABC presenter, journalist and author

“Father and daughter relationships can be like gold if you take the time to foster them. I recommend this book for all dads”. Justin Langer, Test Cricketer

“This is a book that will help dads and families handle a potentially tricky divide”. Dennis Cometti, AFL Commentator

“In relation to the book, one word describes how I feel about it – Outstanding!”
Glenn A Williams, Focus on the Family, USA

Session 7 Thursday 28th May, 2008 7:45pm St. Matthew's Church

RSVP 9381 2640 or office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au

Family Footy Match

2009-05-16T19:04:00.004+08:00

We want you to sign up for the Rosalie Church Family Footy Match, (for Primary School aged kids and their parents) 14th June, straight after Rosalie Church at the Rosalie School Oval .

Proper rules, proper posts, proper umpires, proper coaches...
...and a family BBQ afterward.
Kevin Kendell's blokes group are hosting this.
Roly Edwardes is coordinationg the match.
Please register both parent and child
by emailing Roly at roly.edwardes@kbr.com

GP
(I am looking forward to hammering Year 6 boys...be warned Jack Parsons)

The Autumn Session and Stress

2009-05-14T10:47:00.002+08:00

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

2009-05-12T09:10:00.004+08:00

Each year the Cancer Council of Australia encourages individuals and community groups to particpate in The Biggest Morning Tea. Thurday morning Women's Bible study have hosted this for a few years now.
This year we are going to hear the story of those who have cared for cancer sufferers.

Men and women are welcome!
bring a friend along.....
When: Thursday 28th May, 9:30am-11:30am
Where: St Matthew's Anglican Church, Shenton Park
(corner Onslow Rd and Derby Rd)
RSVP: to the office and book your child/children into the crèche,
by calling 93812640 or emailing the office.

office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au
All donations to the Cancer Council.

Click, For more info from the Cancer Council Website

GP

Living with the Underworld

2009-05-11T10:30:00.005+08:00

I mentioned this Book on Sunday, here is a promo I plundererd from Matthias Press:

Evil spirits. Demons. Ghosts. Magic. Satan.
Do these words speak of a frightening spiritual reality? Or are they the silly remnants of a more superstitious age? The modern world seems to lurch between these two attitudes. At one level, we have never been more sceptical about ghosts and demons and Satan. And yet there are many, even in Western societies, who are deeply fearful of evil spiritual forces. There are yet more still who find the topic fascinating and endlessly devour movies and TV shows that exploit these ideas and themes.
Christians also often swing between paying the devil far too much attention, and not enough. Some Christian groups become obsessed with notions of ‘spiritual warfare’ and ridding people of demons, whilst other Christians regard such talk—even though it is found in the Bible—as outdated and part of the superstitious misunderstanding of the world from less enlightened, less scientific times.

In Living with the Underworld, the head of New Testament Studies at Moore Theological College, Peter Bolt, takes readers on a breathtaking journey through the spiritual underworld revealed in the pages of Scripture, and shows how Jesus came to reveal its true nature, neutralize its power, and liberate us to live without fear. Living with the Underworld does not dismiss the Scriptural evidence of the spiritual underworld, but nor does it go beyond what we can know about that realm. Peter Bolt explores what God reveals to us in the Bible, and very helpfully points us to the power and significance of the cross. In so doing, he reveals a little-understood framework for understanding the life, death and resurrection of Jesus—a framework that will enlarge and enlighten evangelical thinking. It is important to understand the underworld properly, because this will help us
understand the message of the Bible better, which will benefit everybody. If we understand the Bible better, we will better be able to understand the threat the underworld poses to us all, and this will help us to more compellingly hear the invitation that Jesus is extending to us all. (page 18) In Living with the Underworld, Peter Bolt brings his quirky and humorous style to his topic, and makes his book hard to put down because it is so fascinating and engaging 160 pages.

A recommendation from Don Carson:

"In a Hollywood-constrained vision of angels and devils, of monsters and the living dead, of alternative worlds with goblins and terrors and sorcerers, we need to recognize where the true horrors lie, where contemporary fantasies embody them, and where they entirely miss the mark. Peter Bolt is a good guide because his 'take' is firmly grounded in a careful reading of the Bible and in an equally sensitive grasp of twenty-first century Western culture. Besides, his book, far from being terrifyingly ponderous and gray, is a pleasure to read. It might even get you to go back and look at a recent film with fresh eyes."

Click to order or find it at a christian bookstore near you!

Postcard from Bolivia

2009-05-09T15:40:00.003+08:00

“Serving the orphaned and abandoned children of Bolivia”April, 2009

The Timmers…
A family with a mission
Cochabamba, Bolivia www.IOUBolivia.org
You can call us any time at our Michigan number 616-928-2210
Or email us at: timmermb@iteams.org

The Chapare rain forest is only about a three hour drive from where we live; however, it seems like a different country. As one of the biggest coca growing regions there has always been a struggle between the US DEA agents limiting the coca growth to legitimate purposes and the resident’s desire to plant more of this lucrative crop. Since Evo has asked the US to leave, coca production has hit an all time high. Our psychologist, Aldo, was remembering the 80’s when Bolivians would purchase cocain in the markets just like bananas and bread. He recalled the gross negligence of drying the coca leaves on the school playgrounds. In just a few short months we started to see an emboldened people push back. The local governments in the remote areas are called sindicatos and have been granted autonomy from the federal government. They can
have their own elections, set their own laws and carry them out as they see fit. For the first time in six years we’ve seen some persecution towards the church and the ministry as they questioned the use of our beautiful homes for only 10 children. We’ve managed to talk through our desire to help the most desperately poor in their community but it still caught me off guard. On a brighter note…we met a lovely couple who are interested in being house parents in the third home. Julian and Ruth have two children, Lizeth 2 and Jose new born. Ruth has been a member of our partner church since she was born and Julian is a member of the Pentecostal Church. Julian shared with tears in his eyes how he was orphaned when his father and mother passed away within two years of each other. He remembers not being able to afford the 75 cent
sandals that other children wore and how cold his feet were in the mountain city of Potosi. He said even today when he sees children in the street he gives them what ever food he has on him because he remembers what it’s like to be hungry. We’ve agreed to pray through this opportunity and move forward when God’s made it clear that this is where they belong. As Aldo and I left the jungle we saw coca leaves being dried on the school playground. Many missions are pulling out or holding back from working here; personally I think its time to double our efforts.

Please join us in praying for this unique area of Bolivia and a people who desperately need a relationship with Jesus.

The Timmers

Autumn Sessions have begun...

2009-05-08T21:01:00.002+08:00

David Michie kicked off The Autumn Sessions for us with his seminar on Raising Resilient Kids.
A copy of his notes will be available on line in the next few days and an audio file of his talk a few days after that.
David is back on the 21st May with
Living together, Black & White
He will lead a Panel of indigenous people to help us understand the issues for indigenous people in Perth.

Next week
Session 2 13th May Surviving Work/Life Stress Dr. Daniel Morkell
Session 3 14th May Helping Families avoid addictions Dr. George O'Neil
See you at the next session....

GP

Grant for Fresh Start

2009-05-06T13:30:00.005+08:00

Today's news report says:

The State Government will provide an additional $500,000 towards a heroin treatment clinic in Perth.

George O'Neil pioneered the Naltrexone implant and has been lobbying the Government for an extra $2 million to keep his Subiaco clinic running.

The Government already provides funding of more than $1 million a year.

The Naltrexone implant has never been fully registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

The latest funding agreement is conditional on Dr O'Neil agreeing to the appointment of an independent researcher to examine his research material and determine what work is needed to achieve registration.

George is speaking at Autumn Session #3
George is the medical researcher for the Fresh Start recovery programme.
He is speaking on the topic Helping Families avoid addictions.

Register you and your friend as soon as you can (for our seating and catering information ) By calling 93812640 or emailing the office
office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au Cost $5

GP

Thank God for your Mother

2009-05-05T11:11:00.000+08:00

Mothers Day from Sydneyanglicans.net on Vimeo.

The Most 'Entertaining' Dinner Party in Town

2009-05-05T10:55:00.002+08:00

The Shenton Christian Council is selling the Entertainment Book again this year as our major fundraiser for Chaplaincy.

The book is filled with hundreds of 25%-50% off and 2-for-1 offers on almost everything you can imagine - fine dining, casual dining, arts, leisure, attractions, accommodation, travel, and more.
These represent exceptional value at only $65 and will be valid to June 1st 2010. (For each book sold we receive $13)

Numbers are limited so don’t miss out!

(Order and make Payment to Shenton Christian Council ASAP)

Books will be available in late May 2009.

To order your copy, pay and then pick up,

contact Your local Shenton Christian Council Church Rep.

Laurel Collin P: 9381 8095 M: 0414 727515

Collin1@iinet.net.au

Senior Youth Group – 5pm Sundays @ Brian Snell’s Home

2009-05-01T09:00:00.001+08:00

Senior Youth Group – 5pm Sundays @ Brian Snell’s Home
(Unit 11, cnr Roberts & Coghlan Rds, Subiaco)

2 Timothy…from Timothy

May 3 Welcome and Stand up for the Gospel
May 10 Battling for the Truth
May 17 No Pain, No Gain
May 24 Watch your Tongue
May 31 Living in the Last Days
June 17 Be Different
June 14 No Regrets
June 21 Stand Firm to the End
June 28 Party

Leaders
Senior Boys: Brian Snell and James Bennett
Senior Girls: Tiff Chin and Kate Souness

Senior Youth Group

Saturdays
May 9 The Great Escape
May 23 Go Karting
June 6 LAN Party / Secret Women’s Business
June 20 Indoor Rock Climbing

For more information about St Matt’s Senior Youth, call Jeremy Chappell 0430 351 807 or visit http://www.stmattsyouthteam.blogspot.com/

Junior Youth Group – 7pm Fridays @ St Matts Hall

2009-05-01T08:59:00.001+08:00

Desiring Isaiah

May 1 Intro to Isaiah
May 8 Confessing our Need for God - Isaiah 64:1-9
May 15 Receiving Good News from God - Is 40:1-11
May 22 Enjoying God’s Blessing - Isaiah 61
May 29 *Celebrating a Baby’s Birth - Isaiah 9:1-7
June 5 *Crazy Games Night
June 12 *Trusting in God’s Promises - Isaiah 62
June 19 A Light to the Nations - Isaiah 42 - 50
June 26 Healed by His Wounds - Isaiah 53:1-12

Although everyone is welcome, the nights with the * are designed for newcomers and friends. For more information about St Matt’s Junior Youth, call Jeremy Chappell 0430 351 807, Matt Lydon 0431 917 225 or Ali Lydon 0422 362 225 or visit http://www.stmattsyouthteam.blogspot.com/

Junior Youth Bible Study – 10am Sundays

2009-05-01T08:58:00.000+08:00

Christian Living

May 3 Joy and Contentment
May 10 Guidance and Wisdom
May 17 Sin and Repentance
May 24 Temptation
May 31 Relationships
June 7 Generosity and Compassion
June 14 Worship and Service
June 21 Faith, Hope and Love
June 28 Family Service

Leaders
Junior Boys: Matt Lydon, Sturt Ledger and Ben Jones
Junior Girls: Ali Lydon and Steph Ritchie

St Matt’s Junior Youth, call Jeremy Chappell 0430 351 807, Matt Lydon 0431 917 225 or Ali Lydon 0422 362 225 or visit www.stmattsyouthteam.blogspot.com

Kids’ Church – Term 2 10am Sundays

2009-05-01T08:56:00.000+08:00

Snapshots of Samuel

May 3 1Sam 3 Calling all Samuels…
May 10 1 Sam 8 We Wanna King
May 17 1 Sam 9 Saul, Saul, He’s our man…
May 24 1 Sam 12 It’s Time to Go…Samuel
May 31 1 Sam 16 And the Winner is…David
June 7 1 Sam 17 Fight Night: David vs Goliath
Jun 14 1 Sam 18-31 The Good the Bad & The Ugly
June 21 2 Sam 5 Long Live the King
June 28 Family Service

Leaders

K – PP Sam Rae, Greg Collin and Nirel Crombie
Yr 1 Emily Reeve and Tom Kooy
Yr 2 Adrian Mikula and Taliah Crombie
Yr 3 Boyd Crook and Erin Hookey
Yr 4 Judson and Cath Williams
Yr 5 Jeremy Chappell
Yr 6 Caleb and Lauren Castlehow

For more information about St Matt’s Kid’s Church, please contact the Children’s and Youth Pastor, Jeremy Chappell, on 0430 351 807.

Entrusted with the Gospel

2009-04-27T20:26:00.003+08:00

Here are the audio links for some excellent talks on 2 Timothy
by John Piper, Tim Keller, Don Carson and friends.
Audio and video files of the main talks at last week’s The Gospel Coalition 2009 Conference in Chicago are now online.

Good listening

Gavin

Countdown to the Autumn Session

2009-04-27T20:02:00.005+08:00

This week is a good week to invite someone to the Autumn Session. These are seminars for our friends and neighbours so we can have some education and discussion on important life issues:

(for our seating and catering information )

By calling 93812640 or emailing the office

office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au

1. Raising resilient kids, Thurs 7th May,

Dr. David Michie Skills for parents

2. Surviving work/life stress, Weds 13th May,

Dr. Daniel MorkellSkills for the stressed

3. Helping Families avoid addictions, Thurs 14th May,

Dr. George O’Neil, Director of Fresh Start recovery programme.
Skills for drug proofing your family

4. Make Poverty History, Weds 20th May,

Steve McKinnon, Tear Fund WA Poverty awareness raising

5. Living Together, Black & White, Thurs 21st May,

David Michie chairing an indigenous panel.

Awareness raising of indigenous issues in Perth

6. Issues about Dying, Weds 27th May,

Dr. Doug BridgeHead of palliative care at Royal Perth Hospital.
Skills in Facing Death

7. Fathers and Daughters, Thurs 28th May,

Dr. Bruce Robinson, Skills in family relationships

See you there

Join us for a busy Bee

2009-04-27T19:49:00.003+08:00

We invite you to join us to help us keep our church and grounds in good order at two working Bees.

Gardening: Saturday 2nd May, 9am.

General Maintenance: Saturday, 23rd May, 9am

Please bring your favourite tools.

Rob Lydon & Russell Hall

Buildings & Grounds Committee

All congregations prayer meeting

2009-04-27T19:35:00.002+08:00

Just a reminder
of our all congregations prayer meeting.

4th May
7.45pm till 9.00pmish

Please join us as we pray for second term events, The Autumn Session, church planning, and national and international issues.
Don't feel the pressure to pray aloud but come and add your Amen to ours as we give commit our plans to God.

When Paul writes to the collosians, He writes:

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Join us for prayer !
It is the best thing you will do all week!
Gavin

Anzac Weekend : A good day to pray for peace

2009-04-26T18:42:00.001+08:00

The Apostle Paul instructs Timothy that prayers be made for peace on a regular basis in the church."I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Anzac Day reminds us men and women serve in our armed forces with a view to bring peace in the troubled spots of the world. The Australian Army currently has significant forces deployed on four major operations :

1. Operation Catalyst - Australia's commitment to the Coalition forces in Iraq. Overwatch Battle Group (West Iraq); this is a battlegroup consisting of a headquarters, infantry company, armoured squadron and training team, with a total of 450 personnel. This has two tasks: Provide support to local Iraqi security forces Assist in the training of local Iraqi Army units so that they are able to take over the internal and external defence of their country.

2. Operation Slipper - Australia's commitment to the War on Terror. The army contribution is primarily concentrated in Afghanistan:

3. Operation Astute - Australia's commitment to Timor-Leste. This constitutes the largest overseas deployment of Australian forces, with around 925 troops deployed. These are primarily formed into a single battlegroup.

4. Operation Anode - Australia's commitment to the Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has changed over the years, with an initial influx of over 2000 troops to one Platoon of Australians, New Zealanders and Pacific Islanderers just before the riots of April 2006.Australians are also involved in other peacekeeping operations:

A. Operation Mazurka - Australia's commitment to Multinational Force and Observers (MFO). From 1982-1986, the RAAF provided rotory wing aviation support.

B. Operation Paladin - is the Army's longest ongoing operation, where Australian personnel have served since 1956. Operation Paladin is Australia's contribution to the UN Truce Arab/Israeli War.Pray for our armed forces as they seek to bring peace in the world,often in places were violence rules and there is no peace.Paul prays for earthly peace that we might have an opportunity to find peace with God through Jesus. Paul prays that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness For..."This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time".Pray for peace on earth.Pray for the armed forces of our country as they seek to bring peace in difficult places.Pray for peace with God that comes through knowing Jesus.

"Lest We Forget"

Foolishness to Greeks

2009-04-13T22:36:00.005+08:00

On Good friday I mentioned an early piece of anti Christian graffiti from the second century was discovered in 1857 in a guardroom on Palatine Hill near the Circus Maximus in Rome, and is now in the Palatine Antiquarian Museum.
The graffitti shows a man with a donkey’s head being crucified, to which a youth is raising his hand as if in prayer. The text in Greek reads: ALEXAMENOS SEBETE THEON which means, "Alexamenos worships his god."

It is an oddity of history that christians embrace the cross, an instrument of capital punishment, as their symbol of their faith.

Minicius Felix wrote in those days "the religion of the Christians is foolish, in asmuch as they worship a crucified man, and even the instrument itself of his punishment. They are said to worship the head of a donkey , and even the nature of their father"

Christianity was "foolishness to Greeks" then and foolishness to most Aussies now.

Church and State reunited

2009-04-06T08:59:00.002+08:00

Here is an interesting Article in the Australian about Christians in government:

SIX months after being elected, a god-squad of devout Liberals preaching morality and Christian values in a parliament better known for misconduct and lewd behaviour is shaping as a new force in West Australian politics. While their views are not unique - other state politicians such as Liberal David Clarke, Christian Democrats Fred Nile and Gordon Moyes in NSW, and Family First's Robert Brokenshire and Dennis Hood in South Australia, have pushed similar themes for years - the new MPs in Western Australia potentially pack a bigger punch.

They're in government, not Opposition, and they have the numbers. The group is being closely watched after putting Premier Colin Barnett on notice that integrity and moral certainties would guide their votes.

Chief among the Bible-belters, Peter Abetz, an ordained minister of the Christian Reformed Church and the brother of right-wing Liberal senator Eric Abetz, makes no bones about his intention to put his Christian values first, even if it means breaking ranks. Outspoken against abortion, euthanasia and legalised prostitution, which he says legitimises the sexual abuse of women, he claims WA has been under attack from politicians reshaping it in ways that harm the most vulnerable.

"I think, broadly speaking, people regard politicians as pretty low on the integrity scale. I can only chip away trying to reform it," Abetz tells Inquirer. "If there was some element that I thought was unconscionable, then I would say to Colin Barnett: 'I'm either going to have to cross the floor or I'm going to wag parliament that day."'

Click here for full article

Paul calls us to pray for those in government,

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Tim 2:1-3

Pray for those who serve us in government that they may reflect the truth and justice of God in all their decisions.

GP

Mum, what is Easter all about?

2009-04-02T11:06:00.003+08:00

Celebrate Easter with us

Good Friday

9:30am at Rosalie School, Hot Cross Buns after

Resurrection Sunday

8:00am At Church

10:00am at Rosalie School

10:30am Unichurch International church At UWA (Simmonds Lecture Theatre)

5:00pm At Church

7:00pm At Unichurch, UWA (Social Science Lecture Theatre)

Can you help us letter box drop, Postacards are in the church foyer

For more info

Office 93812640

The Truth about Jesus

2009-04-01T10:39:00.003+08:00

Easter is always a time for the emergence of kooky ideas, it is good to remember what the truth is at the heart of the Christian Faith.

The Thirty-nine Articles summarise what Christians believe, Anglican Christians in particular. Here are a couple of the articles that strengthen what we believe to be true about Jesus at Easter (reflect on their significance):

Article II Of the Word or Son of God, which was made very Man

The Son, which is the Word of the Father, begotten from everlasting of the Father, the very and eternal God, and of one substance with the Father, took Man’s nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin, of her substance: so that two whole and perfect Natures, that is to say, the Godhead and Manhood, were joined together in one Person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God, and very Man; who truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile His Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for all actual sins of men.

Article VI Of the Sufficiency of the holy Scriptures for salvation

Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the holy Scripture, we do understand those Canonical books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.

Article XXXI Of the one Oblation of Christ finished upon the Cross

The Offering of Christ once made is that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction, for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for sin, but that alone....

Article IV Of the Resurrection of Christ

Christ did truly rise again from death, and took again his body, with flesh, bones, and all things appertaining to the perfection of Man’s nature; wherewith he ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth, until he return to judge all Men at the last day.

....It is good for us to remember what the truth is that Christianity is founded on. This will give us an answer for the hope we have in Jesus and prepare us to give an answer for all the kooky ideas that surface around Easter time.

Prayer points for Dongara

2009-04-01T10:27:00.001+08:00

Dear prayer supporter,

The beginning of the year has brought a new resolve on our part to “share not only the gospel of God but our very lives as well” (1 Thess. 2:8) with the people of Dongara and Mingenew. We highly value your prayers and support. Thanks for you partnership in the gospel here.

Yours in Christ,

Matt and Corinne Malcolm (and Kate, Sam and Lucy)
Give thanks and praise:

· For refreshing holidays and renewed zeal for ministry in Dongara and Mingenew
· For the new group meeting to go through “So Many Questions”
· For individuals growing in Christ and for some “religious” church goers re-examining their relationship with God (preaching through Mark’s gospel and then Romans 1-8)
· For Kate going to Kindy at Dongara District High School – and the opportunities to engage the school community
· For Tyler, Penny, Elijah and Devery Swartzentruber – who continue to be a great support and encouragement to us
· For God’s faithfulness, grace and love to us through the Lord Jesus

Please ask God:

· That we might be faithful to Jesus and to his gospel truth, loving God and people around us
· For the “So many Questions” course – and the follow on to “Introducing God” next term
· For Barbara – that she might understand the gospel and put her faith in Jesus
· For good habits of Bible reading and prayer together as a family and individually for Matt and Corinne (and for the Swartzentrubers too!)
· For Corinne and Penny as they seek to see their friends come to know Jesus
· For Matt and Tyler as they seek to engage with the blokes at basketball and tennis
· For the retired clergyman and his wife as they contemplate living and ministering in Mingenew (and for a house for them in town)
· For strength and faithfulness in Tyler as he continues to serve at Geraldton Grammar School
· For faithfulness and perseverance as Matt teaches SRE (Scripture) at Dongara and Mingenew Primary Schools

M4M: Postcard from Gove

2009-04-01T10:20:00.000+08:00

Hi Friends,
I've just arrived back in the 'Territory' after a week at home with some of you, for Nuffy and Karens' wedding. It was a great time away I'm feeling recharged for my next stint up here. This year has taken a bit of adjusting as I've settled into my third home in just over 12 months. I'm starting to feel more at home in the bush than the city now which I think is a positive sign. It's a way of life that is challenging, but laid back. It's often hard work but the weekends are usually great times of relaxing with countless hours spent at a beach, billabong or waterfall. I've had the opportunity to witness some unique Aboriginal culture during a number of ceremonies. Sadly all events have been funerals so far, as three of our patients have passed away. On each occassion a large group of traditionally dressed Yolngu men and women have been present. Typically if the patient dies in the hospital the relatives will be ready to immediately come and demonstrate their sorrow. On one occassion a terminally ill patient passed away and within minutes the room was filled with wailing and women throwing themselves at the deceased persons body to demonstrate their grief. One woman cut her head badly on the ground and required medical treatment. I was confirming the death of the patient as parents were holding their small children up to the body to allow them one final goodbye. A large group of men arrived playing didgeridoos and tapping sticks. They took the body to the morgue while dancing and chanting. One man had a small bag of bones from the deceaseds' ancestors which he shook in his teeth. The Aboriginal liason officer explained to me this was to call the spirits of the deceased persons ancestors so that his spirit would be able to find them in the after-life. On another occasion, in the Raminiging community, I was invited in to a funeral of a young girl who had committed suicide. All her mothers (women who belonged to the same skin group as her biological mother) were sitting in the middle room of a house with the body in a coffin covered in flowers. By traditional law they had to maintain a vigil by the body for the duration of the funeral which took a week. During the evening there was dancing outside the house with men in one group dancing in a line to didgeridoos while the women started on the edge of the gathering and slowly danced towards the men. The tempo increased part way through the dance and it became a fast choreographed routine which was quite amazing. It was interesting that at the funeral there was Jesus' portrait displayed which I think demonstrated the the mix of tradional religion with Christianity. I wasn't able to understand much of what I witnessed as Yolngu Matha is the only language spoken. Hopefully as I learn more language I'll be able to understand what it all means. I was told the the men and women dancing replicate different totem animals. Everybody at birth is given a particular animal name which becomes their totem for life. Dances for example, mimick the python (the men) or brolga (women). Totems affect hunting as well and certain animals are only to be hunted by some people. I had the chance to go hunting with some guys and learn how to throw the spear which is harder than it looks. I certainly couldn't see the fish and stingray that others were seeing all the time! I'm keen to get into more cultural activities and am trying to learn more about the language by doing an external course at Charles Darwin University in the Gupapuyngu dialect of Yolngu Matha. I'll let you know when I can say a few words! Otherwise I'm glad to be 'home' and will write again soon.

Cheers Daniel

Please pray for:-
Settling into church, a small Baptist church.
Help learning language and culture
Making relationships with local Aboriginals
Give thanks for such a beautiful place to live close to beaches and islands.

The Life of Jesus: A New Documentary with John Dixon

2009-03-26T20:43:00.003+08:00

It’s been announced that a one hour excerpt from John Dickson’s new documentary, The Life of Jesus, will air across Australia on the Seven Network on Good Friday, 10th April.

Produced by the Centre for Public Christianity and Anglican Media Sydney, it’s an ideal way to start conversations about Jesus over Easter.

See the programme’s website for a preview

Click here for website

The Autumn Session May 2009

2009-03-24T12:22:00.007+08:00

We invite you to The Autumn Session. This is a series of seminars in May 09 to help us think more deeply about important life issues so we can live life to the full. It’s about healthy relationships. 7:45pm to 9:30pm at St. Matthew’s Church Cost $5:

1. Raising resilient kids
Thurs 7th May, Dr. David Michie
Skills for parents

2. Surviving work/life stress
Weds 13th May, Dr. Daniel Morkell
Skills for the stressed

3. Helping Families avoid addictions
Thurs 14th May, Dr. George O’Neill
Director of Fresh Start recovery programme.

Skills for drug proofing your family

4. Make Poverty History
Weds 20th May, Steve McKinnon, Tear Fund WA
Poverty awareness raising

5. Living Together, Black & White.
Thurs 21st May, David Michie chairing an indigenous panel.
Awareness raising of indigenous issues in Perth.

6. Issues about Dying
Weds 27th May, Dr. Doug Bridge
Head of palliative care at Royal Perth Hospital.

Skills in Facing Death

7. Fathers and Daughters
Thurs 28th May Dr. Bruce Robinson
Skills in family relationships

St. Matthew’s Shenton Park
Cnr. Derby and Onslow Rd
RSVP Office 9381 2640
office@stmattsshentonpark.org.au

Reaching out to Aussies on holiday

2009-03-11T14:31:00.003+08:00

Are you interested in spending part of your summer holidays telling other people about Jesus? Come to a Scripture Union information and planning meeting at Subiaco Church of Christ (260 Bagot Rd) on Saturday 4 April, 3.30-5.00pm. Hear about the Family Festival at Ocean Beach Caravan Park in Denmark and SU's plans to multiply this mission.

For more info contact Khim Harris 0433 033 174.

2009-03-10T16:02:00.003+08:00

St Matthew’s Missions Working Group is offering an opportunity to experience life and ministry in another culture in a rural mountainous (2100m) area of West China.

Date July 10th - August 8th (plus travelling time)

Cost AUD $ 2600 (plus personal spending money)

Task Teaching oral English to low level English speakers. No teaching
experience, or training in ESL is required Team Up to 6 people some of whom could speak Mandarin.

Applications By March 31st

Travel By air to Chengtu, air to Xichang, then a 3 hr bus trip to destination

John and Blodwyn Timms are available to take a team to Szechuan Province, to a small town where OMF has been seeking to reach one of the minority groups - the Yi people They number 6.5 million but there is no viable church. OMF is the only NGO in the area and they are reaching people through a youth centre, community development and vocational and livestock training. The team from St Matthew’s would work with young people who are on summer holidays who want to improve their English. We would help in the programme which would be led by a small group from Canada who have run it in previous years. The programme would conclude with the famous Torch Festival. The lifestyle of the long term workers speak the truth of the message they bring.

St Matthew’s sees these short term mission trips as valuable ways of trusting God in new ways, and being trained in ministry. Those who would like to go are encouraged to gather a group to pray for them and to look to God for the necessary monies. The Missions Working Group is organising a Music Concert for 13th June and this money would be shared among those who go. There would be some orientation sessions prior to departure

If you are interested please contact John and Blodwyn on 9245 5330 or (M) 0422 798 169 / 0412 707 964 or jbtimms@australiaonline.net.au

Urgent CMS Prayer Request – Jono & Amy Vink

2009-03-03T10:34:00.002+08:00

Urgent Prayer Request – Jono & Amy Vink
Tanzania – 2 March 2009

Amy and Jono were at my church in Terrey Hills
as supporters of CMS we have been sent this prayer request

GP

To our dear friends,

Thank you for your prayers. We are writing to let you know that we will unexpectedly be heading back to Australia arriving Wednesday morning. Amy has been having tests this week in Nairobi because of suspicious breast lump and the results were not looking good so Jono drove up to join her with the kids on Thrusday and we were told the final diagnosis on Friday that the lump was cancer.

We will fly out of Nairobi on Tuesday rather than spend another 10 hours returning to Musoma and 1 or 2 days madly packing and saying goodbyes and then another day to get to Dar on top of an already long flight back to Australia. However, this decision means we have left and packed like we are going away for a weekend rather than a couple of months, we have about 4 sets of clothes each and very little else and our house is not packed in anyway, so we have not emotionally or physically planned for leaving Tanzania or returning to Australia - please pray for us in this speedy transition.

Please pray also that we will be able to get into the public medical system quickly and begin treatment - we have no idea of how to do this and would appreciate your prayers for Gods preparing the way for all that needs to happen. Please pray also for fast and effective treatment but most of all that God will be glorified through our response to all that is ahead us.

Thank you for your prayers, love and concern. We are very aware of God sustaining us at this time and his goodness through Jesus Christ, we are thankful for his incredble care of us and promises in His word. We know He is a good God and will carry us through this time. Pray that we may live lives worthy of all He is calling us to.

Lastly we are very thankful for CMS' care and response to us, bringing a family of 6 back to Australia is a large and unexpected cost especially in these financial times, thank you for all who give and enable this to happen.

we love you all
the Vinksters

Perth Children's Ministry Convention

2009-02-26T15:13:00.004+08:00

Perth Children's Ministry Convention

28 March 2009 Music with Meaning
Venue: St Mark's Anglican Community School St Marks Drive Hillarys

Show location map
Workshop Electives PCMC 2009

Singing for non-musicians: Deborah Chappell & Jeremy Chappell
Singing is a great gift from God, to connect fact and feeling. But what if you can't sing? Or sing on one note? Or are embarrassed to sing? This workshop will use fun exercises to help you overcome some of these inhibitions and to equip you, a non-musician, with ideas on how to lead singing with children.

Writing songs for children : David Hummerston

This workshop will now consist of two sessions: Part A from 1.30-2.30 and Part B from 4.00-5.00. In the first session David Hummerston will share his experience of writing songs for children and then focus on the importance of beginning with the child, using his/her life and language to communicate truth. In the second session participants will work in groups and begin to construct lyrics and music to fit a range of child profiles. It is desirable, but not essential to do the first session if you want to do the second.

Integrating children's music and church music: Sharon Jackson & Ann Bettison

This workshop is designed for church music teams and their leaders. It will give practical examples of how to break down the separation that can exist between congregational music and children's music.

Drama and music to enhance music: John & Ellie Macpherson

Looking for new ways to involve children in songs? There are simple ways to build fantastic drama and movement ideas around the right songs. In this workshop John and Ellie will demonstrate the creative process involved in dramatising a song. Then you will be able to work in groups to begin developing your own ideas around a song. We will be using original songs written for this purpose on the theme of Christmas and Easter. You will go away with a working process and a sample of songs.

Using mainly music in outreach to families with young children: Adrienne Robinson

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to discover the worldwide outreach of mainly music, connecting church and community, reaching caregiver and child at the same time through a fun filled 30 minute session of music, action and rhyme, followed by morning tea and playtime. mainly music enables a team of volunteers of all ages to journey alongside those who attend. It caters for families with children ages 0-5, with 280 groups in Australia and more than 25 in W.A. In this workshop you will have the opportunity to experience an interactive mainly music session. You will also discover: why mainly music? how to set up your own group
how God has used mainly music See http://www.mainlymusic.org.au/ for further information

Technology and music: Jillian Flynn & Oliver Lindsell

Don't know your MP3 from your DVD? Caught between a ROM and a hard drive? In a dilemma over what technology is available to aid music time in your Children's Ministry? Advances in music technology have surged forward in recent years, leaving many of us behind or confused about what is available and how it can be used effectively to enhance music time. This workshop will unravel the mystery that is Music Technology: some of the tools avaiable, the limitations and benefits it offers and its place in helping with music time. By the time you leave, you will be able to decide what technology best suits your ministry with resources available.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
PCMC 2009 Brochure 526.62 Kb

REGISTER ONLINE
PCMC 2009 Registration 21.35 Kb

To the ends of the earth: Acts 9-7 study guide

2009-02-26T15:12:00.001+08:00

The Acts 9-17 study guide is available

to coincide with our talk series. This is for individuals in personal reading of the Bible, or for small groups to use together

Click here to download PDF Version

enjoy

Gavin

The Fifteen minute challenge after church

2009-02-26T14:55:00.003+08:00

As God's people we are called to love our neighbour and love the stranger.

St. Matthew's Rosalie has had a good number of visitors and inquirers among us each Sunday.

Sometimes in our busyness to see the regulars or get the admin jobs done, we can inadvertantly overlook the vistors and the strangers.

I want to encourage you to take the first fifteen minutes after church has finished to deliberately welcome the people you don't know. This way we tighten our net of hospitality to visitors and seekers. Say no admin, say no to chairs, say no to
other jobs...welcome the stranger especially.

People are more important than jobs!

"they will know we are christians by our love"

Gavin

PS Do deal with the chairs though, after you have welcomed the people!