1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

17th May, 2015
BUILDING A REDEMPTIVE
BRIDGE: A FUTURE
ROMANS 8:18:1-17
I think today about the stunning men and
women of faith I have had the privilege to
meet over the years. I’ve met people
who, despite personal injury, loss, fire,
flood, property destruction, abandonment,
bankruptcy, addiction and accident have
anchored themselves to the cross and
found power in daily bread and living
water. It is as if the Kingdom of God
reaches out and through faith and healthy
work a new future is won, strengthened
and celebrated. Our faith is active and
alive and at its core it sees beyond
hopelessness, injustice and emptiness to
walk by a different path and an alternative
rhythm from the old sound of sin and
death. It is beautifully, powerfully,
energetically subversive and
countercultural.
emanate from the witness of Jesus? We
have a future because God has not told
us to stop yet. The Lord hasn’t called us
home today or decided to neglect the
world and leave it to its own diversions
and devices. We are called to be the
redemptive bridge builders magnifying,
honouring, and celebrating the hope
found in the resurrected Lord . The one
who offers the Way to live in connection
with the Kingdom of God through active
promise, covenant love and the pouring
out of the Holy Spirit in the complexity of
every passing season.
Why are we tempted to give more to data
plans, sports memberships, gyms,
bucket lists or personal dreams than to
shine as witnesses to grace and
transformation. What a privilege it is to
be called to eternal horizons? It is a
Celebration Sunday is coming and I
beautiful thing to exist to grow disciples
wonder, always wonder if enough of us
of the Glorified Lord and encourage and
really grasp how important the nature of
Christian Community and witness actually exhort people who can grow in their
ability to see, hear and feel the hope of
is. Do we understand how much of our
God and press into it daily with generosity
national life and values, even in a
and joy.
secularized
state,
John Sharpe
Welcome to Ringwood. We are not a perfect church…. But we do love the Lord
and seek to take his life, call, ministry and hope seriously. We seek to THRIVE in
his favour through an attentiveness to the Word, joining in community, seeking to
recognize and exercise our gifts and connection with the wider neighborhood.
WORSHIP THIS MORNING
NIGHT CHURCH - 6.00pm
Worship Leading: Matthew Moore
Song Leading:
Penny Martin
Speaker:
John Sharpe
‘Voices of Change: Jonah
Drew will be speaking
6.00pm Services
GATHERED PRAYER: Thank you to the many people who left their warm
homes and the ‘Budget’ to gather to uphold the worship, community connection,
disciple formation and future building of the witness of Ringwood.
Notes from the Prayer gathering last Tuesday evening are available as a hard copy
from the Information table in the foyer or as a soft copy from the office
‘Building A Redemptive Bridge’:
A Study designed for individual and Life Group use following the current 10am morning theme. This is available from the Ringwood Church of Christ Web site and
Facebook page. Hard copies are available from the foyer.
The series focuses on the proactive Way we can learn from God for ‘Building
Redemptive Bridges’ when there have been bridge disasters ‘trespasses’ in
relationship.
COMING LATER in the YEAR: ‘Fruitfulness on the Frontline’ (Mark Greene)
Prayer Action:
·
Pray for Nepal as it has been rocked by a second earthquake. Pray for the
ongoing work of those humanitarian agencies already on the ground.
·
Pray for the witness of faith in Christ in a world that is manifestly in turmoil.
Despite its beauty and the millions of kind people there is a sickness that
continues to sweep through so many countries with injustice, brutality,
corruption and genocide.
·
Pray for the strengthening of the Body of Christ to be robust in the
transformative power of the Gospel and to find the dynamic life of Christ in the
streets, workplaces and schools.
·
Pray for Chaplains: There are a number of chaplains that worship here at
Ringwood who serve in a range of capacities and places. Pray for Paul
Worsnop , Marg Kittelty, Karen Kepert, Noel Morley, Steve Marek ….
·
Pray for Libby and Kevin Murray as they enjoy some long service leave.
·
Pray for those recovering from surgery. Pray particularly for Gerry Herft as he
recovers from knee surgery.
·
Pray for those caring for ageing parents. Pray particularly for those who are
actively engaged in transitions in care and accommodation.
·
Pray for the White family. Gary has been home after some time in hospital.
·
Give thanks for the journey of prayer last Tuesday night. Pray for the ongoing
momentum of change as God unfolds his call and future around us.
·
Give thanks for the recent Vic/Tas ‘Adventure’ conference and AGM … Pray
for the unfolding of God’s ongoing call to grow communities of hope and
compassion and to discover new ways as to how churches are equipped,
resourced, released and empowered.
·
Pray for the community of Luther College as they grieve in the tragic deaths of
2 students. Uphold the networks of students, staff and families .
Baptism TONIGHT 6pm:
Celebrating the witness of faith,
hope and transformation as Mathew Wright is Baptised… keep him in you prayers
as his calling unfolds.
PENTECOST CELEBRATION : Maroondah Fellowship of
Churches MAY 24th Heathmont Uniting Church. 2.30pm !
Celebration Sunday - MAY 31st
A day to offer an overflow of praise, gratitude, hope and commitment to God’s future
in the life of Ringwood Church of Christ and the unique ministry and mission it is
called to.
This year we encourage:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The renewal of tithes and regular offerings for those who have never
considered this as part of active worship and devotion.
Generous financial giving in celebration of MINISTRY.
Generosity towards the ongoing unfolding of the future mission shaping
of our buildings. (Last year’s Celebration offerings to ‘Loving the
house’ are still rolling out change with more to come.)
As in other years gifts of time, art, music, letters, practical support and
help etc are welcome and honoured.
We have had a complex pattern of giving since approximately August last year and
have found that irregularity in giving has affected what was a very balanced achievable and future focused budget. We have set aside a gifted, adaptive and interactive
Ministry team through discernment and prayer over a number of years in faithfulness
to the multigenerational DNA and community mission interface of this church’s call.
The short fall in budget will eventually have an impact on ministry and mission unless
we can encourage a faithful, worshipful and generous attitude to giving not just
amongst a few , but in the loaves and fishes that we all hold.
We are the reflection of God who blesses and uses the generosity , devotion and
gratitude of His body in Christ to be hands and feet, hearts and minds, wisdom and
Word in a world that is heading down destructive pathways.
The Kingdom of our money drifting towards.
It is a powerful thing to give ( direct debit etc) even when we are away… and plan in
advance for our honouring tithes and approach each season with a generosity of
prayer, joy, resolve and dedication to the advance of God’s witness.
God calls us to grow in trust, rest in reliance on him and stand on an uncertain planet
as generous Kingdom focused people in all seasons.
Position Vacant
An opportunity to be part of a growing community ministry at East Ringwood Football
Club. We need a bright person for 2-3 hours once or twice a month to help at the
canteen on a voluntary basis. No age limit! Join with me in mixing with great people
and building bridges into our wonderful community. See Noel for more details.
Walking Group will meet in Highland Boulevard, just off Kalinda Rd Croydon
(Mel. 50 C3) next Thursday 21 May for a walk along the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail.
Anyone welcome to join us.
Any queries to Merilyn Sprott: 9729 4336
A wonderful opportunity to gather in
prayer for OM (Operation Mobilisation), one of the Mission Groups
Ringwood Church of Christ supports
financially and through prayer.
Trish and John Sonsie, along with
Natalie Palmer serve in various capacities at OM.
“There is nothing more
important in the world than to stand
in the presence of God and commit
our lives and the journey of others to
Him. We are passionate about prayer! OM Australia has experienced
God's ultimate blessings within our
local and global community because
of our reliance on Him through prayer. We consider it a privilege to be
able to join with friends, and hear
from some of our missionaries who
have served abroad with OM, and
how we can be praying for some of
the least reached countries of the
world.
You are invited to an open house
at our Dandenong show room!
This is an opportunity to see all current
stock of our Upcycled Wares and RoyRak
jewellery range.
By buying these unique products created
by women from one of the largest slums in
Bangkok, you will be supporting these
women in receiving fair wages and employment opportunities.
Where: 2/6-12 Airlie Ave, Dandenong
When: Wednesday May 20th from 10am2pm and 7-9pm
If you need more details or
information please contact Eva
MacCartney on 0423 575 506 or email me
at [email protected]
Please join us on Thursday 4th June
for our Prayer for the Nations evening.
Invite your small group or bible study
group along. All are welcome!
Location: Ringwood Church of
Christ in the Chapel, 13 Bedford
Road, Ringwood.
Time: 7:30pm - 8:30pm.
See you there!”
To order copies of the sermon on CD,
please find an order form in the attendance
register. Leave in the register and these will
be processed and available, usually
within one week. If you would like to offer a
donation to this ministry, please place this
in the offering bowl.
BOOKKEEPER WANTED
Steve Marek would love to hear from anyone who is interested in two days a week
work bookkeeping. Please contact Steve on 0413155899.
‘Thanksgiving Dinner’ An Opportunity: Last year we had an
inaugural ‘Thanksgiving Dinner’ to honour the lives of those who serve
Maroondah through the local council, banking and several schools. This was a
fantastic evening and a powerful expression of our missional intention to be active
and encouraging in building bridges of blessing in the various spheres of our
neighbourhood.
We are planning another Thanksgiving Dinner on Monday June 27th.
We have booked a function room for 80-100 and would love to invite YOU to
attend … but not on your own. We encourage you to pay for 2 and actively
invite someone that you might know who has influence in the wider
community and market place: Someone you know who might be a business
leader, a small business person, a CEO of an organization, head of police, fire
brigade, Hospital, school, bank or other key organization.
Our goal is to fulfil our role in the region as encouragers for the Kingdom of God.
Invitations will be available shortly. Please pray and imagine who you might like to
invite. If you have any questions speak with Noel, Dave or John
Worshipful, faithful and regular giving to God’s work … consider
I authorise Ringwood Church of Christ, 13 Bedford Road,
Ringwood 3134. to charge my credit card for $_____________
being my offering for today.
Or
My regular offering amount of $____________ to be debited
from my credit card each week/month. (Please circle the appropriate
option)
Visa
Direct Debit
or Internet
Banking
Ringwood
Church of
Christ Inc.
Mastercard
NAB
BSB: 083 343
Account No:
89 395 1419
Card
No:
Name on card: ______________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________________
Card Expiry Date:
__/__
Contact No: _________________________
Birthday Greetings - May
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Sunday
18th
19th
20th
22nd
24th
Gaylene Hawkins
Laurie Bird
Peter Mickelson
Lachlan Salmon, Doug Goddard
Jessie Lewis
Next Week - 24th May
BUILDING A REDEMPTIVE BRIDGE: PENTECOST
ROMANS 8:18
8:18--39
Speaker:
Worship/Communion:
Song Leader:
Bible Reading:
Communion Helpers:
John Sharpe
Ric Cutler
Ben Graham-Nellor
Beth Joyce
Andrew Archibald, Belinda & Brian Tanfield,
Carolyn & Leah Burnett, Julie & John Lanaway
Band:
Darren Evans, Daniel Wright, John Sharpe, Lachlan Salmon,
Sandra Punithan, Cameron Palmer
Singers:
Julie Waterhouse, Dale Stevens, Christine Prentice
Audio:
Stewart Drummond
Projection:
Allan Swan
Morning Tea:
Dorothy & Graeme Wigney
Communion Preparation: Sue Kay
Flowers:
Welcome :
Suji & Santosh Plakkat, Anne & Noel Morley
Offering Counters:
Colin Pritchard, Russell Cheal
NIGHT CHURCH:
‘Voices of Change - Hosea’
Speaker: John Sharpe Leaders: Jordan Ludgater &
Holly Tregenza
Op Shop:
Wednesday/Thursday
(10.00am - 3.00pm)
NOTICEBOARD:
SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES
8.30am Communion/Study
10.00am Worship
6.00pm Evening Service
Oasis Meals: - Thursday
(12.00pm)
Entertainment Books For SaleLast year, over 300,000 Entertainment™ Members discovered more than $20,000
worth of valuable offers and now it's your turn to join them! Order your 2015/16
Entertainment™ Membership from us and enjoy the benefits of new places to dine,
new activities to try and new places to stay all at a reduced price when using your
Entertainment Book Voucher!!
Nicole is no longer selling these for Rahabs Room so we thought we might sell them
this year to benefit the church funds.
They are still selling for $65 each and you can either
buy a book or a digital membership that you can use
on your phone.
Please sell them to your friends, neighbours, work
mates and family. Out of every book sold we earn
$13.00, not a lot but every bit helps!!
Please see Anne or ring on 0418 565 931 or the
office to buy your copy.
You can also order them from the Ringwood Church
of Christ Facebook page—just follow the link.
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY - 12.30-2pm (parents room)
SUNDAY ROAST
The next Sunday Roast will be on Sunday, 24th May, immediately following the
morning service. This is for any of our seniors who may live alone and rarely cook a
roast dinner for themselves. The cost is $10.00
$10.00.. Please put your name on the
Response Sheet on the noticeboard.
CAN YOU HELP?
SYG (State Youth Games) is coming up again soon over
the Queen’s Birthday Weekend at Warragul, and we have some contacts through
our Youth Group who are wanting to register and are finding the cost of $185
prohibitive, and we wondered if there was anyone who might like to assist in some
way.
If this is something you might like to do, can you please contact the Church Office.
9870 8169 or email: [email protected]
STATE YOUTH GAMES …. Coming up on the Queens Birthday Weekend – 5TH
to 8th June.
If you haven’t registered, tomorrow, Monday 18th is your absolute last opportunity so
jump online at http://stateyouthgames.com/vic/ and register and don’t forget your
payment to be forwarded to Ringwood Church of Christ.
As always to make an event like this “happen” there is a need for heaps of volunteers. We would be grateful to hear from anyone if you can help:
·
·
·
With transport to games, and transporting teams to the sporting venues at the
games – contact Simon Trease 0427 509 809
With food preparation/cooking – contact Kellie Lewis Ph: 0425 789 878
In loaning full gas bottles, and even an old couch could you please contact
Simon Trease on 0427 509 809
(There will also be sign up sheets on the noticeboard this morning if you are happy
to help out JJ)
A special invitation is open to all to cheer along our youth as they compete and
especially to the current Grade 6 kids to come and see what goes on in preparation
for next year.
CELEBRATION SUNDAY …. Coming May 31st