Melbourne New Church (VIC)

The Lighthouse

From the minister

Recently I attended a service for the celebration of the life of someone we know in Greensborough. We have always known him as a quiet unassuming gentleman.

As I am sure we have all found we get to know a lot about a person at these services much of which we were unaware. We were aware that he had a strong belief in God and his faith meant a lot to him.

It became very clear at the service from both family and friends that his life was very much a reflection of his faith. He was there for his wife of nearly 60 years, for his family and for friends and neighbours.

He became a surrogate grandfather to neighbours next door and could always be found mowing lawns for friends who were unable to do it for whatever reason. This being done even when he was not always in the best of health.

As the service ended it led me to reflect on what it is to serve the Lord we love. Many people will reach great heights in business, politics academia but is this the measure of a person. Surely it is how we serve and be of use to others.

The Lord was very explicit during his whole Ministry of what was required both in His parables and in specific texts such as 'Do unto others as you would have them do to you'

I was most surprised when listening to an interview on ABC radio recently when a person, now living in Australia for many years and, having become used to saying thank you for something, returned to his country of birth and made the comment that in his home country it is rare for anyone to say thank you. It is not in the culture.

If we are honest we can see that the common courtesies in our country seem to be disappearing in the rush and bubble of life and yet each person can be richer for acknowledgement if we allow a person into a line of traffic or a smile if someone allows us to go first in a queue.

Perhaps we should all think about how our habits and way of life reflects the love for the Lord and how we extend the love of God to others in our everyday life.

Actions which were common practice in the past such as acknowledging all phone messages responding to all letters seem to be less important to people these days and yet they can make such a difference to relationships and life generally.

The teachings of our church have a specific focus on what not only the responsibilities we have if we profess a faith in God but also go so far as to say that if this love for God is not shown in actions then it is not a true faith.

Perhaps we should all reflect on the words ' by their deeds you shall know them'

Chris

"Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk"
John 5:8

The man is sick, but Jesus tells him to get up and walk! It concerned this man of Jerusalem, but it also concerns you. The man was impotent, and represents all who are spiritually sick. The bed on which he lay corresponds to doctrine, or shall we say, one's faith. When we are physically sick, we lie down on a natural bed, but when spiritually sick we rest in our faith or spiritual bed.

But we must not rest too long; we cannot live by faith alone. To take up our bed and walk at the command of Jesus, is to live the life of faith. When we do this our health is restored.

Prayer:
I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right;
Let Thy tender mercies come unto me.

Bible Study

We will continue our study of Luke's Gospel on dates to be agreed upon between October and early December. If you would like to be involved, please speak to the Minister

Operation Christmas Child ~ a project of The Samaritan's Purse

This Christian organization co-ordinates and distributes gifts to children overseas who are in desperate circumstances. This is done in the form of gifts being placed in a shoe box size container.

Brochures are available in the foyer with collection of boxes from Churches in October for delivery before Christmas. If you would like to be involved, please speak with the Minister. We need to now do this quickly and collection is no later 19th October.

Overview of New Church Teaching

An introductory course has been held over the past 8 weeks with 4 people enjoying the course and gaining from it.

The Minister is aware that others would like to undertake the course so another course will be organized as soon as possible. Please speak to the Minister if you would like to be involved.

The New Church in Australia Family Camp

Phillip Island Adventure Resort Victoria
Saturday 10th - Thursday 15th January
Whilst we were seeking an indication of attendance by 1st October if you are still entertaining the idea, there is still ample time to make a decision, just speak to the Minister if you have any queries. This is a quality venue as we know from the camp in 2006 with many attractions to visit on the Island during leisure periods. The venue also has a large number of recreational facilities including a giant swing, flying fox, swimming pool, gymnasium, canoeing on a large lake and tennis, basketball and volley ball courts. Also archery, indoor climbing wall and table tennis. Add to this a beach within walking distance plus others in the area and many local tourist attractions it will make for a great stay. As usual the learning sessions and varied optional program will mean that people can get spiritual nourishment, social interaction and enjoy many leisure activities. Brochures/Application forms are available in the foyer or speak with your Minister. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a wonderful week of fellowship, learning devotion and rest. If you would like to learn more about the venue visit the web-site: www.cyc.org.au and then the specific site or "Google" Phillip Island Adventure Resort.

Joseph Bible Study Notes

It was too late to give information on this course in the last newsletter but commencing in early September, Rev Julian Duckworth has been providing a notes each fortnight for personal study of the Joseph stories commencing at Genesis 37.

To date, 3 in the series of 20, which will end in April, have been produced and made available at church.

The Council of Ministers encourages everyone around Australia to become involved and they are also available on line and can be sent by email or you can go to The New Church in Australia Web Site www.newchurch.org.au and down load a copy.

As Minister, I encourage you to take part and you can use the notes in the way that best suits your needs. You can also take part in the "Google" group if you wish and have interaction on line (talk to the Minister if you would like to have the link).

We have back copies of the first three sets of notes so we hope you will decide to become involved. If you would like them sent to you, speak with the Minister.

This is a wonderful opportunity to share God's Word and if you have any questions as you work through them then please feel free to talk with the Minister.