Chile Earthquake
March 8th, 2010 in ArticlesThe impact of the Chile Earthquake could hit the whole world. Scientists have reported that the tremor was big enough to change the very axis of the earth in its orbit. This could actually change “time”.
The local Chilean impact is much more immediate and tragic. Our Archbishop Peter Jensen has been monitoring the situation with Archbishop Greg Venables of Chile. The CMS missionaries have been secured but the four Anglican congregations in Concepcion (where the earthquake was at its most destructive) have been camping in groups together and are short of food and water.
Now is the time to help and give generously to the Archbishop of Sydney’s Relief to Victims in Chile Appeal. Your gift to The Archbishop’s Overseas Relief and Aid Fund (ORAF) will enable the Bishop of Chile to provide ongoing assistance to those hardest hit and in greatest need.
Please make your donation online by visiting the Archbishop of Sydney’s Appeals Unit website, www.abau.org.au and following the links, by calling 1800 653 903 or by marking your offertory envelope.
Stephen Semenchuk
Senior Pastor
Now and the Not Yet
March 1st, 2010 in ArticlesAs the old entrance way to the Moombara Street site gives way to the new entrance, many of us will experience some discomfort and annoyance over the next three weeks. We may be able to imagine how well the new entrance will work but the present reality is uncertainty and frustration.
It provides a visual illustration of the Christian life.
Now we know that Jesus has conquered death and eternity beckons.
Now we have received the Holy Spirit and He is at work in our life.
Now we can see God answer our prayers.
Now we can believe that the Kingdom of God has broken into history in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
But the perfect new heaven and new earth Jesus promises is not yet part of our experience.
We have not yet been removed from this broken struggling world.
Not yet have we been removed from temptations, diseases and suffering.
Now we have seen enough to believe Jesus is Lord but we have not yet seen Him as “the alpha and the omega”. We experience God’s kingdom “now but not yet”.
Stephen Semenchuk
Senior Pastor
Engaging at Easter
February 19th, 2010 in ArticlesAs we continue to connect more and more with our community, the next few months give us great opportunities.
1. Please make time each week to build a relationship with your neighbours and friends which is intentionally aimed at them coming to know Jesus.
2. Help Shane and his team deliver the Easter baskets to families who already havesome connection with our church.
3. Work out how you can contribute to our Easter Fair on the 27th March. This will be the Moombara Street’s last “open house” before the major building occurs. We will invite the community to have a great time while they also help us raise funds.
4. Plan to be at the outdoor Easter Sunday Celebration on 4th April next to Lake Illawarra with your contacts. It will be a day where Jesus resurrection will be proclaimed before a watching world.
Stephen Semenchuk
Senior Pastor
Under Construction
February 15th, 2010 in ArticlesOver the last few weeks we have been challenged by the teachings of Jesus to live radically transformed lives. His message is “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near”. This rule of Jesus is to be seen in our actions and our words. It is like we are under construction!
During the next 8 months we will be watching our site at Moombara Street go “under construction”. We will have weeks like today when its harder to get into the building. There will be other challenges and struggles too. We face the pain so there will be great future gain!
Nothing can compare with the future coming Kingdom of Heaven. However many years God gives us before we enter that kingdom, are construction years. He is building us into kingdom people and He is calling us to invite the community around us to become kingdom people. The rest of our time on earth is really time we spend under construction.
Stephen Semenchuk
Senior Pastor