From our Archbishop

Praying for our Community

As a Diocese we have accepted a mighty challenge for 2009. We are aiming to get the word of God to every person in our region in a way which makes it possible to connect to our churches and fellowships. We are calling this initiative Connect 09.

When I think about this, my mind goes to stories from the Book of Judges, where God shows again and again that the impossible can only be done in his strength. The whole task of getting the word of God into the hands of people is a huge one in itself, but I guess we can manage it. However, we are aiming at more than that – we are aiming to build relationships, to connect. That’s impossible to do in our own strength.

In this sort of work, we need God to go before us and make people ready, to prepare their hearts. There is a marvellous little story in Acts 16. Paul and his missionary friends come to the town of Philippi. Looking for a place to share the gospel, they choose a local prayer meeting down by the river. Some women are there, and Paul tells them about Jesus. Luke then tells us, ‘One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshipper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.’

The missionaries had to be at Philippi. That was God’s plan. The missionaries had to turn up at the right place, near the river. That was God’s plan. The missionaries had to share the word of the Lord. That was God’s plan. But the Lord had to open Lydia’s heart so that she could hear and receive the message.

In our city there are many Lydias. We do not have to open their hearts – that is the work of God himself. But in accordance with God’s plans we need to seek them out, to visit them and to be prepared to share the word of God with them. That is what Connect 09 asks of us.

Can you see how important prayer is to this process and what it is we should pray? We all need to have our Lydias for whom we are praying that the Lord will open their hearts. But we will also need to pray for the Lydias who are not known to us or to any other Christian. Pray that we will find them and that we will do the right thing in sharing with them the word of God.

I am sure that MU is going to be one of the mighty instruments raised up by God to bless this city and its region. Will you be at the forefront of persistent and fervent prayer for the many Lydias (and Leons as well) of our city that when they hear the word of God they will believe it and entrust themselves to it?

Archbishop Peter Jensen

from MU Worker – Berrima cum Moss Vale

Our playgroup finished last year on a very successful note.

We had wonderful support from all the Parish who came to see their Parish Bilbys along with family and friends of our little Bilbys

Mothers Union members provided the morning tea for the adults. While the Parish helpers provided the children’s party. All worked very well together.

After our Bilbys’ songs and Christmas Story we had a wonderful selection of Christmas Carols and they were led by Bill Lackenby who sings in our 9:30am service and enjoyed by all.

Warryn our Rector was on hand and welcomed everyone and was very enthusiastic when handing out the children’s books at the end of the morning’s activities.

I feel we have been very blessed in our growth although slow to start we now have 23 children on our books. We have lost one family due to them moving. To make them feel they have not been forgotten. I have incorporated in our Craft for the first weeks little people which we will be weaving and then use that as a card for all the little ones to sign (with mums help) and then post it off as they did not get a chance to say goodbye at playgroup. Just thought it would be a nice way for the little ones to know its O K to say goodbye.

Please pray for our Playgroup that they may grow not only in numbers but in their knowledge of our Lord Jesus as I try in my small way to bring Jesus into our group.

May I also ask for Prayer for my Hospital and Home visiting which has been very full on. As you will all be aware our dear Ida Webb passed away on Saturday December 20th 2007.

Moss Vale Mothers’ Union will need prayer for direction as the position of President is now vacant and in the months to come for Marjorie Hardwick, our secretary as her house goes on the market due to her husband’s ill health.

As we start this New Year may we be wise in knowing that whatever door has been closed we have the faith to step aside and move forward in the direction of Jesus.

God Bless. your Sister in Christ,

Margie Bennett

National Council of Women

NCW NSW continues well with various projects underway designed to enhance the lives of women and children. The results or findings of many of these projects are often presented to governments at both State and Federal levels. Presentations to government are made on the basis of very real concerns about issues affecting family life.

During the year interesting speakers from other organisations shared their knowledge at monthly evening meetings.

Also there were three special days set aside to honour those who have made significant contributions to society. They include the annual Jean Arnot Memorial Luncheon which seeks to honour women over the age of 90 who have made a significant contribution to society and the status of women, the Foundations Day Luncheon where members of participating organisations nominate someone who has worked to the benefit of their particular organisation and the Australia Day Luncheon which is held in the dining room at Parliament House.

Hilda Weatherley

Australian Church Women

Australian Church Women (ACW) like other Christian organisations generally follow a routine of business and activities with a Christian focus. It is the variety within the routine that keeps one refreshed in service to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is such a pleasure to report to you.-

“Sharing the loaf” was the overall theme for Special Day Services throughout Australia. The Western Australian Unit prepared the service for the 2007 Fellowship Day Service in July and the offertory went to the Winifred Kiek scholarship fund. Two scholarships were granted in 2007.

The NSW Unit prepared the World Community Day Service. The theme “Enough for Each day”(Matthew 6:11). The Fellowship of the Least Coin offerings were dedicated. Two grants of $2000-00 from this fund were allocated to Australian projects.

Several denominations took a topic each at the Spiritual Enrichment Day on;

“How have you been enriched by scripture and mission”

“How have you enriched others and yourself by involvement with social issues” and “Being a neighbour”

Olive Beverley a Life member of MU Diocesan Council and one of the Anglican representatives on ACW commented as she left the Spiritual Enrichment Day saying “I was inspired by all the speakers”. Sadly she fell ill later that week and died soon after. We miss Olive’s life witness and are thankful for having known her.

Jan Harrison