24th May, 2015
BUILDING A REDEMPTIVE
BRIDGE: PENTECOST
ROMANS 8:188:18-39
Romans begins with a profound call to the
fullness of Christian life in the Way of Jesus.
close relational community of the Father, Son
and Holy Spirit.
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to
be an apostle and set apart for the gospel
of God - the gospel he promised
beforehand through his prophets in the
Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as
to his earthly life was a descendant of
David, and who through the Spirit of
holiness was appointed the Son of God in
power by his resurrection from the dead:
Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we
received grace and apostleship to call all
the Gentiles to the obedience that comes
from faith for his name’s sake.” Romans
The Body of Christ only exists as a response
and testimony to GRACE and the whole of the
Body, from the prophets, apostles, teachers,
preachers, pastors and evangelists to the floor
cleaners, hand shakers, hospital visitors,
chaplains and good neighbours are all
APOSTLES - sent ones into the world as the
salt and yeast of the Kingdom of God.
1:1-5
As I mentioned last week I have been really
taken by the words - “Through him we
received grace and apostleship” … it is not
a ‘me’ focused statement but a profoundly
articulate summary of the significant
importance of Christian community and its
purpose in the world. Despite the many
imperfections in us and the appalling periods
of history when sin, avarice and hate become
our overwhelming temptations, the Gospel is
life and it is untarnished in its power, strength
and wonder.
Christian life is a
charismatic life
made holy
by the
Romans 8 explodes from beginning to end
with the flavour of Grace and apostleship.
The sustaining, groaning, actively forming,
framing comforting, agitating, prophetic
movement of the power of God living within
the very centre of your being and the very
centre of our shared experience of spiritual
community.
We celebrate the fact that the God of the
whole universe of the seen and unseen is an
internal God through the indwelling of the Holy
Spirit. Today we celebrate a unique faith with
a unique Lord and a unique HOPE, a unique
GRACE and a unique LOVE. Search the
meaning-making faiths of the world and you
will find some commonalities, some
approximations and sympathetic echoes
…. but you will not find the power and
transformative kindness of God living with
in, and you will not find HOPE like living
water bubbling up into eternity. As a
focus for Pentecost why not read John 4
chapters 13-17 and Acts 2 – 4.
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
Worship Leading: Ric Cutler
Song Leading:
Natalie Palmer
Speaker:
John Sharpe
NIGHT CHURCH - 6.00pm
‘Voices of Change: Jonah
John will be speaking
6.00pm Services
ALPHA: We have DVDs of both ‘ALPHA student’ and ‘Alpha full version –
including a shorter express version’ available for any LIFE GROUPS wanting to use
ALPHA in an invitational way for gathering work mates, neighbours, friends etc ….
Move your LIFE GROUP into a new gear by grasping a wider view of what you can
do. See Jon Sharpe
‘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)
PENTECOST CELEBRATION : THIS AFTERNOON
Maroondah Fellowship of Churches MAY 24th Heathmont
Uniting Church. 2.30pm ! 89 Canterbury Road, Heathmont.
Prayer Action:
·
Give thanks for the power of witness of faith last Sunday night in the Baptism
of Mat Wright. Pray for others who are exploring faith and beginning to step
up boldly.
·
Give thanks for the Family Fun night on Saturday of last week. Give thanks
for the imaginative energy of Bec Murray and Lachlan Salmon as they have
worked enthusiastically to connect people through these nights.
·
Pray for the upcoming School Holiday program. Uphold Linda as she works to
enlist leaders and all the helping roles that make this such a week of witness,
encouragement and joy. Pray for the eyes and ears of parents to be alert to
this and get on board. Pray for our outreach and wider community connection.
·
Pray for the upcoming Thanksgiving Dinner for local marketplace leaders.
Pray for our role - yours and mine in being the inviters … crossing the floor to
ask our school principals, bank managers, small business owners, sports club
coaches etc … to an expression of ‘thank you’.
·
Pray for the Holy Spirit movement within us to see ourselves – each of us as
unique missionaries in our unique areas of community. All of us live, play,
shop , learn and exist somewhere …. Can we see the Holy Ground of it ?
·
Pray for those experiencing significant health issues. Pray also for the
husbands, wives and families that seek to do so much heavy lifting in areas of
support and care. Uphold Gary White, Ruth Mollison, David Andrews and
Graeme Nicholls (Drew’s dad) .
·
Give thanks for new little lives and the excitement in families of babies that are
expected later in the year. Life is a miracle and also both robust and frail.
Pray for safety and well-being.
·
Give thanks for the inspiration of the recent Churches of Christ in Victoria and
Tasmania Conference weekend. Pray for the ongoing vitality, imagination ,
wisdom and prophetic momentum of Paul Cameron (CEO) and the quite
exceptional cohort of leaders throughout the partner departments.
·
Pray for the Churches of Christ in this outer Eastern region as we begin to
regularly meet, pray and discern God’s vision for new adventures in ministry
and mission together.
·
Pray for local churches in Maroondah as we continue to work together and
seek God’s call for the blessing of the region.
·
"Our friend Cheryl Rippingale highlights there is significant political unrest in
Burundi. This is causing much unrest. 20 people have been killed. Thousands
of Rwandans have fled back to Rwanda. Please pray for Lord's intervention
and that peace would reign."
·
Pray for the ongoing recovery work in Nepal… pray for those nations
experience terrorism and violence…. Pray particularly for the people of Iraq.
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.
As part of our celebrations, we always like to celebrate with a special morning tea following
the 10.00am service. Can you please also remember to bring a plate of food to share
(preferably something which doesn’t require heating).
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.
The Klong Toey Community Beatitudes and Woes:
Brought to the recent Vic/Tas Churches of Christ Conference AGM by
Andrew Menzies (Principal of Stirling Theological College) on behalf of UNOH.
We were encouraged to prayerfully listen to God and add our own.
Excerpt below - Full transcripts are available as a hard copy from the
info table and on request as a hard or email version from the office.
Blessed are the homeless, for their home is with You.
Blessed are those who are abused now, for You will comfort and protect them.
Blessed are those who are humiliated, stripped of their dignity, for You will clothe them with
Your glory and honour.
Blessed are the barren women, for You will fill their hearts with joy.
Blessed are the young men, thrown upon society's rubbish tip, locked in prison, shut away and
f
or
got
t
en,
f
or
You wi
l
l
be r
ai
s
ed up,
gi
v
en hope and pur
pos
e;
a pl
ac
e t
o s
er
v
e,
wor
k
and c
on
tribute. You will be honoured.
Blessed are you who are crippled physically or mentally, for you will run and dance and be
filled with peace. You will be released to dream.
Blessed are those whose childhood has been stolen from them, for their innocence shall be
returned to shine as white as snow, their laughter overflowing to the
heavens.
Blessed are those who are coerced and pressured into lives they didn't choose, for the power
to choose life, health and freedom will be theirs.
Blessed are those with empty hands, for their life will be filled with abundance.
Blessed are the fatherless, for you will have a full, loving family, you will be called and loved as
a son, you'll be enfolded in the arms of your Father.
Blessed are the broken, demoralised and downcast, for you shall be whole, full of hope and
lifted high.
Blessed are your children, for they will receive my Spirit that knows no limit.
Woe to you who crush the head of the poor, for you have received your reward.
Woe to you who hold back compassion, for compassion will be withheld from you.
Woe to the con-men, to the advertisers of goods we do not need and didn't want until you put
your boards up, for you will drown in a rubbish tip of futility. Your streets will be littered forever.
What sorrow awaits you who are too proud to know your neighbours for you will not find community.
What sorrow awaits you who have found fame at the expense of others, for the
tables will be turned.
What sorrow awaits you who do not embrace the lonely and are too busy for the hurting for
you will be left alone.
What sorrow awaits you who look down on the poor like scum on your feet, for you will be cast
aside like an empty tin.
Woe to those who close their hearts, homes and families to protect their perfection, for your
life will be stained, your security ruined and your prideful segregation torn down.
Woe to you who stuff your face and pat your belly as the backs of the poor break to feed your
gluttony, for your health and satisfaction shall elude you, you shall hunger and never be full.
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.
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.
‘UNIFY’ COMBINED YOUTH EVENT:
Encouragement from Sue and Anthony Tregenza:
“Hi John …. we wanted to express our joy and happiness being present at the Youth
Worship Night which combined with 8 other churches 2 weeks ago. The Broadbent’s
and ourselves decided to put together a supper and so we arrived about 8 pm .
When I walked in to our chapel and saw it close to full of young people worshipping
our Father, well it was a sight!! I thought, ‘ How fantastic to see so many young
people on the same page loving a life through Christ … and all part of our
‘neighbourhood’. There is so much negative and bad news surrounding young
people these days and here we were looking at 200+ young people making brilliant
life choices on a Friday night. We understand there’s been interest from these and
other churches to repeat this more and more. AMEN !!! A super effort from Rachel
Broadbent who had doubts and concerns. So we thought it was important to deliver
this feedback to you and the team. Exciting times !!!! Sue and Anthony Tregenza
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY - 12.30-2pm (parents room)
Continuing ‘Building a Redemptive Bridge’: Study of Romans
BLESSED FEET
Last meeting we had a look at the life of John Wesley, and how God changed the
world through him.
We will be completing this study on Tuesday night. Please come and join us at the
church in the parents' room at 7:30pm.
MOVIE NIGHT – FRIDAY 29TH MAY
Movi
e t
i
me agai
n’
;
We ar
e meet
i
ng at
Cr
oydon on Fr
i
day 29th to see “Woman in
Gold’. Please email the day before for a place, and to confirm session times . My
number is 0409 007 396 or email ([email protected]). See you there!
CAP (Christians Against Poverty)
Budgeting course:
Encouragement from participant:
The current course is almost finished and more are planned …. My hope is that
YOU will actively promote this quite significant service to friends, workmates and
family: Stuart Gay sent this to me :
“Hi Stuart, Thank you for the invitation to the CAP Course Review.
I’m sorry that I will be unable to attend that night, but I would like to thank you for the
course.
I found it most helpful. I had never heard of anything like that before, and am most
grateful to Laurie Bird for bringing it to my attention during our discussion at the
Ringwood Men's Shed last year.
I was particularly impressed with the way you presented the course, and the video
content and presentation was all first class. Excellent work. I am sure that you, and
the other presenters get a lot of satisfaction when you see the results of your efforts
in helping people through their difficult financial periods. The Church of Christ needs
to be thanked also, for making it possible to run these sessions.
Our financial situation is slowly improving, and we are ever hopeful that things will be
greatly improved by the end of this year.
I wish you and the other members of the CAP group all the best for the future.”
Thanks again.
CELEBRATION SUNDAY …. Coming May 31st
Polar Explorer’s Holiday Program Needs You!
Linda is looking for people to be part of this year’s team, it’s not too late to be
involved. There are a range of options available including: small group leaders and
assistants, actors for drama, musicians and singers for song leading, bakers for
morning teas, kitchen hands, plus much more.
The first team meeting is Sunday 31st May after the service from 12.15pm – 2.15pm
and lunch is provided.
If you are interested, contact Linda ASAP to find out what’s required. Ph 9870 8169
or email: [email protected]
ART GROUP – Thursday evenings
7pm -10pm @ Rachel Thomas’ home.
Different projects each week. $10 or $5
concession per week. Please contact Rachel on 0415 295 255 for more information.
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.
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!”
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.
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
Thursday
Saturday
Sunday
25th Max Privitera, Jeremy White
26th Madeleine Brown, Michelle Pritchard
27th Samuel Wardenaar
28th Mayella Trease
30th Barbara Harrison, George Harrison
31st Ben Graham-Nellor
Next Week - 31st May
– CELEBRATION SUND
SUNDAY
AY
BUILDING A REDEMPTIVE BRIDGE: A SACRIFICE
SACRIFICE–
ROMANS 12:1
12:1--18
Speaker:
Worship/Communion:
Song Leader:
Bible Reading:
Communion Helpers:
John Sharpe
Salmons
Annora Hummerston
Doc Wallace
Julia Fullerton, Trish & John Burch, Christine & Laurie Prentice,
Geoff Clarke, Ern Darbyshire
Band:
Annora Hummerston, Aidan Salmon, Felicity Graham-Prowse,
Andrew Whitby, Darren Evans, Ian Homewood
Singers:
Kathy Alsop, Carmen Cleary, John Newnham
Audio:
Matt Phillips
Projection:
Julie Mayers
Morning Tea:
Belinda & Brian Tanfield
Communion Preparation: Jan Carroll
Flowers:
Welcome :
Dorothy Birch, Jenny Waack, Julie & John Lanaway
Offering Counters:
John Lanaway, Russell Cheal
NIGHT CHURCH:
‘Voices of Change - Micah’
Speaker: Drew Nicholls
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)
Great Ryrie Primary School Chaplaincy Committee
presents a
Beef & Lamb Tasting Night
We are urgently needing more people to take part in this fundraiser.
It is FREE and all it requires is 1 hour of your time at Great Ryrie PS (on Great
Ryrie Street off Bedford Road)
Your participation along with 60 other taste testers will earn the school $1,000
towards the Chaplaincy Program at the school
WHEN:
Thursday 28th May
SESSIONS:
Three 1 hour sessions available.
Choose from 4:30 - 5:30,
5:30 - 6:30 or 6:30 - 7:30pm.
Each session requires 20 participants.
Bookings can be made on the GRPS website ( http://www.greatryrieps.vic.edu.au/ ) and are
restricted to 1 ticket as each participant must be named.
OR let Ashton Devenish know which session you can attend (mobile 0417 152 369; email
[email protected] )
PRE-REQUISITES: To attend this event you must meet the following criteria:
·
·
·
Aged between 18 – 70;
Prepared to give your name and phone number; and
Complete a survey based upon consumption of 7 meat samples.
NOTE: The meat samples will be prepared to medium.
VENUE:
Great Ryrie Primary School Library
51A Great Ryrie Street
Ringwood, VIC 3134
Great Ryrie Primary School Chaplaincy Committee
presents a
Beef & Lamb Tasting Night
We are urgently needing more people to take part in this fundraiser.
It is FREE and all it requires is 1 hour of your time at Great Ryrie PS (on Great
Ryrie Street off Bedford Road)
Your participation along with 60 other taste testers will earn the school $1,000
towards the Chaplaincy Program at the school
WHEN:
Thursday 28th May
SESSIONS:
Three 1 hour sessions available.
Choose from 4:30 - 5:30,
5:30 - 6:30 or 6:30 - 7:30pm.
Each session requires 20 participants.
Bookings can be made on the GRPS website ( http://www.greatryrieps.vic.edu.au/ ) and are
restricted to 1 ticket as each participant must be named.
OR let Ashton Devenish know which session you can attend (mobile 0417 152 369; email
[email protected] )
PRE-REQUISITES: To attend this event you must meet the following criteria:
·
·
·
Aged between 18 – 70;
Prepared to give your name and phone number; and
Complete a survey based upon consumption of 7 meat samples.
NOTE: The meat samples will be prepared to medium.
VENUE:
Great Ryrie Primary School Library
51A Great Ryrie Street
Ringwood, VIC 3134