• the first day of preschool,
• the first day of school,
• the first day of work,
• the first day of coping after a challenging event.

When most people first start university they go to every lecture and tutorial in the early weeks but then reality sets in.

Many of us experience the same burst of enthusiasm when we first become Christians.  It seems natural to talk about Jesus and to be excited about the great news of salvation through faith in Christ.  However the naturalness of sharing our hope seems to get overwhelmed by our busy lives and personal insecurities.

Today we start a series which we pray will restore your enthusiasm and encourage you to promote the gospel as a normal and natural way of life.  It is not about adding more activities into your diary but a challenge to be more Christian in your everyday encounters.

We promote Jesus with our words and actions, with our prayers and thoughts, and with our work and leisure. We promote Him because He lives with in us through His Spirit.  Over the next 9 weeks the goal is that our heart for God will beat so profoundly, that all the people around us, will see Jesus in us.

Stephen Semenchuk,
Senior Pastor.

To see this week’s bulletin click on this link: 05FEB2012

However, the model of Jesus Christ is far from any ‘recruitment drive’ or ‘pre-packed gospel presentation’ – Jesus was the original friend of sinners. He spoke and ate and lived in friendship with those around Him. Dickson challenges us to orientate our ‘social lives’ around three simple but profound goals from 1 Corinthians 10:31-33.

1. We should live with a desire to bring glory to the one true Lord.

2. Do not cause anyone to stumble but rather seek to please everybody in every way. Do not act in such a way that puts other’s interest or trust in Jesus at risk.

3. Seek the good of many, so that they may be saved. Take the opportunity to speak about Christ when the opportunity arises.

All this is not an added extra to our Christian lives which we call ‘mission’ or ‘evangelism’. God is calling us to put on a ‘salvific mindset’, that is, an outlook on life that cares deeply for the salvation of others.

Scott Goode,
Assistant Pastor

This week we [Scott Goode & Greg Lacey from 7pm] went to Sydney and interviewed John Dickson; well known evangelist, pastor and author. Our teaching series this term (which will begin properly next Sunday) is based largely around John’s book ‘Promoting the Gospel’ (also published as The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission: Promoting the gospel with more than our lips).

John had this message for us:

Hi Dapto Anglican,
I’m thrilled to know that you are going to be doing a sermon series on Promoting the Gospel – a topic very close to my heart.

Over the next nine weeks you are going to be looking at the idea of promoting the Gospel. We can actually do our bit to help our friends who don’t know Christ, come to know Christ in a way that meets your particular circumstances, personality and opportunity.

I am sure you are going to have great fun looking at these topics. It’s going to be controversial at times but hopefully it’s going to be helpful.

God bless!”
John Dickson

Over the next week is your opportunity to…

• purchase John’s book,
• ensure you are in a Growth Group,
• and get ready for God to challenge you to be promoting the gospel of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Scott Goode,
Assistant Pastor

To view this week’s bulletin click on this link: 29 JAN 2012

Many of our Growth Groups will be using the Discussion Guide based on ‘Promoting the Gospel, The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission’. It is also recommended that you get hold of John Dickson’s book ‘The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission’ as the discussion guide often refers to this book.  Contact Scott Goode or call the Church Office to pick up your copy of this book.  We do have a limited number of them available now. If you prefer you can also purchase an ebook version.

Growth Group LEADERS:
Your Study Guides are now available. Pick up from the Church Office.

Not in a group at the moment?  Take the opportunity & join now. 
Chat to Stephen or Scott about which group is right for you!

We have a range of Growth Groups regularly meeting throughout the year.
Groups for men, groups for women, groups for women with childminding, groups for young adults, Groups for Seniors. And if that wasn’t enough to choose from we also we have some new groups starting up.

For men
The Purpose Driven Life. A six week course.
A group for new Christians.  Wednesday evenings with John Doughton

For ladies
For those exploring Christianity or are new to their faith  with Leigh-anne Semenchuk
New Growth Group  with Sarah Doughton Tuesday mornings

For anyone
For those exploring Christianity or new to their faith. A seven week course meeting fortnightly with Jim & Julia Legassick and John & Wendy Eagleton
New Growth Group  with Ken & Pam Harper
New Growth Group (good for couples with kids)  with Simon & Vanessa Webb and Scott & Natalie Goode. Sunday afternoons (babysitting provided).

ALSO AVAILABLE:
Preliminary Theology Course with Moore College.
Teacher: Priscilla Michael. Starts 28/2 but you must register with Lyndall at the Church Office on 4261 1001 by 12/2.  On offer Semester 1 is Introduction to the Bible (preliminary level) 6.30pm to 8pm Tuesday evenings and Doctrine 3 (certifical level) 8pm to 9.15pm Tuesday evenings at Dapto Anglican Church, Moombara Street, Dapto in the Conference Room. Fee applies.

Mary Andrews College for women
Several subjects being run through Dapto Anglican Church this year, contact Mary Andrews College for more details or talk to Lyndall. Fee applies.

And finally a new group: Support and Recovery Program
with Ken & Pam Harper  starts 13/2 with fortnightly meetings.

Want to know more about any of our groups?
Then chat with Scott Goode, Assistant Pastor,   who looks after all our Growth Groups.

‘A new civilization is forming. Do today’s technological changes and social upheavals mean the end of friendship, love, commitment, community and caring? Will electronic marvels make human relationships even more vacuous and vicarious?’

from The Third Wave by Alvin Toffler.

Computers, mobile phones, television and game consoles have us spending much more time interacting with technology rather than face to face with people. Loneliness is the most frequently expressed complaint made to psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. Our culture is becoming more sophisticated in avoiding the pain of loneliness. Social media networks, internet pornography, escort agencies, virtual worlds and experiences are replacing personal intimacy and actual life encounters.

We are substituting a virtual electronic world, for actual personal encounters.  When John writes about love, he uses Jesus as the great example.  Jesus did not send a message about love, He came and lived it out!  Jesus did not theoretically deal with sin, He really died and bore our punishment.  We need God to pour the love of Jesus into our own hearts and then get out, and live it, in real relationships with others.

Stephen Semenchuk,
Senior Pastor.

To see this week’s Bulletin click on this link: 22 JAN 2012

Parish wide prayer.
Join us, young and old, for our prayer event.

We will be praying for ….

• God’s guidance, as we prioritise the year ahead.
• God’s blessings on all our plans and preparations for His work in 2012 at Dapto and beyond.
• Guidance to work in and through His Church family, asking for wisdom, sensitivity and boldness as we share the gospel, with our family, friends and neighbours.
• For God to bless our church, with many new believers.
• and more….

Our Op Shop 'Sorters' have shared lots of good times over a cuppa

On 1st October 1985 Dapto Anglican Church took over the running of the Op Shop.

In January 2000 the shop moved to the Dandaloo Shopping Centre at Brownsville.

In 2006 when the church sold the old building at Wongawilli the storage & sorting moved to 36 Hamilton Street, Dapto.

During the 26 years our Church has been running the Op Shop, Gwyn & Ruby Davies have been co-ordinating its operations along with a dedicated committee and 100’s of volunteers.

On the 1st February 2012 Gwyn and Ruby will be handing over their responsibility to Carl &  Lyn Cheetham.  Carl & Lyn have both had significant experience with the Op Shop and they have been meeting with the Davies to arrange a smooth hand over for the last 2 months.

Stephen and the Parish Council are preparing a Thanksgiving Celebration for all or Op Shop volunteers to occur in February.  Any Parishioners who whish to financially support this opportunity to bless this fine team for their years of service, please use an envelope and mark it ‘Op Shop Thanksgiving’ and place in the offertory.

 Stephen Semenchuk, 
Senior Pastor.

 To view this week’s bulletin click on this link: 15 JAN 2012

Not in a group at the moment?  Take the opportunity at the beginning of the year to join one.

For men
The Purpose Driven Life    
A six week course  with Neville Stumbles
New Christians   
with John Doughton will be held Wednesdays PM

For ladies
Explorers
A short course specifically designed for those exploring Christianity or who are new to their faith
with Leigh-anne Semenchuk
New Growth Group
with Sarah Doughton Tuesdays AM

For anyone
Explorers
A short course specifically designed for those exploring Christianity or who are new to their faith
A meeting fortnightly with Jim & Julia Legassick and John & Wendy Eagleton

New Growth Group
with Ken & Pam Harper

New Growth Group (good for couples with kids)
Simon & Vanessa Webb and Scott & Natalie Goode
Sunday afternoons (babysitting provided)

Support and Recovery Program
with Ken & Pam Harper
Fortnightly – First meeting Monday 13^th Feb, 7.30pm Ministry Centre

Bookings and more information for these groups are available from Scott Goode, Assistant Pastor or call our Church Office on 4261 1001.

Of course some habits are helpful and some of our relational tendencies are positive.  The challenge of spiritual maturity is to discern which habits we need to ‘break’ and which ones we should nurture.

This is something most people seem to explore each new year.  Many of us make ‘new year resolutions’ which generally do not survive as long as the January sales.  Such failures can often lead to guilt and feelings of hopelessness.

The test of true Christianity is that when we stumble and fall we grasp hold of God’s grace and get up, secure in the forgiveness available in Christ.  We then need to become aware of those times, people and places that take us out of the ‘light’ of Christ and into a murky twilight zone of worldly pursuits and desires.

Keeping a diary and recording the thoughts and feelings that accompany our slips into ‘sin’ are a useful first step.  We need to identify the areas of our personal temptations so that we can bring the light of God’s gospel and love to bear.

Stephen Semenchuk
Senior Pastor

To see this week’s bulletin Click on this link: 2012 JAN 08

The apostle John in his letters, weds God’s truths to everyday life.  The basis of our fellowship (relationship) with each other and with Him is the reality of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the eternal Son of God who is the source and substance of all life.

The essence of Jesus, as represented by John, is light and love.

Light gives life. It was where the creation started and plants need light to grow.  It is also the means we see and understand everything else.

Love, which originates and flows from God, is the basis of all relationships. 
To live an authentic Christian life requires us …
* to know who Christ is,
* trust what Christ did,
* and do what Christ commands.
If we want to get our lives right we must first get Jesus’ position in our life right.

Stephen Semenchuk,
Senior Pastor.

To see this week’s bulletin Click on this link: 01 JAN 2012

Our Annual Community Carols in the Showground had to quickly find another place as the Showground and its surrounds was so wet under foot. A bit of a logistical headache for a few, but their work meant we all enjoyed a wonderful celebration of Christmas.

The week before Christmas saw DAC members providing a gift wrapping service to Dapto Mall’s shopping customers at the Mall’s invitation.  Each day saw interesting shapes providing new challengers for the wrappers!

It is a privilege to partner with the Dapto Mall in this service.

Dapto Mall invited us to entertain the shoppers on Thursday 15th December. Our dance group ’Rockstars’ were fantastic, we had some Christmas songs, face painting and crafts for any who needed a break from shopping.

One shopper asking lots of questions about our dance group, could his children join, as it was very obvious how much fun the children had. What a great testimony to Karoleena & her team.

Our Young Adults Group were out and about in the streets of Dapto, Carolling in the evenings.

This has become such a popular event. Our community are quick to book in their street for a visit as soon as the announcement is made.

Our Young Adults made a visit to St. Luke’s Village for a Carolling session too.

Then there was the Christmas Star. I could go on for ages about this spectacular! You were promised one and you got one! A show to beat all shows, with Jesus being revealed as the true star of Christmas, much to the bemusement of other great stars!  Then there was a Christmas feast, chicken & ham & baked veges followed by pavlova. I think Jill and her team feed 400 of us!  And for the little ones, a petting farm, Christmas crafts and face painting and more.  It was fantastic and a great way to celebrate Jesus birth.

Here are some photos from our adventures:

The Bible gives no specific date for the birth of Jesus. Our present calendar date celebration was worked out by a monk in Rome called Dionysius.  He decided on December 25th to coincide with an existing festival and traced it back and called the year he calculated to be the baby’s birthday: ‘Year Zero’.  Unfortunately Dionysius made some mistakes!

The Gospel of Matthew says Jesus was born in Judea during the reign of King Herod. History confirms Herod as King of Judea from 40 BC until he died in 4 BC.

Luke’s Gospel tells us that a Decree was issued by the Emperor Augusta’s for a general Census.  He ruled from 10 BC to 14 AD and a Census occurred in 7 BC and 7 AD.

Matthew’s Gospel also talks about Astrologers, wise men, who followed a star to Bethlehem.  In 1603 Johannes Kepler the Royal Astronomer in Prague watched the conjunction of 2 planets; Saturn & Jupiter, describing them like a huge single bright star.  He calculated backwards and found that there would have been such a conjunction in 7 BC.  He was convinced he had found the star of Bethlehem.

In 1925 a German Archaeologist, Sehnabel, deciphered an ancient document from the school of Astrology in Zipar, Babylonia (Iraq). It recorded the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 7 BC.  This timing has been confirmed by modern astrological calculations.  The remarkable conjunction by planets blazes like a single star in the night sky.  In 7 BC Jupiter and Saturn met 3 times: May 21, October 23 and December 4th.

The bright star was seen all around the Mediterranean and particularly at the latitude near Bethlehem.  It would have provided the wise men with the guidance to find Jesus.

Therefore the Christmas accounts are not just stories but real events that occurred in time and space. God so orchestrated the cosmos so that His son, Jesus, was heralded even by the universe.  Dionysius was out by 7 years but a real birth of a person who  was more than a man occurred on that first Christmas.

Also the same scriptures that record His first coming, speak of Jesus coming back to wind up history and right all wrongs and establish a Kingdom of Peace.

Christmas is a time to take more seriously the Jesus who was born and His message of hope and salvation.

 Stephen Semenchuk,
Senior Pastor

To see this week’s bulletin click on this link: 24&25DEC2011

We had an enormous weekend because of Carols.   Managing over 1500 people through our buildings was a great challenge and our teams excelled!

We succeeded in providing an opportunity for the community to connect a little more with God.  However, it was a bridge building exercise and raising of people’s awareness about Jesus.  People who don’t know Jesus respond to the gospel through a number of such encounters.

The Star of Christmas is a more managed version of Carols.  There will be a number of activities to attract and interest our community.  We will present the essential message of Christmas in terms that relate.  Please take up this opportunity to invite your family & friends.

The Christmas Eve service and the Christmas Day services will take people the next step again as we provide Christian celebrations of Jesus birth and a clear explanation of the gospel.

Stephen Semenchuk,
Senior Pastor.

To view the Bulletin for this week click on this link: 18DEC2011

We had an hour or so of songs, dancing by Rockstars, and craft activities and face painting available for the shoppers.

I heard several very positive comments from the shoppers including one asking…. ‘When do our Rockstars meet, and could any kids join? It is apparent how much fun they have, I’d like my child to join’.

What a great testimony to Karoleena and her team. Well done!

Thanks to all our DAC members who came along to support the team who ran this event.  Your support and encouragement was so appreciated.

Hilary Brown

This year's special Christmas Outreach is so very exciting. We are searching for the true star of Christmas.  Many think they know who is the star of Christmas, but we've found, after research, that there are many who don't know the true answer to this this question.  So we've put together a wonderful spectacular for you to enjoy that will guide you to the right answer.

This is a wonderful opportunity to bring our friends and family along to a special night.

WHEN: Friday the 23rd of December
at Dapto Anglican Church, Moombara Street, Dapto.
Tickets just $20.00 for your indivdual family
or $5.00 per person for extra guests or single visitors.

Tickets are on sale now for this wonderful event.  So what exactly does your money get you, I hear you ask?
Your ticket will give you dinner & dessert, a spectactular show and various christmas crafts and activities.  An absolute bargain and a night off cooking!
How are we going to fit everyone in?  So that everyone is comfortable, we've arranged for two sessions on the night.

When you pay for your tickets you need to specifiy which session you want to come to.  So let me explain how it will all work.

5pm Session: Come at 5pm and from 5 to 6pm, enjoy the activities provided, crafts, jumping castles, animal petting farm, celebrity head photo booth. Then from 6pm come into our 500 seat auditorium and enjoy our spectacular show and discover The STAR of Christmas.  Then from 6.45pm to 7.30pm enjoy your 2 course dinner in our Foyer/Cafe area.

6pm Session: Arrive at 6pm and enjoy your two course meal in our Foyer/Cafe area. Then from 6.45pm wander around our site and enjoy the christmas crafts, activities, jumping castles, animal petting farm and celebrity head photo booth.  Then at 7.30pm enter our 500 seat auditorium and watch our spectacular show and discover The STAR of Christmas.

Don't miss out on this wonderful evening.  Call in to our Church Office (9am to 4pm) in Moombara Street, Dapto for your tickets, and remember to invite your neighbours, family and friends to come along and join you.  Tickets must be purchased by 21st December to enjoy our wonderful dinner.

Merry Christmas everyone.

In hind sight—I see God has put some very clever people around us to help in these situations.  Well done team!

So it was different but a great celebration of Jesus birth.

Hilary Brown

In relationships we can be fooled into thinking that lies are justifiable, particularly if they save someone else’s feelings. My experience is that the first lie makes the second and third lie easier to tell and before too long a whole relationship is based on deceit.  On the other hand, some issues simply arise due to our personal taste, and our opinion is best kept to ourselves.

The biblical idea of speaking the truth in love is so that the person we are addressing will be built up.  The hard words may need to be spoken, but not so that we will get something off our chest and feel better. Speak the truth in love so that the person addressed will be directed back into a better relationship with God.

Stephen Semenchuk,
Senior Pastor.

Paul reminds us in this letter that Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle.  Anti-God and anti-Christian forces will be at work in society until Jesus returns and winds up history.

• Christians will find themselves on the front line as we stand for important out-workings of our faith.
• Our church will continue to practice marriage as only between a man and a woman.
• We will continue to fight for Christian values that honour God and benefit every person in society.
• We take this stand, not in our own strength but, in the power of our almighty Creator.

Prayer is our primary weapon and the gospel truths of forgiveness, salvation, grace and the word of God, equip us for our battle.

Stephen Semenchuk
Senior Pastor

To view this week’s bulletin click on this link: DAC Bulletin 4 DEC 2011