Our Mission is to
Connect with people in Jesus;
Build each other up in faith; and to
Become Like Jesus.
Theme of the Advent 2 is Peace. Bible reading: Isaiah 11:1-10, Jesus comes to bring peace on earth.
Isaiah had dreams and visions of peace, and in today’s text he wrote down these beautiful dreams. His vision was of a just leader with the Spirit of the Lord upon him coming from the stump of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-5). Then we are presented with a picture of the world where there is harmony and peace in verses 6-9. According to this image of the new kingdom, we can imagine a glorious picture of the Messiah’s reign where the young and vulnerable – lambs and calves and children – will be at ease with the former symbols of terror and violence.
The Advent message for us this Sunday is “that day” has already dawned (Isaiah 11:10). The shoot from the stump of Jesse has grown into a mighty tree of life, a sign to all the nations that God’s new creation has already begun with the birth of a little child who leads us into life in God’s new kingdom. God has given us the everlasting and eternal life in that little child, that mighty king, our Saviour Jesus Christ, the prince of peace. Christ has come! Christ is coming! Christ will come again! Now that is good news!
So, what are you longing for in this season of Christmas? Do you long for the One who brings peace as Isaiah had a dream? In the midst of our rush to be ready for Christmas, are you really ready for the prince of peace? IL-WOONG.
How to celebrate Christmas like Mary and Joseph – Topical Studies
Awkward invites: Christmas Forecast – The Skit Guys
The gift of wonder – Ethos Centre for Christianity and Society
Carols by Streetlight Join us as we walk local streets singing carols and bringing Christmas joy to residents.
Monday 9th December 7.00pm to 8.00pm – Practice at worship centre.
Tuesday 17th December 7.00pm to 8.30pm – Carols by Streetlight event – meet at worship centre.
Family Christmas Event in the Carpark
Sunday 22nd December – BBQ 6.00pm, Carols 7.00pm to 8.00pm.
Christmas Celebrations will kick off at 6.00pm with a free BBQ (donation buckets for drought relief will be available), rock climbing wall, jumping castle, tattoos and other carpark excitement for the whole family. The story of Jesus’ birth will follow at 7.00pm with a sensational performance, Tongan Brass Band, sample bags and Christmas carols.
Christmas Morning Celebration
Wednesday 25th December @ 8:30am – 9:30am
Conversations with John Anderson – Featuring Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, public figure, religious leader, philosopher, academic and author.
New Foxtel show takes on Narnia – ‘His Dark Materials’ attacks religion, God and C S Lewis – Eternity News
DVD of the Week:
The Pilgrim’s Progress “… like watching an animated version of The Lord Of The Rings, but with a Christian storyline that challenges believers to stay true to Christ through all the trials and temptations this world has to offer.” – Stephen Kendrick. Based on John Bunyan’s epic masterpiece, The Pilgrim’s Progress is one of the most popular books of all time, and one of the most important stories of our faith! Second only to the Bible in total copies and translations, the story was written by John Bunyan, a pastor imprisoned for sharing his faith. This powerful allegory helps families understand that the spiritual journey is the most important journey in life, as well as the importance of staying on the straight path, even when the journey gets difficult.
The Gift – Christmas Musical Comedy
Faith: The miracle of Leipzig – SMH
CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS – DECEMBER 2019 For this year, the Church Council has decided that the Christmas Offerings will be shared between the traditional ‘Christmas Bowl Appeal’ and the Uniting Church Moderator’s Drought Relief Appeal. The arrangements will be –
1. Proceeds from ‘Carols in the Car Park’ and the Christmas Day Worship-Cash Offering will be sent to the Uniting Church Moderator’s Bushfires / Drought Relief Appeal.
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Donations for the ‘Christmas Bowl Appeal’ will be collected via the Christmas Bowl Envelopes and passed on to Christmas Bowl / Act for Peace. Envelopes will be available from Sunday, 22nd December.