The Vine February 2013 - York St Church of Christ
The Vine February 2013 - York St Church of Christ
The Vine February 2013 - York St Church of Christ
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<strong>February</strong> <strong>2013</strong><br />
Helping people meet Jesus, become like Him and be equipped to impact the local and global community<br />
Coming in <strong>February</strong><br />
Official Opening <strong>of</strong> the <strong>York</strong>ie Play Centre<br />
Induction <strong>of</strong> Ben Dainton as Youth Pastor<br />
Careforce Lifekeys<br />
and much more...
A word from our Senior Pastor<br />
Hi, and welcome to the <strong>February</strong> edition <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Vine</strong>, our<br />
monthly church magazine. We trust that you have a great<br />
time with us as we worship our awesome God together.<br />
Here at <strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet we are a large regional church that is ALL<br />
ABOUT LIFE.<br />
This month there are many things happening in the life <strong>of</strong> the<br />
church so please take the time to read through <strong>The</strong> <strong>Vine</strong> and<br />
if you have any questions or comments then don’t hesitate to<br />
contact our church <strong>of</strong>fice on <strong>of</strong>fice@yorkst.com.au or check<br />
out our web page www.yorkst.com.au or Facebook Page<br />
http://facebook.com/yorkstc<strong>of</strong>c for more information.<br />
Matthew 6:33-34 (NIV)<br />
33<br />
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all<br />
these things will be given to you as well. 34 <strong>The</strong>refore do not<br />
worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.<br />
Each day has enough trouble <strong>of</strong> its own.<br />
On Sunday 6th January, the first Sunday <strong>of</strong> the<br />
year, I preached a message about not worrying<br />
and encouraged people to seek God first in all that<br />
we do in <strong>2013</strong>. (If you missed the message then<br />
download it from our webpage or iTunes). As many<br />
<strong>of</strong> our ministries within the church commence for<br />
<strong>2013</strong> I want to remind us all that we are all about<br />
Jesus.<br />
As a church we are about LIFE, helping people<br />
meet Jesus, become like him and impact the world.<br />
If we are to continue to do this then the focus must<br />
be on Jesus and not upon ourselves. We must<br />
seek God first in all that we do. So let us all not only<br />
remember but apply these words from Hebrews<br />
12:1-2 (NIV) 1 … let us throw <strong>of</strong>f everything that<br />
hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let<br />
us run with perseverance the race marked out for<br />
us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and<br />
perfecter <strong>of</strong> our faith...<br />
Launching <strong>2013</strong><br />
On Sunday <strong>February</strong> 3rd we will commission our<br />
Pastoral Care team led by Heather Gordon and<br />
Rob Petty. <strong>The</strong> Pastoral Care team has already<br />
been working hard visiting the shut ins, connecting<br />
with people who haven’t been at church for a while<br />
or who are sick, doing hospital visitations as well<br />
as running a number <strong>of</strong> church and communion<br />
services at nursing homes around Ballarat. This is<br />
the outworking <strong>of</strong> 1 Corinthians 12 as people play<br />
their part by being the hands, feet and mouth <strong>of</strong><br />
Jesus.<br />
Also as part <strong>of</strong> the launching <strong>of</strong> <strong>2013</strong> we will<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficially open the <strong>York</strong>ie Play Centre as well as hear<br />
about some <strong>of</strong> the exciting things planned for <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
Please mark <strong>February</strong> 3rd in your diary as this is a<br />
Sunday you won’t want to miss.<br />
2.
<strong>St</strong>aff Changes in <strong>2013</strong><br />
It is with sadness that we announced in January<br />
that Angela Oliver has resigned from her role<br />
in Music and Creative<br />
Ministries. Angela is due<br />
to give birth around April/<br />
May and will conclude her<br />
ministry with us at the end<br />
<strong>of</strong> March. As a church we<br />
celebrate with Leigh and<br />
Angela and pray for them.<br />
Personally I want to thank Angela for being a key<br />
part <strong>of</strong> the ministry team and for the impact she has<br />
had upon the music ministry. I ask that you join us<br />
in praying for a new person to take on the role (see<br />
advertisement in <strong>The</strong> <strong>Vine</strong>).<br />
We also welcome Ben Dainton to the role <strong>of</strong> Youth<br />
Engagements<br />
Congratulations to<br />
Car Parking<br />
“May we all continue to seek<br />
God in all that we do as He<br />
leads and guides us...”<br />
Pastor. Ben is continuing in his theological studies<br />
and will work with us at the church for two days a<br />
week overseeing our youth ministry. Blake Moore<br />
will continue to work with Ben but will be stepping<br />
back from youth ministry<br />
to focus upon being the<br />
Associate Pastor, taking<br />
on more responsibility<br />
and overseeing Careforce<br />
Lifekeys and Small Groups.<br />
May we all continue to<br />
seek God in all we do as He leads and guides us as<br />
many <strong>of</strong> the ministries <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Church</strong> recommence<br />
for <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
Blessings<br />
Tim Clark<br />
Senior Pastor<br />
Chantelle Ten Hoopen and Luke Cutler<br />
and<br />
Charlie Harrison (Colette and Greg’s Daughter) and Andrew Parker<br />
who became engaged last month.<br />
Thank you to those who are parking in the<br />
main car park at the rear <strong>of</strong> the church. If<br />
you are a regular attendee to the church<br />
then we have been asking that you park<br />
in the Main Car Park at the rear <strong>of</strong> the<br />
church. <strong>The</strong> entrance to the car park<br />
is <strong>of</strong>f Joseph <strong>St</strong>reet. This allows anyone<br />
who is new to the church to be able to<br />
park in the front car park <strong>of</strong>f <strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet.<br />
A gentle reminder for everyone using the<br />
church building, please use our church<br />
car park at all times, and if both the main<br />
car park at the rear <strong>of</strong> the church and<br />
the front car park are full then please fill<br />
the car parks on the church side <strong>of</strong> <strong>York</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>reet before parking on the neighbours’<br />
side. Where possible please avoid parking<br />
on the neighbours’ side <strong>of</strong> <strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet.<br />
3.
What is happening on Sundays?<br />
<strong>February</strong><br />
Sunday 3rd <strong>February</strong><br />
THEME: Launch the Year <strong>2013</strong><br />
SPEAKER: Tim Clark<br />
BIBLE READING: Matthew 11:25-30<br />
Official opening <strong>of</strong> the <strong>York</strong>ie Play Centre<br />
and commissioning <strong>of</strong> the Pastoral Care<br />
Team<br />
Sunday 10th <strong>February</strong><br />
THEME: Baggage <strong>of</strong> Fear and Anxiety<br />
SPEAKER: Blake Moore<br />
BIBLE READING: Philippians 4:4-9<br />
6pm - Youth Take Over Service and<br />
commissioning <strong>of</strong> Ben Dainton as Youth<br />
Pastor!<br />
If you are on twitter you can follow the church at<br />
<strong>York</strong><strong>St</strong><strong>Church</strong>. We will endeavour to keep you up<br />
to date with what’s happening at the church as well<br />
as with other information, photos, comments and<br />
quotes.<br />
Sunday 17th <strong>February</strong><br />
THEME: Baggage <strong>of</strong> Bitterness and Anger<br />
SPEAKER: Tim Clark<br />
BIBLE READING: Ephesians 4:17-32<br />
Sunday 24th <strong>February</strong><br />
THEME: Baggage <strong>of</strong> Guilt and Choices<br />
SPEAKER: Tim Clark<br />
BIBLE READING: John 16:5-16<br />
Sunday <strong>February</strong><br />
3rd we will see the<br />
commissioning <strong>of</strong> our<br />
<strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Christ</strong> Pastoral Care Team<br />
consisting <strong>of</strong> the Visitor Team and coordinator as<br />
well as our church service Welcomer Team leaders<br />
for <strong>2013</strong>. <strong>The</strong>se fellow congregation members are<br />
involved in the care, follow up and assistance to our<br />
congregation members and guests. We thank God<br />
for these committed people <strong>of</strong> faith in action.<br />
4.<br />
<strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong> has a new<br />
Facebook page. We have been using the <strong>York</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>reet <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong> Group Page (which we<br />
will be removing soon) but are transitioning to<br />
<strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong> Facebook. We will<br />
endeavour to keep you up to date with what’s<br />
happening at the church as well as include other<br />
information, photos, comments and quotes. So<br />
please go to the link and like…<br />
http://facebook.com/yorkstc<strong>of</strong>c
A message from the new Youth Pastor<br />
Switch Youth! What an honour<br />
it is to be your Youth Pastor this<br />
year.<br />
I’m excited as I look forward to seeing God do<br />
some amazing things throughout the next 12<br />
months, as his Holy Spirit moves and as we come<br />
to know <strong>Christ</strong> in a deeper way.<br />
Firstly, I want to thank Tim and Blake for the strong<br />
impact and encouragement they have given me<br />
over the past 2 years <strong>of</strong> working here. It has been a<br />
blessing to be treated as part <strong>of</strong> the team from day<br />
one, and I am humbled by this responsibility I have<br />
been given.<br />
I pray this year will see the Youth Ministry continue<br />
to grow, not just in numbers, but in spiritual<br />
growth, lives changed, with more and more <strong>of</strong> the<br />
youth coming to know <strong>Christ</strong> on a personal level!<br />
Top 10 Questions with Aimee Heyhorn<br />
1. What is your favourite food?<br />
Prawns<br />
2. What is your favourite TV show or movie?<br />
<strong>The</strong> people who have seen my dvd collection<br />
will understand that I don’t just have one<br />
favourite.<br />
3. Who is in your family?<br />
Ross (dad), Robyn (mum), Ashley (older<br />
brother) and Adam (younger brother)<br />
4. Which church service do you attend?<br />
6pm<br />
5. How long have you been involved at <strong>York</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>reet?<br />
Since the start <strong>of</strong> <strong>February</strong> last year<br />
6. What is your favourite Bible verse?<br />
Hebrews 11:1 “To have faith is to be sure <strong>of</strong><br />
things we hope for, to be certain <strong>of</strong> the things<br />
we cannot see.” I love the way that it<br />
describes faith. It acts as a reminder <strong>of</strong> how<br />
my faith should be; sure and certain.<br />
7. What do you do for leisure or what are<br />
your hobbies?<br />
Reading, walking with my dog, watching<br />
movies<br />
This year is going to be jam packed with heaps <strong>of</strong><br />
fun throughout each term, as well as times for us<br />
to come together, worship and talk about what it<br />
means for us as youth (I’m still one at heart) to live<br />
for <strong>Christ</strong> in all our lives.<br />
Some <strong>of</strong> these big events include: <strong>The</strong> Eastern<br />
Beach Trip on 2nd <strong>February</strong>, <strong>St</strong>ate Youth Games<br />
Launch Party on March 15th, <strong>St</strong>ate Youth Games<br />
7th-10th June and our annual<br />
Youth Camp happening<br />
November 15th – 17th down at<br />
Anglesea!!<br />
So all youth from Year 6-12 get<br />
along to Switch Youth <strong>2013</strong>, I’m<br />
hoping it may just change your<br />
life!<br />
Ben<br />
8. If you could change one thing in the world<br />
what would you change?<br />
That there would be no mosquitoes<br />
9. Who is your favourite Bible character, and<br />
why?<br />
Rahab. She is a great example <strong>of</strong> someone<br />
who has complete faith in God.<br />
10. What do you like the most about <strong>York</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>reet?<br />
I like how welcoming the ministry team and<br />
congregation are. You can really see that <strong>York</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>reet is very much like one big family.<br />
5.
<strong>February</strong> for Families<br />
3rd <strong>February</strong><br />
“Who is God?” Where did God come from?<br />
Psalm 90:1-2, Exodus 3:1-14<br />
10th <strong>February</strong><br />
“Who is God?” Who made you and why?<br />
Psalm 139:13-14, 1 Cor 1:9, Rev 21:3<br />
<strong>February</strong> 3rd is the kick <strong>of</strong>f date for the <strong>2013</strong> <strong>York</strong>ie<br />
Kids program AND the GRAND OPENING <strong>of</strong> the<br />
17th <strong>February</strong><br />
“Who is God?” How did God make the world?<br />
Genesis 1 – 2:1, Isaiah 45:18<br />
24th <strong>February</strong><br />
“Who is God?” Is there only one God?<br />
Mark 1:10-11, Isaiah 9:6<br />
6.<br />
Following the <strong>of</strong>ficial opening in the main service,<br />
we welcome all primary school age kids to join us in<br />
the new meeting rooms, Rooms 1 & 2, beside the<br />
<strong>York</strong>ie Play Centre. <strong>The</strong> preschool children will meet<br />
in the Kinder rooms under the leadership <strong>of</strong> Meg<br />
Bond and the Creche will continue to operate in the<br />
Creche room with Desley Hopkins.<br />
Please note that a <strong>York</strong>ie Kids information desk is<br />
set up in the foyer for all those new to <strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet.<br />
<strong>York</strong>ie Kids leaders will be available at the desk to<br />
assist and guide all newcomers and visitors.<br />
During the term the <strong>York</strong>ie Kids will be exploring<br />
some <strong>of</strong> the BIG questions <strong>of</strong> life beginning with,<br />
“Who is God?”<br />
Memory Verse:<br />
“Lord, from the very beginning<br />
you have been like a home to us.<br />
Before you created the world and<br />
the mountains were made,<br />
from the beginning to the end you<br />
are God.”<br />
Psalm 90: 1 – 2 (NIRV)<br />
DATES TO REMEMBER:<br />
<strong>February</strong> 3<br />
Official <strong>York</strong>ie Play Centre Opening!<br />
<strong>2013</strong> Kids’ <strong>Church</strong> begins<br />
March 3<br />
Family Picnic<br />
March 24<br />
End <strong>of</strong> term for Kids’ <strong>Church</strong><br />
March 29<br />
Good Friday<br />
March 31<br />
Easter Sunday
<strong>York</strong>ie Play Centre<br />
MOPS<br />
*NEWS***NEWS***NEWS***NEWS*<br />
Yes it’s true... January can be a bit quiet in Ballarat!<br />
With lots <strong>of</strong> people away on holidays or just kicking<br />
back, keeping cool and taking things a bit more<br />
slowly.<br />
However, not so here at <strong>York</strong>ie on Wednesdays...<br />
During January parents and grandparents, aunts<br />
and uncles have taken the opportunity to bring the<br />
kids along for a play in the new <strong>York</strong>ie Play Centre.<br />
Word is spreading and each week has been busier<br />
than the one before with adults able to relax, have<br />
a c<strong>of</strong>fee and a chat whilst the children play safely.<br />
What a great opportunity to connect with people!<br />
And that is exactly what the Play Centre is all about,<br />
people!<br />
Our Play Centre is a tool for us to use to help<br />
people meet Jesus, become like him and be<br />
equipped to impact the local and global community.<br />
We want to use the Play Centre to not only support<br />
our existing ministries to families, such as MOPS,<br />
Mainly Music, the work at Canadian Lead Primary<br />
School and our own Kinder, but to develop new<br />
ways <strong>of</strong> reaching out to our community with the<br />
love <strong>of</strong> Jesus. We want to see people connecting<br />
with each other, with the church (us) and, most <strong>of</strong><br />
all, with <strong>Christ</strong>. What a privilege we have... and a<br />
responsibility!<br />
Over the next few months we will be experimenting<br />
and implementing different ways we can use the<br />
<strong>York</strong>ie Play Centre for the Kingdom! We welcome<br />
your suggestions/new ideas. Please speak to or<br />
email Colette at Harrison.Colette@yorkst.com.au.<br />
And a BIG THANK YOU to Alan Pegg, and to<br />
Maree, for volunteering your time so the Play Centre<br />
could be open all day on Wednesdays. <br />
This year at MOPS we are diving into a new theme<br />
called “PLUNGE” focused on 1 Peter 4:8-11 “Most<br />
<strong>of</strong> all, love each other as if your life depended on it.<br />
Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick<br />
to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless<br />
– cheerfully. Be generous with the different things<br />
God gave you, passing them around so all get in<br />
on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be<br />
God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence<br />
will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll<br />
get all the credit as the One mighty in everything –<br />
encores to the end <strong>of</strong> time. Oh, yes!” (<strong>The</strong> Message)<br />
<strong>The</strong> emphasis is on relationships and hope<br />
and as a MOPS team we aim to provide an<br />
atmosphere where all areas <strong>of</strong> relationships can be<br />
strengthened. We hope to provide MOPS mums<br />
with encouragement, knowledge and confidence in<br />
their mothering journey and to realise that the most<br />
important relationship they can know is with Jesus<br />
<strong>Christ</strong>.<br />
We have some amazing topics and events planned<br />
for this year based on our PLUNGE theme which<br />
we hope will cover the emotional, physical and<br />
spiritual needs <strong>of</strong> each mum and it is our privilege to<br />
serve God in this way. We have an amazing group<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong>ian mums on team who are already doing<br />
an incredible job to make this year at MOPS one to<br />
remember.<br />
As a church please be praying for our team and our<br />
mentors as we put together our program this year.<br />
Pray for our carers who volunteer their time each<br />
fortnight and pray that the MOPS ministry here at<br />
<strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet continues to work in the lives <strong>of</strong> all the<br />
mothers <strong>of</strong> pre-schoolers we encounter.<br />
Thank you for your support,<br />
Jenny Fulcher<br />
7.
Top 10 Questions with Colette Harrison<br />
“but those who hope in<br />
the LORD will renew their<br />
strength. <strong>The</strong>y will soar on<br />
wings like eagles; they will<br />
run and not grow weary, they<br />
will walk and not be faint.”<br />
Isaiah 40:31<br />
8.<br />
1. What is your favourite food?<br />
Freshly baked bread, oh and cheese... Yum!<br />
2. What is your favourite TV show or movie?<br />
Just saw Les Misérables, was my favourite<br />
musical and is now my favourite movie!<br />
3. Who is in your family?<br />
My handsome husband Greg, two unique<br />
and awesome children Ben (25), Charlotte<br />
(23), my lovely Mum, Pip (<strong>of</strong> undisclosed age)<br />
and, in <strong>2013</strong>, a son-in-law, Andrew!<br />
4. Which church service do you attend?<br />
8.45am and 10.30am<br />
5. How long have you been involved at <strong>York</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>reet?<br />
Since August 2012 [Colette moved from<br />
Melbourne and began working as our<br />
Children’s Pastor at this time.]<br />
6. What is your favourite Bible verse?<br />
So many favourites... so difficult to choose<br />
but I particularly love Isaiah 40:31<br />
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew<br />
their strength. <strong>The</strong>y will soar on wings like<br />
eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they<br />
will walk and not be faint.”<br />
7. What do you do for leisure or what are<br />
your hobbies?<br />
I love being active and enjoying God’s beautiful<br />
creation... and sharing a good c<strong>of</strong>fee <strong>of</strong><br />
course!<br />
8. If you could change one thing in the world<br />
what would you change?<br />
It’s a rather big one... that all people would<br />
hear, know and respond to the love <strong>of</strong> God<br />
demonstrated on the cross!<br />
9. Who is your favourite Bible character, and<br />
why?<br />
Have to say I love Peter! A spontaneous,<br />
outspoken, optimistic, self-reliant, hotheaded,<br />
impetuous, tactless at times,<br />
cowardly, bo<strong>of</strong>head!!! How <strong>of</strong>ten does God<br />
chose the most unlikely <strong>of</strong> people (like you<br />
and me) to enter into a unique personal<br />
relationship with him and to further his<br />
purposes! I love how God transformed his<br />
weakness into strength, through the work <strong>of</strong><br />
the Holy Spirit...Wow!<br />
10. What do you like the most about <strong>York</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>reet?<br />
<strong>The</strong> people <strong>of</strong> course... oh and Polly’s c<strong>of</strong>fee!<br />
Kids Hope Training<br />
Wednesday 6th <strong>February</strong><br />
At Canadian Lead Primary School<br />
Otway <strong>St</strong>reet South<br />
9:10 am (9:20 start) – finish by 3pm<br />
BYO Lunch, Morning tea provided<br />
Contact Chris Barlow for further<br />
details
MUSIC ALL IN<br />
All musicians, vocalists,<br />
tech/data/sound people<br />
– PLEASE ATTEND! We<br />
are having an ALL IN<br />
Sunday 3 Feb 1-4pm<br />
where all people who<br />
are involved in music<br />
ministry gather together<br />
as we look to the new<br />
year!<br />
<strong>The</strong>re will be a BBQ<br />
lunch after the 10.30am<br />
service. You are<br />
welcome to join us for<br />
the BBQ before the<br />
ALL IN.<br />
Position Vacant<br />
<strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong><br />
Music & Creative Ministries<br />
2 days per week<br />
A detailed job and person specification is available from the <strong>Church</strong> Office<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice@yorkst.com.au or ph: 03 5331 1079<br />
Applications close 5pm Monday 4 th March, <strong>2013</strong><br />
Please send applications to:<br />
Tim Clark, Senior Pastor<br />
410 <strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>, Ballarat, Vic, 3350<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice@yorkst.com.au<br />
Careforce Lifekeys - Term 1, <strong>2013</strong> - Courses<br />
Search For Life<br />
Tuesdays - 5 <strong>February</strong>-9 April<br />
7:30pm-10pm<br />
Cost $50 which includes all course material and tea/c<strong>of</strong>fee<br />
Everyone needs to understand the power <strong>of</strong> our internal cry for acceptance, value and belonging.<br />
Everyone needs to understand the cause <strong>of</strong> our most basic struggles and find a solution to them. Without<br />
insight and answers to the human dilemma individuals resort to inadequate and destructive patterns <strong>of</strong><br />
behaviour to address feelings <strong>of</strong> low self esteem, inadequacy, emptiness and insecurity. This program<br />
identifies the cause <strong>of</strong> so many human tensions and introduces participants to the healing power <strong>of</strong> truth in<br />
a caring and safe environment.<br />
Previous Participants’ Feedback<br />
‘I’ve been a <strong>Christ</strong>ian for four years but feel only now through this course do I actually understand the Good<br />
News.”<br />
“I finally understand why I act the way I do!”<br />
“A real eye opener! <strong>The</strong> re-awakening <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit’s power in my life.”<br />
“Great! And to unchurched people it would come across as: Pastor, you’re real and not false, I can stay<br />
and listen without feeling Bible-bashed, but not only that, I can see how much Jesus cares.”<br />
Applications are now available at the information desk and close on Sunday 27 January, <strong>2013</strong>. Please<br />
speak to Blake Moore for further information.<br />
9.
Compassion in Times <strong>of</strong> Crisis<br />
CHEPSTOWE CARNGHAM<br />
BUSH FIRE UPDATE<br />
During the days <strong>of</strong> 8 January to<br />
15 January <strong>2013</strong>, the Ballarat<br />
Victorian Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Church</strong>es<br />
(VCC) Emergencies Ministry<br />
Ballarat Area Team has been<br />
involved in Personal Support<br />
activities within our communities<br />
in response to the Chepstowe<br />
Carngham Bush Fire.<br />
Members <strong>of</strong> the Ballarat team were deployed at<br />
short notice on Tuesday evening 8 January to<br />
provide Personal Support activities on behalf <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Ballarat City Council/Pyrenees Shire at the Ballarat<br />
Relief Centre for bush fire evacuees. Wednesday<br />
saw two team members dispatched to Beaufort to<br />
assist with Pyrenees Shire Recovery Teams whilst<br />
another team <strong>of</strong> two attended the CFA Public<br />
Meeting at Snake Valley Hall to provide Personal<br />
Support to bush fire victims and residents.<br />
Wednesday evening we were asked by the<br />
Department <strong>of</strong> Human Services (DHS) Emergency<br />
Management Coordinator Grampians Region to<br />
provide two Personal Support workers per day<br />
for at least three days to man the Snake Valley<br />
Temporary Recovery Office and to provide personal<br />
support to residents attending the <strong>of</strong>fice as part <strong>of</strong><br />
the assistance provided by the Pyrenees Shire and<br />
DHS. We had team members at Snake Valley until<br />
completion <strong>of</strong> this tasking on Tuesday 15 January<br />
<strong>2013</strong>.<br />
VCC Emergencies Ministry (VCC EM) Ballarat Team<br />
has received feedback from the DHS Grampians<br />
Emergency Manager that he was very impressed<br />
with the efforts, performance and quality <strong>of</strong> the<br />
people in the VCC EM Ballarat team over the past<br />
days <strong>of</strong> service in the Relief Centre and Recovery<br />
functions. <strong>The</strong> Victorian <strong>St</strong>ate Manager for VCC EM<br />
has also <strong>of</strong>fered his congratulations to the team.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se comments have been passed on to the VCC<br />
EM Ballarat team members.<br />
What’s next? Well, WE NEED YOU! To join us in this<br />
ministry <strong>of</strong> being the Master’s hands and feet in the<br />
Emergency Space to assist our communities when<br />
they are involved in an emergency.<br />
COME AND JOIN US!<br />
We are conducting VCC EM Personal Support<br />
Accreditation Training here at <strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Christ</strong> as follows:<br />
Dates: Friday 15 <strong>February</strong> &<br />
Saturday 16 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2013</strong><br />
Time:<br />
9.30am to 4.30pm<br />
Contact: Rob Petty on 0407 891 281<br />
or the <strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong> <strong>Church</strong> Office 5331 1079.<br />
<strong>The</strong> aim <strong>of</strong> Personal Support is to make contact with affected individuals and communities and to provide<br />
information, reconnect affected persons with social supports, and support the emotional, psychological<br />
and spiritual recovery <strong>of</strong> those affected.<br />
Eureka Men’s Ministry<br />
10.<br />
COME ON MATE!<br />
WE CAN DO IT TOGETHER<br />
Coming Soon<br />
Fathered by God Series<br />
Learning, Friendship, Fun, Food<br />
See Rob Petty 0407 891 281
Kindgom Assignment Update<br />
When I was entrusted with God’s $100 I considered<br />
what my sphere <strong>of</strong> influence is. As I had started a<br />
new job in Colac in 2012, my thoughts turned to<br />
what was possible<br />
there. Trinity College<br />
Colac is a co-ed<br />
Catholic secondary<br />
college with a low<br />
comparative socioeconomic<br />
rating.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re is a very strong<br />
Social Justice group<br />
operating in the<br />
school and they hold regular fund-raising activities.<br />
In May, the Social Justice group was encouraging<br />
college support for the Live Below <strong>The</strong> Line Appeal.<br />
After prayerful consideration I spoke with<br />
the Social Justice Coordinator, the Director<br />
<strong>of</strong> Faith and Mission and the leader <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>St</strong>udent Representative Council and explained<br />
the Kingdom Assignment. <strong>The</strong>y were very<br />
overwhelmed when I explained that $100<br />
<strong>of</strong> God’s money would be donated to assist<br />
the cause, provided that the money grew<br />
and the message <strong>of</strong> God’s love was spread.<br />
<strong>The</strong> students on the SRC and Social Justice<br />
committees knew why the $100 was donated.<br />
On the Live Below <strong>The</strong> Line Day at school,<br />
the 760 students came dressed in OP Shop<br />
clothes. Soup with a bread roll was the only<br />
food sold from the canteen at both recess and<br />
lunch times. This was so that the students<br />
would understand that millions <strong>of</strong> people have<br />
a lack <strong>of</strong> choice and <strong>of</strong>ten go through their<br />
lives hungry.<br />
We wrote a letter to the provider <strong>of</strong> the soup<br />
powder, explaining that $100 was being<br />
donated to pay for the soup powder, so that<br />
the sales <strong>of</strong> the soup would be clear pr<strong>of</strong>it to<br />
be donated to the rural Papua New Guinea<br />
village <strong>of</strong> Yangis. This community was then<br />
able to re-open their primary school and<br />
build a secondary school for children. It is<br />
well known that educating the females in<br />
developing countries contributes significantly<br />
to the breaking <strong>of</strong> the cycle <strong>of</strong> poverty.<br />
<strong>The</strong> food company added to the cause by<br />
donating additional soup powder to be used on and<br />
beyond the Live Below <strong>The</strong> Line Day.<br />
Sales <strong>of</strong> the soup contributed to raising $1,500<br />
on the day and left<br />
over soup powder<br />
continued to be<br />
made up and sold<br />
at the canteen for<br />
several months and<br />
donated back into<br />
the Social Justice<br />
funds.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y were very overwhelmed when I<br />
explained that $100 <strong>of</strong> God’s money<br />
would be donated to assist the cause,<br />
provided that the money grew and the<br />
message <strong>of</strong> God’s love was spread.<br />
It is difficult to give an exact figure for how much the<br />
$100 was increased by, but it was at least four-fold.<br />
Regards, Fiona Bell<br />
11.
What’s Happening<br />
Pre-Schoolers<br />
Children<br />
<strong>York</strong>ie Kids operates during our<br />
10.30am service during school<br />
terms.<br />
Please see page 6 for more<br />
information about topics for<br />
<strong>February</strong>.<br />
<strong>The</strong> first MOPS session for <strong>2013</strong><br />
will be held on Wednesday 13th<br />
<strong>February</strong> from 9.15am-11.30am.<br />
Cost is $5 each session (less for<br />
health care card holders) and the<br />
first time is free.<br />
Youth<br />
New mums are always welcome!<br />
Mainly Music is on Thursday<br />
mornings during school terms<br />
from 10.30am-11.30am.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are information brochures<br />
available on the information desk.<br />
Alternatively you can speak to<br />
Brenda, Alisa, Kirsty or Colette<br />
for more information.<br />
If you are interested in becoming<br />
involved in this ministry please<br />
speak to Brenda Peralta or<br />
contact Colette at the church<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
12.<br />
WILDSIDE & DETOUR<br />
Saturday 2nd <strong>February</strong><br />
Eastern Beach<br />
Cost $20 for transport and food<br />
RSVP essential<br />
Friday 15th <strong>February</strong><br />
Brown Hill Pool<br />
Cost $5<br />
4pm-8pm<br />
YEAR 7 & 8 GIRLS<br />
More details coming soon...<br />
YEAR 9 & 10 GIRLS<br />
More details coming soon...<br />
LADS SUNDAY ARVO GROUP<br />
(Grade 6 - Year 10 Lads)<br />
Sundays 10th & 24th <strong>February</strong><br />
4pm @ <strong>York</strong>ie<br />
Cost $3 (includes tea)<br />
VCE GROUP<br />
23 Manneville <strong>St</strong>reet, Wendouree<br />
More details to come...
Music<br />
What’s Happening<br />
Young Adults Prime Time (age 55+)<br />
Musicians<br />
More details coming soon...<br />
Prayer<br />
Join us on Monday 25th<br />
<strong>February</strong> for our monthly night<br />
<strong>of</strong> prayer and worship starting at<br />
7.30pm.<br />
Once again there will be two<br />
ways <strong>of</strong> praying on the night.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re will be an opportunity to<br />
“Be <strong>St</strong>ill” and pray in quiet space<br />
with others, and there will be an<br />
opportunity to sing praises to<br />
God in worship and prayer.<br />
This will be an awesome night <strong>of</strong><br />
drawing near to God. Plan today<br />
to be there.<br />
Prime Timers will enjoy a meal<br />
at <strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong><br />
on Tuesday 26th <strong>February</strong>. <strong>The</strong><br />
lunch will begin at 12.30pm.<br />
Please bring a salad to share.<br />
All welcome.<br />
Handicrafts<br />
ART AND CRAFT COMPANY<br />
Art and Craft Company are a<br />
group <strong>of</strong> craft-loving people who<br />
meet for a day <strong>of</strong> fun, fellowship<br />
and craft each Friday at the<br />
church from 10am until 2pm.<br />
Please see Jan or Harold Howlett<br />
for more information.<br />
Men<br />
Musicians - please<br />
note!<br />
If you are unable to fulfil your role<br />
on the roster please contact the<br />
person leading that day. Any<br />
changes to the roster will be<br />
updated online and can be found<br />
on the website.<br />
WEDNESDAY:<br />
• 7pm -<br />
SUNDAY:<br />
• 8am -<br />
• 4pm -<br />
REHEARSAL FOR<br />
THE 10:30 SERVICE*<br />
REHEARSAL FOR<br />
THE 8:45 SERVICE*<br />
REHEARSAL FOR<br />
THE 6pm SERVICE<br />
(*EXCEPT VAL’S TEAMS<br />
WHO REHEARSE ON THE<br />
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT<br />
8.30PM)<br />
MMMA<br />
More Mature Monday Afternoons<br />
(MMMA) will be held @ <strong>York</strong>ie<br />
from 1.30pm to 2.45pm during<br />
<strong>February</strong> as follows:<br />
Monday 4th <strong>February</strong><br />
Games afternoon - Scrabble,<br />
Word Bluff<br />
Monday 18th <strong>February</strong><br />
Prayer<br />
Bible <strong>St</strong>udy (John 9 - A blind<br />
beggar)<br />
Coming Soon<br />
Fathered by God Series<br />
Learning, Friendship, Fun, Food<br />
See Rob Petty 0407 891 281<br />
MUSIC ALL IN<br />
All musicians, vocalists, tech/<br />
data/sound people – PLEASE<br />
ATTEND! We are having an ALL<br />
IN Sunday 3 Feb 1-4pm where<br />
all people who are involved in<br />
music ministry gather together as<br />
we look to the new year!<br />
<strong>The</strong>re will be a BBQ lunch after<br />
the 10.30am service. You are<br />
welcome to join us for the BBQ<br />
before the ALL IN.<br />
13.
<strong>February</strong> 2012<br />
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday<br />
3<br />
Launch the Year<br />
Official opening <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>York</strong>ie Play Centre<br />
Commissioning <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Pastoral Care Team<br />
Music All In<br />
4<br />
MMMA<br />
5<br />
Careforce Lifekeys<br />
6<br />
Worship Practice<br />
10<br />
11<br />
12<br />
13<br />
Baggage <strong>of</strong> Fear and<br />
Anxiety<br />
Lads’ Sunday Arvo Group<br />
Youth Takeover Service<br />
@ 6pm<br />
Elders’ Meeting<br />
Careforce Lifekeys<br />
OFFICE CLOSED<br />
MOPS<br />
Worship Practice<br />
17<br />
18<br />
19<br />
20<br />
Baggage <strong>of</strong> Bitterness<br />
and Anger<br />
MMMA<br />
Kirralee <strong>Church</strong> Service<br />
Worship Practice<br />
Food Sunday<br />
Careforce Lifekeys<br />
24<br />
25<br />
26<br />
27<br />
Baggage <strong>of</strong> Guilt and<br />
Choices<br />
Prayer and Worship Night<br />
Prime Time Lunch<br />
MOPS<br />
Lads’ Sunday Arvo Group<br />
Elders’ Meeting<br />
Careforce Lifekeys<br />
Worship Practice<br />
14.<br />
DIRECT DEBIT FORMS AND OFFERING ENVELOPES AVAILABLE<br />
To assist you in your tithing and giving to the work <strong>of</strong> the Kingdom we have direct debit<br />
available along with new financial year <strong>of</strong>fering envelopes. As a church we encourage you to<br />
consider using either <strong>of</strong> these resources to assist you in your tithing. A brochure is available<br />
at the information desk explaining how to use the direct debit option. <strong>The</strong> <strong>of</strong>fering envelopes<br />
are also available on the information desk in the church foyer.
Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
5 16<br />
72<br />
7<br />
Mainly Music<br />
14<br />
Mainly Music<br />
21<br />
Mainly Music<br />
28<br />
Mainly Music<br />
Art & Craft Group<br />
8<br />
Art & Craft Group<br />
15<br />
Art & Craft Group<br />
Emergencies Ministry<br />
Training<br />
Switch Youth @ Brown<br />
Hill Pool<br />
22<br />
Art & Craft Group<br />
Switch Youth @ Eastern<br />
Beach<br />
12 9<br />
13 16<br />
Emergencies Ministry<br />
Training<br />
14 23<br />
19<br />
Need More<br />
Info?<br />
Resource Desk/<br />
Information Boards<br />
Located at the back <strong>of</strong><br />
the auditorium you will<br />
find extra information<br />
about many <strong>of</strong> the<br />
upcoming events.<br />
www.yorkst.com.au<br />
Our website is your<br />
online resource for up<br />
to date information.<br />
Contact us<br />
Call the <strong>of</strong>fice on 5331<br />
1079 between 9am-<br />
3pm or email us at<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice@yorkst.com.au<br />
for more information.<br />
Regular Service<br />
Times<br />
Traditional Service @<br />
8.45am<br />
Family Service<br />
(including <strong>York</strong>ie Kids)<br />
@ 10.30am<br />
Worship Service @<br />
6pm<br />
FOOD SUNDAY<br />
will be held Sunday 17th <strong>February</strong><br />
Donations <strong>of</strong> non-perishable food items are gratefully<br />
received.<br />
Just drop them into the shopping trolley in the foyer.<br />
15.
Missions<br />
<strong>The</strong>n Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been<br />
given to me. <strong>The</strong>refore go and make disciples <strong>of</strong> all nations, baptizing them in the<br />
name <strong>of</strong> the Father and <strong>of</strong> the Son and <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey<br />
everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end<br />
<strong>of</strong> the age.” Matthew 28:18-20<br />
Welcome to World Missions! God has a part for you to play in His mission to spread<br />
the hope <strong>of</strong> the Gospel and help build His <strong>Church</strong> world-wide. When you share the<br />
hope <strong>of</strong> the Gospel, when you pray, provide financial support, encourage through<br />
correspondence or provision, or work to plant churches, you are playing your part in<br />
world mission and the great commission.<br />
ANDY & RACHEL - INDIA<br />
Happy New Year! We just thought we would write<br />
to you now that we are at the 6 month mark <strong>of</strong><br />
our time in India to let you know how we are going<br />
and what we have encountered in our time here.<br />
Our first month was full on as we adapted to the<br />
change, the culture and the monsoon. At the same<br />
time we felt wonderfully welcomed by Woodstock<br />
and they really helped to make our transition a<br />
lot smoother. Dealing with tummy bugs and the<br />
monsoon mold at the same time was definitely a<br />
challenge.<br />
nineteen consists <strong>of</strong> four <strong>Christ</strong>ians (one Catholic),<br />
two Buddhists, three Sikhs, nine Hindus and one<br />
16.<br />
Working at Woodstock has been great. I simply<br />
cannot relate to you enough about what an<br />
amazing ministry opportunity we have here. I know<br />
that in our mission statement we outlined what<br />
we would be doing here at the school, but our<br />
expectations have been surpassed! My class <strong>of</strong>
agnostic. Many <strong>of</strong> these kids come from highly<br />
influential families from all over India and other parts<br />
<strong>of</strong> Asia. I get to share the bible with them every<br />
day! On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I teach<br />
them Religious Education and this is very much<br />
<strong>Christ</strong>ian based. Over the last semester I have been<br />
able to share with them how God has made each<br />
one <strong>of</strong> us and given us gifts and talents that we can<br />
use for His glory and more recently how the bible<br />
reveals to us God’s plan for humanity. Awesome<br />
stuff! <strong>The</strong> best part is that they are super receptive.<br />
A few in particular have had their hearts prompted<br />
and s<strong>of</strong>tened by God.<br />
Rach will be teaching Grade 6 R.E. next<br />
semester which is a huge blessing and another<br />
wonderful ministry opportunity. She has also<br />
been coordinating and supervising Woodstock’s<br />
Samvedna Program which is a disability project<br />
that Nathan helped to set up in the area. It involves<br />
Rach taking students out to poor villages and<br />
helping disabled kids with activities, occupational<br />
therapy and games. <strong>The</strong> students are from<br />
both <strong>Christ</strong>ian and non-<strong>Christ</strong>ian homes and for<br />
many it is their first hands-on experience <strong>of</strong> both<br />
poverty and disability. It is a real faith in action<br />
program and it is all based on the compassion<br />
and empathy <strong>of</strong> Jesus. After each session the<br />
students reflect on their time and study a bible<br />
passage to help them understand how God loves<br />
ALL people and why he requires us to look after<br />
these precious people. Rach has also made some<br />
great relationships with other “hillside mums” (all her<br />
MOPS experience coming in very handy!) and has<br />
had some great conversations with some who are<br />
really seeking. Please pray that these relationships<br />
will be strengthened and that these ladies will be<br />
responsive to the Good News that Rach shares<br />
with them.<br />
As you may recall the other aspect to our ministry<br />
is linking up with small <strong>Christ</strong>ian schools in the<br />
Himalayan foothills and providing teaching training<br />
and support for them. <strong>The</strong>se <strong>Christ</strong>ian schools are<br />
attractive to many families because they provide<br />
an “English Medium” education. This means that<br />
even some <strong>of</strong> the most staunchly Hindu parents are<br />
willing to send their kids to these schools that are<br />
the only <strong>Christ</strong>ian witness in these communities.<br />
Two weeks ago we were able to meet up with<br />
one <strong>of</strong> these schools in a place called Uttarkashi<br />
to scope out needs and assess what we might<br />
be able to contribute. <strong>The</strong> result: a definite<br />
opportunity to do some teacher training next year!<br />
We also met up with a principal, Brother Francis<br />
<strong>of</strong> Sparsh Academy, who has undergone a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
persecution from elements <strong>of</strong> the community that<br />
he is witnessing to. He is also very keen for us to<br />
do some work with his staff, although he is mindful<br />
<strong>of</strong> further persecution if it is seen that the white<br />
<strong>Christ</strong>ians have come out to help “<strong>Christ</strong>ianise” the<br />
students. Pray for Francis and his ministry.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are a few more ministry opportunities that we<br />
hope to get involved with in the New Year, including<br />
a Compassion project in Dehradun (capital city <strong>of</strong><br />
our state, about an hour away) that provides food,<br />
after school care and tuition for slum kids. It would<br />
be great if some <strong>York</strong>ie people could get involved<br />
in sponsoring more <strong>of</strong> these kids from this slum<br />
through Compassion!<br />
As a family we are travelling along really well. We<br />
have been so blessed to have had visits from TJ<br />
(Tamara Jolly) and Mel Hill over the last month!<br />
Mel has been awesome – such a great babysitter<br />
and the kids (especially Levi) adore her. Josh and<br />
Samuel are both enjoying school, Samuel especially<br />
because he has a lot <strong>of</strong> other boys in his class with<br />
whom he has become great mates. Joshy only has<br />
two other boys in his class and they are not really<br />
kindred spirits which is hard for him. We are praying<br />
for some more boys <strong>of</strong> like mind to join his class<br />
next year. Levi just continues on his merry way and<br />
is the biggest celebrity in the school.<br />
We have enjoyed reading “<strong>The</strong> <strong>Vine</strong>” and it is great<br />
to see the playground up and in use! <strong>The</strong> boys will<br />
definitely enjoy playing on it when we come back<br />
for <strong>Christ</strong>mas this time next year. Wishing you all<br />
a (belated) Merry <strong>Christ</strong>mas and a wonderful New<br />
Year filled with God’s grace and favour. <strong>St</strong>ay in<br />
touch!<br />
Love from,<br />
<strong>The</strong> Francis Family.<br />
17.
MEL HILL<br />
I have just returned from my adventures to lndia and Thailand. What an absolute<br />
blessing it was to spend 5 weeks with Andy, Rachel and their family. <strong>The</strong>y both<br />
definitely made my experiences so much easier and more encouraging. <strong>The</strong>y have<br />
also inspired me so much for future mission trips (longer term ones potentially).<br />
So my time away was different from what I had<br />
expected. My plan was to head over to lndia and<br />
be able to use my nursing skills in some practical<br />
ways; but never having been in a developing<br />
country or on a short term mission trip before<br />
I didn’t really know what to expect. lndia was<br />
crazy. <strong>The</strong>re were people everywhere. It was dirty<br />
and there were absolutely NO road rules! Luckily<br />
first impressions are not always fully true. Once<br />
I met Andy at the airport and we headed up to<br />
Mussoorie my feelings for the country began to<br />
change. I began to absolutely love it and really<br />
began to have a heart for my brothers and sisters<br />
there. We headed out to Uttakashi (a village about<br />
5 hours drive away) and spent some time at the<br />
HIM <strong>Christ</strong>ian Academy. We were even honoured<br />
guests at their <strong>Christ</strong>mas celebration concert. This<br />
was such an amazing experience. Being able to<br />
capture the dream for these children, to watch<br />
them learn and dance and share the good news <strong>of</strong><br />
Jesus was so beautiful!<br />
I spent some time checking out the local hospital<br />
in Mussoorie (LCH) too. <strong>The</strong> thing that struck me<br />
most about this hospital was their incredible love for<br />
God and how they used that in their care. <strong>The</strong>y held<br />
a worship service at the beginning <strong>of</strong> the day, then<br />
went around and sung to the patients, then prayed<br />
for them. This is amazing! My best experience <strong>of</strong><br />
a hospital yet! This is something that would never<br />
happen in a hospital in Melbourne (where I will<br />
be working this year) and something that l found<br />
incredibly powerful and special! I can’t wait to one<br />
day be part <strong>of</strong> a place that nurses like this!<br />
I was also able to head out to a few villages to<br />
spend time with a local Sampan health worker and<br />
with an O.T. (Melinda). <strong>The</strong>se were both incredible<br />
experiences. This was the place that broke my<br />
heart. Seeing these families in so much need and<br />
hearing their incredible stories then having to just<br />
walk away because there was nothing that I could<br />
do then and there. It’s also so amazing to see their<br />
incredible generosity, they have so little yet they give<br />
so much!<br />
I changed my flights at the last minute and headed<br />
to Thailand to help out with the kids’ program at<br />
the Pioneers conference. This was an incredible<br />
blessing to me. I was able to meet some amazing<br />
people, such servant hearts and so ready and<br />
willing to give it all for God! So inspiring and<br />
encouraging! I was overwhelmingly blessed<br />
by being able to serve and love these beautiful<br />
children! <strong>The</strong>se friends will remain in my prayers<br />
and one day (soon I hope) I will be able to visit them<br />
again, to encourage and support them. I was able<br />
to spend some time just relaxing and soaking up<br />
God, soaking up the environment that I was in and<br />
just continuing to be blessed by his enormous and<br />
amazing art work that surrounded me!<br />
Be blessed,<br />
Melanie Hill<br />
Overseas Mission <strong>of</strong>fering for <strong>February</strong> (placed in the Missions envelopes) will go<br />
towards the work <strong>of</strong> the Francis Family unless otherwise stated.<br />
18.<br />
Thank you for your valuable contribution to the work <strong>of</strong> the Francis Family and for<br />
partnering with those from <strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong> serving overseas.
BAYNES: Benin, Africa<br />
Hello Folks!<br />
Well a lot has been happening...<br />
<strong>The</strong> CFL (Liwietari Vocational Centre) started<br />
their school year in October. I (Johann) have<br />
been teaching English weekly, with discipleship/<br />
biblical courses in rotation with two others, my dad<br />
Gordon, and Pastor Rene. <strong>The</strong>re are 23 students<br />
learning Engineering and Construction alongside<br />
biblical studies. I enjoy the students, especially the<br />
3rd/4th year group whom I know. <strong>The</strong> others are<br />
new to me and seem quite enthusiastic. Among the<br />
first year group for biblical studies are two Muslim<br />
students, which has been quite interesting! Heini,<br />
the director <strong>of</strong> the CFL, has taken on board a few<br />
Catholic and Muslim students (all are required<br />
to take biblical studies). This has made it harder<br />
in some aspects as we cannot teach on certain<br />
subjects in depth, but it gives students a great<br />
opportunity to go through the Bible and share the<br />
gospel with those who don’t know Jesus, or who<br />
believe that Mary is our intercessor instead <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong><br />
(Catholicism in Benin is also very syncretistic).<br />
However we’ll see how it works out having non-<br />
<strong>Christ</strong>ian students and it hopefully won’t be a<br />
source <strong>of</strong> contention in the work place, or be a<br />
point <strong>of</strong> discouragement for new believers (i.e.<br />
a Muslim becoming a <strong>Christ</strong>ian in front <strong>of</strong> other<br />
Muslims can be a challenge).<br />
I have also been involved in overseeing the work<br />
program for the CL (Liwietari Centre). <strong>The</strong> work<br />
program includes maintenance, construction, field<br />
work, tree planting (yes we are still planting trees,<br />
every year!) and beautification <strong>of</strong> the Centre. I have<br />
also been involved with evangelism and preparing<br />
for seminars next year. Meanwhile Kristie is enjoying<br />
her role as mother and wife. Most days she is with<br />
the children, her ministry is vital as she teaches the<br />
boys and nourishes us with her faith in the Lord and<br />
yummy home baked pies! She still has moments<br />
<strong>of</strong> adjustment here but has found her time here<br />
much more enjoyable especially now that she can<br />
communicate more in French and has another<br />
missionary lady friend with whom she can talk<br />
about similar things. (<strong>The</strong>re is one other missionary<br />
family in our town with 3 young children nearly all<br />
the same ages as our boys.) In the photo Kristie is<br />
sitting with Priscille, who is a 13 year old new Mum<br />
who comes to visit with her baby. <strong>The</strong> boys are also<br />
doing well although recently they all had a fever but<br />
recovered quickly! We thank the Lord that they have<br />
had good health and are growing well!<br />
Some things have been stirring in my heart and<br />
also stirring around us. You may have heard <strong>of</strong><br />
problems in northern Nigeria. Well Benin is right<br />
next door and we live in the North. <strong>The</strong>re is a very<br />
real concern that some <strong>of</strong> these Muslim extremists<br />
and the occasional <strong>Christ</strong>ian agitator will come<br />
and cause serious problems. (As a centre we are<br />
preparing for some seminars to teach <strong>Christ</strong>ians<br />
what to do during persecution.)<br />
Pray for our protection from those who would seek<br />
trouble with us. Pray for us, as we have recently<br />
had some issues with theft. Pray that we would be<br />
alive, alert, awake and enthusiastic for the Lord!<br />
For those <strong>of</strong> you unsure <strong>of</strong> your way <strong>of</strong> life, you feel<br />
empty where you are at, maybe it’s time to let go<br />
and start serving the Lord. <strong>The</strong> harvest is great but<br />
the workers are few! <strong>The</strong> Lord knows your fears<br />
but he will never leave you nor forsake you. And<br />
whatever we leave behind because <strong>of</strong> the Lord,<br />
how much more will we gain in this life and the life<br />
to come (Mathew 19:29).<br />
Well our greatest love and hopes for all <strong>of</strong> you. May<br />
God bless you as you seek to follow Him.<br />
Love from the Bayne Family - Johann, Kristie,<br />
Enoch, Zion and <strong>St</strong>efan.<br />
19.
Missions continued...<br />
Going out:<br />
Liam O’Brien:<br />
Left Thursday 10th January for his year-long<br />
involvement with the Submerge course with Urban<br />
Neighbours <strong>of</strong> Hope (UNOH). UNOH is partnered<br />
by <strong>Church</strong>es <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong>. UNOH workers covenant<br />
with God and each other to live out their passion<br />
for loving God and neighbours. <strong>The</strong>y focus on<br />
releasing neighbourhoods from urban poverty and<br />
grow through equipping each other, neighbours and<br />
the broader church to radically follow Jesus and join<br />
God’s Kingdom. <strong>The</strong>y seek to live amongst, love<br />
and inspire those facing poverty to be all they can<br />
be in <strong>Christ</strong>.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Bartlett Family:<br />
Left for Lilongwe, Malawi on Monday 14th January<br />
to continue their work with Ears Inc.<br />
Kerry Jenkins:<br />
Left Boxing Day for Cambodia with YWAM: Youth<br />
With A Mission.<br />
Returned:<br />
Bec Howlett:<br />
We welcome Bec home from her 6 month mission<br />
trip with Hands at Work in Africa. We hope to have<br />
Bec share some <strong>of</strong> her African experience with us<br />
very soon.<br />
Nathan Grills:<br />
Returned from yet another stint in India to share<br />
<strong>Christ</strong>mas with his family here in Ballarat.<br />
Mel Hill:<br />
Returned from spending time with Nathan Grills, the<br />
Francis Family and Sampan in India.<br />
Lydeamore Family:<br />
Returned to Atherton in Northern Queensland,<br />
continuing their work with MAF.<br />
Some are called to go and some are called to send.<br />
Who will go and who will send?<br />
Those called to go cannot go unless they are sent and<br />
those called to send cannot send if no one will go.<br />
Nurse Manager - Residential Aged Care<br />
Looking for a change?<br />
<strong>The</strong> Halls Creek Peoples <strong>Church</strong> is a small, mainly<br />
Aboriginal <strong>Church</strong>, looking for an experienced<br />
Nurse Manager to oversee the resident care in their<br />
30 bed aged care facility in the remote Kimberley<br />
region <strong>of</strong> Western Australia.<br />
<strong>The</strong> position will suit a committed <strong>Christ</strong>ian with<br />
20.<br />
Aged Care Management Experience, enthusiasm<br />
in ministry and a desire to work alongside the<br />
Management Committee.<br />
For an information package please contact;<br />
Graham or Jodi Thompson<br />
0418 907524 – 59 Marx Hill Rd, Bellingen NSW<br />
2454 – thomo.7@bigpond.com
Name Badges<br />
Ballarat <strong>Church</strong>es <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong><br />
Opportunity Shop<br />
John<br />
JOHN SMITH<br />
Please remember, if you would like<br />
to order a name badge the forms are<br />
available on the information desk in<br />
the foyer <strong>of</strong> the church.<br />
<strong>The</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> the name badges is $10<br />
each and they come with either a<br />
magnetic or pin clasp.<br />
‘<strong>The</strong> Cottage’ - 30 Eastwood <strong>St</strong>reet<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Church</strong>es <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong><br />
Opportunity Shop in ‘<strong>The</strong><br />
Cottage’ at 30 Eastwood<br />
<strong>St</strong>reet is open for business.<br />
Opening hours are:<br />
Tuesday, Wednesday and<br />
Friday afternoons<br />
1pm-5pm<br />
Donations <strong>of</strong> clean quality items for resale may be made<br />
through the Ministry Office, Ballarat Central <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong>,<br />
Tel. 5333 4396<br />
Thank you<br />
I want to express my great appreciation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
kindnesses shown to me by many people from <strong>York</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>reet this year.<br />
From July to recently I have had 2 major operations<br />
and have been hospitalised four times. <strong>The</strong>re were<br />
days when the only visitor I had in hospital was a<br />
person from <strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet and those same people<br />
continued to visit me in my home and help me in<br />
various ways. Other people from <strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet did<br />
many kind things for me and everyone kept me in<br />
their prayers. Many times I would have been happy<br />
to have just died and for many weeks I could not<br />
pray.<br />
I normally never miss a day to communicate with<br />
God through our Lord Jesus. I knew he was<br />
always with me during the tough times when I could<br />
no longer pray at all. When one is very ill there<br />
comes a time when the joys <strong>of</strong> this earth don’t<br />
seem to be worth the intense misery <strong>of</strong> living. At<br />
these times those <strong>of</strong> us who are fortunate enough<br />
to be aware <strong>of</strong> God’s presence can always know<br />
that if we recover, life can be good and if we do not<br />
recover, we go straight into the arms <strong>of</strong> our God.<br />
How fortunate we are!<br />
I believe at this point that God has chosen to<br />
restore me to health and I hope I can continue to<br />
live a happy and useful life.<br />
My thanks in particular are to Linda and Mark<br />
Pearse, Heather Gordon, Betty Veal, Russell<br />
Mitchell and to Tim and Blake who never stopped<br />
praying for me.<br />
Gwendoline Blake<br />
21.
Accommodation for <strong>St</strong>udents<br />
Can you help?<br />
Sam, a 19 year old man actively involved in the Ararat <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong>, is seeking mid-week<br />
accommodation in the Ballarat area this year. He is enrolled at ACU studying nursing/para medicine.<br />
Sam is 19 and has his own car. Ideally, he is looking for a small unit or similar. Sam has been raised in a<br />
<strong>Christ</strong>ian family & is a non smoking, non drinking, quietly spoken young man.<br />
If you may be able to help would you please contact the church <strong>of</strong>fice for further details.<br />
Can you help?<br />
Kelson Holt, an 18 year old man who currently attends Glen Waverley Anglican <strong>Church</strong> (GWAC) in<br />
Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs where he is involved on the music team, is looking for somewhere to live.<br />
Kelson is moving to Ballarat to go to Uni (UB), studying Education.<br />
Kelson is looking for meals and accommodation during the week and is planning to go home on<br />
weekends. He will also be relying on public transport.<br />
If you may be able to help would you please contact the church <strong>of</strong>fice for Kelson’s email address.<br />
Can we help?<br />
ACCOMMODATION IN MELBOURNE’S EAST - LARGE RENOVATED HOME.<br />
INVITING MATURE YOUNG CHRISTIANS TO SHARE HOME.<br />
Large, comfortable, furnished, recently renovated and well-appointed family home in a quiet street in<br />
Melbourne’s East. Now ready - just waiting for the right people!<br />
Inviting expressions <strong>of</strong> interest and applications from young <strong>Christ</strong>ian students and/or working people who<br />
would like to start or be part <strong>of</strong> a new household.<br />
THE HOME:<br />
* Generously sized bedrooms – several ‘master bedroom’ size!<br />
* Attractive. Mixture <strong>of</strong> carpet & polished boards.<br />
* Several living areas including a huge Billiard Room with a 9’x 4’6” Table!<br />
* Generous kitchen and Huge Laundry.<br />
* Two bathrooms, two toilets and a third shower.<br />
* ‘In Ground’, Solar Heated Swimming Pool in lovely garden & BBQ area for relaxing Summer Enjoyment!<br />
* Gas Cooking and Gas Hot Water.<br />
* Gas Central Heating and Air Conditioned for comfort.<br />
* Off <strong>St</strong>reet Parking available.<br />
THE LOCATION:<br />
* About 100 metres from the bus to both Monash & Deakin Universities plus links to train and tram<br />
services.<br />
* Only three minutes walk to the newly renovated ‘Forest Hill Chase’ Shopping Complex...<br />
Please contact the <strong>Church</strong> Office for more information (ph: 5331 1079, email: <strong>of</strong>fice@yorkst.com.au).<br />
22.
BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS<br />
(Oh, and some DVDs)<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong> Library is now <strong>of</strong>ficially open for<br />
business and can be found in the Cafe area.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are books and some DVDs in categories such as Biography, <strong>Christ</strong>ian life,<br />
Marriage, Parenting, Fiction and many more.<br />
Instructions for borrowing are simple and are found on the side <strong>of</strong> the<br />
bookcases.<br />
Material for <strong>The</strong> <strong>Vine</strong><br />
Do you have something you would like to include in the March edition <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Vine</strong>?<br />
Please send it to the church <strong>of</strong>fice no later than Thursday 14th <strong>February</strong>, <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
We ask that material for the <strong>February</strong> <strong>Vine</strong> Update be at the church <strong>of</strong>fice by Wednesday <strong>February</strong> 6th.<br />
Please note that while we do our best, we cannot guarantee all material submitted will be included.<br />
23.
FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE<br />
BREATH and SPIRIT<br />
Did you know that right now as you read this<br />
article you could be breathing in a molecule<br />
<strong>of</strong> air that once travelled through the lungs<br />
<strong>of</strong> Jesus? Scientists have estimated that 325<br />
decillion molecules (32,500,000,000,000,000,00<br />
0,000,000,000,000) passed through Jesus’ lungs<br />
during his lifetime.<br />
Dr. Martin <strong>St</strong>. Maurice concluded that there is a<br />
possibility that we could be breathing the same<br />
molecules <strong>of</strong> air today that Jesus breathed. He<br />
wrote, “...All <strong>of</strong> these individual molecules are<br />
constantly rearranged and recycled through<br />
biochemical and geochemical processes, so you<br />
aren’t breathing in the exact same gas molecules<br />
that dinosaurs and Julius Caesar, or Jesus, once<br />
breathed....Very little carbon, oxygen or nitrogen<br />
is lost to outer space. It’s certainly possible to<br />
imagine a scenario where you breathe in a molecule<br />
<strong>of</strong> oxygen gas and in one <strong>of</strong> your cells it gets<br />
combined with carbon from last night’s cupcake<br />
to make carbon dioxide. Your exhaled molecule<br />
<strong>of</strong> carbon dioxide is taken up by a young oak tree<br />
and, with the help <strong>of</strong> sunlight, the carbon gets<br />
converted into a molecule <strong>of</strong> cellulose that gets<br />
locked into that tree’s biomass for years. Eventually,<br />
over hundreds <strong>of</strong> years, that tree will grow, die<br />
and decompose. As it decomposes, that atom<br />
<strong>of</strong> carbon is released back to the atmosphere as<br />
carbon dioxide and is used to generate oxygen<br />
through photosynthesis. That newly formed<br />
molecule <strong>of</strong> oxygen might be available to your<br />
great-great grandchild. It’s not the same molecule<br />
<strong>of</strong> oxygen that you breathed in years before, but it<br />
could be traced back to atoms that once passed<br />
through your body”<br />
What is the significance <strong>of</strong> this to us as <strong>Christ</strong>ians<br />
today? My answer is: ‘absolutely nothing’! Just<br />
because we share an air molecule with Jesus does<br />
not somehow connect us to Jesus in any spiritual<br />
way. Something more fascinating to consider<br />
though is this: what if Jesus could really breathe on<br />
us today as he breathed on his disciples? What did<br />
it mean for them to receive the Holy Spirit? What<br />
does it mean for us to receive the Holy Spirit today?<br />
24.<br />
Misunderstanding about the Spirit’s role had led to<br />
much confusion and extremism in the early <strong>Church</strong>.<br />
So much so, that Paul felt the need to devote three<br />
whole chapters <strong>of</strong> his Letter to the Corinthians to<br />
correct the many wrong beliefs and practices that<br />
had crept into the <strong>Church</strong>. His teaching is timeless,<br />
and we do well to read his Letter again today so<br />
that we can clearly understand that the Holy Spirit<br />
has come, not to divide, but to unite the <strong>Church</strong><br />
and to assure that the work <strong>of</strong> God continues<br />
according to the Father’s will.<br />
In the insect world <strong>of</strong> termites we find an unlikely<br />
analogy <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit. Here in Australia we<br />
find some giant termite mounds that have been<br />
constructed by these amazing little creatures.<br />
Termites are acknowledged as the master<br />
architects <strong>of</strong> the creature world and are able to<br />
construct perfectly engineered towers with gold star<br />
rated HVAC air conditioning systems that operate<br />
without power or moving parts, and service some<br />
3 million termites per colony. Dr Brand uses this<br />
analogy and quotes from Lewis Thomas, “When<br />
three or four termites are collected together in a<br />
chamber, they wander about aimlessly, but when<br />
more termites are added, they begin to build. It is<br />
the presence <strong>of</strong> termites in sufficient numbers at<br />
close quarters that produces the work. <strong>The</strong>y pick<br />
up each other’s faecal pellets and stack them in<br />
neat columns, and when the columns are precisely<br />
the right height, the termites reach across and turn<br />
the perfect arches that form the foundation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
termitarium. No single termite knows how to do any<br />
<strong>of</strong> this, but as soon as there are enough termites....<br />
they become flawless architects...building an<br />
immensely complicated structure with its own airconditioning<br />
and humidity control.”<br />
Here we have an analogy <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Church</strong> working<br />
together as a community. “In 2 Corinthians 13:14,<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the few verses to name all the members<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Trinity, Paul gives his benediction, ‘May the<br />
grace <strong>of</strong> our Lord Jesus <strong>Christ</strong>, and the love <strong>of</strong><br />
God, and the fellowship <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit be with<br />
you all.’ In a neat summary <strong>of</strong> the essence <strong>of</strong> the<br />
triune God, he does not say ‘the power <strong>of</strong> the Holy
Spirit’ or ‘the wisdom <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit’ or ‘the<br />
purity <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit,’ but rather ‘the fellowship’<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit... <strong>The</strong> Holy Spirit is God’s way <strong>of</strong><br />
establishing his presence here on earth by knitting<br />
together all the members <strong>of</strong> his Body-the <strong>Church</strong>.<br />
Community is the key word. <strong>The</strong> Spirit does not<br />
approach me as an individual soul; rather he<br />
connects me to the whole Body. Each individual<br />
cell awakens to the conscious reality <strong>of</strong> the larger<br />
whole” - the <strong>Church</strong>. (In the Likeness <strong>of</strong> God. Dr<br />
Paul Brand and Philip Jancey).<br />
<strong>The</strong> Letters <strong>of</strong> John give us a unique insight into<br />
the role <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit in the <strong>Church</strong> today. John<br />
gives the Spirit the unusual title <strong>of</strong> “Paraclete.” He<br />
alone uses this word, and he uses it only five times.<br />
But each time he uses it, it is in reference to one<br />
<strong>of</strong> the fives ways that the<br />
Holy Spirit motivates us as<br />
members <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Church</strong>.<br />
<strong>The</strong> great Bible teacher<br />
Sidlow Baxter once spoke<br />
about how the Holy Spirit<br />
enables us to stand up<br />
against the forces <strong>of</strong> evil.<br />
He spoke about how in<br />
our fight with the devil we<br />
might receive a few ‘black eyes’ – five in fact! He<br />
listed these as, Ignorance, Isolation, Impotence,<br />
Indifference and Imperfections. <strong>The</strong> devil wants to<br />
Isolate us as <strong>Christ</strong>ians, keep us Ignorant <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Lord’s teaching, make us Impotent in our ministry,<br />
cause us to despair over the world’s Indifference to<br />
the Gospel message, and discourage us because<br />
<strong>of</strong> our Imperfections. But with the Holy Spirit in<br />
our lives we are not Isolated, because he comes<br />
along side <strong>of</strong> us, (John 14:26) we are not Ignorant<br />
because he will speak to us and instruct us along<br />
the way, (John 14:26) we are not Impotent because<br />
he will enable us to exercise our faith in the most<br />
effective ways, (John 15:26) we do not despair<br />
over the Indifference <strong>of</strong> this world, because it is his<br />
work- not ours-to convince and convict the world<br />
<strong>of</strong> sin and righteousness, (John 16:8) and we do<br />
not despair because <strong>of</strong> our Imperfections, because<br />
when we do sin, we have an Advocate with the<br />
Father who is Jesus. (1 John 2:1.) Significantly in<br />
this last reference to the Paraclete in 1 John 2:1<br />
the word “Paraclete” refers to Jesus and not the<br />
Holy Spirit. When it comes to our sin, Jesus, the<br />
Righteous One will stand alongside <strong>of</strong> us before the<br />
“<strong>The</strong> Holy Spirit is God’s way<br />
<strong>of</strong> establishing his presence here<br />
on earth by knitting together<br />
all the members <strong>of</strong> his Body-the<br />
<strong>Church</strong>.”<br />
Father and tell him that our sins are forgiven!<br />
So – back to our earlier question - what did it mean<br />
for the disciples when Jesus breathed on them and<br />
said, “Receive the Holy Spirit?” (John 20:22) To<br />
appreciate this event we need to understand the<br />
symbolism <strong>of</strong> breath as it is used in the Bible. It was<br />
the breath <strong>of</strong> God by which man became a living<br />
soul at the beginning <strong>of</strong> creation. It was the breath<br />
<strong>of</strong> God which inspired men to prophesy and to pen<br />
the words we now have as the Bible. When Ezekiel<br />
saw the valley <strong>of</strong> dry bones that symbolized a<br />
lifeless, captive nation <strong>of</strong> Israel, he prophesised that<br />
God, in fulfilment <strong>of</strong> his promise to Abraham, Jacob,<br />
Isaac, Moses, David and others, would reconnect<br />
those bones, and breathe life back into the nation.<br />
It is the Spirit who anointed Jesus after his baptism<br />
at the beginning <strong>of</strong> his<br />
ministry. At Pentecost the<br />
Holy Spirit audibly and<br />
visibly came upon and<br />
transformed the lives <strong>of</strong><br />
the disciples and people<br />
who were followers <strong>of</strong><br />
Jesus. Dr Brand and<br />
Philip Jancey write: “<strong>The</strong><br />
Holy Spirit...allows the<br />
reality <strong>of</strong> God’s own self to establish a presence<br />
inside each one <strong>of</strong> us...” It is the Holy Spirit who<br />
connects us once and for all with God and with<br />
Jesus. But the most historic moment in <strong>Christ</strong>ian<br />
history was some days before Pentecost, when<br />
Jesus breathed on a very ordinary bunch <strong>of</strong> guys,<br />
and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” In that moment<br />
He passed on his baton to them, and the <strong>Church</strong><br />
was born <strong>of</strong> the Spirit. That same Spirit is his gift to<br />
us today.<br />
We might pray in the words <strong>of</strong> the hymn: “Breathe<br />
on me breath <strong>of</strong> God, fill me with life anew, that I<br />
may love what you do love, and do what you would<br />
do”.<br />
(This is the final article in this series <strong>of</strong> Fearfully and<br />
Wonderfully Made)<br />
Ray Veal.<br />
[All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are<br />
taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®,<br />
NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica,<br />
Inc. Used by permission <strong>of</strong> Zondervan. All rights reserved<br />
worldwide. www.zondervan.com]<br />
25.
Introducing Salt and Pepper for <strong>2013</strong><br />
Beginning in March <strong>2013</strong> the Salt and Pepper<br />
articles will walk step by step through the core<br />
beliefs <strong>of</strong> our <strong>Christ</strong>ian faith. Subjects discussed will<br />
include: beliefs about God, Jesus, the <strong>Church</strong> and<br />
what it teaches and why it is here, the Holy Spirit<br />
and knowing God’s will. One article will cover what<br />
we believe as <strong>Church</strong>es <strong>of</strong> <strong>Christ</strong>. <strong>The</strong>se articles will<br />
seek to answer the core questions that people have<br />
been asking for centuries. What is the meaning <strong>of</strong><br />
life? What does it mean to be a <strong>Christ</strong>ian in this 21st<br />
century? Now that I believe how do I live in the here<br />
and now? Hence the series title, Beyond Belief. My<br />
aim is to write an easy to read owner’s manual to<br />
describe what <strong>Christ</strong>ianity is all about.<br />
Ray Veal.<br />
Article for Parents<br />
“Losing it” with Young People: Four things to do When we <strong>St</strong>uff it Up<br />
interact with young people get lost in the midst <strong>of</strong> all<br />
<strong>of</strong> these pressures and we start yelling, not caring,<br />
ignoring, demanding, dominating and forgetting.<br />
What to do next? Here are four ideas that can turn<br />
the negatives into positives.<br />
I had a strong response to my blog post last<br />
week about not being a perfect parent. People’s<br />
comments made me think more about the issue.<br />
Here’s my thoughts: most <strong>of</strong> us know how we want<br />
to interact with the young people in our lives. We<br />
want to be kind, patient, respectful and empathic.<br />
We want to listen carefully, respectfully teach them<br />
skills without taking away their independence,<br />
sympathise with their struggles without rescuing<br />
them and be gentle with them even when they are<br />
angry.<br />
But then life gets in the way. It’s 7.30am on<br />
Monday morning and we have a million things to<br />
get done before everyone leaves for school/work.<br />
It’s last lesson on Friday and it’s been a really,<br />
really hard week – and there are still reports and<br />
paperwork to do all weekend. <strong>The</strong>re’s sickness,<br />
financial stress, other kids in the family, relationship<br />
issues – and all <strong>of</strong> our own stuff overwhelms<br />
us. Our good intentions about how we treat and<br />
1. <strong>The</strong> most important first step is an apology.<br />
It doesn’t have to be a long grovelling speech, a<br />
simple “sorry guys, I was a bit impatient there”<br />
or “I probably shouldn’t have jumped in before I<br />
really understood what you were saying” is <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
all that’s needed. But it is needed. Furthermore,<br />
not only is an apology necessary, it is an incredibly<br />
powerful learning tool. Every time we apologise to<br />
a young person, it sends three vital messages: 1.<br />
All humans make mistakes and it’s okay to make<br />
mistakes, 2. it’s important to make amends when<br />
you make mistakes, and 3. I respect you as having<br />
important rights and want to try to avoid acting<br />
unfairly towards you. <strong>The</strong>se three messages can<br />
have a strong impact on young people at times.<br />
<strong>The</strong> value <strong>of</strong> an apology is almost worth stuffing up<br />
for!<br />
2. It is <strong>of</strong>ten extremely valuable to share our<br />
struggles with young people when we stuff up. It<br />
is important young people know the pressures<br />
26.
we are under. We can say things like, “I don’t<br />
know how to handle this situation”, “I feel really<br />
disappointed that I couldn’t help you learn that<br />
previously and I’m taking that out on you”, “I feel<br />
stressed about life in general at the moment and<br />
don’t have the energy to be as kind as I want”, “I<br />
am worried that other people will think badly <strong>of</strong><br />
you” or “I let you do that because I was tired but I<br />
probably shouldn’t have for your sake long term”.<br />
Sharing our struggles helps young people know<br />
what is going on, and helps them understand our<br />
reactions are not just about them. HOWEVER, and<br />
this is an extremely important point – we must be<br />
careful that we “own” our own struggles with caring<br />
for young people. This is<br />
about our journey and we<br />
need to make that clear. So<br />
when we share what we are<br />
worried/stressed/frustrated<br />
about we should make<br />
sure it is sharing rather than<br />
blaming or lecturing. Our<br />
sharing should not send the<br />
message “see how much<br />
stress you put me under”<br />
or “so therefore you should jolly well be more<br />
considerate”.<br />
3. Once the mistakes have been made, it’s vital<br />
to step back and look at what went wrong and<br />
why. This is so that we can prepare in advance<br />
for difficult times. We all know that there are times<br />
which are going to be harder than others when<br />
interacting with young people. Frankly, I do pretty<br />
pathetic parenting before 7am. When things do<br />
go wrong, it helps us identify times we know are<br />
likely to continue to be difficult. We should be<br />
mentally putting flags on these times – whether it<br />
be last lesson on a certain day, preparing for tea,<br />
late at night, or whenever our willpower and energy<br />
are at their lowest. Once we have identified<br />
those times, we need to be honest about the fact<br />
however good our intentions are. We are likely to<br />
get impatient, give in or do other kind <strong>of</strong> ineffective<br />
“Teaching/parenting/caring<br />
well is a marathon not a sprint.<br />
Mistakes are part <strong>of</strong> the process,<br />
and help us care more effectively<br />
for young people than if we<br />
hadn’t made the mistake in the<br />
first place.”<br />
caring at those times. <strong>The</strong>refore, we should<br />
consider whether we can change things around so<br />
we are not setting ourselves up for failure at those<br />
times. We could set up guidelines that we simply<br />
don’t do certain things at that time, for example,<br />
we might say we don’t have conversations or<br />
make decisions at that time <strong>of</strong> day, we might<br />
not deal with behaviour problems until the next<br />
morning, we might have a rule that we eat before<br />
we talk, do low intensity teaching/caring at certain<br />
lessons – or something similar. Of course we need<br />
to make sure we organise alternative times when<br />
we are fresher to do these things rather than just<br />
avoiding them entirely. It is not always possible to<br />
avoid interactions entirely.<br />
but sometimes a bit <strong>of</strong><br />
preplanning/having rules<br />
<strong>of</strong> thumb/policies about<br />
certain times can help.<br />
4. Finally, next time we<br />
should be reminding<br />
ourselves to breathe.<br />
When we know we are<br />
stressed, frustrated or<br />
worried and simply have<br />
to deal with young people – one quick and easy<br />
thing to do is: Breathe deeply before we speak.<br />
<strong>The</strong> positives in taking a deep breath are more than<br />
an old wive’s tale. When we breathe deeply, we<br />
make physical changes in our brain. We redirect<br />
brain activity away from the “fight/attack/defend”<br />
centres and toward to “careful thought” centres.<br />
This then helps us react more thoughtfully – and in<br />
line with our intentions.<br />
We will all ineffectively deal with young people at<br />
times. Teaching/parenting/caring well is a marathon<br />
not a sprint. Mistakes are part <strong>of</strong> the process, and<br />
help us care more effectively for young people than<br />
if we hadn’t made the mistake in the first place.<br />
Kirrilie Smout<br />
Used by permission <strong>of</strong> Kirrilie Smout.<br />
All rights reserved.<br />
27.
28.<br />
SOAP<br />
S is for scripture O is for observation<br />
A is for application P is for prayer<br />
FEBRUARY<br />
1 Gen 38 - 40; Matt 25<br />
2 Gen 41 - 43; Matt 26:1-35<br />
3 Gen 44 - 46; Matt 26:36-75<br />
4 Gen 47 - 48; Matt 27:1-31<br />
5 Gen 49 - 50; Matt 27:32-66<br />
6 Exodus 1 - 3; Matt 28<br />
7 Exodus 4 - 6; Acts 1<br />
8 Exodus 7 - 9; Acts 2<br />
9 Exodus 10 - 12; Acts 3<br />
10 Exodus 13 - 15; Acts 4<br />
11 Exodus 16 - 18; Acts 5<br />
12 Exodus 19 - 20; Acts 6<br />
13 Exodus 21 - 23; Acts 7<br />
14 Exodus 24 - 26; Acts 8<br />
15 Exodus 27 - 29; Acts 9<br />
16 Exodus 30 - 32; Acts 10<br />
17 Exodus 33 - 35; Acts 11<br />
18 Exodus 36 - 38; Acts 12<br />
19 Exodus 39 - 40; Acts 13<br />
20 Psalm 90; Acts 14<br />
21 Lev 1 - 3; Acts 15:1-22<br />
22 Lev 4 - 6; James 1<br />
23 Lev 7 - 9; James 2<br />
24 Lev 10 - 12; James 3<br />
25 Lev 13 - 15; James 4<br />
26 Lev 16 - 18; James 5<br />
27 Lev 19 - 21; Acts 15:23-41<br />
28 Lev 22 - 24; Gal 1:1-10<br />
If you miss a day, don’t attempt to “catch up” the<br />
reading. Jump forward to the current one.<br />
Remember, it’s not about “achieving a devotion”,<br />
it’s about developing a healthy habit <strong>of</strong> spending<br />
regular time with the Lord.<br />
Having said that, if you commit yourself to using<br />
SOAP on a daily basis there is no doubt that your<br />
life will be revolutionised.<br />
Regular Service Times<br />
Traditional Service ...............8.45am<br />
Family Service. .................10.30am<br />
(including <strong>York</strong>ie Kids)<br />
Worship .......................... 6pm<br />
Senior Pastor<br />
Tim Clark Clark.Tim@yorkst.com.au<br />
Associate Pastor<br />
Blake Moore Moore.Blake@yorkst.com.au<br />
Children’s Pastor<br />
Colette Harrison Harrison.Colette@yorkst.com.au<br />
Music and Creative Ministries<br />
Angela Oliver Oliver.Angela@yorkst.com.au<br />
Youth Pastor<br />
Ben Dainton Dainton.Ben@yorkst.com.au<br />
Kids Hope Coordinator<br />
Chris Barlow Barlow.<strong>Christ</strong>ine@yorkst.com.au<br />
Ministry Support<br />
Rob Petty Petty.Rob@yorkst.com.au<br />
Operations Manager<br />
Robert Ling Ling.Robert@yorkst.com.au<br />
Office Administrator<br />
Kristin O’Brien O’Brien.Kristin@yorkst.com.au<br />
Administration Trainee<br />
Michelle McCausland<br />
mccausland.michelle@yorkst.com.au<br />
PHONE: 03 5331 1079<br />
EMAIL: <strong>of</strong>fice@yorkst.com.au<br />
WEBSITE: www.yorkst.com.au<br />
ADDRESS: 410 <strong>York</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet Ballarat 3350<br />
OFFICE HOURS: 9am-3pm Monday-Friday<br />
Kindergarten Director<br />
Cath Zala<br />
PHONE: (03) 5333 4116<br />
EMAIL: kinda@yorkst.com.au