And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV) We do not suffer alone. Our heavenly Father has seen it all before. He watched his own precious Son carry the awful burden of our guilt, suffer agony, and die a cruel death for the sin of the …
Recently I decided to explore the aspect of significant women throughout my life who had influenced me in one form or another. My mother of course, but close to the top of the list was my Primary School Headmistress who I believe had significant influence on my future teaching career in both the State and in the Church. Moving to Melbourne to complete my secondary I met up with a number of Jewish students in …
Recently, our elder daughter, Thalia, got confirmed and, after months of agonising over which Bible text to choose, she settled very firmly on Philippians 4:4–7: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends …
The theme for Holy Week services at LifeWay Church was No Other – exclusive claims from an inclusive God, and, on Maundy Thursday, 23 people gathered at Newcastle to enjoy a simple meal and take part in a reflective service No Other Love. The tables were invitingly set, due to hard work by Pastor Mat and his wife Elise, with beautiful flower arrangements by Ruth Mac Connachie enhancing the experience. The simple meal of mutton …
My brother, Robert Lindsay Faulks, came into this world at seven months gestation after my mum severely haemorrhaged. It was a long labour, and forceps had to be used, resulting in not only reduced oxygen to the brain, his beautiful head misshapen. The doctor at the delivery (a prominent professor) informed my parents that ‘he’ would not be any good and that they should just forget him and walk away. That was the start of …
I wondered about that as I planned to embark on Graeme Lienert’s Holy Land Pilgrimage. I was just about 84 years old. With God nothing is impossible. With Graeme’s constant vigilance, my 73-year-old baby sister in tow, and a wonderful group of fellow Christians on tour, I was able to keep up with most of the full and exciting itinerary. Our young driver, Mohammad, endeared himself to all of us as he swung that huge …
Lyn and I live in Prospect SA and we have a Chinese family next door and a Muslim family from Afghanistan over the road. They are interesting people, not only because they cook delicious food but also because they have cultural differences. I have worked with Australian Aboriginal people since 2001 and there has been no lack of cultural difference. This is both a challenge and a joy. I have no idea how often I …
We thank and praise God for another year of fellowship and being able to continue without the leadership of a pastor. Our average attendance is 14 and we alternate the meetings between Bible study and a guest speaker. The meetings are held in the church hall in warmer months and in private homes during winter. In May we held our Mother’s Day trading table at a local supermarket. Once a month we either have soup …
His doctor took his driving licence away! From that time on, my wonderful, loving, physically fit husband’s behaviour changed – running away, not dressing correctly, irritable with me. David went into respite care when I went to the USA with my daughter for the birth of another great-grandchild and a permanent place was found for him when I returned home. It has been 18 months of watching him slowly losing memory of family and friends, …
I am 67, and I was diagnosed with dementia eight years ago. I believe I am living well with dementia. God has blessed me in ways that I could never have dreamt of eight years ago. Opportunities have been opened up for me (and my husband, Timothy) to be involved on the public stage as an advocate for people living with dementia, and for dementia research, and I have had amazing experiences. This is my …
Thanksgiving Study 1: Jesus cleanses ten lepers Opening prayer: O give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endures forever! Thank you, Lord, that we can be together today studying your Word. Send us your Holy Spirit and guide our meditation and discussion. Give us thankful hearts for all your blessings. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Read Luke 17:11–19 What stands out to you as you read and hear this read today? …
Warradale Fellowship has 20 members with an average attendance of 10–15 people. Meetings are held at the church on the third Wednesday of the month at 10 am. We have a varied program with devotion and Bible study. A member of our congregation, Mary Schumacher, a seasoned traveller, will show slides and talk on all the beautiful and interesting places she has visited. We have visited LCC at Blair Athol, we have had a film …