Synod Dinner and Resources for Sydney Synod Members

For Sydney Synod members –

The Synod Survival Guide – by Robert Tong.
Introduction-to-Synod videos.

Connecting, Evangelising, Enfolding — video

Here is the fourth in a series of short introduction-to-Synod videos from the ACL.

Why are Connecting, Evangelising, and Enfolding diocesan mission priorities? Archie Poulos, who lectures in Ministry at Moore College, explains.

Most encouraging.

Some thoughts on ministering to the sick

“I am no expert in ministering to people in suffering. It is a privilege to be with the sick and dying, but it can also be scary, hard work. I have great respect for chaplains, calling pastors, solo pastors, and other believers who spend a lot of their time comforting the sick and suffering with the gospel. …”

– Kevin DeYoung shares some practical advice.

Introduction-to-Synod videos

Here are three brief videos from the ACL aimed at helping understand how local churches relate to the Diocese and the Synod of the Diocese as they serve and worship the Lord Jesus.

1.) Phil Colgan – What is the Standing Committee?
2.) Karin Sowada – How to prepare for Synod.
3.) Rick Smith – The Church and the Diocese.
4.) Archie Poulos – Connecting, Evangelising, Enfolding – Diocesan Mission Priorities.

(Our thanks to Mark Earngey for preparing these.)

Books Christians should read

Michael Horton of The White Horse Inn was asked for the names of five books (other than the Bible) all Christians should read. In 60 seconds, here’s his answer. You likely haven’t read some of these. (h/t Tim Challies.)

2011 ACL Pre-Synod meetings

The Synod of the Diocese of Sydney is a large gathering and its many procedures and functions can seem bewildering.

As a service to the Synod, the Anglican Church League is pleased to invite Synod members to these pre-Synod meetings to –

•    understand how Synod works
•    discover how to make a contribution
•    and hear about some of the key issues coming up at Synod this year.

Choose one of these locations:

Monday 26th September, 7:30pm
Naremburn Anglican Church (Merrenburn Avenue)

Tuesday 27th September, 7:30pm
St John’s Parramatta (195 Church Street)

Wednesday 28th September, 7:30pm
St Michael’s Wollongong (Church Street)

Join us for an evening which will help us to be more informed and purposeful as we together serve Jesus through the Synod.

Hope for council estates

Oak Hill has posted a brief and encouraging video of what drives one of their independent students working in a council estate in South West London. May the Lord raise up more like him.

Reflection on 9/11 Ten Years On

“I was there on September 11.

Judy and I were living three short blocks from the twin towers. We had awakened that morning to clear blue skies and the sparkling waters of New York Harbor. But it was not to last.

We felt the shock when the first tower was hit. We heard the scream of the second jet flying low overhead and the sonic boom that followed when the south tower was hit. We experienced the shaking and the midnight darkness when the first tower collapsed. We saw the dust and ash and the paper on the streets and felt the eerie silence later when we were allowed to leave the area. …”

– John Mason writes at SydneyAnglicans.net. He is the Senior Minister of Christ Church New York City, and was previously the Rector of St. Clement’s Mosman.

Related: The Aussie saving lost souls on Wall Street.

‘Seven Lessons from Down Under’

“John Piper recently spent two weeks ministering in Australia. Here are seven lessons I learned along the way traveling with Pastor John — both through conversation with him and observing his example and interaction with the Aussies. …”

– Josh Etter writes at Desiring God.

Fresh songs for churches

September’s edition of Southern Cross highlights the importance of hymns and contemporary music and worship songs in church. With that in mind, it’s well worth checking out ‘At Your Feet’, songs written by Matt Mulready.

Described as Fresh songs that teach and respond to the saving work of Jesus, ‘At your Feet’ has five tracks, each of which are ideal for congregational singing. Three are new songs, and two are hymns with new tunes (make sure you hear ‘There is a Green Hill’).

Matt explains why he writes in this short video.

Hear and buy the album from simplysing.com.au. (Includes sheet music, lyrics and slides. The CD is $9.95, download version $7.95 – and Christmas isn’t far away.)

‘Christianity Explored’ resources

For the last week or so, at The Good Book Blog, they ’ve been posting a range of information to encourage use of the Christianity Explored course.

Worth checking out. (In Australia, the course is available here.)

9Marks eJournal Sept–Oct 2011

Phillip Jensen, Dean of St. Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney, is one of the contributors to the latest 9Marks eJournal, now available from 9Marks.

This issue is part 2 of The Pastor and his Staff.

Bp John Harrower at Science and Christianity conference

Bishop of Tasmania John Harrower has been speaking at the Conference on Science and Christianity in Launceston over the last few days. He’s posted the text of his devotions, with some Australian science illustrations, at his blog –
Keeping on,
Humility before the facts,
Loyalty and accountability,
Being sure of our ground.

True Feelings: MTC School of Theology 2011

This year’s School of Theology at Moore College is about “True Feelings: Emotions in Christian Life and Ministry” – Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th September.  Read more

Responding to same-sex marriage debates

On Wednesday August 24th, politicians are due to report to Federal Parliament on the views from their electorates on marriage for same sex couples. Now would be a good time to contact your MP.

Here are some resources that may be useful – (h/t Andrew Cameron.)

Social Issues briefing #090.
‘Revising Marriage?’ (an interdenominational document): Long version, short version.
www.australianmarriage.org
www.australianmarriageis.com
www.makeastand.org.au

← Previous Page — Next Page →