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.

‘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

‘Prayer is your life’ — Tim Keller

At the 2011 Evangelical Ministry Assembly in the UK, Tim Keller spoke with Adrian Reynolds about the Christian’s prayer life. His answer is challenging and encouraging. See it from the Proc Trust on Vimeo. (h/t Unashamed Workman.)

SMBC Missions Conference 2011

“2011 Equipping Your Church for Global Impact Conference” is the theme of a day conference on Saturday 17th September 2011 at SMBC. The organisers say:

“Most churches still give the major part of their energy and resources to the maintenance of their own local programmes. More than ever, we need well informed, fully resourced global mission enthusiasts in every local church. This conference will provide ideas, resources and opportunities for discussion with other mission enthusiasts.”

– Read the details here.

Need help sharing the gospel?

With the proliferation of evangelistic resources available these days, it’s possible to overlook one of the most helpful.

The two brief videos on this page (scroll down) illustrate why Two Ways to Live has been such a blessing to so many people.

(Thanks to Dane Ortlund for the reminder.)

Top commentaries on Paul’s letters

Tom Schreiner (Southern Baptist Seminary) has released his list of the three best Commentaries – for students, teachers, and pastors – on each of Paul’s letters. A very handy resource.