Dapto Anglican Church

Prayer 11/07 (pdf, 1.3 MB)

This year has been one of the most stressful and emotional years of my life and the lives of many other year 12 students throughout the state.

This year has involved a lot of self doubt about my ability as a student. I have spent hours thinking that I could not compete with those “smarter” than me and wondering how I would achieve my goals if I messed these exams up.

A lot of the stress we are feeling as students is self induced. We want to please our teachers, friends and family who have supported us over the past 13 years of our education.

This is how I felt throughout much of the year. I was trying to deal with it alone, but things only got worse as time went on. As humans we somehow believe we have the power to fix all our problems by ourselves. But, as I have now realised, that is not the case. God is the only one who can take away the stress and help us to be strong, but we have to be willing to let him do it.

For me the key to surviving the HSC is remembering God is still the most important thing to remember. Through going to church, regular prayer and reading the bible the HSC has become much more bearable. God does not care how high our UAI is or how good our marks are in the end, but he does want us to follow him, be obedient to him and try our best with whatever we do.

Please continue to pray for the HSC students over the next few weeks as they work hard at studying and honouring God.

Cie-anne McKellar

Bulletin 28/10/07 (pdf, 1.9 MB)

Adele Horin writing for the Sydney Morning Herald in September has reported that 40% of Australians think that life is getting worse. This survey result has occurred at a time when our country has experienced spectacular economic growth, rising incomes and low unemployment.

The poll revealed that most people believe that personal relationships are the key to true happiness. 60% of Australian’s nominated their relationship with their family as the most important factor in their happiness.

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7, also speaks of the importance of family relationships. He places them in the context of undivided devotion to the Lord (verse 35). Paul reminds us in verse 31 that this world, in it’s present form, is passing away. He is encouraging us not to be so engrossed by the things of this world that we neglect the things that will last forever. The Bible encourages us to “seek first the kingdom of God and then all other things will be added unto us”.

Stephen Semenchuk

Bulletin 12/10/07 (pdf, 1.7 MB)

This week there are a number of community meetings occurring in Dapto. The State Government has released their draft plan to release 19,000 dwellings in our parish over the next 40 years.

God is bringing people to our doorstep!

Our vision to be a growing dynamic bible based church for people of all ages, stages and backgrounds has seen God bring many blessings over the last four years.

Even this last month has seen our biggest ever holiday club, St. Aidan’s regularly full on Sunday mornings, the approval of our building development application at the Ministry Centre, the finalisation of the land purchase, nine Year 11 students attended a Leadership Camp, the escalation of our over 50s ministry focus and many small group meetings amongst the Horsley Congregation to determine God’s will for their future. Many small groups are flourishing and the number of people involved in serving in various roles at church are at record highs.

It is always easy to find problems when you are looking for them. 2007 has been a hard year for our church and many of our families, yet through it all God has been at work. He is drawing people to know Him. He is providing plentiful opportunities. Please consider your commitment to His vision in Dapto. He has been building our church, He is building the size of the community and 2008 will see the new ministry and education centre completed. This term there are some great ministries and events occurring. Please continue to support God’s work with your prayer and resources. He is still doing great things.

Stephen Semenchuk

Bulletin 14/10/07 (pdf, 1.059 KB)

Charles Update #35 (jpg, 88 KB)

I remember as a child, the sheer excitement about going to a carnival. The fairy floss, clowns, rides, competitions, show bags, animals and so much to see and do. Yet there was always one constraint… what could my parents afford?

At DAC this Christmas, we are creating a special carnival that is affordable for every family!

Just as they do in Italy, DAC’s Carnival will include all the great events of a carnival PLUS a live performance retelling the Christmas story to modern day music, presented by DAC Children’s Ministry.

So why not join us as we combine our Carols, Real Experience and Christmas Eve Services into ONE event at FOUR different times.

• SUNDAY 23rd DEC 5pm
• SUNDAY 23rd DEC 6:30pm
• MONDAY 24th DEC 5pm
• MONDAY 24th DEC 6:30pm

Choose a day and time that’s best for your family and book it in your diary NOW!

If any children are interested in performing, bring them along to Kids Club every Friday at 4pm or Sondaze every Sunday at 10am during next term so they can join the cast.

Bulletin 07/10/07 (pdf, 1333 KB)