Sunday 28th October
All are welcome to our worship service tomorrow at 10am.
Worship leader: Ted Smith, who will also lead us around the Lord’s Table (Communion).
Speaker: Dave Flood
Come along and worship our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, followed by fellowship over a cuppa.
All welcome.
Report on course No 16, October 2012.
The team of Christians, from lots of different denominations, converged on Mobilong Prison on the 16th of October. They went back each day until the 19th, in which time they presented the well documented ‘short course’. The basic Christian message is explained through the personal experience of team members, and at the same time the guests (prisoners) are shown real care and kindness as a demonstration of the no judgement stand that we Christians take. The team of 36 – some going in, and some outside preparing food etc, worked with 24 guests. One was transferred to another prison, and one dropped out, so 22 guys went right through, most of whom gave some sort of a testimony at Friday’s closing ceremony, attended by 150 Christians from around the state. Among our guests were two Moslems and one atheist. Some of our guests knew of Jesus through an early childhood engagement, but it always surprises us just how many know absolutely nothing about Jesus.
More than four days:
The team roster themselves, so that a group go back every Tuesday afternoon to what we call ‘Journey’ and it is really over the next few months where we see those who really commit to changing their lives. Mobilong has chaplains, and is visited by Prison Fellowship, so there are other avenues to use.
Our aim:
Our aim is for the prisoners to establish Christian sharing groups within Mobilong – ie a blokes’ church. For the last few years they have run a Church in the Gym every Sunday morning. We hope that many of these new ‘graduates’ will choose to join that Church.
Church of Christ involvement:
This Church is the base camp, as it is equipped with a commercial kitchen, and the congregation allow the chaos it creates. There were 5 of our church members on team, and the team from Adelaide were billeted by Church members.
Involvement of other churches:
All team members encourage the making of biscuits by their church (7,500 this course) which are distributed throughout the prison as our act of love to all. All team members encourage letter writing and engagement on the 24/7 prayer vigil. ˄SB
Some years ago I had the privilege of visiting the beautiful – war torn – Himalayan country of Nepal. It was a life changing experience. Ever since I have had a burden for this country. Today the country is still struggling, and the tiny Christian community is facing great hardships.
Open Doors ministries, an organisation serving persecuted Christians in many countries, have a prayer focus on Nepal today. The following is from their website:
Nepal –Some of the believers from the provinces of Nepal, who travel to the city for theological training, hesitate to return to their villages. Pray that God will raise up workers who are passionate about ministering to the village areas, where Christ is not yet known.
I’d encourage you to pray for this country. ˄TH
Nepal
Praise and worship
What a wonderful time of praise and worship in our church today!
During our service there were many points of praise during our time of prayer: praise for answered prayers, praise for God’s provisions, praise for God working in people’s lives as well as opportunities to lift our voices in praise for what Jesus did for us on the cross. Amazing.
Challenging message
This was followed by an encouraging – and challenging – message from the first 4 verses of the wonderful book of Nehemiah. The walls of Jerusalem were broken down and this brought Nehemiah to tears. He fasted and prayed for months, bringing the predicament before God. He knew that the city walls needed to be rebuilt on a solid foundation. Likewise, our lives, when we are aware of the ruins brought about by sin, need to be rebuilt on a solid foundation. We need to rebuild on the foundation of Jesus Christ; nothing else will work.
Wonderful lunch
The service was followed by a great time of fellowship over a shared lunch. There was much joy, laughter, tears (from laughter) and satisfying food. Very satisfying food. There was serious talk too, and words of encouragement, and even times of praying privately with people.
Reviewing the past year
The lunch was followed by our AGM where reports were presented from the various ministries within the life of the church. It was an encouraging time as we reflected on the wonderful way God has blessed our congregation over the last twelve months.
Website launch
The meeting concluded with the launch of this new website. Join us on this new journey and visit often. ˄TH
Looking back – and looking forward
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
What a wonderful blessing we had a few weekends ago celebrating the Centenary of our church. It was wonderful seeing familiar faces from years gone by and to renew friendships forged sometimes many decades ago. It was a time of reminiscing and remembering God’s faithfulness over the last 100 years. The photos helped to bring the past to life and, together with the special booklet produced for the occasion, memories we thought we’d forgotten, were stirred.
While it was wonderful looking back – we all need times of reflection like that – it is important not to dwell in the past. God expects us to be forward looking, eagerly anticipating His future plans and directions for us individually, and as a fellowship. “I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.”
He gives us hope – and a future. It’s something we should all be eagerly anticipating. We have a hope that is promised – our salvation which is safe and secure in Christ Jesus. It is a certain hope with no room for any doubt. We also know we have a certain future – eternal life through Christ’s victory over sin and death.
Jeremiah’s words go on to encourage us to come into His presence and pray, knowing with certainty that He IS listening. Seek Him out with all your heart and dwell in deep fellowship with and worship of Him, for that is His desire. ˄TH
Welcome to the new website of the Murray Bridge Church of Christ, South Australia.
In this section we will have news, coming events as well as photos and reports of past events. Our editorial team is also planning regular articles we hope you will find helpful, inspirational, and challenging – perhaps all three!
It is perhaps quite fitting that our church is launching out into the digital world at this point in our history. Only a few weeks ago our fellowship celebrated its Centenary. The 15th September 2012 marked one hundred years exactly since the establishment of the church. The old church building followed a few year after this, and in 2004 we moved to bigger and better facilities in our present building. The old church was demolished, and a fast food outlet built in its place.
Stay tuned for more news – and don’t forget to follow our Facebook page – we’d be delighted if you like it too. Twitter updates will also be coming soon. ˄TH