Dapto Anglican Church

For the very latest on Jason and Paula, see their blog at IndoGypsies http://indogypsies.vox.com, or talk with them on Skype at jasonpaula (allowing for the 3 hours time difference!).

This week a sixth class boy was visiting one of our Scripture classes and asked the teacher could he transfer from non-scripture because he was really interested in what was being discussed.

Someone else asked for a Bible because she recognised it as a source of inspiration. Meanwhile 34 small groups met to discuss God’s word.

Two of our young adults are heading off for short term mission overseas, Stephen Reid to Russia and Julie Batten to Africa.

Last weekend 70 women gathered together at Waterslea, to be encouraged, challenged and to nurture and forge new and existing friendships.

At D.A.C. this was a fairly normal week.

Lives are being transformed by God’s grace. God is giving us opportunities each week to minister to an ever increasing number of people. Please read the Financial Report on the back as this is not the time to be cutting back on our ministries.

Stephen Semenchuk

Bulletin 27/05/07 (pdf, 2.03 MB)

9.08am Saturday morning the 12th May, 35 people gathered to share the results of many hours of work. There were technical people, practical people, hardworking people, artistic people, visionary people and some people who were probably just wondering what they were doing out of bed on Saturday morning.

Our building project task groups were gathered to share their insights into the fit-out and use of the new building. As we heard reports from each group it became quickly apparent that much prayer and hard thinking had occurred. As we shared visions of how each space would come alive with ministry, it was exciting to see all the possibilities.

It was church body life in action. The ideas and issues raised demonstrated the great value of involving a wide group of talented people.

As our understanding grew, so did our ability to solve problems and improve the plan. Many issues have been solved with win/win outcomes, some others still need a creative spark.

Very soon a final (well almost) plan will be produced to coincide with our Development Approval from Council. Pray that our DA will move through Council very soon!

Stephen Semenchuk

Bulletin 20/05/07 (pdf, 1.88 MB)

In 1988 Greg Louganis was the hot favourite to win the springboard diving event at the Seoul Olympics. He was the defending champion and the 1986 world champion. When he attempted one of his signature dives a reverse 2½ pike, he hit his head on the springboard, badly injuring his head. Way behind on points, he new he had to pull out a special dive to remain in contention. He repeated the reverse 2½ pike. In an incredible comeback, he received a perfect score for the dive, and he went on to win the gold medal.

Commentators were astounded, and asked him what went through his mind as he prepared for the second reverse 2½ pike dive. He answered, “No matter what sort of dive I did, I knew my mum stilll loved me”.

Spiritual champions develop when they grow up relaising that no matter what challenges they face in life that their God still loves them. Often our Mums are so formative in helping us understand love, grace and forgiveness. It is the great legacy we should all pass onto the next generation.

Stephen Semenchuk

Bulletin 13/05/07 (pdf, 1.8 MB)

Leaders Notes 13/05/07 (doc, 47.0 KB)

Back in 2002 our Parish celebrated its 150th year of ministry. Throughout our history, Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection has been our central focus. The new life of forgiveness that He makes available still lies at the heart of our church.

Today we celebrate the confession of 10 of our young people; Lauren Allon, Amy Davis, Kaitlyn Dixon, Andrew Farrugia, Nathan Farrugia, Karoleena Ivanov, Stuart Jansen, Melanie Rooke, Lauren Rouse & Leesa Tomlinson, as they declare that Jesus is Lord and Saviour.

This coming week the new building task groups are gathering to prepare detailed expansion plans. Stay tuned for the exciting improvements they have proposed!

Our resolve to offer Jesus Christ to Dapto is not diminished by the challenges facing us:

when someone needs spiritual direction,
let us be the first place they turn;
when people are looking for hope,
let them find it with us
when the community needs heart,
let our heart beat the loudest.

Stephen Semenchuk

Bulletin 06/05/07 (pdf, 1.20 MB)