St Stephen's Presbyterian Church Tamworth

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 12th February 2012

2012-02-09T21:10:00.000-08:00

he also hears their cry and saves them

BUNYAN’S CATECHISM

Who saves you?

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

SCRIPTURE: He fulfils the desire of those who fear him;

he also hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:19

BIBLE READINGS

Exodus 5:1-23 (p.58)

Acts 12:1-4 (p.1090)

SERMON POINTS

FAITH IN A BROKEN WORLD

The Wonderful Promises Of God

The Testing Times Between Promise & Fulfilment

Trusting In The One Who Promises

6.30pm Worship

Stuart

2 Kings 14:1-14 (p.373)

The Parable Of The Thistle & The Cedar

Final Hymn: 580 All My Hope On God Is Founded

WHAT’S ON

Sunday 12^th

St Stephen’s Worship – Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

 Evening Worship – Stuart Andrews – 6.30pm

Monday 13^th

Playgroup – Church Hall – 10.00am

Tuesday 14^th

Morning Bible Study at the Church – 9.30am

Irwin’s Bible Study – 7.30pm

Wendesday 15^th

Committee of Management – 10.00am

Men’s Bible Reading Group – 11.00am

St Mark’s Committee Meeting – 300pm

Friday 17^th

Prayer Cuppa Office – 9.20am

Musicians – 10.00am

Saturday 18^th

Prayer Breakfast – 7.30am

Sunday 19^th

St Stephen’s Worship – Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

Evening Worship – Stuart Andrews – 6.30pm

WHO’S WHO IN THE BIBLE

is a Bible Reading system of short passages – 4 to 6 verses – of Bible characters. It is suitable for school aged children or anyone wanting to know who’s who in the Bible. There are sheets in the foyer. Share them with someone you would like to introduce to Bible reading.

NEW BIBLE READING WEBSITE:

http://readthebiblein1or3years.wordpress.com/

PWA DORCAS MORNING TEA & PACKING

Tuesday 21st February 2012

PWA invites you to their Dorcas Morning – 9.00am for packing and 10.30am morning tea. (Gold coin donation for Dorcas) We have a carrier for the clothes! J

LADIES EVENING FELLOWSHIP

Please join us as we begin the year on Wednesday night 22^nd February in the Church hall at 7.30pm.

We are a fairly relaxed group and you would be most welcomed.

We will be discovering who our ‘Forget-Me-Nots’ were for 2011.

CHOIR

Choir will recommence on Saturday 3rd March to start practising for Easter. Please join us if you are able.

YOUR SPARE MAGAZINES

A local lady who cares for her infirm, elderly mother on a pension (who has difficulty walking) would love to get her mum some magazines to read. They are on a very tight budget, and can’t afford magazines at the newsagent. If anybody at St Stephen’s gets magazines at home, and is willing to share them once they have finished reading them, please leave them at the church and they will be collected and delivered to these ladies each Sunday.

SEWING PROJECT

Bird is looking for some help with a sewing project – ten cotton dresses made from the same simple design. She has all the material, sewing thread, several sewing machines and overlockers. Bird can do the overlocking, but needs help with the straight sewing, cutting and garment assembly due to her eyesight. She is happy to pay anyone willing to assist. Please ring Bird if you like to sew!

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.wordpress.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 12^th February Exodus 1:1 – 2:22

Much is sometimes made of the lies of the mid-wives to Pharaoh. Whatever we think of their actions, God commends these women for fearing Him and so saving lives. Moses birth and life up to 40 years of age are given briefly and succinctly.

Monday 13^th February Exodus 2:23 – 3:22

The next 40 years are also passed over in a few short verses. The refrain of the next few chapters is that God hears their cries, is concerned and acts. When God acts in salvation, He sends a saviour. The burning bush is the symbol of our Presbyterian Church.

Tuesday 14^th February Exodus 4

Moses does not want to be the saviour of Israel. He tries various excuses before he states categorically in verse 12: Please send someone else to do it! God does not let Moses off the hook, though He makes Aaron Moses’ spokesman. Righteousness is expected of a Saviour. Moses has deliberately neglected the covenant sign of circumcision for his own sons (this neglect is akin in seriousness to spitting on the cross today).

Wednesday 15^th February Exodus 5:1 – 6:12

At the start, every time Moses obeys God’s commands, everything gets worse! There is no great revival, only a long hard time of frustration, rejection by the Church, and overwhelming opposition from Pharaoh. God expects Moses to live by faith in His Word. He gives Moses a daunting commission in 6:11. If God were not God, faith would be folly!

Thursday 16^th February Exodus 6:13 – 7:25

Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? (Revelation 21:27) This question highlights the importance of genealogies in the Bible. It was very important that your name be written in the BOOK! Such books were kept in Jerusalem up to its destruction in 70AD. This is why no Jewish opponent in the First Century ever disputed Jesus’ position as Son of David. The Books were there in Jerusalem!

Friday 17^th February Exodus 8

Egypt rejects the government of God. God withdraws His government (in nature) over Egypt and the ten plagues fall upon Egypt. In the Biblical perspective, natural disasters come as a consequence and corollary of Adam’s rejection of God’s government over his life, of Adam’s original sin.

Saturday 18^th February Exodus 9

The first five plagues fall upon Israel too. They have to share the boils, livestock dying, the flies, gnats and frogs, the water turning into blood. We too have to share in the disasters that fall upon our people, even as Jesus shared. Faith is no lucky charm, but a trust in the person and character of the Lord.

Sunday 19^th February Exodus 10

The great paradox in Exodus is where it says Pharaoh hardened his heart (9:34), and I the Lord have hardened Pharaoh’s heart. (10:1) God is totally sovereign in all things. We are totally responsible for our actions/lives. In the dimensions of eternity, both statements are equally true, though mutually exclusive in the dimensions of our existence.

FOR YOUR PRAYER

THEME: The Bible

How rich the truths within God’s Word,

What gems beyond compare!

By faith we can discover them,

When study joins with prayer. - D. De Haan

NEXT OF KIN REGISTER

We have made a “Next of Kin Register” so that we can contact you through your relatives if necessary. If you haven’t done so, please hand a Name, Address and Phone Number to Stuart or Marion.

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NEXT OF KIN REGISTER

YOUR NAME: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

YOUR PHONE NUMBER:----------------------------------------------------------------

NAME OF SOMEONE TO CONTACT:----------------------------------------------

YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO THIS PERSON:-------------------------------------

THEIR ADDRESS:---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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PHONE NUMBER OF CONTACT PERSON:-------------------------------------

COUNTRY MUSIC SERVICE Sunday 29th January 2012

2012-01-31T00:09:00.000-08:00

8Ball gets shaved to raise money for the Leukemia Foundation

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 29th January 2012

2012-01-26T23:19:00.000-08:00

BECAUSE JESUS HAS COME

TO US

My heart is like a singing bird
Whose nest is in a water'd shoot;
My heart is like an apple-tree
Whose boughs are bent with thickset fruit;
My heart is like a rainbow shell
That paddles in a halcyon sea;
My heart is gladder than all these
Because my love is come to me.

Raise me a dais of silk and down;
Hang it with fair and purple dyes;
Carve it in doves and pomegranates,
And peacocks with a hundred eyes;
Work it in gold and silver grapes,
In leaves and silver fleurs-de-lys;
Because the birthday of my life
Is come, my love is come to me.

by Christina Georgina Rossetti

BUNYAN’S CATECHISM

Who made you?

Answer: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

SCRIPTURE:

For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:13,14 (ESV)

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 108:1-6 (p.601)

Acts 9:1-8 (p.1087)

SERMON POINTS

GOOD REASONS TO PRAISE THE LORD WITH MUSIC & SONG

Jesus Has Come!

The Greatness Of His Love And Faithfulness

Jesus Has Come To Us!

Let His Glory Be Over All The Earth

Jesus Has Come To You?

Who Are You LORD?

Ask! Seek! Knock!

6.30pm Worship

Stuart

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (p.969)

The Parable Of The Weeds

Who Wins – Satan or Christ?

Final Hymn: 333 Almighty God Your Word Is Cast

WHAT’S ON

Sunday 29^th

St Stephen’s Worship – Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

 Evening Worship – Stuart Andrews – 6.30pm

Monday 30^th

Playgroup – Church Hall – 10.00am

Wendesday 1^st

Men’s Bible Reading Group – 10.00am

Friday 3^rd

Prayer Cuppa Office – 9.20am

Musicians – 10.ooam

Saturday 4^th

Prayer Breakfast – 7.30am

Sunday 5^th

St Stephen’s Worship – George Knight – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

Evening Worship – Gordon Dandie – 6.30pm

WHO’S WHO IN THE BIBLE

PWA DORCAS MORNING TEA & PACKING

A labelled box has been provided for you to leave pre-used clothing for Dorcas.

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.wordpress.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 29^th January Genesis 36

Esau chose wealth and fame and got it. He sold himself short on everything that is truly worthwhile – the things that last for eternity. Esau and his history should make us re-consider what we are spending our lives for!

Monday 30^th January Genesis 37

Jacob’s family begins to fracture with the death of Rachael and the rejection by Jacob of Levi, Simeon and Reuben in the position of his main heir. He pours out his grief in the very public favouritism he shows Joseph. The best of us grow weary and act unwisely or irresponsibly. Hatred stirs most in Judah’s heart – of whom great things are said later. We all need the work of the grace of God in every today.

Tuesday 31^st January Genesis 38

Consider Judah’s words about Tamar: she is more righteous than I, before judging her actions too harshly. (38:26) Tamar had the responsibility of producing the heir. Judah took that away from her unrighteously. He condemned her to a future of poverty and charity within the camp – she who was chosen to bear the heir! How did Joseph treat Mary – she who was chosen to bear the Heir?

Wednesday 1^st February Genesis 39

Joseph is a most attractive character – he keeps his integrity in situations where most others would have given over and gone with the flow. Potiphar, as captain of the guard, had the charge of the Pharaoh’s prison. He continues to use Joseph, even as he placates his wife. David said: I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. 1 Chronicles 29:17

Thursday 2^nd February Genesis 40

Potiphar assigns pharaoh’s baker and cupbearer to Joseph’s care. While he is content to leave Joseph in prison, he is more than willing to utilise Joseph’s talents. Joseph spends the next two years in the prison. How would your faith stand up?

Friday 3^rd February Genesis 41:1-49

God’s timing is perfect. He has purposed that Joseph will not only save his family in the coming famine, he will save the entire nation of Egypt. No doubt, Joseph blessed the circumstances he once cursed, that left him in a stinking prison for years.

Saturday 4^th February Genesis 41:50 to 42:38

In the seven years of plenty, Joseph has two sons with Asenath. Children are the blessing of the Lord. In these two, Joseph feels blessed as well as knows it. The brothers before their brother is a most instructive piece. Every eldest has felt like Reuben at some time I’m sure.

Sunday 5^th February Genesis 43

The brothers feast with Joseph amidst plenty but with fear and trepidation. Consider why the Scripture devotes so much time to this incident!

FOR YOUR PRAYER

A little sanctuary art Thou to me;

O Jesus Christ, beloved, I live with Thee;

My heart has found its everlasting home,
Its sure abiding place where’er I roam.

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 25th December 2011 - Christmas Day

2011-12-22T19:07:00.000-08:00

St Stephen's Choir-led Carol Service - 18th December 2011

CHRISTMAS CATECHISM

9. What does Jesus do to us as a prophet?

He reveals the will of God to us by the preaching of His Word and by His Spirit.

Scripture: Luke 24:19 “Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, …”

10. How did Jesus come into this world?

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

Scripture:

Matthew 1:20-23 But as Joseph considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us).

BIBLE READINGS:

Isaiah 9:2-7 (p.683)

Luke 2:1-20 (p.1014)

SERMON: To Us A Child Is Born... Preacher: David Hassan

EVENING SERVICES & OFFICE CLOSURE

The last evening service for 2011 was held on Sunday 18^th. Evening services will resume on the 29^th January.

The Church office will close on Friday December 23^rd 2011, and reopen on Friday January 27^th, 2012.

We have a vacancy in the office for someone to look after the children’s work sheets. If you would like to help in this, please talk to Marion. It’s not difficult! J

WHAT DO YOU DO ON SUNDAY EVENING?

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together…”

Christians have always followed the example of Jesus’ first disciples to gather together in the evening of the Lord’s Day. St Stephen’s is one of a few congregations that continue this practice. Please consider joining us when our evening services re-commence on Sunday 29^th January. Your presence would be a great encouragement and strength to others, and you will enjoy great fellowship and teaching.

NEXT OF KIN REGISTER

We are making a “Next of Kin Register” so that we can contact you through your relatives if necessary. Please hand a Name, Address and Phone Number to Stuart or Marion.

MY CHINA MYSTERY

‘I am very excited to announce that my book, “My China Mystery” will be on the shelves of Christian bookshops in April 2012, God willing. You will be able to buy a copy from me or the bookshop at $19.95. I hope you will start saving now!’ J

- Marion

HOLIDAY BIBLE READINGS

The devil never takes a holiday! Clothe yourself every morning with the whole armour of God that you may be able to resist him. YOU WILL FIND A BOOKLET IN THE PORCH WITH THE BIBLE READING NOTES FOR 2012 STARTING WITH GENESIS. You will also notice a sheet “WHO’S WHO IN THE BIBLE”. These are shorter passages to read each day.

DECEMBER PULSE.

Be sure to get your copy. Read the report on ‘Church On The Hill’ at Nowendoc.

LAY-PREACHERS FOR JANUARY

AT ST STEPHEN’S

January 8^th Brian Rixon

January 15^th Ian Irwin

January 22^nd Glenn Mercer

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.wordpress.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 25^th December Revelation 17

Look at Proverbs chapters 5 to 9 and the warning about stupidity – the way of spiritual adultery. The adulteress is one major source for this chapter. So too is Zechariah 5:5-11. Babylon pictures all the allure of worldly thinking. The constant refrain of Revelation is the call for perseverance and faithfulness on our part.

Monday 26^th December Revelation 18

The image of Babylon is the same as what Jesus meant by Mammon. Nahum 3, Habakkuk 2 and Zephaniah 3 are all passages with the same message. Where have I placed my love? Is my profession the same as my practice?

Tuesday 27^th December Revelation 19:1-10

Heaven will be a wonderful place! Verse 10 is a key verse to understand what the Bible means by prophecy. A lot of modern Christian commentators place the spirit or focus of prophecy of the Old Testament in the Jews. John places it in the testimony of Jesus.

Wednesday 28^th December Revelation 19:11-20:6

What impresses you about Jesus in this tremendous passage? Once again Psalm 2 is part of the background. Psalms 1and 2 portray the Law and the Prophets – the 2 witnesses to Christ.

Thursday 29^th December Revelation 20:7-21:8

The Great White Throne – you need never be afraid that God will make mistakes. His throne is WHITE! Meditate on 21:1-8. Find one thing that brings comfort to you?

Friday 30^th December Revelation 21:9-22:5

Shameful, deceitful and impure are adjectives of hell, not heaven. I have a responsibility to turn away from such today. When Christ returns, the Garden of Eden will become the Garden in the midst of the Holy City!

Saturday 31^st December 2004 Revelation 22:6-21

Jesus is coming! This thought is repeated throughout these closing verses. May those people we pray for all come to say: Amen. Come Lord Jesus!

FOR YOUR PRAYER

Forgive us, Lord, for failures past,

Then help us start anew

with strength and courage to obey,

and closely follow You.

Spurgeon

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 18th December 2011

2011-12-15T22:12:00.000-08:00

O Come let us adore Him,

Christ the Lord!

May St Stephen’s flourish to coming generations

by the preaching of Your Word and the praising of Your  Name!

CHRISTMAS CATECHISM

7. What does Jesus do to us as a King?

He governs us and defends us from our enemies.

Scripture: Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come,…”

Psalm 72:4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!

8. What does He do to us as a Priest?

He has offered Himself once in a sacrifice for our sins, and He intercedes for us.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.

Romans 8:34
Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

BIBLE READINGS:

Isaiah 9:1-7 (p.683)

Matthew 2:1-12 (p.956)

SERMON POINTS

O COME ALL YOU FAITHFUL

Joyful And Triumphant

O Come Now To Bethlehem

Come And Behold Him

EVENING SERVICE

6.30pm

Stuart

Mark 4:1-20 (p.993)

The Parable of The Sower

Be Good Ground

Final Hymn: 364 Almighty Lord Of All Created Things

WHAT’S ON

SUNDAY 18^th

St Stephen’s Worship – Stuart Andrews – 9.00am CHOIR-LED CAROLS SERVICE

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

Evening Service – Stuart Andrews – 6.30pm

FRIDAY 23^rd

Prayer, Cuppa, Office – 9.20am

Music Team – 10.00am

SUNDAY 25^th

St Stephen’s Worship – Choir-led Worship - Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie - 9.00am

Evening Worship – Stuart Andrews - 6.30pm

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE

This will be a combined service on Sunday 25th December, at 9.00am.

NO Evening Service 25th

STUART’S NEW BIBLE READING WEBSITE: http://readthebiblein1or3years.wordpress.com/

Bible readings for January may be found in the booklet ‘Genesis 1 to Joshua 13 January to June’ on the small table in the foyer.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

PWA has Christmas cards for sale. See Alie or Una for prompt attention.

EVENING SERVICES & OFFICE CLOSURE

The last evening service for 2011 will be on Sunday 18^th. Evening services will resume on the 29^th January. The Church office will close on Friday December 23^rd 2011, and reopen on Friday January 27^th, 2012.

INVITATION

All church members are also invited to join Bird and 8 Ball Aitken in a carol-singing and country music concert at the Tamworth Tennis Club on Napier Street (corner Roderick Street) on Friday, December 23 from 8 pm to 11 pm.

NEXT OF KIN REGISTER

We would like to make a “Next of Kin Register” so that we can contact you through your relatives if necessary. Please hand a Name, Address and Phone Number to Stuart or Marion.

ISLAM SERVES THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Have a look at the new MERF News! Read about the wonderful things God is doing in the Middle East and Africa. “The MERF International council closed with a reminder from the general director that Islam serves the Kingdom of God. God is sovereign, and all over the world He is changing lives and building His Church. To Him be all the glory and praise!

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.wordpress.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 18^th December Revelation 10

The Angel is described like Christ, while being quite different. The Angel’s face symbolises God’s holiness; the rainbow symbolises God’s mercy and covenant faithfulness; and the cloud, God’s presence, both protecting and judging God’s people.

Monday 19^th December Revelation 11

The two witnesses are the Law and the Prophets, or Moses and Elijah. They are linked to the two olive trees (Zechariah 4) the Lord’s Anointed (or Christs) the King and the Priest. Remember what Jesus said in John 8:14-18.

Tuesday 20^th December Revelation 12

All this imagery comes from the Old Testament. Remember Joseph’s dream? Psalm 2 as quoted refers to Christ. Though Satan tries to destroy the Church, she is saved in God’s providence by fleeing to the wilderness. 1260 days are 40 months, recalling the 40 years in the wilderness.

Wednesday 21^st December Revelation 13

The Beast is identified with the secular world powers that are inimical to Christ and His Gospel – hence horns, crowns, leopards, thrones, authority over tribes, peoples, ethnic groups. Verses 8-10 contain the key – the Redeemer’s coming is this world’s death stroke. What is required of us?

Thursday 22^nd December Revelation 14

We believers are espoused to one husband – Jesus Christ. See 2 Corinthians 11:2. This chapter is a wonderful picture of what Jesus has done for you – we are cleansed and preserved by Christ and His Spirit.

Friday 23^rd December Revelation 15

John sees the Temple Above in Jerusalem Above. This is the Temple where Jesus offered up Himself as a sacrifice for our sins – Hebrews 9:11-14. You and I can serve the Living God, because Christ cleansed us from our sins.

Saturday 24^th December Revelation 16

Judgment leads to the freedom of God’s people. The imagery of this chapter is meant to remind us of the history of the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. Seven is the number for completion or wholeness. God’s salvation of Israel was complete. So too shall be His salvation of the people of Christ! Hallelujah!

Sunday 25^th December Revelation 17

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 11th December 2011

2011-12-08T21:54:00.000-08:00

PWA Christmas Service

Cutting the Cake

May St Stephen’s flourish to coming generations

by the preaching of Your Word and the praising of Your  Name!

CHRISTMAS CATECHISM

5. Why is our Lord called Jesus? Because He is our Saviour.

Scripture: Matthew 1:21 “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

6. Why is He named Christ? Because He is anointed as our King, Priest and Prophet.

Scripture: Revelation 11:15 "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever."

Hebrews 9:11 Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come,

Ephesians 2:20 Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.

BIBLE READINGS:

Joel 2:21-22 (p.902)

Luke 1:36-45, 57-80 (p.1013)

SERMON POINTS

JOHN - THE GRACE OF THE LORD

With God, nothing shall be impossible.

Blessed are they that believe.

What manner of child shall John be?

The Lord God visited his people to serve him in holiness and righteousness.

EVENING SERVICE

6.30pm

Stuart

WHAT’S ON

SUNDAY 11^th

St Stephen’s Worship –Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Evening Service – Stuart Andrews – 6.30pm

MONDAY 12^th

Playgroup – 10am

TUESDAY 13^th

Irwin’s Bible Study – 7.30pm

Moonbi Christmas Luncheon – 12 noon

WEDNESDAY 14^th

Men’s Bible Reading Group - 11am

Committee of Management – 10.00am

FRIDAY 16^th

Prayer, Cuppa, Office – 9.20am

Music Team – 10.00am

SATURDAY 17^th

Prayer Breakfast – 7.30am

Choir – 8.45am

SUNDAY 18^th

St Stephen’s Worship – Choir-led Worship - Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie - 9.00am

Evening Worship – Stuart Andrews - 6.30pm

RETIRING OFFERING FOR GIDEONS

Sunday December 11^th

On Sunday October 9^th Gideons Jim Marston and Lindsay Donaldson visited St Stephen’s. We did not take up a retiring offering for Gideons International that day. Instead, there will be a retiring offering for the work of Gideons International this Sunday December 11^th.

The Gideons International is an interdenominational association of Christian business and professional men who are members of Protestant/evangelical churches. Members are dedicated to saving the lost through personal witnessing and the distribution of God's Word in more than 190 countries around the world.

CAROLS IN THE CORRIDORS (AMMENDED DATE)

The Tamworth Hospitals Chaplaincy is again running Carols in the Corridors for the patients: Monday 12^th December, meeting at the Base Hospital Chapel at 6pm, supper provided after. Bring your voice! Email Gus on: tamworth.chaplain@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au or call 6767 7140 to indicate your interest.

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE

This will be a combined service on Sunday 25th December, at 9.00am.

NO Evening Service 25th

OFFICE CLOSURE & EVENING SERVICES

The Church office will close on Friday December 23^rd 2011, and reopen on Friday January 27^th, 2012. The last evening service for 2011 will be on Sunday 18^th. Evening services will resume on the 29^th January.

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.wordpress.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 11^th December Revelation 3:7-22

The church at Philadelphia is the one church of the seven that did not receive a rebuke from Christ. What can you learn from what Jesus said to these Christians?

Monday 12^th December Revelation 4

The imagery of this chapter comes from the Exodus, Ezekiel’s visions, Noah, the 12 Patriarchs of Israel and the 12 Apostles. What have you found worthy about God this past week or month?

Tuesday 13^th December Revelation 5

The scroll is a will or testament. In ancient Rome, seven seals attested a will. Seven people put their seals on the will signed in their collective presence. It was hoped that at least one of the seven would be alive when the will was opened to attest its contents. In Revelation, There is no one who is able to open God’s testament to men and unlock the inheritance for us – except the Lamb!

Wednesday 14^th December Revelation 6

In John’s revelation Jesus opens the six of the seven seals. Jesus is the rider on the white horse. Then follow War, Famine, Death, Witnesses and Judgment (as in Egypt). What God is doing through Jesus within history is signed and sealed!

Thursday 15^th December Revelation 7

John symbolises the whole of the Church (i.e. the true Israel of God) with the number 144,000 – 12 times 12,000. Israel is referred to as the thousands of Israel! (Numbers 10:36 Moses said, "Return, O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel”.) The reference to a seal on their foreheads is reference to their baptism. All of God’s people will be saved. He will not miss out one of His own!

Friday 16^th December Revelation 8

The seventh seal is silence. God waits for something – the prayers of the saints. Prayer is the signal for the trumpets – as on the Day of Atonement or the Feast of Tabernacles. The trumpets unleash God’s salvation – which is also His judgment, as in Egypt of the Exodus!

Saturday 17^th December Revelation 9

I remember when I read one book that claimed that the locusts mentioned were helicopter gun-ships – viz a viz their guns in the back. This is all science fiction and should be treated as such. The third is mentioned, because this was the share of those who did not inherit! The rule of inheritance in Israel was that the heir got two mouths or bites at the cherry, everyone else divided up the final mouth. Jesus will get two mouths!

Sunday 18^th December Revelation 10

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 24th December 2011

2011-12-02T16:26:00.000-08:00

 Yet in your dark streets shining
is everlasting light . .

May St Stephen’s flourish to coming generations

by the preaching of Your Word and the praising of Your  Name!

CHRISTMAS CATECHISM

1. Who is Jesus?

Jesus is Christ our Lord, the only Son of God the Father.

Scripture: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Matthew 16:16

2. How did Christ humble himself in his conception and birth?

Christ humbled himself in his conception and birth, in that, being from all eternity the Son of God, in the bosom of the Father, he was pleased in the fulness of time to become the son of man, made of a woman of low estate, and to be born of her; with many extraordinarily degrading circumstances.

Scripture:

Philippians 2:6,7 Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

BIBLE READINGS:

Revelation 1:9-20 (p.1215)

Daniel 7:1-14 (p.881)

SERMON POINTS

THE SON OF MAN, THE SON OF GOD

The Sunday Revelation

The Man With The Sword

The Keys Of Death And Hades

EVENING SERVICE

6.30pm

Stuart

2 Samuel 14:1-24 (p.308)

Luke 2:1-7 (p.1014)

The Parable Of The Two Sons -

Man’s & God’s Answers To Escaping Judgment

Final Hymn: 423 Jesus, Your Blood And Righteousness

WHAT’S ON

SUNDAY 4^th

St Stephen’s Worship –Stuart Andrews – 9.00am – Holy Communion

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

Evening Service – Stuart Andrews – 6.30pm – The Lord’s Supper

MONDAY 5^th

Playgroup – 10am

TUESDAY 6^th

PWA Christmas Carol Service and Morning Tea – 10.00am

WEDNESDAY 7^th

Men’s Bible Reading Group - 11am

FRIDAY 9^th

Prayer, Cuppa, Office – 9.20am

Music Team – 10.00am

SATURDAY 10^th

Prayer Breakfast – 7.30am

Choir – 8.45am

SUNDAY 11^th

St Stephen’s Worship – Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Stuart Andrews - 9.00am

Evening Worship – Stuart Andrews - 6.30pm

STUART’S NEW BIBLE READING WEBSITE: http://readthebiblein1or3years.wordpress.com/

CAROLS IN THE CORRIDORS

The Tamworth Hospitals Chaplaincy is again running Carols in the Corridors for the patients: Monday 5 December, meeting at the Base Hospital Chapel at 6pm, supper provided after. Bring your voice! Email Gus on: tamworth.chaplain@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au or call 6767 7140 to indicate your interest.

PWA CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE AND MORNING TEA

You are invited to join our PWA ladies for their annual Christmas Carol Service (in the Church) followed by a morning tea, (in the hall) on Tuesday 6^th December, commencing at 10.00am.

MOOMBI CHRISTMAS LUNCH

An invitation is extended to come to the Moonbi Christmas Lunch on Tuesday, 13th December, 11.30 for 12.00 midday at the Kootingal Country Inn.

The meal will be Roast turkey roll with vegetables, mixed herbs, and an apricot sauce; pavlova with fruit salad and a strawberry sauce; tea and coffee.

Cost is $25.00 each. Please contact David Emmanuel, ph 67605369 to book. Special guest this year will be Gordon Edmonds, poet and Gideon, an elder from the Presbyterian Church in Armidale.

RETIRING OFFERING FOR GIDEONS

Sunday December 11^th

OFFICE CLOSURE & EVENING SERVICES

The Church office will close on Friday December 23^rd 2011, and reopen on Friday January 27^th, 2012. Evening services after 25^th December will resume on the 29^th January. Bible Reading booklets will be available for January.

NEXT OF KIN REGISTER

We would like to make a “Next of Kin Register” so that we can contact you through your relatives if necessary. Please hand a Name, Address and Phone Number to Stuart or Marion.

INVITATIONS

· Bird Jensen is celebrating her birthday on December 16, and she cordially invites her St. Stephens friends to an “at home” afternoon tea with a festive birthday and Christmas theme after church on Sunday, December 11 from 11 am to 2 pm.

All church members are also invited to join Bird and 8 Ball Aitken in a carol-singing and country music concert at the Tamworth Tennis Club on Napier Street (corner Roderick Street) on Friday, December 23 from 8 pm to 11 pm.

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.wordpress.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 4^th December 1 John 4

What verse in today’s reading do you think would be a good one to memorise. This is another famous chapter on love.

Monday 5^th December 1 John 5

John summarises everything he has said in the first four chapters in this last chapter. Meditate on verses 11 and 12. What idols do you have to keep yourself from?

Tuesday 6^th December 2 John

The chosen lady is a church. John had to be careful when writing to a persecuted church. John reiterates themes from his gospel. What verse touches on some situation in your life?

Wednesday 7^th December 3 John

Gaius is presumably Paul’s friend at Corinth whose hospitality is noted – see Romans 16:23, 1 Corinthians 1:14. I have always found his advice imitate what is good challenging. Find something that challenges you!

Thursday 8^th December Revelation 1

This rich picture of Jesus is drawn from Genesis 3:24, Joshua 5:13-15, Ezekiel 1:7,27, Daniel 7:9,13, 8:17, Ezekiel 43:2, all through Ezekiel! This picture links Him to the whole of the Old Testament story of God’s dealings with mankind, from the Fall to Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land under Joshua, to the promise of the Messiah in Daniel’s revelation and in the prophets.

Friday 9^th December Revelation 2:1-17

We can find facets of our own congregation’s life in each of the seven churches. Do any of these descriptions apply to your congregation? What is your responsibility to Christ, to your congregation with what you see?

Saturday 10^th December Revelation 2:18-3:6

Each of the seven churches is in what is now modern Turkey. Back then, Turkey was a polyglot mix of almost every nationality under the sun. Idolatry is called sexual immorality in the prophets – the image is that we the church are God’s wife! The idolatry of Thyatira was a mixture of current ideas with traditional Christian belief.

Sunday 11^th December Revelation 3:7-22

The church at Philadelphia is the one church of the seven that did not receive a rebuke from Christ. What can you learn from what Jesus said to these Christians?

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 27th November 2011

2011-11-24T22:22:00.000-08:00

 Jesus was pleased in the fulness of time 
to become the son of man, 
made of a woman of low estate, 
and to be born of her;

with many extraordinarily degrading circumstances.

May St Stephen’s flourish to coming generations

by the preaching of Your Word and the praising of Your  Name!

ST MARK’S ANNIVERSARY AND GRADUATION

Bible Reading: Genesis 1: 1-5 (p.1), John 1:1-5 (p.1049)

Talk 1: My God Is So Big Stuart

Bible Reading: Psalm 19:1-4a (p.541)

Talk 2:                       The Wonder And The Glory

EVENING SERVICE

6.30pm

Stuart

WHAT’S ON

SUNDAY 27^th

St Mark’s Anniversary and Graduation combined with TCPC – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

Evening Service – Stuart Andrews – 6.30pm

MONDAY 28^st

Playgroup – 10am

TUESDAY 29^th

Bible Study at Church – 9.30am

Irwin’s Bible Study – 7.30pm

WEDNESDAY 30^th

Men’s Bible Reading Group - 11am

Preparation fo Jeof Falls’ Visit– 7.30pm

FRIDAY 2^nd

Prayer, Cuppa, Office – 9.20am

Music Team – 10.00am

SATURDAY 26^th

Prayer Breakfast – 7.30am

Choir – 8.30am PLEASE BE ON TIME

SUNDAY 4^th

St Stephen’s Worship and Holy  Communion – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie - 9.00am

Evening Worship and Lord’s Supper – Stuart Andrews - 6.30pm

STUART’S NEW BIBLE READING WEBSITE: http://readthebiblein1or3years.wordpress.com/

VISIT OF JEOF FALLS

Jeof Falls will return to Tamworth to talk with TCPC and St Stephen’s on Saturday 3^rdDecember. The meeting will start at 9.30am and finish at 12.30pm. If you would like to come, please see either Brian or Stuart. The only stipulation Jeof has placed on those involved in this process of discussion is that we be sceptical but fair, open to listen to others and to be neither intolerant nor inflexible regarding what we think should happen.

Jeof wrote regarding the process he is following: “It is designed to understand what is working well and identify any particular constraints or misunderstandings that may be affecting the way that people regard one another between the two groups. I will also canvass how people felt after our last session, and the opportunities and threats of working more closely together in the future. We will also clarify any outstanding matters and discuss next steps (if any).”

Pray that God’s will be done.

WEDNESDAY 30^th 7.30PM MEETING

RE JEOF FALLS’ VISIT

Session has called a meeting for those coming on Saturday to look at what Session has already put together and further add and refine what St Stephen’s people think on the matter:– what has worked well, what hasn’t.

KOOTINGAL CAROLS

The combined churches Kootingal Carols service will be held on Friday 2nd December at the Kootingal Public School.

A free BBQ commences at 6.00 pm, the Tamworth RSL band will play from 7.00 pm, and the Carol Singing will commence at 7.30 pm.

CAROLS IN THE CORRIDORS

PWA CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

AND MORNING TEA

You are invited to join our PWA ladies for their annual Christmas Carol Service (in the Church) followed by a morning tea, (in the hall) on Tuesday 6^th December, commencing at 10.00am.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

PWA has Christmas cards for sale. See Alie or Una for prompt attention.

MOOMBI CHRISTMAS LUNCH

An invitation is extended to come to the Moonbi Christmas Lunch on Tuesday, 13th December, 11.30 for 12.00 midday at the Kootingal Country Inn.

The meal will be Roast turkey roll with vegetables, mixed herbs, and an apricot sauce; pavlova with fruit salad and a strawberry sauce; tea and coffee.

Cost is $25.00 each. Please contact David Emmanuel, ph 67605369 to book. Special guest this year will be Gordon Edmonds, poet and Gideon, an elder from the Presbyterian Church in Armidale.

OFFICE CLOSURE & EVENING SERVICES

The Church office will close on Friday December 23^rd 2011, and reopen on Friday January 27^th, 2012. There will be an evening service on Sunday 1^st January 2012, three weeks break and then evening services will resume on the 29^th January.

NEXT OF KIN REGISTER

We would like to make a “Next of Kin Register” so that we can contact you through your relatives if necessary. Please hand a Name, Address and Phone Number to Stuart or Marion.

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.wordpress.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 27^th November John 19:17-42

Joseph of Arithamea and Nicodemus gave Jesus a costly burial, suitable for royalty. It is their declaration that Jesus is their King, their Messiah. They are drawn to Him in His death and confess their allegiance openly.

Monday 28^th November John 20

The Resurrection is the great pivot of faith. Everything depends on this being true, on this happening within time and space. John lets you see what stopped him in his tracks when he stooped in and saw, not an empty tomb or a mess of hardened myrrh-gummed linen scraps torn off the body, but the linen strips unglued and folded up by themselves. Resurrection!

Tuesday 29^th November John 21

Peter needed a public reinstatement because of his public denial of Christ. Jesus asks His question of Peter three times to answer for Peter’s three denials. Jesus’ question is well worth putting to yourself!

Wednesday 30^th November 1 John 1

John begins his letter in a manner similar to the beginning of his Gospel. It is easy to pretend to others and yourself that you don’t sin, that you are a good person. Why is it important to confess our sins to God and not pretend to Him or to ourselves?

Thursday 1^st December 1 John 2:1-17

Notice that obedience to Jesus and to His word or command is inescapable for the Christian. This is how God’s love is made complete in us. When you apply God’s Word to your life, be practical. Ask yourself how, when and who!

Friday 2^nd December 1 John 2:18-29

Talk over with someone else what it means today to deny that Jesus is the Christ. Can you give examples from our society in Australia today? In John’s day these were people who were inside the perimeter of the Church.

Saturday 3^rd December 1 John 3

We are called to two things – to discontinue in sin and to love our brother Christian. 1 Corinthians 13, Zechariah 7:9,10 and 8:16,17, Leviticus 19:18 and much else of the case law in Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy will tell you what loving your brother means in practice.

Sunday 4^th December 1 John 4

What verse in today’s reading do you think would be a good one to memorise. This is another famous chapter on love.

CHRISTMAS CATECHISM

2011-11-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

1. Who is Jesus?

Jesus is Christ our Lord, the only Son of God the Father.

Scripture: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Matthew 16:16

2. How did Christ humble himself in his conception and birth?

Scripture:

3. Why is He called the only Son of God, seeing we are His sons and daughters by adoption?

Because God has no other sons by nature.

Scripture:

1 John 4:9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.

4. How do we become children of God?

By adoption

Scripture: Ephesians 1:5 He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

5. Why is He called Jesus?

Because He is our Saviour.

Scripture:

Matthew 1:21 “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

6. Why is He named Christ?

Because He is anointed as our King, Priest and Prophet.

Scripture:

Revelation 11:15 "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever."

Hebrews 9:11 Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come,

Ephesians 2:20 Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.

7. What does He do to us as a King?

He governs us and defends us from our enemies.

Scripture:

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come,…”

Psalm 72:4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!

8. What does He do to us as a Priest?

He has offered Himself once in a sacrifice for our sins, and He intercedes for us.

Scripture:

Hebrews 10:12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.

Romans 8:34
Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

9. What does He do to us as a prophet?

He reveals the will of God to us by the preaching of His Word and by His Spirit.

Scripture: Luke 24:19 “Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, …”

10. How did Jesus come into this world?

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

Scripture:

Matthew 1:20-23 But as Joseph considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us).

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 20th November 2011

2011-11-17T22:08:00.000-08:00

In six days the LORD made heaven and earth,

and on the seventh day
he rested and was refreshed.

May St Stephen’s flourish to coming generations

by the preaching of Your Word and the praising of Your  Name!

SHORTER CATECHISM – FOURTH COMMANDMENT: GOD’S HOLY DAY

62. What are the reasons attached to the fourth commandment?

The reasons attached to the fourth commandment are, God’s allowance of six days to fulfil our worldly tasks, his claim to special ownership of the seventh, his own example, and his blessing of the Sabbath day.

Scripture: Exodus 31:17 It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.'"

Also: Ex 31:15-16, Lev 23:3, Gen 2:3.

BIBLE READINGS:

John 17:20-26 (p.1071)

2 Chronicles 6:12-33 (p.429)

SERMON POINTS

JESUS’ PRAYER FOR YOU

At The Dedication Of The Temple Of His Body

That We May Be One

That We May Be In Them

That We May Be Where He Is

That Christ And The Father’s Love May Be In Us

EVENING SERVICE

6.30pm

Stuart

2 Samuel 14:1-24 (p.308)

Luke 2:1-7 (p.1014)

The Parable Of The Two Sons -

Man’s and God’s Answers To Escaping Judgment

Final Hymn: 423 Jesus, Your Blood And Righteousness

WHAT’S ON

SUNDAY 20^th

St Stephen’s Worship –Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

Evening Service – Stuart Andrews – 6.30pm

MONDAY 21^st

Playgroup – 10am

TUESDAY 22^nd

Bible Study at Church – 9.30am

WEDNESDAY 23^rd

Men’s Bible Reading Group - 11am

Session – 7.30pm

LEF – 7.30pm - Final for 2011, Christmas craft, all women welcome

FRIDAY 25^th

Prayer, Cuppa, Office – 9.20am

Music Team – 10.00am

SATURDAY 26^th

Prayer Breakfast – 7.30am

Choir – 8.45am

SUNDAY 27^th

St Mark’s Graduation & Anniversary Service combined with TCPC – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie - 9.00am

Evening Worship – Stuart Andrews - 6.30pm

PWA CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE AND MORNING TEA

You are invited to join our PWA ladies for their annual Christmas Carol Service (in the Church) followed by a morning tea, (in the hall) on Tuesday 6^th December, commencing at 10.00am.

URGENT ACTION REQUIRED OF US NOW TO SAVE “MARRIAGE”

· Jesus defines “marriage” as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. Matthew 19:4-6

· With just a few weeks to go to the Australian Labor Party's National Conference, same-sex marriage activists are pushing for the ALP to adopt same-sex marriage as party policy at the Conference.

· We will watch a video from the Australian Christian Lobby. We urge you to go to the website www.australianmarriage.org to sign a petition This is a new petition aimed at the ALP National Conference where this battle must now be fought and won.

· The video is three and a half minutes and features comments from some prominent Australians including Dr Peter Jensen (Anglican Archbishop of Sydney) and John Anderson (former Deputy Prime Minister).

VISIT OF JEOF FALLS

Jeof Falls will return to Tamworth to talk with TCPC and St Stephen’s

on Saturday 3^rdDecember. Pray that God’s will be done.

NEXT OF KIN REGISTER

We would like to make a “Next of Kin Register” so that we can still contact you through your relatives if necessary. Please hand a Name, Address and Phone Number to Stuart or Marion.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

PWA has Christmas cards for sale. See Alie or Una for prompt attention.

GREEN PIG

Don’t forget Moonbi’s green pig donations for bikes and rickshaws for evangelists in Bangladesh. We thank all who have helped in this, and ask that you continue to give in order to help in a positive way the work of evangelising there.

LEF RECIPE BOOK

Hand in your favourite recipes for a main course and a snack – sweet or savoury or email to Marion at chinadoll@internode.on.net

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.wordpress.com/

NOTE NEW WEBSITE!
We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 20^th November John 14:15-31

Monday 21^st November John 15:1-16

Israel is referred to as God’s vine in the Old Testament – eg Psalm 80:8-16, Jeremiah 2:21 and Ezekiel 17. Jesus is the true Israel of God. Israel the nation came from Israel the man. Just so, we come from this man the True Vine. This is a passage rich in teaching! Find something for your soul today!

Tuesday 22^nd November John 15:17-16:15

The treatment of the world is cruel. Hate is the world’s reaction to Christ! Christ’s counter to the hate of the world is the gift of the Comforter. He is come to convict the world and to guide believers into all truth.

Wednesday 23^rd November John 16:16-33

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the birth of joy into your life and world. Christ gives us confidence in prayer and to prayer, based on His resurrection and on the Father’s love for you and me. How has Jesus overcome the world?

Thursday 24^th November John 17

This is the great high priestly prayer of Jesus. He prays for Himself, for His disciples and for all throughout all ages who believe in Jesus through their message. Find two things that stand out in today’s reading that encourage you and strengthen you faith.

Friday 25^th November John 18:1-27

John highlights the fact that Jesus was brought to Annas first. Annas could not find one charge to bring against the Christ. This is important! The priest finds no blemish in the sacrifice! This is important testimony to who Jesus is and shows what He has come to do.

Saturday 26^th November John 18:28-19:16

John bypasses the trial before Caiaphas and concentrates on the trial before Pilate. It is good to read this passage on the passion out aloud.

Sunday 27^th November John 19:17-42

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 13th November 2011

2011-11-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

May St Stephen’s flourish to coming generations

by the preaching of Your Word and the praising of Your  Name!

SHORTER CATECHISM – FOURTH COMMANDMENT: GOD’S HOLY DAY

61. What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?

The fourth commandment forbids the omission or careless performance of the duties required, and the misuse of the day by idleness, sinful acts, or unnecessary thoughts, words, or works about our worldly affairs and recreations.

Scripture:

Isaiah 58:13-14. "If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the LORD honourable; if you honour it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." Also Ezek 22:26. Ezek 23:38.

BIBLE READING:

Psalm 119:1-6 (p.607)

SERMON POINTS

God’s Method For Holy Living

The Plain Question

The Clear Answer

EVENING SERVICE

6.30pm

Ted Cooper

Please fill in the 2011 National Church Life Survey and hand it in.

WHAT’S ON

SUNDAY 13^th

St Stephen’s Worship –Graham Philp – 9.00am

Walcha – Stuart Andrews – 9.30am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Glen Mercer – 9.00am

Evening Service – Ted Cooper – 6.30pm

MONDAY 14^th ^-Playgroup – 10am

TUESDAY 15^th – Bible Study at 21 Kyooma Street – 9.30am

WEDNESDAY 16^th NO Men’s Bible Study

FRIDAY 18^th

Prayer, Cuppa, Office – 9.20am

Music Team – 10.00am

SATURDAY 19^h

Prayer Breakfast – 7.30am

Choir – 8.45am

SUNDAY 20^th

St Stephen’s Worship – Staurt Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie - 9.00am

Evening Worship – Stuart Andrews - 6.30pm

Catherine Hamlin author & founder of an amazing work of God in Ethiopia will be in attendance at the Forum Cinema this Sunday Nov. 13 at 2.30pm, at the screening of her new film 'Lighting a Candle', followed by afternoon tea . This film shows the first ever venture of training midwives from their own villages, to return qualified, bringing new hope for families.

URGENT ACTION REQUIRED OF US NOW TO SAVE “MARRIAGE”

· Jesus defines “marriage” as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. Matthew 19:4-6

· With just a few weeks to go to the Australian Labor Party's National Conference, same-sex marriage activists are pushing for the ALP to adopt same-sex marriage as party policy at the Conference.

VISIT OF JEOF FALLS

Jeof Falls will return to Tamworth to talk with TCPC and St Stephen’s

on Saturday 3^rdDecember. Pray that God’s will be done.

NEXT OF KIN REGISTER

We would like to make a “Next of Kin Register” so that we can still contact you through your relatives if necessary. Please hand a Name, Address and Phone Number to Stuart or Marion.

AGAPANTHUS for Moonbi

Thanks to all who contributed.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

PWA has Christmas cards for sale. See Alie or Una for prompt attention.

GREEN PIG

LEF RECIPE BOOK

Hand in your favourite recipes for a main course and a snack – sweet or savoury or email to Marion at chinadoll@internode.on.net

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.blogspot.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 13^th November John 10:19-42

The Jews treated Jesus as if He were an Achan to stone, and not His namesake Joshua. Read Joshua 7. How do you treat Him? Notice that the claim of the divinity of Jesus is no second century addition by the Christian Church. The first century Jews understood that Jesus was claiming to be God!

Monday 14^th November John 11:1-27

The celebrated weaknesses and strengths of Martha and Mary are reversed in this incident to that of Luke 10:38-42. It is to Martha that Jesus says the wonderful words of John 11:25,26. Resurrection is our future in Christ, not re-incarnation, or nothingness, or angelhood.

Tuesday 15^th November John 11:28-44

On first sight verse 40 might seem a paradox - those who did not believe saw the glory of God. Yet this misses the point that Martha and Mary believed that Jesus was the Christ. Those who did not believe saw the resurrection of Lazarus and yet did not see any glory, but a trick – see tomorrow’s reading. You might find things Jesus says hard to believe, but do you believe that He is the Christ the Son of God? That is the important question.

Wednesday 16^th November John 11:45-12:19

Unbelief is a hard shell of sin that twists what is good – the desire to honour God, into something wicked and repugnant – the willingness to murder. Deliberate unbelief finds it opposite in Mary and the extravagance of her love. Be challenged by Mary’s extravagance in your love!

Thursday 17^th November John 12:20-50

Jesus entered Earthly Jerusalem on that Sunday proclaimed as Israel’s King and returned from Heavenly Jerusalem on the next Sunday as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Who needs to heed the voice from heaven in your circle? Continue in prayer!

Friday 18^th November John 13:1-30

See Peter’s reaction to Jesus’ washing their feet and to Jesus’ words in verse 7! Judas calmly lets Jesus wash his feet – without a murmur or a protest! Judas was ‘not clean’, but obviously this did register! Have you ever felt ‘dirty’, felt the need to be clean? Peter did!

Saturday 19^th November John 13:31-14:14

There are so many wonderful words in these passages in John’s Gospel that it is hard to pick just one. Verse 13:34 is worthy of much meditation in the light of what the rest of the Scriptures say about love.

Sunday 20^th November John 14:15-31

To love Christ is to obey Him! (verse15) Obedience is placed in closest conjunction with the gift of the Counsellor the Holy Spirit. Obedience to the Word of Christ is one sure test of whether someone has the fulness of the Spirit. Without such obedience all the claims and signs are empty shells.

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS EPISODE 5 - MR WORLDLYWISE MAN

Now I saw in my Dream, that by this time Pliable was got home to his house again. So his Neighbours came to visit him: and some of them called him wise man for coming back, and some called him fool for hazarding himself with Christian: others again did mock at his cowardliness; saying, “Surely since you began your adventure, I would not have been so weak as to have given up for a few difficulties.”
So Pliable sat sneaking among them. But at last he got more confidence, and then they all turned their tales around, and began to deride poor Christian behind his back. And so much concerning Pliable.

Now as Christian was walking solitary by himself, he espied one afar off come crossing over the field to meet him; and they happened to meet just as they were crossing each other’s path. The gentleman's name who met him was Mr Worldly Wiseman: he lived in the Town of Carnal Policy, a very great Town, and also nearby where Christian came from. This man then meeting with Christian, and having some inkling of him. (Christian's setting forth from the City of Destruction was quite famous, not only in the Town where he lived, but also it began to be the town-talk in some other places.)
Master Worldly Wiseman therefore, having some guess of who he was, by seeing how he dragged his feet, by observing his sighs and groans, and the like, began to enter into some talk with Christian.
“How now, good fellow, where are you going in this burdened manner?”
“A burdened manner indeed,” said Christian, “as burdened as ever I think any poor creature had. And because you ask me, ‘Where away?’ I tell you, Sir, I am going to that Wicket-gate ahead of me; for there, as I am informed, I shall find out how to get rid of my heavy Burden.”
“Have you a Wife and Children?” said Worldly Wiseman.
“Yes, but I am so loaded with this Burden, that I cannot take pleasure in them as I did before. I feel as if I had none.”
“Will you listen to me if I counsel you?
“If it be good, I will; for I stand in need of good counsel,” said Christian.
“I would advise you then,” said Mr Worldly-Wiseman, “that you get rid of your Burden quickly; for you will never be settled in your mind till then; nor can you enjoy the benefits of God’s blessing till then.”
“That is what I seek for,” said Christian, “even to be rid of this heavy Burden; but get it off myself, I cannot; nor is there any man in our country that can take it off my shoulders; therefore am I going this way, as I told you, that I may be rid of my Burden.”
“Who told you to go this way to be rid of your Burden?”
“A man who seemed to me to be a very great and honourable person; his name as I remember is Evangelist.”
“I would expose him for his counsel; there is not a more dangerous and troublesome way in the world than the way he has directed you; and you shall find that, if you insist on being ruled by his counsel. You have met with some trouble (as I see) already; for I see the dirt of the Slough of Despond is on you; but that Slough is just the beginning of the sorrows that come to those who go on in that way. Hear me, I am older than you; you are like to meet with, in the way you are going, Weariness, Pain, Hunger, Perils, Nakedness, Sword, Lions, Dragons, Darkness, and in a word, Death, and what not! These things are certainly true, and have been confirmed by many testimonies. And why should a man so carelessly cast himself away, by listening to a stranger?”

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 6th NOVEMBER 2011

2011-11-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

May St Stephen’s flourish to coming generations

by the preaching of Your Word and the praising of Your  Name!

SHORTER CATECHISM – FOURTH COMMANDMENT: GOD’S HOLY DAY

60. How is the Sabbath or Lords Day to be kept holy?

The Sabbath or Lord’s Day, which is given for man’s good and as a pointer to his eternal destiny, is to be kept holy by resting all that day from our work and recreations, and spending the whole time in public and private worship, except the time spent in works of necessity and mercy.

Scripture: Mark 2:27,28 Then He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."

Also: Heb 4:4-5,9-11, Leviticus 23:3, Psalm 92:1-2, Acts 20:7, Matthew 12:11.

COMMENT ON CATECHISM Q.60

“The weekly Sabbath for man is an earthly sign of God’s heavenly rest following the work of creation. That is not a rest of inactivity but of contemplation and satisfaction. Strictly speaking the Sabbath is not a memorial of creation as a past event but a day that reminds us of the reason for our life and the pledge of a higher destiny - a never ending fellowship with God. Sin forfeited this destiny, but through Christ this glory is gained for all believers.

“We are to worship God each day as individuals and families, but the Lord’s Day provides the opportunity for public worship. God’s word directs us not to give up meeting together (Heb 10:25). Parents who love the Saviour should love his Day, and they should strive to ensure it is a day to be looked forward to by the children.

“Special books and Bible aids can be set aside for use on the Lord’s Day, and time spent together in learning about the things of God. Works of mercy and charity are very proper and acceptable to Christ on this day. They especially enhance the Christian Sabbath, because it is a day kept in commemoration of the greatest work of mercy and love towards us that ever was wrought.”

(Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), famous American theologian).

BIBLE READINGS:

John 8:48-59 (p.1060)

Exodus 3:1-15 (p.56)

SERMON POINTS

Jesus - Mad, Bad Or God

The Promise:

If Anyone Keeps My Word He Will Never See Death!

The Glory:

My Father … Your God … Is The One Who Glorifies Me.

The Claim:

Before Abraham Was Born, I Am!

EVENING SERVICE

6.30pm

Stuart Andrews

Luke 12:13-21 (p.1031)

The Parable Of The Rich Fool

Final Hymn: 70 Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven

Please fill in the 2011 National Church Life Survey and hand it in.

WHAT’S ON

SUNDAY 6^th

St Stephen’s Worship –Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Ted Cooper – 9.00am

Evening Service – Stuart Andrews – 6.30pm – The Lord’s Supper

MONDAY 7^th ^-Playgroup – 10am

TUESDAY 8^th – Bible Study at 21 Kyooma Street – 9.30am

WEDNESDAY 9^th Men’s Bible Study – 11.00am

FRIDAY 11^th

Prayer, Cuppa, Office – 9.20am

Music Team – 10.00am

SATURDAY 12^th

Prayer Breakfast – 7.30am

Choir – 8.45am

SUNDAY 13^th

St Stephen’s Worship – Graham Phelps – 9.00am

Walcha Presbyterian – Stuart Andrews – 9.30am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Glen Mercer - 9.00am

Evening Worship – 6.30pm

URGENT ACTION REQUIRED OF US NOW TO SAVE “MARRIAGE”

· Jesus defines “marriage” as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. Matthew 19:4-6

· With just a few weeks to go to the Australian Labor Party's National Conference, same-sex marriage activists are pushing for the ALP to adopt same-sex marriage as party policy at the Conference.

VISIT OF JEOF FALLS

Jeof Falls will return to Tamworth to talk with TCPC and St Stephen’s

on Saturday 3^rdDecember. Pray that God’s will be done.

NEXT OF KIN REGISTER

Thanks to Bird’s investigative skills, we now have a contact number for Daph Readett with her daughter.

We would like to make a “Next of Kin Register” so that we can still contact you through your relatives if necessary. Please hand a Name, Address and Phone Number to Stuart or Marion.

AGAPANTHUS

Members of the Moonbi church would like some agapanthus bulbs for the water drainage garden. If you have other ideas for water-using bulbs please share them with Ted Cooper or Helen Emanuel.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

PWA has Christmas cards for sale. See Alie or Una for prompt attention.

GREEN PIG

LEF RECIPE BOOK

Hand in your favourite recipes for a main course and a snack – sweet or savoury or email to Marion at chinadoll@internode.on.net

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.blogspot.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 6^th November John 7:2-30

Jesus’ challenge (v.24) to the Pharisees is also for you and me – make a right judgment! Don’t go by appearances. We must be careful how we use the Scripture. The Pharisees used Scripture to oppose and ridicule Jesus!

Monday 7^th November John 7:31-8:11

The Feast of Tabernacles is where most commentators place Jesus’ discourse on Living Water. This was the feast after the harvest was over. It aligns with the Marriage Feast of the Lamb (or the Last Day), as the Crucifixion aligns with Passover.

Tuesday 8^th November John 8:12-30

The Pharisees were quite sure that Jesus taught that He was God. This is no mere addition by later generations of Christians as some have tried to make out. This is the whole point of whether Jesus’ testimony about Himself is valid. Who should you pray for to accept the validity of Jesus’ testimony about Himself?

Wednesday 9^th November John 8:31-59

What a tremendous claim Jesus makes in verse 42 (and verse 47). Love for Jesus is a very simple test to see if someone is truly godly. Love is SEEN – in patience, fairness, courage, and being long-suffering, as in 1 Corinthians 13!

Thursday 10^th November John 9:1-17

A miracle does not require the recipient to know who is performing the miracle or even to have faith. Jesus just heals this man of a lifetime of blindness – this would include reprogramming the brain to understand the messages the eyes send to the brain! This should fill us with awe!

Friday 11^th November John 9:18-38

The man born blind saw more clearly than the whole academic weight of the Jewish world in the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem. Courage and clarity mark this man. All he needs to become His disciple is to meet Jesus. Is there someone you know who needs to see Jesus with such clarity?

Saturday 12^th November John 9:39-10:18

This most wonderful passage on the Good Shepherd should be read in conjunction with Psalm 23. Jesus is no hireling. What do you find challenging, heartening or comforting in Jesus’ words about Himself?

Sunday 13^th November John 10:19-42

THE SLOUGH OF DESPOND

from Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

EPISODE 4*

Now I saw in my Dream, that just as they had ended this talk, they drew near to a very miry Slough, that was in the middle of the plain. And they, not looking where they were going, both fell suddenly into the bog. The name of the slough was Despond. Here therefore they wallowed for a while, being seriously covered with the dirt; and Christian, because of the Burden that was on his back, began to sink in the mire.

Then said Pliable, “Ah Neighbour Christian, where are you now?”

“Truly,” said Christian, “I do not know.”

At that Pliable began to be offended, and angrily said to his fellow, “Is this the happiness you have told me of all this time? If we have such set backs when we first set out, what may we expect between this and our Journey's end? If I get out again with my life, you may possess the brave Country alone for me.”

And with that he gave a desperate struggle or two, and got out of the mire on that side of the Slough which was next to his own house: so away he went, and Christian saw him no more.

Therefore Christian was left to tumble in the Slough of Despond alone; but still he endeavoured to struggle to that side of the Slough that was still further from his own house, and next to the Wicket-gate. He did this, but could not get out, because of the Burden that was on his back. But I saw in my Dream, that a man came to him, whose name was Help, and asked him what he did there.

“Sir,” said Christian, “I was told to go this way by a man called Evangelist, who directed me also to yonder Gate, so that I might escape the wrath to come; and as I was going there, I fell in here.”

“But why did you not look for the steps?” said Help.

“Fear followed me so hard, that I fled the quickest way, and fell in.”

Then said he, “Give me your hand: so he gave him his hand, and he drew him out, and set him on sound ground, and bid him go on his way.

Then I stepped up to him who plucked him out, and said, “Sir, why is it, since over this place is the way from the City of Destruction to yonder Gate; why is it that this place is not mended, so that poor travellers might go there with more security?”

And he said to me, “This miry Slough is such a place as cannot be mended; it is the descent where the scum and filth that accompanies conviction for sin continually runs, and therefore it is called the Slough of Despond. For just as the sinner is awakened about his lost condition, there arises in his soul many fears and doubts, and discouraging apprehensions. All of them get together, and settle in this place. And this is the reason for the badness of this ground.

“The King of this place is not happy that this place should remain so bad. His labourers also have, by the direction of His Majesties Surveyors, been employed for more than these sixteen hundred years about this patch of ground, to see if perhaps it might have been mended: yes, and to my knowledge,” said he, “here has been swallowed up at least twenty thousand cart-loads, yes, millions of wholesome instructions, that have at all seasons been brought from all places of the King's dominions. (And those who know say they are the best materials to make good ground of the place.) This has all been done to mend it, but it is still the Slough of Despond, and so will be when they have done all they can.

“True,” he continued, “there are certain good and substantial steps, placed by the direction of the Lawgiver, even through the very middle of this Slough. But at times this place does spew out a lot of filth, as it does when there is change of weather, and these steps are hardly seen. Or some men, through the dizziness of their heads, step aside; and then they fall in the mire, even though the steps are there; but the ground is good when they once get in at the Gate.”

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 30th October 2011

2011-10-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

May St Stephen’s flourish to coming generations

by the preaching of Your Word and the praising of Your  Name!

MORNING WORSHIP

SHORTER CATECHISM – FOURTH COMMANDMENT: GOD’S HOLY DAY

59. Which day of the seven has God appointed to be the weekly sabbath?

From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly sabbath; but thereafter he appointed the first day of the week, which is the Christian Sabbath or the Lord’s Day.

Scripture: John 20:19: On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

Also: Gen 2.3; Luke 23:56. Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16:1-2; John 20:19-26; Rev 1:10.

BIBLE READINGS

John 6:22-40 (p.1056)

Exodus 16:1-18 (p.70)

SERMON POINTS

THE BREAD OF GOD FOR US

Salvation: More Than Meeting Felt Needs

Faith In Jesus: The Work God Requires Of You

Assurance: The Ones Jesus Will Never Drive Away

Please fill in the 2011 National Church Life Survey and hand it in.

EVENING SERVICE

6.30pm

Stuart Andrews

2 Samuel 12:1-13 (p.305)

The Parable Of The Ewe Lamb

Final Hymn: 500 Come Let Us To The Lord Our God

Please continue to pray that God will provide a

TREASURER FOR ST STEPHEN’S.

 WHAT’S ON

SUNDAY 30^th

St Stephen’s Worship –Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Ted Cooper – 9.00am

Evening Service – Stuart Andrews – 6.30pm

MONDAY 31^st ^-Playgroup – 10am

TUESDAY 1^st PWA – 9.30am

WEDNESDAY 2^nd Men’s Bible Study – 11.00am

THURSDAY 3^rd – Waugh’s Bible Study – 7.00pm

FRIDAY 4^th

Prayer, Cuppa, Office – 9.20am

Music Team – 10.00am

SATURDAY 5^th

Prayer Breakfast – 7.30am

Choir – 8.45am

SUNDAY 6^th

St Stephen’s Worship – Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – 9.00am

Evening Worship – Stuart Andrews - 6.30pm

NEXT OF KIN REGISTER

We would like to make a “Next of Kin Register” so that we can still contact you through your relatives if necessary. Please hand a Name, Address and Phone Number to Stuart or Marion.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

PWA has Christmas cards for sale. See Alie or Una for prompt attention.

GREEN PIG

Don’t forget Moonbi’s green pig donations for bikes and rickshaws for evangelists in Bangladesh. We thank all who have helped in this, and ask that you continue to give in order the help in a positive way the work of evangelising there.

LEF RECIPE BOOK

LEF has started compiling a booklet of favourite recipes, and invite anyone at St Stephen’s to submit a favourite recipe for a main meal or a snack – sweet or savoury. There are pages to fill in on the porch table or email to Marion.

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.blogspot.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 30^th October John 4:1-30

Jesus says some of His most wonderful words to women. Consider verse 24. This says a lot about who God is and who we are. What does it mean for you in your church to worship in spirit and in truth?

Monday 31^st October John 4:31-54

Jesus tells us what He is truly about – see verse 34. Can you also aver with the Samaritans this man really is the Saviour of the world? The royal official took Jesus at His word (v.49). Pray for those on our congregation’s periphery that they too might take Jesus at His word!

Tuesday 1^st November John 5:1-23

Verse 18: The Pharisees and the Sadducees were in no doubt that Jesus taught that God was His Father in a special way. The doctrine of the Trinity flows from the lips of Jesus Himself. What lesson is there in this healing?

Wednesday 2^nd November John 5:24-47

This passage contains one of Jesus’ grand promises – verse 24. Jesus taught resurrection. He also taught that He had the power to give the gift of life to whomever He wants. Ask Him in confidence!

Thursday 3^rd November John 6:1-21

These two incidents flow into one another. Think through what they teach about Jesus. What stands out to you of His character and attitudes?

Friday 4^th November John 6:22-40

What is the food that endures to eternal life? (v.27) Jesus declares that He too is as meek as Moses – He has come to do God’s will. Jesus concludes his discourse with a reference to the last day.

Saturday 5^th November John 6:41-7:1

Grumbling seems to characterise God’s people in every age. It was a problem in Moses’ day too. What marvellous truths does Jesus disclose about Himself, about faith. Why did people find these hard?

Sunday 6^th November John 7:2-30

SELECTIONS FROM PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
"Pliable Goes With Christian"
http://pilgrimsprogressupdated.blogspot.com/

CHURCH ON THE HILL - Sunday 23rd October 2011

2011-10-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

A friendly chat.

Down where the eagles soar!

Patiently waiting.

The old walnut tree.

If you can't reach the first bough, you can't come up!

Keeping house.

An orchid on the front porch.

What a great yard to play in!

Oh, come, come, come come...

Tuning up.

Children come down the front.

Getting complete attention.

What a great God we have!

Those well-used slabs!

Reading God's Word - a joint effort.

Open-air preaching!

That was a good service.

Our favourite South Australian family.

Nothing like billy tea - even the Dulux brand!

Yum!

CHURCH MATTERS FOR Sunday 23rd October 2011

2011-10-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

…these will I bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer…

May St Stephen’s flourish to coming generations

by the preaching of Your Word and the praising of Your  Name!

MORNING WORSHIP

SHORTER CATECHISM – FOURTH COMMANDMENT: GOD’S HOLY DAY

58. What is required in the fourth commandment?

The fourth commandment requires us to keep holy to God such set times as he has appointed in his word; in particular, one whole day in seven.

Scripture: And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant – these will I bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Isaiah 56:6-7

BIBLE READINGS

2 Timothy 4:1-8 (p.1180)

Genesis 50:15-26 (p.54)

SERMON POINTS

THE CHALLENGE THAT IS FOR EVERYONE

Fight The Good Fight

Finish The Race

Keep The Faith

Please fill in the 2011 National Church Life Survey and hand it in.

NO EVENING SERVICE

CHURCH ON THE HILL

Doug and Linda Wild invite you to ‘Church on the Hill’ at Boggy Tops, Nowendoc, this Sunday 23^rd October: 2pm cup of tea, 3pm service, 4pm bushwalk, 5pm byo BBQ. There will be no evening service in Tamworth. See Stuart for more information.

SPECIAL PRAYER

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

I will seek your prosperity.

Psalm 122:9

Please continue to pray that God will provide a

TREASURER FOR ST STEPHEN’S.

 WHAT’S ON

SUNDAY 23^rd

St Stephen’s Worship –Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – George Knight – 9.00am

Church on the Hill – 3.00pm

NO Evening Service

MONDAY 24^th ^-Playgroup – 10am

TUESDAY 25^thBible Study at Church – 9.30am

WEDNESDAY 26^th Men’s Bible Study – 11.00am

Session – 7.30pm

LEF – Rapley’s Travel Talks – 7.30pm

FRIDAY 28^th

Prayer, Cuppa, Office – 9.20am

Music Team – 10.00am

SATURDAY 29^th

Prayer Breakfast – 7.30am

Choir – 8.45am

PWA Cooper’s Travels

SUNDAY 30^th

St Stephen’s Worship – Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – 9.00am

Evening Worship – Stuart Andrews - 6.30pm

RAPLEY’S TRAVELS

Everyone is invited to our meeting on Wednesday night (7.30pm for 8.00pm) to hear Del speak on the trip she and Ian took to Slovakia (Del’s father’s home) and see photos of areas around Europe. No RSVP needed: just turn up on the night. Supper will be provided.

CAN YOU HELP?

Ron needs a ride to Church on Sunday 6^th November.

If you are able to help, please ring Ron on 6766 6393

NEXT OF KIN REGISTER

Does anyone have a contact for Daph? We think she is with her daughter in Manilla, but don’t have a contact name and number.

We would like to make a “Next of Kin Register” so that we can still contact you through your relatives if necessary. Please hand a Name, Address and Phone Number to Stuart or Marion.

COOPER’S TRAVELS

You are invited to an afternoon tea, to hear all about “Cooper’s Travels” and watch on the Power Point projector, on Saturday 29^th October at 2pm in St Stephen’s Church. A donation of $5 would be appreciated. A trading table will be available.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

PWA has Christmas cards for sale. See Alie or Una for prompt attention.

GREEN PIG

LEF RECIPE BOOK

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.blogspot.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 23^rd October 2 Timothy 3

When society gets bad, take some time to consider the lessons of the Apostle Paul’s life. What is his key to faithfulness and perseverance? Look at verses 16,17.

Monday 24^th October 2 Timothy 4

The opening verses form the basis of a good prayer to pray for every minister. Do you feel like Paul at times – deserted? Write to someone and encourage him or her. Take Paul’s example.

Tuesday 25^th October John 1:1-18

It has been common for 2,000 years for Christians to learn these 18 verses off by heart. They are a great treasure trove of knowledge about Jesus Christ. Meditate on one verse that stands out in your mind today.

Wednesday 26^th October John 1:19-51

John the Baptist’s witness to Jesus gave Jesus His first disciples. Andrew brought Peter to Jesus. Who should you bring? First, bring that one to God in prayer today.

Thursday 27^th October John 2:1-22

These two incidents set the scene for the whole of Jesus’ ministry. As Jesus began, so He will finish. Hence the Bible finishes with a wedding feast and a cleansed temple in Revelation.

Friday 28^th October John 2:23-3:21

Nicodemus is someone who would not commit himself while Jesus was alive. Is there anyone you might write off as a waste of time, because of his or her continued equivocation and refusal to commit to Christ? Don’t! There are some memorable and precious words spoken by Jesus today.

Saturday 29^th October John 3:22-36

John the Baptist honours his cousin Jesus as the bridegroom. What does this tell you about Jesus? Read carefully again verses 35 and 36. If this is true, what then?

Sunday 30^th October John 4:1-30

Jesus says some of His most wonderful words to women. Consider verse 24. This says a lot about who God is and who we are. What does it mean for you in your church to worship in spirit and in truth?

Sermon Notes for Hebrews 12-13 Sunday October 9th 2011

2011-10-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 11^th October Hebrews 12:18-13:6 Mount Sinai is the mountain that God’s people were not to touch. Mount Zion Above is the mountain that you should touch. It is only with Christ and His Gospel that all peoples will find God, will find their true home. Verses 12:28,29 are worthy of your deep thought.

Hebrews 12:18-13:6

Deuteronomy 4:20-31

Grow In Reverence And Awe Towards This God

The wars of religion – 20^th century wars of atheism. This time great fear – wars of Islam. So no-religion and religion cause wars. Where do we find the answer? In right religion, not wrong. Both atheism and Islam get God wrong – according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We look at the end product of religion to gauge its merit. What has been the product of Presbyterianism? – the Westminster parliamentary system of government, the world and life view that made modern science possible, the belief that ordinary people, not experts, should choose those who govern them in church and state, the belief that all authority should be limited, etc.

Consider the verse Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live at peace with all men and to be holy!

Does such teaching promote war or peace?

Get God right and grow in that knowledge – the fruit of this is your peace and happiness.

The Mountain That Can Be Touched

· The mountain that could be touched – Mount Sinai! But death to those - animal or human - who touched it. Judgment for touching!

· We have come to Jerusalem Above – the dwelling place of God and man - the place we touch by faith. We have come to the church of the first-born. We are all heirs – male and female! What liberating information!

· We have come to God and to Jesus Christ, our Rock, our mountain. He can be touched, be approached at any time by any believer – not just priests or the especially holy, or devout.

· We have come to the sprinkled blood of Jesus Christ – it speaks the word of redemption. Abel’s blood spoke the word of judgment on Cain. Jesus’ blood speaks to you and me the word of peace with God, or restoration, cleansing, renewal.

The Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken

· The future for this earth – to be shaken – to be removed! PCA can disappear! Australia might not be a nation in another century. We have no guarantee. All powers here are only for a time – they will disappear. Even our lives end with death. We too are only for a time. Good times don’t last!

· The kingdom that cannot be shaken – the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ! The place Jesus has gone to prepare. You have a future beyond death that can never be taken away.

The new creation! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

The Helper Whose Exhortations I Must Listen To

The LORD is your Helper – you and I must listen to Him! Live confidently with Him! “The design of Christ in giving Himself for us, is, that He might redeem for Himself a special people eager to do what is good.” MH Titus 2:14

· Keep on loving as brothers – live with each other as brethren – so others will say with esteem: “Behold how they love one another”.

· Be sure to entertain strangers! Hospitality to strangers – different from friends who will reciprocate. God has a special blessing for such hospitality. Look around the congregation – many are strangers to you!

· Remember those in prison for their faith. While we may be at liberty, many brethren face adversity, imprisonment and even death. Remember those such as young Pastor Joucef Nardakhani under sentence of death for converting from Islam to Christ in Iran.

· Honour marriage – keep faithful to each other. Honour whether married or single!

· Keep free from the love of money. Money is a resource to be used, not an idol to be worshipped. Fight covetousness!

· Be content with what you have. Rejoice in His provision and delight in His gifts.

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 16th October 2011

2011-10-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy...

Come to our evening service!

 May St Stephen’s flourish to coming generations

by the preaching of Your Word and the praising of Your  Name!

MORNING WORSHIP

SHORTER CATECHISM – FOURTH COMMANDMENT: GOD’S HOLY DAY

57. Which is the fourth commandment?

The fourth commandment is: Remember the sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.

Scripture: Ex 20:8-11.

COMMENT ON QUESTION 57

The Hebrew word sabbath means rest, not seventh. Contrary to what many people suppose, there are few regulations concerning the sabbath in the Old Testament in contrast to the many rules of the Pharisees which Jesus condemned. The Biblical emphasis falls on ceasing ones everyday employment other than those things necessary for man and beast, and using the day for God

BIBLE READINGS

1 Timothy 6:1-16 (p.1177)

Numbers 6:22-27 (p.135)

SERMON POINTS

GOD’S GRACE WILL BE WITH YOU IN THESE THINGS

The Yoke of Slavery/Suffering

The Sound Instruction Of Our Lord Jesus

Godliness With Contentment

Soldier On!

EVENING SERVICE

6.30pm

Stuart Andrews

Luke 7:36-50

(p.1023)

The Parable Of Cancelled Debts

Final Hymn: 122 I Will Sing Of My Redeemer

SPECIAL PRAYER

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

I will seek your prosperity.

Psalm 122:9

Please continue to pray that God will provide a

TREASURER FOR ST STEPHEN’S.

 WHAT’S ON

SUNDAY 9^th

St Stephen’s Worship –Stuart Andrews – 9.00am - – Guests from Gideons

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

Evening Service – Stu J Andrews – 6.30pm

MONDAY 10^{th  -}Playgroup – 10am

WEDNESDAY 12^th No Men’s Bible Study

FRIDAY 14^th

Prayer, Cuppa, Office – 9.20am

Music Team – 10.00am

SATURDAY 15^th

Choir – 8.45am

SUNDAY 16^th

St Stephen’s Worship – Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

Evening Worship – Stuart Andrews - 6.30pm

CHURCH ON THE HILL

Doug and Linda Wild invite you to ‘Church on the Hill’ at Boggy Tops, Nowendoc, on Sunday 23^rd October: 2pm cup of tea, 3pm service, 4pm bushwalk, 5pm byo BBQ. There will be no evening service in Tamworth that night. See Stuart for more information.

PULSE

Don’t forget your copy of October Pulse. It does the heart good to read a good Christian magazine. There are quite a number of September Pulse magazines left. Maybe you didn’t get your copy last month. Ask an office staff member to help you.

PWA AFTERNOON

CHRISTMAS CARDS

PWA has Christmas cards for sale: get in early as these go quickly. See Alie or Una for prompt attention.

GREEN PIG

LEF RECIPE BOOK

CWCI GARDEN PARTY

Ladies are invited to share Devonshire tea and hear Drinda Luckensmeyer in the beautiful gardens of Elizabeth Stokes, Moore Creek, Saturday 22^nd October, 10.30am to 12 noon. More info: Mae Brown.

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.blogspot.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 16^th October 1 Timothy 2

Why would Paul single out these concerns for both men and women – prayer without anger or fighting for men; and modesty with behaviour appropriate to their profession of faith for women?

Monday 17^th October 1 Timothy 3

What should you pray for your elders? This list is of the characteristics an elder should have. Use this list to pray for your elders and the other list for members of your Committee of Management.

Tuesday 18^th October 1 Timothy 4

Paul gives much good advice to young Timothy. What might apply to your life? Bring some of his suggestions up to date – what groups today have taboos on Christian marriage and foods? (Think of groups opposed to Christian marriage and those who are obsessive about particular foods.)

Wednesday 19^th October 1 Timothy 5

Find some good pointers on cultivating relationships in today’s reading. Who will you apply them to?

Thursday 20^th October 1 Timothy 6

Material possessions are not wrong in themselves. Our problem comes with our attitudes and desires. What reasons does Paul give for the stupidity of loving money? Look at the guidelines given for those with possessions. How will you practice them?

Friday 21^st October 2 Timothy 1

Gospel doctrine is the pattern for sound teaching. Teaching must be allied with faith in and love for the Lord. Why? What verse speaks to your heart today?

Saturday 22^nd October 2 Timothy 2

Verse 2 is Paul’s recipe for spiritual reproduction – teach reliable disciples so that they, in turn, can teach a new generation of reliable disciples, who in their turn can repeat the teaching. Pray for each other that we might be such disciples.

Sunday 23^rd October 2 Timothy 3

When society gets bad, take some time to consider the lessons of the Apostle Paul’s life. What is his key to faithfulness and perseverance? Look at verses 16,17.

CHURCH MATTERS FOR Sunday 9th October 2011

2011-10-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

²³Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering;
(for he is faithful that promised;)
²⁴And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
²⁵Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another:
and so much the more,
as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (KJV)

The Mountain That Can Be Touched

May St Stephen’s flourish to coming generations

by the preaching of Your Word and the praising of Your  Name!

MORNING WORSHIP

SHORTER CATECHISM – THIRD COMMANDMENT:OUR ATTITUDE TO GOD

56. What is the reason attached to the third commandment?

The reason attached to the third commandment is, that though the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the LORD your God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgement.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:58-59: If you are not careful to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, the LORD your God, then the LORD will bring on you and your offspring extraordinary afflictions, afflictions severe and lasting, and sicknesses grievous and lasting.

BIBLE READINGS

Hebrews 12:18-13:6 (p.1193)

Deuteronomy 4:20-31 (p.175)

SERMON POINTS

GROW IN REVERENCE AND AWE TOWARDS THIS GOD

The Mountain That Can Be Touched

The Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken

The Helper Whose Exhortations I Must Listen To

EVENING SERVICE

6.30pm

Stuart Andrews

Judges 9:1-21 (p.242)

Electing Leaders Who Burn The Nation

Final Hymn: 247 Why Now Do The Nations Rage?

SPECIAL PRAYER

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

I will seek your prosperity.

Psalm 122:9

Please continue to pray that God will provide a

TREASURER FOR ST STEPHEN’S.

 WHAT’S ON

SUNDAY 9^th

St Stephen’s Worship –Stuart Andrews – 9.00am - – Guests from Gideons

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

Evening Service – Stu J Andrews – 6.30pm

MONDAY 10^{th  -}Playgroup – 10am

WEDNESDAY 12^th No Men’s Bible Study

FRIDAY 14^th

Prayer, Cuppa, Office – 9.20am

Music Team – 10.00am

SATURDAY 15^th

Choir – 8.45am

SUNDAY 16^th

St Stephen’s Worship – Stuart Andrews – 9.00am

Scots Moonbi Worship – Gordon Dandie – 9.00am

Evening Worship – Stuart Andrews - 6.30pm

GIDEONS INTERNATIONAL

Jim Marston and Lindsay Donaldson will be present in our service today and will give a short presentation on the ministry of Gideons.

PULSE

PWA AFTERNOON

BIBLE STUDIES

Because of school holidays, most Bible Studies are in recess. Tuesday morning Bible Study will resume again on October 11^th (beginning a new study on “Patience”) and Waugh’s Bible Study will resume again on Thursday night, October 20^th.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

PWA has Christmas cards for sale: get in early as these go quickly. See Alie or Una for prompt attention.

GREEN PIG

LEF RECIPE BOOK

CHURCH ON THE HILL

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.blogspot.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

BIBLE READINGS

Website: http://readthebiblein1or3years.blogspot.com/

We recommend you will get most out of these readings if you make a note of something to remember each day.

Sunday 9^th October Hebrews 11:17-40

All these heroes of faith are mentioned for you and me to find out about. The stories of their faithfulness will help your faithfulness. Find out about one of them. Look up a name in a concordance to the Bible.

Monday 10^th October Hebrews 12:1-17

When you face much opposition to your faith, there is someone whose life we should always turn to and consider – Christ’s. (v.2,3) A time of reflection on His life every day will strengthen you emotionally, spiritually and in every other way. This is the fount of living peacefully with others, the fount to a holy life – the good life.

Tuesday 11^th October Hebrews 12:18-13:6

Mount Sinai is the mountain that God’s people were not to touch. Mount Zion Above is the mountain that you should touch. It is only with Christ and His Gospel that all peoples will find God, will find their true home. Verses 12:28,29 are worthy of your deep thought.

Wednesday 12^th October Hebrews 13:7-25

The only worthwhile religion fits you to eat of that Altar Above. Worthwhile religion will strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ, help you to be a peacemaker in your family and church, and a Gospel blessing to church leaders. Take this prayer (v.20,21) as your model in your prayers for family and congregation.

Thursday 13^th October Titus 1:1-2:8

The hope of eternal life! Hope is the sure expectation of a good outcome. This hope is not a pipe dream because it is founded on two facts. They are in verse 2. How can we apply Paul’s words to older and younger men and women today?

Friday 14^th October Titus 2:9-3:15

Chapter 3 contains much valuable advice for practical Christian living. Genuine practice and not hypocrisy should be our hallmark as Christians.

Saturday 15^th October 1 Timothy 1

Paul writes to strengthen and encourage the young Timothy. What areas did Timothy need to be strengthened and encouraged in? Why has God shown you mercy? (v.16)

Sunday 16^th October 1 Timothy 2

Why would Paul single out these concerns for both men and women – prayer without anger or fighting for men; and modesty with behaviour appropriate to their profession of faith for women?

St Stephen's Presbyterian Church Tamworth

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 12th February 2012

BUNYAN’S CATECHISM

BIBLE READINGS

Exodus 5:1-23 (p.58)

Acts 12:1-4 (p.1090)

FAITH IN A BROKEN WORLD

The Wonderful Promises Of God

The Testing Times Between Promise & Fulfilment

Trusting In The One Who Promises

PWA DORCAS MORNING TEA & PACKING

Tuesday 21st February 2012

LADIES EVENING FELLOWSHIP

Please join us as we begin the year on Wednesday night 22nd February in the Church hall at 7.30pm.

We are a fairly relaxed group and you would be most welcomed.

We will be discovering who our ‘Forget-Me-Nots’ were for 2011.

CHOIR

YOUR SPARE MAGAZINES

SEWING PROJECT

BIBLE READINGS

FOR YOUR PRAYER

COUNTRY MUSIC SERVICE Sunday 29th January 2012

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 29th January 2012

BECAUSE JESUS HAS COME

TO US

by Christina Georgina Rossetti

GOOD REASONS TO PRAISE THE LORD WITH MUSIC & SONG

PWA DORCAS MORNING TEA & PACKING

BIBLE READINGS

FOR YOUR PRAYER

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 25th December 2011 - Christmas Day

BIBLE READINGS:

SERMON: To Us A Child Is Born... Preacher: David Hassan

DECEMBER PULSE.

Be sure to get your copy. Read the report on ‘Church On The Hill’ at Nowendoc.

LAY-PREACHERS FOR JANUARY

AT ST STEPHEN’S

January 8th Brian Rixon

January 15th Ian Irwin

FOR YOUR PRAYER

Spurgeon

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 18th December 2011

Isaiah 9:1-7 (p.683)

Joyful And Triumphant

O Come Now To Bethlehem

Come And Behold Him

Be Good Ground

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE

This will be a combined service on Sunday 25th December, at 9.00am.

PWA has Christmas cards for sale. See Alie or Una for prompt attention.

BIBLE READINGS

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 11th December 2011

Joel 2:21-22 (p.902)

JOHN - THE GRACE OF THE LORD

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE

This will be a combined service on Sunday 25th December, at 9.00am.

NO Evening Service 25th

OFFICE CLOSURE & EVENING SERVICES

BIBLE READINGS

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 24th December 2011

Revelation 1:9-20 (p.1215)

THE SON OF MAN, THE SON OF GOD

2 Samuel 14:1-24 (p.308)

Luke 2:1-7 (p.1014)

The Parable Of The Two Sons -

OFFICE CLOSURE & EVENING SERVICES

· Bird Jensen is celebrating her birthday on December 16, and she cordially invites her St. Stephens friends to an “at home” afternoon tea with a festive birthday and Christmas theme after church on Sunday, December 11 from 11 am to 2 pm.

All church members are also invited to join Bird and 8 Ball Aitken in a carol-singing and country music concert at the Tamworth Tennis Club on Napier Street (corner Roderick Street) on Friday, December 23 from 8 pm to 11 pm.

BIBLE READINGS

John summarises everything he has said in the first four chapters in this last chapter. Meditate on verses 11 and 12. What idols do you have to keep yourself from?

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 27th November 2011

OFFICE CLOSURE & EVENING SERVICES

BIBLE READINGS

CHRISTMAS CATECHISM

CHURCH MATTERS for Sunday 20th November 2011

John 17:20-26 (p.1071)

JESUS’ PRAYER FOR YOU

At The Dedication Of The Temple Of His Body

That We May Be One

That We May Be In Them

Please join us as we begin the year on Wednesday night 22^nd February in the Church hall at 7.30pm.

January 8^th Brian Rixon

January 15^th Ian Irwin