Sunday 30th Jun 2013
REJECTING OR ACCEPTING JESUS
At the beginning of Luke 9 Jesus sends the
twelve out to proclaim the Kingdom of God
telling them not to take any provisions, but
to rely on the welcome and acceptance of
those to whom they go. If they find rejection
they should shake the dust
of that town off their feet
and move on. At the
beginning of Chapter 10
Jesus sends out seventy
two followers with the
same instruction.
In Luke 9: 51 we are told
that Jesus sets out for
Jerusalem. Because
Luke's readers, including
us, are reading with
hindsight they know
exactly what this means.
Jesus is heading for the
cross. This is to be his
clearest revelation of the Kingdom
of God. On the way his disciples go into a
Samaritan village
which refuses to
allow Jesus to enter
their town. Jesus is rejected. Jesus'
instructions in these circumstances is to
shake the dust off their feet and move on,
but James and John want to imitate Elijah
and call down fire from heaven to consume
them. This is not what the
Kingdom of God is
about. Jesus rebukes
them and moves on. It
is not just the
Samaritan village that
rejected Jesus it was
also James and John.
Earlier in the chapter Jesus
has told them that the
Kingdom of God is not
about greatness and
power. He told them that
the model of the
Kingdom is a child and
to accept a child is to
accept Jesus. The last will be first and the
first last. Jesus’ level of accepting people is
expressed in the phrase "whoever is not
against you is for you."
Now as we continue in
Luke 9: 57, we meet three representative
people who say they want to accept Jesus,
but their actions suggest that they are
rejecting him.
That might be a little unkind to the first guy
because we are not told what he did. He
said that he would follow Jesus anywhere. It
was Jesus who warned him that there is no
comfort and security in following him. We
can assume that Jesus saw that this was
something that put people off and maybe
this man as well.
Jesus calls the second man to follow, but
he put his duty to his father (tradition) as
more important.
him.
For Jesus what is most important for the
second man is proclaiming the Kingdom of
God and for the third it is being fit for the
Kingdom.
This priority draws our attention to how we
proclaim the Kingdom (by words and
deeds) and who we are in terms of the
Kingdom quality of our lives. This is what
Paul describes as the gifts of the Spirit and
the fruit of the Spirit. When we follow Jesus
in these ways we are showing that we
accept him, and when we put other
priorities ahead of the Kingdom, we actually
reject him.
The third man offers to follow Jesus but
wants to go home and get permission from
his family and friends first.
This passage calls us to question the nature
of our faith and our lives.
By putting conditions on following Jesus
they are not accepting Jesus, but rejecting
Adrian
Are we accepting or rejecting Jesus?
LIVING FAITH CHURCH
We acknowledge, with respect, the heritage of the Wurundjeri people, in this place.
Website: http://www.livingfaithchurch.org.au/
Phone: 9435-8797
Street Address: 37 Grimshaw Street, Greensborough 3088
Postal Address: PO Box 291, Greensborough, 3088
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE T IMES
8:45am - Early Worship Service
10:00am - All-Age Morning Worship Service
Ministers
Adrian Clark:
12 Porter Street, Briar Hill, 3088
Phone:
9444 9410 Mob: 0403 317 497
E-mail: [email protected]
Graeme Harrison:
15 Eldale Avenue, Greensborough, 3088
Phone:
9434 5502 Mob: 0422 490 323
E-mail: [email protected]
Ministry Workers
Children and Families: Rob MacDonald
Phone: 9432 3912
Youth and Young Adults: Ken Collyer
Phone: 9439 9348
E-mail: [email protected]
PRAYERS FOR
LIVING FAITH CHURCH
Our Loving God,
THINK ABOUT: GALATIANS 5: 1, 13-25
FREEDOM IN CHRIST
Verse 1
We pray for our church which is travelling from our home to distant shores. We
pray that eyes may be opened, ears will hear, and tongues may talk in harmony
with their hosts. We pray that our actions will speak of our intention to seek longterm friendship and involvement with the peoples of this place, that as Christ is central to
the being of all, understanding and growth in our relationship will be assured.
Especially we pray for……….
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves
be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
We continually rejoice at the diversity of our planet. In some
places wide open beaches, white sands, gentle waters, warmth.
In other places rugged coastlines, pounding seas, ancient rocks,
sandless. This is Your world Lord, full of places we talk of when we
return from holidays and tours, places which have captured our
imagination. We think of the people we have met along the way in these
journeys.
Especially we pray for………..
You, my brothers and
sisters, were called to be
free. But do not use
your freedom to
indulge the flesh;
rather, serve one
another humbly in love.
For the entire law is
fulfilled in keeping
this one command:
“Love your neighbour
as yourself.” If you
bite and devour each other, watch out or
you will be destroyed by each other.
Especially we pray for………...
Amen
Go to http://
www.arrcc.org.au/ to
find out about the
Christian response to
Climate Change and to
view the Christian
Climate Action Kit.
Verses 13-25
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual
immorality, impurity and
debauchery; idolatry and
witchcraft; hatred, discord,
jealousy, fits of rage, selfish
ambition, dissensions,
factions and envy;
drunkenness,
orgies, and the like.
I warn you, as I did
before, that those
who live like this will
not inherit the
kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit
is love, joy, peace, forbearance,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such
things there is no law. Those who belong to
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its
gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh passions and desires. Since we live by the
desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and
Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
REFLECT
SHEEPISHLY
Our hearts goes out to those amongst us who are waiting again for further medical
treatment. We know this is a tense and stressful time for some, we know that it is
wearying. We pray for those waiting, we pray for those who accompany them. We seek
the strength of Your Spirit in their lives, that it may touch the one waiting, the one who
loves them, the one who travels with them. Touch those who care.
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT
are in conflict with each other, so that you
are not to do whatever you want. But if you
are led by the Spirit, you are not under the
law.
THINK ABOUT: PSALM 77: 1-2, 11-20
THE
DIRECTOR
OF who performs miracles; you display
your power among the
MUSIC. FOR JEDUTHUN. OF
peoples. With your mighty
ASAPH. A PSALM.
arm you redeemed your
people, the descendants of
Verses 1-2
Jacob and Joseph. The
I cried out to God for help; I cried
waters saw you, God, the
out to God to hear me. When I was
waters saw you and writhed;
in distress, I sought the Lord;
the very depths were
at night I stretched out
convulsed.
untiring hands, and I
The clouds poured down
would not be comforted.
water, the heavens
Verses 11-20
resounded with thunder; your
arrows flashed back and
I will remember the
forth. Your thunder was heard
deeds of the Lord;
in the whirlwind, your
yes, I will remember
lightning lit up the world; the
your miracles of
earth trembled and quaked.
long ago. I will
consider all your
Your path led through the
works and
sea, your way through the
meditate on all
mighty waters, though your
your mighty
footprints were not seen.
deeds.’ Your
You led your people like a
ways, God, are
flock by the hand of Moses
holy. What god is
and Aaron.
as great as our
New International Version God?
UK (NIVUK)
FOR
You are the God
STORY OF THE WEEK FROM
AROUND AUSTRALIA
MEMORIES
Not long ago, Cheryl was surprised and delighted to bump into the first
child she mentored while out shopping. Melanie saw Cheryl first, flung
her arms around her and cried out in a loud voice “Mrs Cheryl!” What a
wonderful way to give thanks to God, that you are making a difference in
these children’s lives and not forgotten.
KIDS HOPE AUS builds caring relationships:
one child, one hour, one Church, one school
Robyn (Coordinator)
THE PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY GROUP
The Pastoral Care Ministry Group will be meeting on:
Tuesday, 2nd July, at 8:00pm
This meeting is to be held at the home of Carol.
Shared Lunch and Fellowship In Someone's Home. 21st July.
Displayed in the hall are the host places for this event.
Place your name and select the food you will bring for the shared
lunch.
THANK
Bryan
YOU
We wish to thank you for your expressions of sympathy and kind
thoughts on the death of Bill's mother. Thank you to those who sent
cards and attended the funeral. Your support was of great assistance to
us.
Bill and Mabel
SOCIAL JUSTICE MEETING
The Social Justice Group will be meeting on:
Tuesday, 2nd July, at 10:00am
Contact: Rex for further information
THELORD’SPRAYER
THELORD’SPRAYER
At this week's Church Council meeting we welcomed the four new members (Natalie,
Jeremy, Cathy, Carol. We elected a new Chairman, James, and Secretary, Joan. We
wish them every blessing in their work.
Special thanks to Wayne, who has retired from the Secretary's job after more than 20
years. Wayne's long years of dedicated service are very much appreciated. Church
Council looks forward to Wayne's continued contribution to Council as an Elder, and hope
that he enjoys the extra time now at his disposal.
The Full Council is comprised of:
Elders:
Paul,
Graham,
Janet,
Bryan,
Glenis,
Robert
Stewart,
Wayne,
Loris,
James, Chairman,
Kevin,
Carol, and
Rod
Leaders:
Sarah,
Cathy,
Maureen,
Joan, Secretary,
Jeremy, and
Natalie.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
From stolen generation to Koori theatre in the
your will be done on earth as in heaven.
70's, from film sets to prisons, “Jack Charles V
Give us today our daily bread.
the Crown” runs the gamut of his life.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin
Accompanied by a three piece band, this one
against us.
man show of 75 minutes is a theatrical delight
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us
and a celebration of one of our country's near
from evil.
forgotten treasures.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are
The Social Justice Committee of LFC endorses
yours now and for ever. Amen.
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and recommends this event.
Venue: Plenty Ranges Arts & Convention
Centre
35 Ferres Blvd, South Morang
SHARE WINTER APPEAL JUNE 2013
Date: Saturday 6th July at 7.30pm.
Tickets: Tel 9217 2317 Adults and children $25
The Share Community Appeal funds
concession $20
UnitingCare, one of the largest providers of
community services in Victoria and Tasmania,
Stewart
along with worthy community service programs.
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SHAREWINTERAPPEAL
SHAREWINTERAPPEAL
The winter appeal envelopes will be given to
you with Getting Connected during June. Each
envelope contains information about Share and
the terrific work that they do. We hope that you
read it and feel inspired to support this appeal.
Glennys, former Chair, LFC Council
Presented by Waverley Temple Band on Saturday, 20th July
at 7:30pm in the Waverley Temple Salvation Army,
958 High Street Road, Glen Waverley, VIC., 3150.
Tickets: $15 Stalls in Main Hall, and $20 Balcony/Gallery.
Children U16 are free
Donations may be made directly to Share via
the website, www.shareappeal.org.au, by
phone: 1800 668 426, by mail (pre-paid
envelope provided), or through the Church.
Please make cheques payable to Living Faith
Church and place envelopes in offering plate.
MARCHERS:HALT!
MARCHERS:HALT!
Marchers: Take Note!
There WILL NOT be marching on 2nd July and
9th July due to school holidays.
Janette
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CHURCHROSTERS
CHURCHROSTERS
Church rosters are now being prepared for the
second half of the year. Current involvement of
Thank you for your generous support,
LFC members will be the starting point in
Glennys, Share Representative, LFC. preparation. If you are not on the roster and
wish to be involved with a church duty, please
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see Jane.
SOCIALJUSTICE
SOCIALJUSTICE
Proceeds from this concert will go towards a mission project in Malaysia.
"JACK CHARLES Versus THE CROWN"
A live performance
based on the life of Uncle Jack Charles and
spoken in his own words.
For Tickets and Further Details call: 9803 2587
Uncle Jack Charles is a well known Australian
Featuring Tenor Murray Mayday and Mezzo-Soprano Lynlee Williams
legend veteran actor, musician, Koori Elder and
activist, but for a good portion of his nearly 70
years he has also been an addict, a thief and a
regular in Victoria's prisons.
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KEAGAN’S STORY
and news of a
‘braai’ to be held at
Living Faith Church
on Sun, 7 July to
support Keagan
Over the past few weeks I have been made
aware of this young man in South Africa, who,
through his disabilities is facing further
hardships in his life.
Pinetown, South Africa (the Fulton School for
the Deaf – boarding school).
Lynn took it upon herself to bring Keagan home
on Wednesday and Thursday evenings - not
only did Dale have a friend to play with, but a
friend that had the same disability as him. My
sister regarded Keagan as another son that she
did not have.
The message below is a message of hope, that
someone would hear Keagan’s story too.
Keagan’s story can be found on FACEBOOK –
KEAGAN’S WARRIOR FUND- in one week it
has attracted over 991 members.
The story so far…….. “Keagan has had an
ongoing battle with a rare type of bone cancer
called Ewing’s Sarcoma, in which tumours
develop primarily in the bone and sometimes
the soft tissue. Over the past 4 and a half years,
he has undergone radical surgery, aggressive
chemotherapy and radiation, all in the hope of
saving his limbs, and his life. Today, after the
cancer reoccurred, he had surgery which
resulted in a forequarter amputation (arm,
shoulder and shoulder blade). As you will know,
Keagan is also deaf, and relies on Sign
Language to communicate. He now faces a
whole new challenge of learning not only to live
but to sign with one arm.
Keagan became part of my sister’s (Lynn White)
life, when he was just 3 years old. He was left
deaf as a consequence of Meningitis contacted
at two year old.. My sister Lynn has two
children of her own that are deaf and so the
Before the reoccurrence of Ewing’s was found in
friendship between these two young toddlers/
his left arm, Keagan had gone through the
adults began. The three young children would
process of buying his first little home: a small
attend the same school for the Deaf in
bachelor flat in Pinetown, KZN. Before he had a tangible way. Our support will help with the
chance to move in and enjoy supporting himself procurement of necessary materials to assist his
and living independently for the first time, his left independent living.
arm had to be amputated because of the
If you can help Renee or Deon with the
relentless spread of this vicious disease.
As his sisters, our dearest wish for him now is to
support him in whatever way we can to regain
his independence and to lead a meaningful and
fulfilling life, without the need for care or
assistance. He has fought so fiercely for his life;
we wish to make it as comfortable and easy for
him as possible, and particularly now with him
only having one functional upper limb. Our goal
is to help him move into his new flat when he is
ready, and to furnish it with kitchen appliances
and equip him with assistive devices that will
render him self-sufficient to cope with all his
activities of daily living with one arm.
While most of the kitchen appliances
(dishwasher, electric choppers, mixers) are
available in South Africa, the assistive devices
for washing, cooking, dressing etc. (wash mitt,
tube dispenser, combined utensils, specialized
cutting board, peeling plate, pot holder, onehanded bottler and jar opener, kitchen devices
with suctions, plate guards, adapted belts, sock
aids, lock laces) are largely only available from
suppliers in the UK. Khara-Jade is able to locate
these devices but they all come at a large cost.
We also wish to buy him a contracted keyboard
(a keyboard with all the buttons but small
enough to be used easily with one hand) so he
can continue with his work as an Electronic
originator.
Many people have expressed the desire to help
in any way they can, and so we ask that all
those who are willing and able, would help us in
the form of financial contributions towards
buying him appliances and assistive devices to
enable him to live independently.”
We will be hosting a “braai” (barbecue)
at LFC on Sunday the 7th of July to raise
funds to support Keagan.
In this way we can support Keagan’s family in a
barbecue at LFC talk to Renee today, or
talk to her on the phone. Ladies could
bring a salad to share.
If you would like to send Keagan a message of
hope, courage and keeping his faith – please go
onto his facebook page – KEAGAN’S
WARRIOR FUND and leave him a special
message.
Thanking you for taking the time to read
Keagan’s Story.
Renee
Braai
(Barbecue)
Living Faith
Church
Sun, 7th July
11:30am - 1:00pm
Monies raised
will be used
to support
Keagan
From the new President Ann Fair:
The Tension Summit at Discovery Church in
early May was an eye-opener for me, and I
was enormously encouraged by the palpable
sense of determined optimism that was a
characteristic of the gathering. Allow me to
reflect on some of the words of Ash Barker,
Mary Fisher and Paul Cameron that stirred
my heart over the two days…
It would be very easy for us to become
overwhelmed about the problems and
challenges of our society today. Many of us in
ministry have experienced deep
disappointments and broken dreams. We see
the statistics about faith and church life, and
they can look bleak. Where do we take our
anger and disappointment? Because if they
are not expressed and processed, these
feelings will be transmitted to others, and we
will become cranky old people, rather than
conduits for the transforming love of God.
•
•
•
•
•
•
neighbourhoods understand about who
we are and what our purpose is in the
community?
Do we invite God to fill us continually with
His compassion, tenderness and fidelity?
How can we commit to each other in
covenant relationship, rather than using
each other to get things done?
How can we confront the truth about
ourselves, without whining or
grandstanding?
How can we acknowledge our past
mistakes, so that they are not repeated?
How can we do better at building
communities of hope and compassion?
How can we grow leaders who are
thoroughly prepared to lead the people of
God into a faith-filled fruitful future?
There is something invigorating about the
place and time in which we find ourselves. We
have more questions than answers. We don't
If we just look at the immediate, it is terribly
know the systems, structure, shape, God
depressing. We need to immerse ourselves in wants for us in the days and years ahead. But
the bigger narrative of God, as He calls us to we can allow any sense of powerlessness we
create spaces for people to encounter Jesus. may have to be God's vehicle for calling us
It is clear that our current structures were
into the new.
designed for a time that no longer exists. But
Pessimism is a cop out, optimism is
change can be painful:
impossible. All we have is hope in God- not
• How can we be inspired by the past,
wishful thinking, but a firm conviction of His
rather than captured by it?
sovereignty and His love. The future of the
people of God is contained in the people of
• How can we discern the present, rather
God because the Holy Spirit is in the people
than hide from it?
• How can we be wise to the future, rather of God. Trust in the LORD with all your
heart and lean not on your own
than afraid of it?
• How can we do better at understanding; in all your ways submit to
him, and he will make your paths straight.
communicating- after all,
( or will direct your paths). Proverbs 3:5-6
communication is not what
Ann Fair
is said, but what is
Conference President Vic/Tas
understood?
• What do our
Diamond Valley Singers Production 2013
The Pirates of Penzance
Or
The Slave of Duty
Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance tells the story of Frederic who, having
reached his 21st year, has concluded his long apprenticeship to a band of 'tenderhearted' pirates. Now a free man, he leaves for greener pastures and instantly falls in
love with Mabel, one of the daughters of a British Army Major-General. All is well until
a sudden twist of fate sees Frederic having to choose between love and his 'sense of
duty' to his former pirate colleagues.
Come and see Malcolm as the Sergeant of Police, and Helen as a Pirate!!! . We have
organised a LFC group Booking for 8pm Saturday 6th July. $25.00 per seat.
Performances at the fully refurbished
Warrandyte High School Theatre, Alexander Road, Warrandyte.
Book now through Malcolm and Anita: See us at Church.
On Monday 1st July
Reconciliation Banyule will screen
"Mabo"
(for NAIDOC week)
at 7:30 pm at the Ivanhoe Uniting Church
19 Seddon Street, Ivanhoe
Supper will be provided as usual.
You can keep track of our Living Faith Church adventurers by following
the BLOG called the “Living Faith Church Vanuatu Friendship Visit”.
This will be updated from time to time by members of the touring party.
Here is the link for you to follow their progress:
This Week At Living Faith Church
Saturday, 29th Jun - Vanuatu Friendship Begins
Circa 10:00am - Music Group 4
www.lfcvanuatu.wordpress.com
Sunday, 30th Jun
8:45am - Early Worship Service
10:00am - All Age Morning Worship
There is already much material for you to follow. Go, have a look!
Monday, 1st Jul
7:00pm - Primary Club - NO CLUB - School Holidays
7:45pm - Monday Night Bible Study - School Holiday Time - NO MEETING - Contact: Bryan
The next Book Club is on Thursday 8th August at 8:00pm at Ros and Wayne place, and
the book being read is Thomas G. Bandy, "Kicking habits: welcome relief for addicted
churches". If you would like a copy to read, even if you are unable to join us for the
discussion, please see me after Church.
Glennys
Tuesday, 2nd Jul
9:30am - Marching Group - School Holidays - NO MARCHING - Contact: Janette
10:00am - Social Justice Group Meets - Contact: Rex
10:00am - Playgroup - Holiday Recess
1:30pm - Codgers - School Holidays - NO CODGERS - Contact: Stewart or Graham
8:00pm - Pastoral Care Meeting - at Carol’s home - Contact: Bryan
Wednesday, 3rd Jul
10:00am - Ministry Team Meeting
1:30pm - Bible Studies - Youth Room - Contact: Adrian
2:00pm - Caregivers and Friends - CAFé meet - Group 2 - Contact: Jacob
5:00pm - 7:30pm - Tucker Club - Refer to Tucker Club Roster - Contact: Anita
7:30pm - Finance Committee Meeting - Fellowship Room - Contact: Treasurer
8:00pm - WEBS - Holiday Recess - Contact: Jacob
Thursday, 4th Jul
Christian Women's Fellowship ladies will again be collecting
goods suitable for distribution to CHILDREN by Hospital Visitors.
This year we have been requested to PROVIDE ONLY GIFTS FOR
CHILDREN (UP TO 18 YEARS).
Please check the list, included in Getting Connected, if you are uncertain
of what is suitable.
A Basket to receive goods will be placed in the foyer (Narthex) on
Sundays June 30 and July 7 or they can be passed on directly to
Nancy . Please contact Nancy if you have any queries.
The “Gifts for Hospital Visitation” is provided as an additional colour
insert to Getting Connected.
9:30am - Playgroup - Holiday Recess
1:00pm - Friendship Centre - Holiday Recess - Contact: Maureen
6:30pm - ThuMBS Up - Meal and Bible Study - Holiday Recess - Contact: Loris or Jeremy
Friday, 5th Jul
10:00am - Friday Morning Bible Study - Youth Room - Holiday Recess - Contact: Heather
Saturday, 6th Jul
Circa 10:00am - Music Group 1
Sunday, 7th Jul - Keagan’s Barbecue - see main article
8:45am - Early Worship Service
10:00am - All Age Morning Worship
11:30am - Keagan’s Barbecue