merry christmas!
mackay christian family church 2012 december |
january 2013
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And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men!” Luke 2:13-14 As we reflect upon the year that’s been, it would be safe to say that 2012 has distinguished itself as a year of change on so many levels. As a church family we have celebrated the joy of multiple weddings and ‘ooed’ and ‘ahhed’ at our stunning brides! We have cheered couples on in the purchase of their first home, the start of their own business and celebrated a few milestone birthdays & wedding anniversaries within the life of our church family. We also rejoice in the fact that our mother’s room is receiving a thorough workout after the safe arrival of a bundle of precious babies with more to come! 2012 has also been a year of significant struggle for some, dealing with the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, conflict in the home, separation, financial struggles, injury and illness, heartache at dreams unrealised and opportunities squandered. Such times often steal our sleep and rob our hearts of peace, as we carry the anxiety of uncertain outcomes. This year has not been dissimilar to previous years in retrospect and yet we have not walked this way before. Peace on earth is more than the absence of conflict; peace is stability. Everyone wants stable employment, health and personal relationships. This season, may peace rule in your heart and household as we celebrate Jesus – the One who has been with us throughout the year that’s passing and will continue to be with us in the year ahead. Despite the anxious moments of uncertainty, He is still the greatest gift the planet has ever received and He has promised to never leave us. You’ve got to believe that the best is yet to come! Pastor David & Sharryn
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IN THIS ISSUE CONTENTS///////////////////////////// FYI............................................. P6 50 & BETTER............................ P8 FAMILIES & COUPLES............ P10 KIDS ......................................... P11 YOUTH ..................................... P12 YOUNG ADULTS & YOUNG FAMILIES .................................. P13 CHRISTMAS TREATS .............. P14 CALENDAR ............................. P16 JOURNAL READINGS ............ P18
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FYI /////////////////////////////////////////////
FOCUS MEETINGS & NEW FRIENDS DINNERS
THE NEXT FOCUS MEETINGS ARE: 3rd December & 4th February 2013
THE NEXT NEW FRIENDS DINNER IS: 10th December & 18th February 2013
RETURNING SERVICE TEAM SHIRTS If you are no longer serving in a Service Team, please help us by returning your “Here to Help” volunteer shirt to the Info desk on a Sunday to go back into our stock for future team members. Thanks!
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COMING UP IN 2013...
50 & better
Some things I’ve learnt being over 50 in 2012 words by Pastor Jill Hyatt
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Yes the food bill does go down when the house empties out, but eye checks become more frequent and have you seen the cost of glasses? Yes you no longer have to dine at McDonald’s, but because of the years you have, you may find yourself craving it Yes you are free to stay out as late as you. But hey now you like to be in bed no later than 10pm. Yes you have spare rooms, or you will have once you deal with all the stuff the kids left behind. Yes you have plenty of time to talk to each other, which is good because it takes time to get good at it again. Yes you can spend your day off as you please, coffee lunch shoppingetc. Unless you HAVE A FALL, break your knee cap and spend the next 6 weeks unable to put your foot on the ground. That’s right pre 50 you fall over, but post 50 you HAVE A FALL. Having had a fall I have experience firsthand what a wonderful church we belong to, (I always did know this) but I have received love, flowers, prayers, meals, cakes and biscuits. I have had people bring me coffee (white choc mocha from Gloria’s) bring in the washing and even come every week and iron for me. Many many Blessings, thank you all for the love. Life Groups at this time are busy working not only on their Christmas Celebrations, but on how they can bless others; some ideas have been to adopt a family through the Daily Mercury. Collect finances for the DV shelters, blessing the folk at the benevolent society with a BBQ lunch. What’s your LG up too for Christmas? I would like to thank the Hospitality team for their hard consistent work which they have carried out through the year with Joy in their Hearts. Our Delicious Sunday night meals will continue until the 16th of December, make sure you give the cooks a big smile and thank you. Blessing to you all it is a privilege to serve God with you.
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familes&couples
Constant in the storm.
words by Jacquie Stubbs
At this time of the year I find myself reflecting on what has been. I know that we personally have had a big year, firstly with Simon losing his job and spending a time unemployed (which was a first for us). Then the new job away from home what a culture shock for our whole family, he has had to get used to being alone and we have had to remember to put the bins out ourselves (not always on the right day) but through all of the ups and downs of this year one thing has remained constant GOD. He is at the centre of who we are and what we do. It is our relationship with Him that steady’s us in the storms and helps us to absorb more of Him in the calm. He has shown me over and over this year that He is good and He wants good for me and my house. You may feel that what is before you is not as dramatic as our changes, or is totally different or you may be on a stunning mountain top right now. No matter what God is present in your situation, He is in control. Someone annoyed me once with the saying “Let go, Let God!” but it’s true. The longer we stare at the problem or, interestingly, victory the less we look to our helper; God.
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Our prayer for you over this holiday period is that you will take time to reflect on the year and see God hand in your everyday lives, be grateful that you are not alone on this journey.
kids
words by Cheryl Greer
I hope you had an amazing time at Kids Takeover last month, it was so good to see the Bible come alive literally and how we can apply it to our own lives. We had an amazing team at take-over who made us laugh, dance and just enjoy the pleasures of coming together as one big family. They gave with joy and excitement to give you, their family, a message of love. As we come to this very special time of the year I naturally think of giving. I think of what I would like to give to my family, my friends and my neighbours for Christmas. I remember when I was a teenager I would receive things for my glory box to prepare for my future (pots, pans, Tupperware, crockery etc), these days my children want things like a surf board and ipod touch. Things have changed but I am so grateful that the greatest need of all has not changed and that is the need of a Saviour. I pray that as you enjoy giving to your loved ones that you remind them of the greatest gift of all JESUS. I look forward to having fun ministering to our children next year.
If you would like to join our tea ministering to ch m having a ball of fu ildren and are at it, please sign while you n for the start of a n up ready ew an exciting year ! d
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young adults & young families
What a year of action we have had, from fresh new babies to hip new couples, to newly-weds and an influx of brand new friends!! Next year is already set to deliver new little bundles of joy, the ringing of wedding bells and we’re sure to meet some new friends! We can’t wait to celebrate and congratulate you through these life changing events. Also this year, we are so excited to announce that we are having a Young Adults retreat! Save the date: 25th – 27th April 2013 … more details to come! Can you believe how fast this year gone?!?! And the new one is just around the corner! Well, young adults and young families, brace yourselves for a year packed with more fun and laughter.
COMING UP IN 2013 In January, we will be having an event for young adults and young families at the end of each month, starting on Australia Day! Join us on the 26th January 2013 to celebrate Australia day in true Aussie style, with an adventure to Wishies (Eungella) followed by a good old Aussie Pinnacle pie! Bring yourself, a mate, your swimmers, air mattresses, tyre tubes, inflatable crocodiles and some money for lunch. We’ll meet at 7.45am at McDonald’s Northside and drive there together. If you would like to carpool or require a lift, please contact Mel on 0413 028 170. See ya there mate and stay tuned for more exciting events this year, ft. the clothes swap….. spicks and specks party….. (and that’s only the beginning!)
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MARSHMALLOW TREES
OW ABOUT PARENTS, H OME FUN HAVING S IDS THIS K WITH YOUR BY HAVING CHRISTMAS KING THESE A GO AT MACHRISTMAS SWEET-AS TS! TREA
Equipment
You will need 8 paddle-pop sticks
Ingredients
24 mega marshmallows or 32 regular sized ones 3/4 cup desiccated coconut 10 to 20 drops green food colouring 1 1/2 cups white choc melts
Step 1
Line a large, flat baking tray with baking paper. Thread 3 marshmallows, pointed side up, onto each paddle-pop stick. Press last marshmallow on to cover top of stick.
Step 2
Place coconut in a plastic bag. Add 10 drops food colouring. Rub coconut (through outside of bag) to mix colouring evenly. Add more colouring if desired. Spread coconut over a small plate.
Step 3
Place choc melts in a heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on MEDIUM (50%) for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute with a metal spoon, or until melted and smooth, but not hot.
Step 4
Using a pastry brush, brush chocolate over marshmallows (hold sticks over bowl to catch drips). Don’t make it too thick or the chocolate will run. Roll marshmallows in coconut, sprinkling to coat. Carefully lay marshmallow trees on prepared tray. Allow to set. Gift wrap or serve.
STAINED-GLASS BISCUITS
Ingredients
115g soft unsalted butter 55g caster sugar 185g (1 1/2 cups) plain flour 1-2 tbs milk 1 small bag boiled lollies Icing sugar, to dust
Step 1
Preheat oven to 180째C. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Beat the butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale and creamy. Sift in the flour and stir in the milk.
Step 2
Use your hands to form the mixture into a soft dough and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface until 1/2cm thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut into shapes. Cut a 1-2cm circle from the centre of each biscuit.
Step 3
Carefully transfer the biscuits to the lined tray. Place a boiled lolly in the centre of each hole and bake biscuits in the oven for 15 minutes. Set aside on the tray to cool. Dust with icing sugar.
DECEMBERCALENDAR
2 CELEBRATION SERVICE // 9:30AM CHRISTMAS AT THE COLLEGE // 5PM 9 CELEBRATION SERVICE // 9:30AM WATER BAPTISM PARTY // 6PM 10 NEW FRIENDS DINNER // 6:30PM 16 CELEBRATION SERVICE // 9:30AM WORSHIP ENCOUNTER // 6PM 17 FOCUS MEETING // 6:30PM 23 CELEBRATION SERVICE // 9:30AM ONLY 25 CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE 9:30AM (1 HOUR SERVICE) 30 CELEBRATION SERVICE // 9:30AM ONLY
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CELEBRATIONSERVIC
*5PM PRAY
JANUARYCALENDAR
MCF BANK DETAILS
6 13 20 M 27
CELEBRATION SERVICE // 9:30AM ONLY CELEBRATION SERVICE // 9:30AM & 6PM* CELEBRATION SERVICE // 9:30AM & 6PM* CELEBRATION SERVICE // 9:30AM & 6PM*
Tithes and offerings can be paid via the internet. Bank details for MCF are: Account number: 69481 8914 BSB: 084 792 Please label your transfer with the appropriate title so we can direct your money to the right area. eg. ‘tithes and offering’, ‘Leroy sponsorship’, or ‘missions’ etc. Cheques should be made payable to: Mackay Christian Family.
CE TIMES9:30AM&6PM
YER MEETING
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DECEMBER//
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Rom 5-8 Rom 9-12 Rom 13-16 Eph 1-4 Eph 5-6 / Ps 119:1-80 Phil 1-4 Col 1-4 1 Tim 1-4 1 Tim 5-6 / Tit 1-3 Tim 1-4 Philem / Heb 1-4 Heb 5-8 Heb 9-11 Heb 12,13 / Jude Jas 1-5 1 Pet 1-5 2 Pet 1-3 / Jn 1 Jn 2-4 Jn 5,6 Jn 7,8 Jn 9-11 Jn 12-14 Jn 15-18 Jn 19-21 1 Jn 1-5 Ps 117,119:81-176 / 2 Jn / 3 Jn Rev 1-4 Rev 5-9 Rev 10-14 Rev 15-18 Rev 19-22
JANUARY/////
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Gen 1,2 / Luke 1 Gen 3-5 / Luke 2 Gen 6-8 / Luke 3 Gen 9-11 / Luke 4 Gen 12-14 / Luke 5 Gen 15-17 / Luke 6 Gen 18,19 / Ps 3 / Luke 7 Gen 20-22 / Lk 8 Gen 23,24 / Lk 9 Gen 25,26 / Ps 6 / Lk 10 Gen 27,28 / Ps 4 / Lk 11 Gen 29,30 / Lk 12 Gen 31-33 / Lk 13 Gen 34-36 / Lk 14 Gen 37, 38 / Ps 7 / Lk 15 Gen 39-41 / Lk 16 Gen 42,43 / Ps 5 / Lk 17 Gen 44-46 / Lk 18 Gen 47, 48 / Ps 10 / Lk 19 Gen 49, 50 / Ps 8 / Lk 20 Ex 1,2 / Ps 88 / Lk 21 Ex 3-5 / Lk 22 Ex 6-8 / Lk 23 Ex 9-11 / Lk 24 Ex 12,13 / Ps 21 / Acts 1 Ex 14-16 / Acts 2 Ex 17-20 / Acts 3 Ex 21,22 / Ps 12 / Acts 4 Ex 23,24 / Ps 14 / Acts 5 Ex 25-27 / Acts 6 Ex 28,29 / Acts 7
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