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16th December 2018 AD MINISTRY MORSEL As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Mark Thompson reminds us of its significance and necessity. ‘Christmas and its message have never been more relevant than at this moment in time. There have been such rapid changes over the past decade—technological, cultural, social, and political changes—that the current level of nervousness and uncertainty is only to be expected. There is a growing tone of fear and anxiety in much commentary both here and around the world….. Yet it was precisely into a world of change and uncertainty, of military muscle and politically motivated injustice, where long-held verities were under challenge and immorality was endorsed at the highest level, and where economic disadvantage seemed to be permanently entrenched by those with power, that ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us’. His coming was described as from the start a struggle between light and darkness and the great message of the Christian gospel is that ‘the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it ’. Herod might dispatch a band of thugs to slaughter the Christ child before he could grow to manhood, an angry gang of zealots might try to end his teaching career the minute he challenged their notion of privileged religious status, Pilate might surrender to the will of the mob and hand Jesus over to be crucified and even set an official Roman seal upon the door to his tomb, but the one the angel said would ‘save his people from their sins’ triumphed at every point. He did what he came to do, and in both rising from the dead and ascending to his Father’s side, he set the seal on his victory. It had never been in doubt, not even for a moment. Christmas is a reminder that, over and above all the petty manoeuvrings of politicians of whatever persuasion, of military leaders with or without ballistic missiles, of religious dignitaries who long ago abandoned the responsibilities entrusted to them, and of special interest groups no matter how successful they are in garnering public support (at least for a while), a determined plan to rescue us from the mess each one of us have made of our lives was enacted by the God who made us and loves us. It is a reminder that God will not let go and God will always win. God entered the world he had made as one of us. He endured the conditions of human existence, especially, in the most intense way, the hostility that human beings have shown for the God who gives them life—every heartbeat, every breath. The light shone in the darkness. The darkness did all it could to snuff it out. But the darkness has not overcome it…….’ (continued) ‘Birth of John’ OT: Ruth 3:1-9 (p265) NT: Colossians 1:15-23 (p1182) Gospel: Luke 1:57-66 (p1026) PARISH SERVICES Weekly Sunday: Sunday @ 8 Holy Communion Sunday@10 Family Gathering including Kids’ Church 1.30pm Armchair Church - Woolgoolga Retirement Village WEEKLY HAPPENINGS Sunday: 3.45pm - Bible Study @ Marj Simmons’ Home ‘in recess’ 5pm - Youth@5 - Rectory - Years 9-12 ‘in recess’ Tuesday: 9.30am - Bridge - Parish Centre ‘in recess’ 4pm - Choir Rehearsal - Church Wednesday: 9am - Prayer Gathering - Chapel 9.30am - Young Mum’s Bible Study - Ministry Centre ‘in recess’ Afternoon - Women’s Bible Study - 2 groups alternate weekly ‘in recess’ 7.30-8.30pm - Men’s Bible Study - Ministry Centre Thursday: 6pm - Free English Conversation Classes - Parish Centre ‘in recess’ Friday: 5.30pm - WiFY - Parish Centre - Years 4-8 ‘in recess’ 6pm - Friday Night Fellowship - Rectory ‘in recess’ Saturday: 8am - Saturday@8 for Prayer - Woolgoolga Headland by Water Tower Rector: Rev David Hanger 0408 423 442 Young Families Ministry: Rev Simon Reeve 0450 255 055 Deacon: Rev Pam Stone 0418 228 885 Ministers: The Congregation Parish Office: PO Box 49 Woolgoolga NSW 2456 66541370 (all hours) Op Shop: 21 Scarborough Street, Woolgoolga Email: [email protected] Website: www.northernbeachesanglicans.org.au SENTENCE Do not fear. The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love. Zephaniah 3:16-17 COLLECT: Almighty God, you sent your Son into a world where the wheat must be winnowed from the chaff and evil clings even to what is good: let the fire of your Spirit purge us of all corruption, so that, purified, we may wait eagerly for him whose coming is certain, whose Day draws near, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Blessed Lord, you have caused all the Scriptures to be written for our learning: help us to so hear, read, learn and embrace them that, encouraged and supported by your Word, we may hold fast to the joyful hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. TODAY’S SERMON READING Luke 1:57-66 (p1026) DAVID SURGERY - will be on a month’s sick leave after the surgery anticipating return to work on Thursday January 10. Simon will be in charge of the parish. For pastoral matters please use the parish number 66541370 at any time. Your call will be answered directly during office hours or transferred to Simon or Pam when the office is closed.
