This is the latest blurb that is published on the front of our weekly bulletin
We know that Jesus has dealt with death, and yet we still have loved ones who grieve at the passing away of family and friends. This is painful for us today, but for the first Christians, it was also confusing. They had seen Jesus’ power over death when he raised Lazarus to life, and his empty … Read more
‘RUOK?’ is a brilliant idea to open up communication and give people permission to be honest with others about how they’re not coping at all with life. It tries to get deep-down below the cool, calm exterior that many people can portray, even when they’re dying inside. It tries to throw a lifeline to a person who feels like … Read more
I am delighted to announce that Simon Chaplin has accepted my invitation to join our church as our new Assistant Minister! Simon is married to Amy, and they have three children: Liam (aged 8), Lily (aged 3), and Annabel (6 weeks). They will move into the 40 Fisher Street house in the week before Christmas, and … Read more
Even though suicide is the biggest, single cause of death amongst men under 45, it’s still a topic we don’t like to discuss. What’s more, many men who have contemplated suicide felt they couldn’t talk about their feelings. The Bible doesn’t speak a great deal about suicide, although it does say that it is wrong … Read more
As I prepare to return to Canada after seven months as your Youth Ministry Intern, I recall one of my favourite parts of Scripture: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one … Read more
As we reach the midpoint of the 2016 Summer Olympics we’re reminded again of the wonder of the human body. Each day we hear about the smashing of world records, as we witness men and women go faster, higher and stronger. It is right to be amazed at the way that God has made us, but we … Read more
If you hadn’t already noticed, next week’s Census is causing quite a bit of a stir. Most of the concerns are because the Australian Bureau of Statistics have determined that they will be keeping every name and address on file, without giving people a choice to ‘opt out.’ Censuses tend to be a magnet for controversy, usually because … Read more
We’re looking for a new Assistant Minister to join our church to help equip us for ministry. For as we see from Ephesians chapter 4, we know that Jesus has given speakers of God’s word to the church, so that every Christian will be equipped for ministry to everyone, so that the church will be built, and that … Read more
It would be easy for many to view my time at Oak Flats ultimately as a failure. As an energetic and enthusiastic College grad hopes were high that God would do great things. In less than two years those hopes came crashing down due to anxiety and depression that led to hospitalisation and 9 months … Read more
Do you ever notice how much negativity is in the world today? These attitudes can seem warranted as looking on the bright side is difficult when we live in a world full of war, racism, persecution, and godlessness of all kinds. Looking around it is clear that the world is unhappy and dissatisfied. People are … Read more