When the Apostle Paul was under house arrest in Rome and nearing the end of his life, he wrote to Timothy to encourage him in his faith and ministry. Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus and Paul wanted to remind him of things that were too important to forget.
In a similar way, when I was retiring as Senior Minister of St Jude’s, Bowral, I gave a farewell series designed to encourage people in their faith and to remind them of essential things.
The God Who Speaks (2 Timothy 3:10-17 / Psalm 19)
The God Who Saves (1 Timothy 1:12-2:7 / John 3:10-18)
Belonging to the People of God (Ephesians 4:1-16 / Matthew 16:13-20)
The Pastor and His People (1 Peter 5:1-11/ John 21:15-19)
Believers in an Unbelieving World (1 Peter 3:8-18 / John 15:18-16:4)
In Christ Alone (1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 / John 1:1-18)
I thought it would be helpful if the congregations of Oak Flats Anglican Church were reminded of these things.
In the past six months you have lost both your full-time ministers (clergy). Some members of the congregation are feeling hurt and disappointed. Others are looking forward and wondering who your new leader will be and what will be the future for Oak Flats Anglican Church.
It’s a difficult time for any congregation and a good time to be reminded of some biblical fundamentals that will help us to live as God’s people at this important stage in the life of our church.
– STEPHEN FIFER