Building for Eternity
Archive for May, 2008
Totally Devoted
May 30th
Over the last few weeks we have been reminded about how our God is rich in mercy, wisdom and knowledge. The Bible is clear when it describes the right and proper responses. It is total devotion to our Lord and Saviour.
Romans 12 speaks of Christians living transformed lives. The transformation starts with changed thinking. We are encouraged to work out God’s purposes for our lives. We are then instructed to use whatever God has given us for the building of His kingdom and the benefit of His people.
Carers, care.
Leaders, lead.
Teachers, teach.
Servants, serve.
Givers, give!
Stephen Semenchuk
The Price Is Right
May 23rd
This week’s petrol prices hit an all time high in Australia. Every week prices seem to be rising for food and other necessities of life. Isn’t it great to know that the price of salvation has stayed the same!
We are saved by grace. Jesus paid the price in full when he died almost 2000 years ago. This offer of salvation is still available to each person who calls on the name of Jesus.
We have had an exciting week connecting with our community. Tuesday’s “Best Is Yet To Come” Lunch launched our new Seniors Ministry with a great meal. Wayne Pickford raised the hopes of over ninety people and focussed us on the important things we can don in praying and proclaiming the gospel.
On Wednesday Night over 40 men joined us at Dapto Bowling Club where we were reminded that Jesus is the Man who could not be held down.
Friday was an other day of connecting. Carol Stumbles organised the Cancer Council Morning Tea which coincided with our English for Life Morning Tea and our Craft Group’s morning tea. It was marvellous to see the connections being forged.
Stephen Semenchuk
Making A Difference
May 16th
Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.
Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.
Author unknown
Ray McPhail was one of the original intake of students at Dapto High 50 years ago. It was a significant day for him when he no longer caught the train into Wollongong and instead, could just walk around the corner to school. He reflects that the establishment of Dapto High marked the next stage of Dapto itself, growing and developing a greater sense of local community.
Thousands of lives have been shaped in Dapto High over the last 50 years. As a church it has been a privilege for Dapto Anglican to play our part representing Jesus Christ by offering Scripture Seminars, lunch time programs, our facilities for the High School Dance Group to rehearse in and supporting where ever we can.
We have benefited by the number of leaders and members from Dapto High who have made Jesus their Lord and Saviour and continue to contribute to the vitality of our Church Community. Our Link Missionary, Jason McPhail is providing tertiary theological eduction in Indonesia, Ben Boardman is training to be a church planter in Sydney and many recent and current students help lead our thriving Children’s Ministry.
As the high school “strives for higher things”, we appreciate the opportunities we are given to provide a Christian dimension to such a noble aim.
Stephen Semenchuk
Mothering Moments
May 9th
Every moment of every day there are “Mothering Moments”. Ainsley Atkinson is spending almost every waking moment travelling to hospital to care for Toby & Mitchell. Amanda Turner’s life has been devoted to being there for Seth during these critical days of his growth. Julie Hawke has welcomed two foster children into her family.
On Thursdays Val & Ann are two grandmothers who bring their grandchildren to Playpatch and dance and sing with them. Jess Howells makes the effort to bring three of her children along. Deborah Southwell comes along to Playpatch to help mother the mothers and be their friend and an extra pair of hands! Dee watches the “Jesus Rocks the World” DVD with her daughter Phoebe.
There are so many “Mothering Moments” around us! God has given each one of a mother. While none of them are perfect, today is a great day to celebrate the gifts our mothers have deposited into our lives. They are tastes of the great love and care our God has for every single one of us.
Stephen Semenchuk
