Calvin University votes to allow Faculty to embrace heretical views on sexuality

Posted on November 13, 2022 
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“The trustees of Calvin University voted to keep faculty who reject the Bible’s clear teachings on what constitutes sexual immorality.

Will the denomination step in, or will they allow the school to embrace heretical views?”

– Joe Carter summarises the story for The Gospel Coalition. What would John Calvin think? (Image: John Calvin by Hans Holbein the Younger.)

Latest news from George Whitefield College, Nov 2022

Posted on November 13, 2022 
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Here’s the latest newsletter from George Whitefield College in Capetown.

As many of our readers will know, the college has historic and strong links with Sydney.

Read online or download the PDF version.

Bathurst newsletter November 2022

Posted on November 11, 2022 
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Bishop of Bathurst Mark Calder writes:

“Please find attached the first of a semi-regular newsletter from me as a way of increasing communication around the diocese – and beyond!”

– Download the newsletter here as a PDF file. Food for prayer.

Top Centre 22.3 now online

Posted on November 10, 2022 
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The latest issue of the Diocese of the Northern Territory‘s magazine, Top Centre 3.22, is now available for download from their website.

New Resident Minister for Cobar after 20+ years

Posted on November 10, 2022 
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Bishop of Bathurst, Mark Calder, writes,

“Dear Brothers and sisters,

It is well over 20 years since there was a resident Anglican minister in Cobar.

So it is with great thankfulness to God that I announce today that the Rev’d James Daymond will take up this role sometime early in the new year.

Together with Brittany, James has been open to the call of God on his life for a new chapter in ministry. It is important to note that he will continue to do the work of an evangelist as James sees that as his primary calling. However, serving as Priest-in-Charge of Cobar, will only open up immense opportunities in the community at large for James to make connections, build trust and friendship and share Jesus for life.

This appointment would not be possible without the generous support of the Bush Church Aid Society. James and Brittany are delighted to be able to continue as BCA field staff members and will enjoy not only the generous funding of BCA, but also the wonderful prayer support which being part of the BCA family means.

I have great confidence that James and Brittany will be a great blessing to the seven current members of the church and to the community at large.

James commented on his appointment: “We thank the Anglican Parish of Cobar welcoming us both to serve them and to serve with them! We look forward to reaching out to the spiritually lost, sharing Jesus for life, and caring for Cod’s people.”

Please join me in giving thanks to God for James and Brittany’s willingness to serve in Cobar and for making the many sacrifices this will involve. And give thanks for BCA’s willingness to partner with us in placing a resident minister in Cobar – one of the first towns in which BCA ever placed a minister!

We pray also for those who in Mudgee who will feel the loss of James’ move. May they know God’s comfort and be given grace to trust in His plans, both for the future of the evangelism program and for Arvo church.”

Bishop Calder also writes,

“Currently a Deacon, God willing, James will be ordained Priest on 03 Dec at 11am, All Saints Cathedral, Bathurst.”

Expect the Unexpected

Posted on November 9, 2022 
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“We should not be taken by surprise by the rise and fall of nations as well as seismic and climatic events.

As Paul the Apostle writes in Romans chapter 8, verses 21 and 22, the present creation is subject to decay and groans in travail awaiting the day when we will enjoy the perfect fulfilment of all God’s promises.

Why is it that we live with our eyes so focused on life now that we fail to walk in the light and wisdom of the Lord?…”

– In his Word on Wednesday devotion for today, John Mason may or may not have had the US mid-term elections at the back of his mind. Either way, what he writes at Anglican Connection is relevamt for all.

How do we get the whole church engaged in evangelism? — with Gavin Perkins

Posted on November 8, 2022 
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From The Pastor’s Heart:

“How do you grow your church’s evangelistic ecosystem?  Is that possible?

83% of Gavin’s church members see personal evangelism as an individual responsibility.

And yet most 60% of them had at maximum of two spiritual conversations with non Christians in the last six months.

Gavin Perkins has been researching what are the blockers to personal evangelism? How might we overcome them?

How could we create a congregational ecosystem where individuals take personal evangelistic initiative? …”

– Watch or listen at The Pastor’s Heart.

Funeral date for Narelle Jarrett announced

Posted on November 8, 2022 
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We’ve been informed that the funeral service for Narelle Jarrett, who was called home last week, will be at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Friday 25th November at 11:00am.

It will be followed by a light morning tea for those who wish to stay.

Bishops openly repudiate the teaching of the Church of England

Posted on November 6, 2022 
Filed under Church of England, Culture wars Comments Off on Bishops openly repudiate the teaching of the Church of England

“The statements by Stephen Croft and other revisionist bishops that approve of same-sex relations demonstrate the need for radical change in the Church of England – in precisely the opposite direction.

The Church’s official position matches the clear teaching of scripture by saying that sex belongs within one man, one woman marriage. Nevertheless, bishops and clergy have been allowed to sow endless doubt about what Christians throughout history and around the world have recognised is God’s pattern for sexuality. …

These bishops swore that they believed “the doctrine of the Christian faith as the Church of England has received it” and promised to “expound and teach it.” Core to the received doctrine of the Church is the doctrine of marriage.”

– Christian Concern’s Andrea Williams argues that revisionist bishops are changing the gospel itself.

Related:

Five more Anglican bishops back same-sex marriages in church – The Guardian.

Image: Christian Concern.

What is the Bishop of Oxford thinking?

Posted on November 5, 2022 
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At Psephizo, Ian Paul takes a look at the booklet, Together in Love and Faith, released on Thursday by the Bishop of Oxford. The bishop sets out his changed thinking on same-sex relationships, and argues the Church of England should provide services for the blessing of same-sex civil partnerships and marriages.

Ian Paul writes:

“We start with the booklet’s title: ‘Together’ in Love and Faith. This is rather odd, since Steven is completely clear that what he proposing will not command consensus, and in fact will bring division into his diocese, to the point at which he notes many bishops will be uncomfortable with his proposals.

In fact, it will bring division not just to his diocese, and not just to the C of E, but to the Anglican Communion. I do find it remarkable that he is writing this hot on the heels of the Lambeth Conference, where it was abundantly clear that the move of some Western provinces to do what Steven is proposing has divided the Communion, perhaps terminally. …”

– Read it all here. Illustration: Psephizo.

Together in Love & Faith? Should the Church Bless Same-Sex Partnerships? A Response to the Bishop of Oxford

Posted on November 4, 2022 
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From The Latimer Trust in the UK, here’s a very helpful response from Vaughan Roberts to the announcement from the Bishop of Oxford that he now supports the blessing of same-sex relationships.

The Latimer Trust:

“Writing from his own experience of same-sex attraction, Vaughan Roberts responds to the Bishop of Oxford’s argument that the Church of England should change its doctrine and practice in relation to same-sex relationships. Read more

Expository Preaching Trust opportunities in 2023

Posted on November 4, 2022 
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“Lord willing, the EP Trust is planning the following opportunities in 2023…”

– At The Expository Preaching Trust, David Cook shares what they hope to be doing to promote preaching in 2023. Lather and Shave Preaching Clubs, Mentoring, Preaching Workshops.

Take a look and register interest.

Photo: David Cook speaking at St. Helen’s Bishopsgate, August 2022.

With thanksgiving for Narelle Jarrett

Posted on November 4, 2022 
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We are saddened to hear Archdeacon Narelle Jarrett has been called home, but we rejoice that she is now with Christ.

In 2002, announcing her appointment as Archdeacon for Women’s Ministry, then Archbishop Dr. Peter Jensen said, “Narelle is extremely well qualified for this important position, having ministered faithfully over many years, in particular as Principal of Mary Andrews College since 1985 …”.

She continued as Principal of MAC until 2007 and was Archdeacon for Women until her retirement in 2012. In this latter role, she worked hard to enhance the opportunities for women’s ministry in Sydney, and invited colleagues Jane Tooher, Sarie King, Lesley Ramsay, Jackie Stoneman and Christine Jensen to work with her.

In more recent years, Narelle has served the church at South Coogee as Honorary Assistant Minister, and has been an Archdeacon Emeritus in the diocese since 2012.

Update:

Narelle’s funeral will be at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Friday 25th November at 11:00am – followed by a light morning tea for those who wish to stay.

Russell Powell has posted this tribute at SydneyAnglicans.net:

“Archdeacon Jarrett radiated godliness and grace,” Archbishop Kanishka Raffel said in his tribute. “With her firm and winsome stand for Biblical truth in all things, she made a significant contribution to the life of our churches and I thank God for her example in life and ministry.”

Her successor as Archdeacon for Women’s Ministry, Archdeacon Kara Hartley also paid tribute, saying “Narelle had a great passion and commitment to advancing the ministries of women in the diocese. A true servant of the gospel, as Principal of Mary Andrews College and Archdeacon for Women’s Ministry she exercised significant leadership in our diocese. I am deeply thankful to God for the impact Narelle had on me and many other women throughout our church.”

C of E Clergy should have the freedom to do what is right in their own eyes, says Bishop of Oxford

Posted on November 4, 2022 
Filed under Church of England, Culture wars Comments Off on C of E Clergy should have the freedom to do what is right in their own eyes, says Bishop of Oxford

“Church of England clergy should have the freedom to bless and marry same-sex couples, says Bishop of Oxford.

The Bishop of Oxford has published a 52-page essay, Together in Love and Faith, to be released on Friday 4 November, setting out the ways his own views have changed on same-sex relationships over the last decade.

In the light of ten years of reflection and massive changes in the society we serve, many in the Church, including Bishop Steven, now believe it is time to enable local churches and clergy to offer public services of blessing for same-sex relationships and remove the legal barriers to the solemnisation of same-sex marriage in the Church of England. Clergy should also be given the freedom to order their own relationships according to their conscience and to marry a same-sex partner. …

Bishop Steven also reflects that many Christians in the Church of England hold and will continue to hold a traditional view of marriage and this should be honoured and respected by those who are seeking freedom to change”

– A news release from the Diocese of Oxford.

Image from a Diocese of Oxford video.

Armidale Diocese The Link for Oct-Nov 2022 now out

Posted on November 3, 2022 
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The latest issue (October – November 2022) of The Link, the magazine of the Diocese of Armidale, has been published on the diocesan website.

Much encouraging news and food for prayer.

Download your copy here. (PDF file.)

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