Archive for January, 2009

It has been said, ‘there are two types of people in this world, there’s the arty type, and then there’s those like me…’

Even though I don’t frequent art galleries, I am pretty sure nobody runs through them, well at least not anyone who is hoping to take in the full effect.

In the same way, as we journey through life there may be periods where God slows us down to a walk. These walks may even be painful, but the Bible tells us they are for our good.

These slower times may work to help us appreciate the careful brushstrokes of God’s love that we may not always see in the “soaring” and “running” seasons of our life.

Perhaps it is an appreciation for the fine art, that is God’s grace (and not callous oversight) that leads St. James to write….. ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…’ James 1:2.

Shane Dirks

Dapto Anglican Community has again demonstrated generosity and the ability to rise to a challenge!

The final total for our thanksgiving offertory in December was $15,422.20.

This means that…
The costs of the new stage in the Ministry Centre have been covered. 30 chairs for St. Aidan’s have been ordered. The general fund for the Ministry Operations has finished in a $4,826.81 (the first time we have not carried a deficit into the new year for four years!) and we have sent an extra $490.00 to the Anglican TAFE Ministry.

The Community Carols actually made a $19.00 profit after all the expenses were subtracted and the Real Experience Christmas Eve almost broke even with a $17 budget blowout.

The world financial crisis will affect all of our families, however, the challenge for us is to prioritise our investment in God’s kingdom. The needs we will encounter and the challenge to “CONNECT” will require more ministry not less. Perhaps we can see that the eternal return every dollar spent in God’s work, is never depreciated by a downturn in the U.S. economy.

Stephen Semenchuk

Since April 2008 our neighbours at the Anglican Churches of Port Kembla and Warrawong have been without a resident minister. They have spent much time and energy in prayer and in conversation with the Bishop, Al Stewart and his Assistant, Tony Willis. They have come to a point where they believe their parish does not have the resources to stand alone.

They have been searching for a church to partner with, who will provide support, guidance and a renewed vision. The Bishop approached Dapto Anglican Church Leaders and invited us to establish a relationship with Port Kembla and Warrawong Parish.

It involves Stephen accepting a formal license to be responsible for Port Kembla and Warrawong’s Ministry and our Wardens establishing some clear operating guidelines for how our Parishes will work together.

There will be benefits flowing in both directions eg the Warrawong/Port Kembla Parish has houses for 3 Ministry Families.

Our Ministry Team will now be planning how to best proclaim Jesus in this district. This means that over the next few months we will be seeking to add two additional full time ministers to our team.

Overall it is an opportunity to seek God’s leading on how the many resources He has blessed our church with, can be utilised to grow His kingdom in Dapto, Warrawong & Port Kembla.

Stephen Semenchuk