Entrusted with the Gospel

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

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:

Register you and your friend as soon as you can Cost $5

(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

GP

Join us for a busy Bee

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

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

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"

GP

Foolishness to Greeks

.

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.

GP

Church and State reunited

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?

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

GP

The Truth about Jesus

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.

GP

Prayer points for Dongara

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

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.