The Oxford English Dictionary has named ‘post-truth’ the international word of the year.

This is not surprising given that the Brexit vote and US election were enmeshed in what is being called post-truth politics.

Let’s face it – there is so much ‘post-truth’ around.

The rise of social media has been fuelled by people who claim to write the truth – yet there are so many lies and untruths in social media.

In the Bible, God is called the God of truth. The apostle John describes Jesus as ‘the Word become flesh’ who came to earth and lived among us. He said, “We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

From politics to personal life, what more do we want for Christmas than people who will tell us the truth?

There is much in our world which is post-truth – but remember at Christmas time we celebrate the truth of Jesus – the God of truth, who declares ‘I am the way, the truth and the life’.

Happy Christmas!

Dr Glenn N Davies, Anglican Archbishop of Sydney

Today’s Bible Talk

Today John Wilson will speak at our 10am service on the topic “The Word” from John chapter 1 verses 1 to 18.

Community Carols Celebration tonight!

We’d love you to join us tonight at 5pm for our Community Carols Celebration! Something for all ages, including musical items from many of our TOTS group. Plus, a FREE sausage sizzle… yum!

Join us on Christmas Day

The festivities continue next Sunday at 9am as we meet together at church to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Guests are very welcome, as always! Our Senior Minister Jodie will be speaking from the Bible on the topic, ‘God has sent us hope’ from Isaiah 42:1-9. We will not be meeting for church at 5pm on Christmas Day.

New Rosters

New rosters are out now. If you need a paper version, grab one from the information table, or otherwise log onto www.oakflatsanglican.net to see what dates and roles you are scheduled for.

Children’s and youth programs in holidays

During school holidays our normal midweek children’s and youth programs take a break until Term 1, 2017. We will also not be having our kids’ program during 10am or 5pm church during the holidays.

Giving update

Each week we need to receive $4,800 in order to meet our commitments. In the last calendar month, our average weekly giving was $3,367, leaving a gap of $1,433.

Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $83,333. Compared to that total we received $55,449, leaving a gap of $27,884.

Electronic giving is a great way to give! It helps us prayerfully plan our giving, and then the bank will help us keep that commitment, even when we may be unable to attend. To use your MasterCard or Visa to make a one-off donation or to set up regular giving, then securely provide your details by clicking on this link. Or, to give by direct transfer then these are the details. Account name: St Andrew’s Anglican Church. Account number: 00900445. BSB: 062 638.

The Word

John chapter 1 verses 1 to 18  ✦  John Wilson

The Word of the Year

Part 1:  The Word in the Beginning – Verses 1 -5

(a) The _____________ Word (Verse 1a)

(b) The _____________ Word (Verse 1b – 2)

(c) The _____________ Word (Verse 3)

(d) The _____________ Word (Verse 4a)

(e) The _____________ Word (Verse 4b – 5)

Part 2:  The Word in the World – Verses 6 – 13

(a) The _____________ Word

(b) The _____________ Word

(c) The _____________ Word

Part 3:  The Word in a Human Body – Verses 14 – 18

(a) The _____________ Word

(b) The _____________ Word

(c) The _____________ Word

Download the PDF of this outline here The Word – John Wilson talk outline

Today’s Bible Talk

Today Jodie concludes our series on the Old Testament book of Job, with the final talk titled, ‘Mythbusting Life’ from chapter 42 verses 7 to 17.

Next weeks Bible Talk

Next week John Wilson will speak at our 10am service on the topic “The Word” from John chapter 1 verses 1 to 18.

Baptism of James Mills

Stuart and Lauran Mills would love you to join them and their family and friends for the baptism of their son James next Sunday 18th December during the 10am service.

Prime Time Luncheon

Our final Prime Time lunch for this year is tomorrow Monday 12th December 12pm at the church. $10 for a two-course meal. Ideal for our seniors and your friends and family.

Interact Christmas party

Our ‘Interact’ group is holding a ‘Bring your own everything’ BBQ, at 6.30 on Friday 16th December at the Jamberoo Rectory (20 Tate Place, Jamberoo). RSVP peter.taylor@oakflatsanglican.com or 4296 4723.

Carols by the Harbour

The Combined Churches of Shellharbour present Carols at the Harbour on Saturday 17th December, located at Little Park, Shellharbour Village. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a special night with traditional Christmas carols. The family fun starts from 5pm and Christmas Carols from 7:30pm. The night will finish with fireworks at 9pm. Please let us know if you are able to volunteer your help with set-up or pack up.

Christmas Carols at Oak Flats

On the Sunday before Christmas, the 18th December, we’re opening our doors at 5pm for a night of Christmas Carols, with a free sausage sizzle. Invite your friends for this great night of singing and sharing about the saviour of the world!

Christmas Day at 9am

Join us at the special time of 9am on Christmas Day for an all-age, community celebration of the birth of Jesus!

New Rosters

New rosters are out now. If you need a paper version, grab one from the information table, or otherwise log onto www.oakflatsanglican.net to see what dates and roles you are scheduled for.

Giving update

Each week we need to receive $4,800 in order to meet our commitments. In the last calendar month, our average weekly giving was $3,367, leaving a gap of $1,433.

Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $83,333. Compared to that total we received $55,449, leaving a gap of $27,884.

Electronic giving is a great way to give! It helps us prayerfully plan our giving, and then the bank will help us keep that commitment, even when we may be unable to attend. To use your MasterCard or Visa to make a one-off donation or to set up regular giving, then securely provide your details by clicking on this link. Or, to give by direct transfer then these are the details. Account name: St Andrew’s Anglican Church. Account number: 00900445. BSB: 062 638.

Today’s Bible Talk

Today Jodie continues our series on the Old Testament book of Job, with the title, ‘Mythbusting Evil’ from chapter 40 verse 6 to chapter 42 verse 6.

Men’s Dinner

Our final Mens Dinner for 2016 is this Tuesday night 6th December. Our speaker is Graham Thomas, from Robertson Anglican. 6.30pm at the Central Hotel Function Room. Bookings essential. Phone 0439 561 373 or email mensdinner@oakflatsanglican.com

Prime Time Luncheon

Our final Prime Time lunch for this year is coming up on Monday 12th December 12pm at the church. $10 for a two-course meal. Ideal for our seniors and your friends and family.

Interact Christmas party

Our ‘Interact’ group is holding a ‘Bring your own everything’ BBQ, at 6.30 on Friday 16th December at the Jamberoo Rectory (20 Tate Place, Jamberoo). RSVP peter.taylor@oakflatsanglican.com or 4296 4723.

Christmas Carols at Oak Flats

On the Sunday before Christmas, the 18th December, we’re opening our doors at 5pm for a night of Christmas Carols, with a free sausage sizzle. Invite your friends for this great night of singing and sharing about the saviour of the world!

Christmas Day at 9am

Join us at the special time of 9am on Christmas Day for an all-age, community celebration of the birth of Jesus!

CMS Stamp Collecting

Help CMS (the Church Missionary Society) by bringing your stamps to church and put them in the brown box located on the bookstall. For details contact Robyn Thomas.

Giving update

Each week we need to receive $4,800 in order to meet our commitments. In the last calendar month, our average weekly giving was $3,367, leaving a gap of $1,433.

Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $83,333. Compared to that total we received $55,449, leaving a gap of $27,884.

Electronic giving is a great way to give! It helps us prayerfully plan our giving, and then the bank will help us keep that commitment, even when we may be unable to attend. To use your MasterCard or Visa to make a one-off donation or to set up regular giving, then securely provide your details by clicking on this link. Or, to give by direct transfer then these are the details. Account name: St Andrew’s Anglican Church. Account number: 00900445. BSB: 062 638.