Building for Eternity
Archive for May, 2009
Crossing the line
2 years ago
by Lyndall Bailey
in News
The media events of the last couple of weeks have “crucified” one of Sydney’s high profile football personalities, Matthew Johns. His wife defended her husband, pointing out that he had really only wronged her. He had confessed to her 7 years ago and they had worked through it.
Our society’s standards have changed dramatically over the last 30 years. Sexuality at school is taught so that practises are “safe” not relational or ethical. Movies, TV and music portray all sorts of sexual behaviour which drastically overturn the standards of yesteryear.
The activities of groups of drunk men away from home have been questionable for many years. If society is saying we have had enough and wish to return to more Christian behavioural standards, then bring it on! My cynical view is that sponsorship money is at risk so someone has to take the fall for a culture that is way out of step with its Creator.
As for Matthew Johns, Jesus was crucified for his sin, just like ours.
Pray that his family finds a way through this crisis and that they also find a Saviour who puts the past to death.
Stephen Semenchuk
Senior Minister
RECESSION BUSTING
2 years ago
by Lyndall Bailey
in News
“This Budget is forged in the fire of the most challenging global economic conditions since the Great Depression.” Our National Treasurer was hardly the bearer of glad tidings on Tuesday night. Thankfully there was some compassionate treatment for single pensioners and first home buyers, but for many of us there wasn’t much good news (except if you like the idea of working for a few more years before retirement)!
This week has also been a hard week for many families in the Illawarra as a number of local companies reduced their workforce. How can we help???
Already our church has established links with employment agencies and Centrelink so that people can work their volunteer hours at Dapto Anglican Church. This month we are launching the first Dapto Anglican/McDonald’s recession busting dinner. Once a month on a Monday Night about 10 families will be invited to the dining room at McDonald’s for a night out. McDonalds are providing the food and we are providing the people. Jill Pearce is co-ordinating the first event which will see families from the Dapto Community invited alongside some Dapto Anglican Families. Please let the office know of any families we should invite in June.
Let me encourage you all to think about shopping locally. Many of Dapto’s businesses belong to locals. We will be sending a small gift and a letter of encouragement to our local businesses where I will assure them of our prayers and that our members will endeavour to support our local businesses wherever possible.
Stephen Semenchuk
Senior Minister