Bless

Church Mission Society in Australia: Empowering Communities Through Faith and Service

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We have supported Church Mission Society (CMS) for several years now contributing $2400 per annum in support of our link missionary Joan, and on Sunday 23 July we extended a warm welcome to David Greeff, the Western Australian director for CMS.

CMS is a dynamic, mission-oriented organization that has been actively spreading the gospel message to communities both locally and globally beginning in the 19th Century. At its core, CMS is committed to fulfilling the Great Commission, as stated in Matthew 28:19-20, by making disciples of all nations. The organization’s mission is to empower individuals to serve and share the Gospel through diverse ministries catering to communities’ unique needs in various parts of the world.

Within Australia, CMS has established a strong network of churches, parishes, and individuals who share a passion for missions. St Nics is one of these. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, CMS provides support and training to equip believers for effective cross-cultural ministry.

CMS missionaries serve in diverse fields such as education, healthcare, community development, and church planting, endeavouring to bring holistic transformation to the lives of those they encounter. Our Missionary partner Joan services in a state-approved Language School in an East Asian country.

In addition to practical initiatives, CMS strongly emphasises prayer and intercession. Recognizing the spiritual battle in spreading the Gospel, CMS encourages supporters and partners to pray fervently for the mission fields and the individuals involved, locally and globally.

We have appreciated CMS’s responsible stewardship of resources. The organization maintains a high level of transparency and accountability, ensuring that financial support is used efficiently and effectively to advance the mission.

David’s visit encouraged us to continue both to own this in prayer and to offer financial assistance for the advance of the gospel.

Zoom Alpha with St Nics Tuesday 18th July

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The Alpha course we run here at St Nics allows people to join us and explore life’s big questions from a Christian perspective. As many of you already know it can be a transformative experience.

Alpha has impacted lives worldwide since its establishment in 1977 and has helped millions across more than 100 countries. Its effectiveness lies in engaging videos and open discussions underpinned by prayer. Participants embark on a personal and communal exploration of faith, in an environment where questions are welcomed, doubts are explored, and friendships are nurtured.

Each week’s thought-provoking video presentation delves into core topics of the Christian faith, covering subjects such as Who is Jesus? Why did He die? How can I have faith? Does God heal today? How and why pray? How and why should I read the bible?  Who is the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit do? The videos serve as a catalyst for discussion helping participants go deeper in their own spiritual understanding.

The discussions will happen in breakout groups following the video with  Vance and Chelsie helping me lead this course. It’s here that participants can share their thoughts, ask questions, and engage with the material presented. It is a place where genuine conversations occur, doubts can be voiced without judgment, and new insights can be gained.

Alpha covers the foundational principles of the Christian faith. Since we have run Alpha we have welcomed people each year into our church family who have renewed their faith or chosen to follow Jesus for the first time.  Often people discover answers to long-standing questions, while others encounter a renewed sense of purpose and a deepened relationship with God. Alpha is a journey of discovery, inviting participants to explore their faith, encounter the love of God, and find belonging within a supportive community.

Are you joining us? Flyers are available from today. Please take some and make prayerful invites perhaps to the 5 people you are praying for. Register your interest via the stnicholasminster@gmail.com

Shalom

Jamie

Local Houses of Prayer Training Days in Western Australia

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In May 2023, the newly forming LHOP leaders network in Australia met at Ffald-y-Brenin, West Wales, UK. The purpose was to worship and pray together, encourage one another with testimonies of God’s grace working through current LHOP in Australia and reflect on how we might make this teaching available widely in Australia.

Ann de Leyser, the director for LHOP and Cate Lewis the Australian coordinator commissioned Verity and me to bring this training to WA.

As a pastor and church leader I see this as a wonderful way to enable church communities to look out and discern together what is on god’s heart for their local communites and spheres of influence. Seeking god for what He wants to bless around us has already made a significant impact for us here at St Nics.

If you are interested in finding out more in the first instance look here for an overview. We are working on a bespoke Australian website but this will take you to the international site. if you are interested in bringing this teaching to your church please contact Jamie and Verity via the contact details on this website and will get back to you. Training is free though we would ask for expenses and accommodation to be covered by the hosting church community.

Read more: Local Houses of Prayer Training Days in Western Australia

Behind the scenes at St Nics Op-Shop

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Our op-shop has been running for over 30 years and enables us to offer quality clothes and wares blessing our wider community and helping us fund a variety of different outreaches and ministries.

Judy Blechynden is the coordinator and has been in this role for nearly a decade. Judy looks after a team of approximately 25 volunteers that run the shop successfully. Judy says her “vital vollies” do a fantastic job and each share equal duties and responsibilities. All their hard work generates funds which St Nics distribute to support our outreach programs, both local and further afield.

The shop is open each weekday and also Saturday mornings. 2 or 3 volunteers are there at any given time.

It takes a lot to keep the Op-Shop always looking presentable and well-stocked. Only quality items are offered for sale and the prices reflect that we are a charity whose main aim is to provide for the less fortunate – as well as astute buyers who can spot a bargain.

Excess clothes are donated to the Philippines and East Timor for distribution amongst the needy and surplus or poor quality clothing is sent to 3rd World countries by a charitable organisation whereby the material is stripped into rags, then bought back to Australia and sold to retailers.

Our Op-Shop also helps our larger Bunbury community by donating clothes to the Shoe-String Café for distribution amongst their clients, and visiting Sea Farers to our shores benefit from our donations of books and seasonal clothing for their brief stays here.

Fellowship and social interactions with each other are an integral part of making the op-shop a great place to spend time, either as a volunteer or as a browser and we hope continues to provide a blessing to our wider community.

A Life of Blessing

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At the end of Psalm 23, David says

 ‘Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

This is the scripture I want to be included and reflected upon at my funeral. Since I have been a Christian, I have had many trials and yet overall, I can testify that I have been consistently and greatly blessed. As I walk with the Lord, I am experiencing a Life of Blessing. This is what God intends for us all. From creation to the revelation to Moses to Jesus to now. Walking with the Lord is a life of blessing.

However, in God’s kingdom, we are asked to take on the priestly role of speaking blessings to the creation and all around us. This is what we are going to be exploring in more detail over this new course ‘A Life of Blessing. ‘  There will be teaching each Sunday and then a follow-up for our growth groups throughout the week.

My expectation is that we can be equipped to change the spiritual landscape around us as we step into this ministry of blessing.

Speaking blessing means first being in tune with what is on God’s heart for the area or person or land that you are a blessing. So, we have to seek Him first in prayer and from that place of intimacy speak out His blessing. This opens up a way for the kingdom to break in. That’s why we begin today with the Gospel ( the Good news) of the Kingdom

May you be blessed as you step into this teaching.

Shalom

Jamie

Divine Appointments as we listen to God.

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Divine Appointments

This week Suzanne is speaking about divine appointments. This is not about a trip to a chocolate factory or the finals of the AFL!  Jesus teaches us that it’s God’s intention that we should hear His voice and follow His guidance and instruction. ( John 10: 27) We are invited to partner with God which may involve a specific appointment with someone else! Jesus first models this for us. The Apostles, deacons and others continue this in Acts. 

Paul notes in Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Is it possible to miss out on completing these assignments/ good works? Of course,  if we are not listening. On Wednesday   I was speaking about Evelyn Underhill, known for her insightful writing and spiritual direction  ( June 15th is a day when she is remembered by the church) She made this observation

“Many people feel unaware of any guidance, unable to discern or understand the signals of God; not because the signals are not given, but because the mind is too troubled, clouded, and hurried to receive them.”

This remains true, perhaps even more so today. We have digital distraction, 24/7 News, and there is even doom scrolling. We are inundated with information and must be intentional about reducing our exposure. It’s then we will be able to make time to listen to the scriptures and quieten our souls. It’s then we will find it easier to listen to the Lord. This then can be carried into the whole day.

That’s why we are continuing with our time of silence each Sunday as we wait on the Holy Spirit. We are intentionally saying ‘Lord we are here, and we are listening for You.’ I wonder what He will say to us as a church and as individuals? 

Big Morning Tea

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This morning under the oversight of Fran Craig we were able to host a Big Morning Tea to raising funds for the Cancer Council of Australia. Once again a team of volunteers from St Nics baked and prepared to welcome people. Fr Brian Newing came and spoke sharing his own personal experiences as well as an enduring trust in the Lord. Our barista Barbara Gore oversaw the coffees and plates of goodies were shared and enjoyed. Craft group provided lots of interesting gifts for purchase. Our thanks to Pam and Eve for this.

We ran a door raffle and a running raffle. Marian Andels beautiful wall hanging was won by Robyn Scutella. It was a lovely morning and once again we experienced what Jesus said- it is more blessed to give than receive. $600 was raised. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this lovely gift for the Cancer Council.

Gluten Free option, thanks to the thoughtfulness of our team.

Pray for 5 -Thy Kingdom Come Global Prayer initiative

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Thy Kingdom Come is all about praying for people to come to know the amazing, life-transforming love of Jesus. We encourage everyone to choose 5 people they know, and pray for them throughout the 11 days and beyond!

There are so many ways you can pray for your 5. You can use a band and tie 5 knots, each one representing one of your 5. Or maybe each time you drink a cup of tea or coffee, you could remember to pray? Here’s a lovely example.

You could write their names on your bathroom mirror, or in this little card, to help remind you to pray throughout the day. Or perhaps you could pray during your daily exercise such as running or walking.

Why not watch this video from The Rt Revd Dr John Sentamu as he encourages us to pray for 5.

Let us know what creative ways you will be using to help you pray for 5!

( This page from https://www.thykingdomcome.global/stories/pray-5)

Blessing our wider community through the St Nicholas heritage church on Thursdays.

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In 2018 we completed an expensive renovation of our heritage church building, the smallest church building in WA. You can read its history here Heritage Church – St Nicholas Anglican (stnicholasaustralind.org.au) We invested in this because of our vision, as stated above. Covid stopped us from opening in 2020 and 2021. Finally, we are ready to open the building to the public on Thursdays. Halleluia! We can now fulfil our vision for its use. It’s appropriate that this opening is on Maundy Thursday 14th of April as this ministry is one of service to our local community, following Jesus’ example. The opening hours each week are 10 am until 1 pm.

You might come simply to find out about your local history and reflect on the pioneering individuals and their handicrafts. You might come to enjoy an opportunity for quiet prayer in a building that has been used for worship since the 1850s. Whatever your reason we will welcome you. We will have a small team available each Thursday from 10 am until 1 pm. to facilitate this and also to offer blessing prayer for visitors if they wish.

We look forward to meeting you and pray that this ministry will prove a blessing to many people.

Which narrative shapes our choices?

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This Sunday I chose Psalm 46 as part of our readings. Anglican Primate of Australia Geoffrey Smith, Archbishop of Adelaide, referenced this Psalm as he wrote to us all, asking that we join with Christians across the world praying for a ceasefire and peace between Russia and Ukraine.

This act of aggression from President  Putin has awakened apathetic western democracies into united economic and humanitarian action. There is the shock that the greatest mobilisation of troops in Europe since WWII is occurring. The Ukrainian’s evident courage and commitment to a vision of a self-determined Ukraine led by President Zelensky remind us of the liberties we currently enjoy and take for granted.

The narratives are so different. A vision for a greater Russia safe from encroaching NATO countries or a sovereign nation seeking a democracy akin to Western Europe, not subject to an authoritarian government.

The narratives we tell ourselves shape our actions. That’s why it is so important to grow in understanding God’s narrative revealed through His Son and the scriptures. All history sits within this greater narrative. It is about His kingdom which is advancing across the world. As we are studying Thessalonians it’s clear they responded to Paul’s preaching of the gospel wholeheartedly. They owned this gospel narrative in the face of real persecution.

On Wednesday we marked Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting where we welcome the season of Lent. We receive the mark of the cross on our foreheads, the ashes a sign of repentance, the charge is as follows

‘From dust, you came. To dust, you will return. Repent and believe the gospel. Turn to Christ and be faithful. ‘

Let’s be that faithful church. Let’s continue to pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on the earth as it is in heaven. Let’s pray for the Prince of Peace’s rule to be established increasingly in the hearts of all people.

Shalom

Jamie