Dapto Anglican Church

When a horse breaks a leg, often the remedy is a bullet to the head.

When an army is retreating quickly from a barbaric enemy sometimes they feel the necessity to shoot the wounded.

Sadly history is littered with people who have suffered when Churches have lost sight of our mission. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Yet when Christians lose their way we tend to “cut them off”. Our real goal is restoration and reconciliation, by assisting people to find their way back into close fellowship with God and His people.

We need to invest our energies into love and care not blame and gossip. We must remember that each of us depends on God’s grace and forgiveness.

Stephen Semenchuk

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.”
Ecc 3:1

During 2007 our church has continued to add people to its services and ministries. Last week over 650 people attended our services and we started using the new part of our property at the Ministry Centre.

“A time to tear down and a time to build.”
Ecc 3:3

Yet over the same period of time 6 of our church families have been grieving the loss of a close member of the family while 3 babies have been born.

“A time to be born and a time to die”
Ecc 3:4

Further 33 members of our church have had significant surgery or a hospital stay since January. We’ve had 2 church family weddings with another one next week.

“A time to weep and a time to laugh”
Ecc 3:4

Financially, many families are experiencing significant hardship which in turn appears to be affecting our church finances. Please pray because many of our church are feeling spiritually attacked at this time. And Satan would like nothing better than to undermine our faith in God.

Also many of you who are in a relative “season” of plenty may need to consider how you can help our church maintain its care, ministries and outreach during this time of testing and challenge.

Stephen Semenchuk

Bulletin 11/04/07 (pdf, 1.5 MB)

“A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step “

This weekend our church has lots of reasons to praise God. Yesterday we celebrated with the McPhails as they head off to Indonesia on overseas missionary service. Isn’t it inspiring to see God raise them up for his service! This week we “took possession” of the new land at the Ministry Centre. Isn’t it great to see God’s provision! Today we celebrate 3 baptisms as we remember God’s salvation plan provided by Christ’s death and resurrection.

Great steps!! We each have our part to play. Many of us already dedicate many hours, prayers, money and possessions to God’s work. He is blessing us. Let’s not take his blessings for granted.

This month we need to take an important financial step. The Annual Meeting agreed to fund our ministries in 2007 so that our programs would continue to grow. Our income from the Op Shop and the Anglican Regional Council have dropped so we invite you to consider how you can help us to financially support the vision God has placed upon us (see the back page of the Bulletin for more details).

Stephen Semenchuk

Bulletin 04/03/07 (pdf, 1.80 MB)