Dear sisters and brothers of St Peter’s and St Andrew’s,
Greetings!
“So, what’ve you got planned for tomorrow?”
The barista was doing his usual thing – apparently he asked this of everyone. As a first-timer in his shop, however, I didn’t know how people answered. Was he really interested or was this just politeness. Did he really want to know? Why? What would he do with what I said? Better to be cautious and not say too much . . . . . . And then . . “I’m the only one in the café, so don’t be hesitant or ashamed.”
So I told him. But instead of something innocuous like “I’m off to a work meeting”, I found myself telling him the whole truth: “I’m going to meet with a group of Christian people who work at supporting Aboriginal churches in Sydney and the Illawarra.” Raised eyebrows. “Really? That sounds interesting. Tell me more.” 30 minutes later my coffee was warm and I found I had spoken the gospel to him in the course of a very interesting conversation. “Stupid man,” I said to myself. “Why do you find it so hard to bring Jesus into the conversation?”
Yes, I do find it hard. When presented with an obvious opening, something in me wants to play it safe. I find myself wanting the Lord to return immediately, or trying to find some way of communicating as little as possible, or even lying(!) in my response. The psychology of this will say that underneath lies a fear of rejection. I don’t want to be seen as different, odd or stupid.
It took but a millisecond for God to remind me that this man needs to hear of Jesus, that not to say something to spark interest in him demonstrates unbelief in the promises of God and that I am preaching on faith at the moment!
My guess is I am not unique in this pressure not to speak up appropriately about Jesus. Pressure from within and/or without. My prayer for you is that your trust in the Lord will not be weak like mine was last Friday (at least at the beginning) but that you will be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you.
MU
Last month St Andrew’s submitted an application for a grant of $20,000 over 2 years for seed funding for a kids’ club ministry and ministry to women in the area. The grant was being offered (one of only 2 per year) by the Mothers’ Union of the Diocese of Sydney. Mother’s Union is a very longstanding world-wide Anglican organisation dedicated to winning the homes of nations for Christ. We were delighted to be told that MU has made one of those grants for 2021-22 to St Andrew’s!!
This is marvellous news. MU pledge not only financial support but also prayer support and a developing relationship with the St Andrew’s congregation. Please join with us in thanking God for this money and pray for the wardens and selection group as the process to find the right person begins.
JJ
Last Monday at St Peter’s Junior Jivers began running a second JJ program because of the numbers of Mums and kids wanting to join. There is a great deal of work involved in running these programs each week but the connection with non-church community members is proving very fruitful. Kat Bullen and her team(s) do very well not only at the program but with the connecting. As you know, a number of women have been saved this year through that connection and exploring Jesus, and others are expressing interest. Please keep praying and thanking God for this ministry.
Campbelltown Anglican Schools Council membership
In more good news, this past week Parish Council elected two new Parish appointees to the Campbelltown Anglican Schools Council (CASC). They are Ben Stelzer (for 2 years) and George Watts (for 3 years). We congratulate them both and look forward to how God will bless their contribution to this important work.
At the same time, Ross Ford has had to retire from membership of CASC as he has reached the limit of the time a member can serve. Well done Ross! What will you do now on Wednesday nights?? Thank you for all that you have done to support and strengthen the work and ministry of our schools.
COVID MARSHALLS
We are still in need of members to be trained and then take their place in overseeing the COVIDSafe requirements at our 10am and 6pm services. Especially as we move towards re-opening both services in 3 weeks’ time we need you to step up to help in this way. It’s not onerous, you don’t have to do all the work yourself, and there is good, straightforward training provided. Please contact the office with your offer of help.
CHRISTMAS 2020
Christmas 2020 will be different in lots of ways, as we know. Please make sure you take in the information in the item about Christmas below. Please note the government requirement of a limit of 20 people per home applies for the way we plan to celebrate with carols this year. Please start thinking and praying about whom you can invite to your place.
With best wishes in Christ,
Deryck Howell,
Acting Senior Minister