ISSUE 2 // JUNE 2015 A WAHROONGA ADVENTIST YOUTH PUBLICATION
WAY TH YOU the
NEWS AND EVENTS | OPINIONS | GET TO KNOW YOU | HUMOUR | HOW TO’S & MORE
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ISSUE 2: JUNE 2015
WELCOME contents OPINIONS Bring Back The Wave Passionate Prodigies Ways to Witness Words of Wisdom
REGULARS Community Get to know YOUth Practicalities Opinions Practice Makes Perfect SSS Bible Study Starving Students Poll Results Events and Updates
EDITOR'S LETTER Maryellen Fairfax
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here has always been something so fascinating to me about a blank space baby. Blank walls, blank canvasses, blank notebooks, and dare I say it, even blank word documents. And sure, it isn’t ideal in all situations – a blank word document night before an assignment is due, or a blank mission-brown wall is about as inspirational as an overheating fridge, but nevertheless, a blank, white space ceaselessly makes me want to pick up a pen and start creating something.
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In fact, one of my favourite (some would say faux-profound) quotes, is ‘Some people are artists, others, themselves, are art.’ To this day, Google hasn’t been able to tell me who coined it, but nevertheless it is written on a number of my possessions: my phone, my laptop, my notice-board and in my diary. In a sense, I guess you could say it’s one of my life mottos. You’re probably thinking, ‘…yep, lol, k, that’s cool Melon, but why?’
Well, mi amigo, let me tell you the story of my childhood. When I was a tiny tot, my favourite thing to do was draw. I would quite happily sit for hours, with boxes of textas and pencils strewn all over the lounge room floor (at the grief of my mother), just scribbling. Being the perfectionist that I am, my little self would get incredibly frustrated when I would ‘go out of the lines’ or ‘couldn’t get the shape right’, and I would often complain to mum about it. I like to think she carefully phrased her words, intending that they stick with me for the rest of my life (though I’m fairly sure I was just driving her mad with my constant commentary) but I will never forget the day when she looked at my artwork and WahroongaAdventistYouth smiled and said to me, ‘What’s wrong theway.wahroonga@gmail.com with it, sweetie? There are no mistakes in art!’
DESIGN/ EDITORIAL Maryellen Fairfax Joel Raymond Photography: Robbie Fatt / Mitchell Ferris PUBLISHING Precision Printers Youth Pastor: Richard Reid | 0414 440 790 Youth Leader: Scott Fatt | 0421 743 001
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There are no mistakes in art. I think it was my very first existential thought. People often complain that artists like Duchamp, Man Ray, Pollock, and even Picasso, aren’t ‘true artists’. They argue that urinals aren’t art, irons with nails in them aren’t clever, paint spillage isn’t original, and that talents are wasted on primitive, naïve-style artworks. And while I respect all opinions, there is something to be said for appreciating something conceptually for what it is,
Eugene Von Guerard Stoneleigh, Beaufort near Ararat, Victoria, 1866
Imants Tillers Act of God, 2008
regardless of whether it aligns with your personal taste, or not. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain (1917), it’s arguably one of the most famous artworks of the 20th century. Basically, Duchamp decided to sign a urinal with the name ‘R. Mutt’ and place it in an art gallery. It was soon ‘lost’ by the gallery, but quickly became associated with the Dada, anti-art movement, questioning the boundaries of what is and isn’t ‘art’, arguably igniting what we call ‘Postmodernism’ today. In December 2004 it was voted the most influential artwork of the 20th century by 500 British art world professionals, and in an article in The Blind Man No.2 (New York, May 1917), it was said that ‘…whether Mr Mutt ... made the fountain or not is of no importance. He chose it… he created a new thought for that object.’ He chose it. You see, in my humble opinion, the reason you can’t make mistakes in art, is because the process is purely about intention. Whether you can paint a Rembrandt, or barely etch a stick figure, the pencil strokes you make are intentional. You choose them, they are organic. In essence, you create art wherever you go.
LIKE DUCHAMP’S
URINAL, WE CAN
CHANGE THE WORLD
UPPER ROOM
RECAP I
'll admit, I sometimes struggle to remember sermons. Maybe I'm just a forgetful person, or have a frighteningly short attention span *insert goldfish memory remark here*. Frankly, sometimes it will only be half an hour before I've forgotten a preachers' message. However, there are rare occasions when I'll remember a message for weeks, even months afterwards. This was my experience at the last Upper Room. Sure, maybe I'm biased; I got to experience the exhilaration of seeing a program come to life; seeing people fill up the pews, following a vague 'worshipprogram-idea-thing-in-thechurch-upstairs' through to its fruition, leading out in worship and getting goosebumps as almost two hundred voices praised God in unison, but one thing is for certain, I won't forget Nimrod's message for a while yet!
I like to think that life is like this. We are all works of art, created by the greatest artist of all time. You only have to look at the sunset to realise this. And because God is an artist, there are no mistakes; every inch of us is intentional. We are chosen, and set apart by God for a purpose. Whether that purpose is to bring joy to others (Eugene Von Guerard), to speak up and proclaim a message (Imants Tillers), or to change the world (Marcel Duchamp), we are all different, and just because someone cannot see our value that doesn’t mean we aren’t filled with incredible potential, and loved infinitely by our creator.
His main question to us was, 'What is the main role of the Church?' People suggested various remedies: outreach, community, service, evangelism... but, his answer? Worship. We have to put God first and worship Him, before we can go out and evangelise or bring others to Christ. Otherwise, we'll lose our perspective and take our eyes off Him.
So I guess this is why ‘Some people are artists, others, themselves, are art’ is my favourite quote. It constantly reminds me that the ‘mistakes’ I make are perfectly okay, inspires me to not be ashamed of who I am, and reassures me that God is in control – I am His work of art, and he’s only just started filling in the background colours. So, I guess what I'm saying is, we're all a little bit like Duchamp’s urinal. We each have the potential to change the world! ;)
He told us that God is interested, and wants to be intimately involved in our lives. All we have to do is give everything to Him; our goals, pride, aspirations, achievements, and He will mould us into the person He wants us to be. And not only that, but we don't even have to make sacrifices. He's such a incredible God, that He will give us what we want anyway. We're so blessed!
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COMMUNITY Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
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GET TO KNOW
Angeline Tyrokomos
Occupation I am the personal assistant to the General Secretary and CFO of the Greater Sydney Conference.
BRING BACK THE WAVE
If you could sum up yourself in exactly 5 words, what would they be? Alone-time, rain, clean, DNMs, Travel
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Are there any hobbies you are particularly passionate about? I’d love to spend ALL my spare time travelling but when I’m when I’m stuck in Sydney, to pass the time until my next trip I sometimes like singing, acting, watching movies, hanging out with friends and snowboarding.
Although it doesn’t undo the inconvenience of making me .5 of a second later in arriving at my destination than intended, it at least shows me that the car in front acknowledges that I did them a favour by letting them in. And, in the cases that I don’t get a choice, they hopefully appreciate that I didn’t honk my horn at them (sometimes I do honk my horn, but that’s only when they don’t indicate).
Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? People often come up to me and ask me if I’m Rebel Wilson. I usually say yes so they can share their sandwiches with me. Who is your alter-ego? I'm basically a less intense version of Monica from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Favourite book of the Bible? I don’t have a favourite book but my favourite bible characters are Joseph and Daniel. Favourite Bible verse? Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths." I love that verse because of the part that says “lean not on your own understanding” because I very rarely understand what and why God works as he does, so even though I’m completely clueless and often feel broken, knowing God’s got it all under control gives me peace.
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Angeline Tyrokomos
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? I will have hopefully lived overseas for at least a year. I want people to be like “that’s so random and cool” when I tell them how I’ve lived. My greatest fear is having a boring life. Kids and mortgage are not on my to do list for quite a while :P
he people of Sydney have spoken – it’s time to bring back the wave! I don’t know about you but when that car cuts in front of me, a rush of anger and rage seems to momentarily sweep through my body. That is, until I see a wave.
I am one of those people who takes the fast lane and then wants to cut in right at the front (stop judging me! I know some of you do it too!) So, I have personally adopted the wave as to say “Thanks for letting me in even though you know I cut in” and so far so good. So having been on been on both sides of the wave, I can proudly and confidently say that it is a valuable and important part of our Aussie culture that we should continue on our roads. Patti Bergan says “...it’s something that is often forgotten.. it would be a tragic loss to lose the wave because sometimes it’s the only interaction with people I get… occasionally I see a smile in the review mirror which just makes my day... something so simple can make a change” The Christian radio station Hope 103.2 has been encouraging the people of Sydney this year to bring the wave back to our roads. The response was an overwhelming affirmation that this is what our community are prepared to get behind. To merging and not waving, Sydney says no! So Sydney – are you with us? Let’s #bringbackthewave
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theway.wahroonga@gmail.com And you could be featured in the next issue of YOUth magazine! Submissions for the next issue close August 31. Accepting all opinions, advice, funny rants, questions, and constructive criticism We’d look forward to hearing your opinions!
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GET TO KNOW ZOE WESLAKE Occupation I am a secretary for a Log Cabin company. If you could sum up yourself in exactly 5 words, what would they be? I love a good laugh! Are there any hobbies you are particularly passionate about? Food, and learning about its nutrients, and jigsaw puzzles. Who is your alter-ego? My Alter Ego would probably be Jennifer Aniston off 'Just Go With It' because of my innocence and plainness :P Favourite book of the Bible? Romans. Favourite Bible verse? Genesis 28:15 “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Living life- working as a secretary, studying nutrition
DANIEL AKWARI
ROBBIE FATT
Occupation Medical Student at UWS If you could sum up yourself in exactly 5 words, what would they be? Passionate, Hard Working, Inquisitive, Enlightened, Happy Are there any hobbies you are particularly passionate about? I have a profound love of football, supporting both the Western Sydney Wanderers and Manchester United. I am also a very keen traveller, and enjoy being immersed in culture and history around the globe. However my favourite hobby is cruising around Sydney windows down, music up. Which celebrity mistaken for? Mr. Bean
do
you
get
Who is your alter-ego? Batman Favourite book of the Bible? James. Favourite Bible verse? Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? I see myself having graduated, working in a hospital and training to become either a Cardiologist or Psychiatrist (more study!). I also plan to continue being involved in research, travelling the world and loving life. But if Gotham calls, you’ll know where to find me.
Occupation I film and edit videos for the Adventist M24 Media company, and make short films on the side. Check out my YouTube channel! If you could sum up yourself in exactly 5 words, what would they be? Deep and emotional, solemn, movies, music, friends. Are there any hobbies you are particularly passionate about? My hobbies include listening to music, watching and making films and sport (mainly soccer and tennis). Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? Joshua Gordon Levitt Who is your alter-ego?? The guy from Boyhood 'cause he's all melancholy and stuff. Favourite book of the Bible? All four gospel books. Everything Jesus says is so OP. I'm constantly amazed by the fact that everything he says is so wise! Favourite Bible verse? Romans 8:38-39 "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? I see myself finishing my 3rd movie and probably married, living in LA, because that's where all the movies are made.
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PRACTICALITIES HOW TO:
DE-CLUTTER Often we
COOL APPS:
Prayer is an amazing blessing and privilege, but don’t realise how much junk sometimes it can be accumulates around us, but getting rid of it difficult. Have you ever told cleanses the mind. Vinnies is a beautiful someone you’d pray for thing, ladies and gentlemen. (…just don’t them, but then forgotten buy more than you donate) Handy Hint: If entirely? If you have (I you have a nostalgic connection with an item, know I have), PrayerMate take a photo of it before donating! is the app for you, and it’s free! Basically, it works by organizing and categorising One way that our lives become complicated your prayer requests and reminders on index is simply by being ‘agreeable’ and taking on cards so that you can keep track of them and more than we can handle. The Bible is wise actively measure God working in your life. It will when it says that our ‘yes be yes and no be even tell you the items to pray for each day. I no’. Being a doormat never helped anyone don’t know about you, but this sounds life(except maybe the kitchen floor), so don’t let changing! yourself be tread on! Stand up and say no!
LEARN TO SAY ‘NO’
CTRL + Z YOUR LIFE Ever thought of taking a Facebook cleanse? Sometimes it’s necessary to delete the people we don’t know so well, or the negative influences from our lives. Also, why not take five minutes to clear out the inbox, desktop and that random file labelled ‘Harry Styles’ Great Hair’ *ahem* I mean… what?
SPEND ALONE TIME Alone time is the best medicine. Sometimes life goes so fast that we forget who we are and what we really want. So, take a notebook and pen and write out a five-yearly plan, start a prayer journal, or take a walk down the road, leaving the phone at home. As Mufasa says ‘Remember who you are…’
Psalm 27:4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
We have an amazing vision for the youth of Wahroonga Church, but in order for this to become a reality, we need your help! By the grace of God, we want to reach out to greater Sydney and show the love of Jesus to as many people as we can ! Your donation could help fund this magazine, youth socials, events and outreach programs!
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Josh is currently listening to: Bethel Music - Tides (Live)
PASSIONATE PRODIGIES josh hacko 1 Peter 4:10-11 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
WORSHIP AND YOU
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comprehensive guide or 'worship coordinators hate him! Connect with God with one simple trick!', but rather get ready for a stream of consciousness and/or ramble.
orship and you. A beginners guide.
There is no formula, there is no concrete answer, there are no set of rules that govern a perfect worship services to make your mind ready for worship. All I can say with confidence is that it is up to YOU to draw what you will from worship. It doesn't matter if there are no drums, or that the pianist is playing too quickly or that the guitarist just learnt the song the night before, all that matters is you. I am no expert, and one of my biggest fears is people Your surrender, your release, your connection with God. thinking that I am. I know it's fairly weak to start an opinion What you draw from the service is the bottom line. piece with a disclaimer yet the crippling anxiety of saying something and thereafter being held accountable, forces Now of course, your ability to completely connect to the me to write one down. In fact if anyone knows an expert, service is determined by the style, songs and instrumentation- personally I find it difficult to have a please tell me- point me in their direction. spiritual connection with antiquated hymns, but that doesn't mean I can't experience worship during such a service. Worship style, song choice and instrument selection have Yes I have slept through such services (notice the plural) taken the spotlight in recent times in dictating how worship , but I have also had some of the fondest memories of my is run. And that is completely understandable. These spiritual life during those hymn based services. The things need to be controlled very carefully and with specific common dominator still isn't the style or the song choice intent. Deliberate, intentional an purposeful curation of or the instrumentation, it's me. My frame of mind. style, song choice and instrumentation is healthy, it's constructive. Yet on the flipside, deliberate, intentional but purposeless curation is destructive. The reasoning behind So the disagreement within the church regarding how we should worship is excellent; it shows that we are human, the selection is crucial. that we have preferences and that we gravitate to what we are comfortable with. Further than that it nicely illustrates In saying that, curation is only a part of the whole. And in my point of individuality. Worship is subjective and my opinion, a very small part of the whole. One of the personal- and it should stay like that because once we largest factors determining how well I connect during force one particular style or set of songs or instruments worship is where my mind is. The most accessible style we limit our ability to truly create an inward focussed with the best songs and the most appropriate experience of worship. instrumentation can still be rendered to nothingness if I'm not ready to worship. I'll be the first to admit that I've slept through song services, or simply muttered the words of an As one of my favourite songs lyricises aptly: "(Consume old hymn. My attention lapses quicker than usual in the me) from the inside out". Worship starts from the inside pews and faster still if my mind is not in a place of worship. out, external influences exist, but your frame of mind, your willingness to surrender everything and praise Christ is the start and end of successfully worshiping. I think... So, worship and you. How to. A beginners guide. Worship 101. Whatever you want to call it. Don't expect a To be continued... Writing on one of the most controversial and hotly contested aspects in Christianity is tough, no matter what you say you will have people agreeing and disagreeing with you. It's daunting. Yet in this apparent disagreement lies the biggest blessing of worship.
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PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT What does
WORSHIP mean to you?
We're forever told to 'read our Bible and pray everyday'. Goodness me, there's even a song about it! While this seems like such a simple feat, lets be honest, sometimes it can be harder than you think to find the time, motivation and inspiration to do this. So, we've dedicated this section to practical actions that can help improve your spiritual life!
YE SEUL CHOI Worship is the full embodiment of Christ. It is a spiritual ritual that connects me and Jesus in a personal way that cannot be explained. Worship is a transforming process that is constantly changing.
BRYAN MARTINEZ Worship for me, means putting God first in my life. I do this by spending time with Him in prayer, reading his word and then reflecting on how can apply it to my own life and struggles that I may be facing.
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positive affirmations
Positive self-talk has been linked with increased job performance, better stress management, relationship satisfaction and overall levels of happiness*. It's so easy to get bogged down in worldly expectations. Trust me, I know. But first and foremost, you are a child of God, so loved by the Creator of the universe that He died for you. So take a look in the mirror and tell yourself how fabulous and worthy you are, because lets face it, Marie Antoinette had a point when she said 'let them eat cake!' Life's too short not to, my friends!
messyges
ROSEANNA FAIRFAX Worship to me, is defined in two ways. 1) ‘wor’ (or wow) which is how it makes me feel, and 2) ‘ship’, because I know that through worshipping Jesus, He will keep me above the deep waters.
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Ladies, why not whip out a lipstick or liquid chalk and write some positive affirmations and favourite Bible verses on the mirror? Alternatively, print them out and stick them up. Guys, feel free to do this as well. Who knows, maybe you'll become more in touch with your feminine side! Trust me, the ladies will dig it - it's a win-win ;).
2 remember 1 peter 3:3
Remember, looks aren't everything. In fact, they aren't anything in Gods eyes! And while we're not suggesting to walk out the door wearing nothing but a pair of socks, remember 1 Peter 3:3 says, 'Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewellery or fine clothes. Here's a social experiment: put a towel over your mirror for a day or two. Who knows what could happen!
* For all you academics out there, here's the APA reference: J. David Creswell, Janine M. Dutcher, William M. P. Klein, Peter R. Harris, John M.Levine. Self-Affirmation Improves Problem-Solving under Stress (link is external). PLoS ONE, 2013; 8 (5): e62593 Jaremka, L.M.. Reducing defensive distancing: Self-affirmation and risk regulation inresponse to relationship threats (link is external). Journal of ExperimentalSocial Psychology.
SSS: Luke SABBATH SCHOOL SUMMARY This quarter’s lesson has been particularly intriguing, presenting many insights into the life and parables of Jesus. It started in Luke Chapter 1 by contrasting Zacharias and Mary’s reactions to the angels which appeared to them. Whereas Mary was calm and accepting in the presence of the angel, Zacharias lacked faith and was troubled, and this interesting contrast teaches us to have faith that God will do, and has the power to do what he says. It also presented the topic of seeking God, found in chapter 19 verse 10, “For the Son of man has come to seek and save that which was lost.” What is so amazing about this is that Christ seeks us, not the other way around. How humbling that the creator of heaven and earth actively seeks us! He does all the work!
Na
This was exemplified in chapter 15 with the parable of the lost sheep, where it was highlighted that sheep are, well, really, really, rehehally stupid. If they are lost, they don’t know it, and they have perhaps the worst sense of direction of all animals. Likewise, when we are lost, we don’t even know it, so Christ has to carry
a Ngal us home. h s and taWhat I e
found amazing was how Jesus has authority over everything, especially when He calmed the storm. I loved it when Jesus told the story about the shepherd who lost his sheep, and then left the others to find it and take it home with him. My favourite part, though, is the Bible texts because they're full of hope.
Scott Fatt || The Beatitudes
BIBLE STUDY
Imagine you are Jesus and you are about to start your ministry. What is the first thing you decide to teach? What will be your first sermon? The well known Beatitudes found in Matthew 5 are often quoted - I’m sure you have seen cross stitch versions of them hung up around your grandmother’s bathroom. But looking at this vital sermon as more than just a vague guide on how to be a better person, this study will attempt to take you through the passage as an entirety, and suggest why Jesus decided to begin his ministry in such a way. Read Matt 5:3, and Psalm 51:17 - Jesus’ mission was to seek and save the lost, so it makes sense his first sermon emphasised that point. And salvation always begins with one thing. Read Matt 5:4 and Jonah 3:5-10 - What psychological frame are you in when you mourn and why is this important? Read Matt 5:5, and Exodus 3:11, Numbers 12:3 - Do you think being meek is something to strive for or is it a natural product of our mourning? Why was Moses considered so humble? Read Matt 5:6, and John 4:10-15 - Recognising the emptiness the world has left you with, you can fill yourself with something eternal. What broken things do you cling to to try? Read Matt 5:7, and Genesis 45:4-8 - Forgiveness is possibly the most non-human concept. How can you develop a stronger sense of mercy in your own life? Read Matt 5:8, and Job 13:15, 31:1-8 - What does “pure” mean in light of what we have explored so far? Perhaps it is a sincere desire to do what is right. Read Matt 5:9, and Esther 4:12-16 - What does this highlight about the importance of action? Working may not get you to heaven, but it could influence another person’s salvation. Read Matt 5:10-12, and 2 Corinthians 11:23-31 - So you have made it through that emotional roller-coaster and you get your reward: persecution, insults, and evil. Looking on the bright side is a nice trick in pop-psychology but here we see a reason for it. When you surrender your life to God, the Devil is terrified of you. And that’s why you can smile in the face of his adversity. Taking a holistic view of this beautiful sermon you may now realise that what Jesus chose to teach for his first sermon was not just instructions on how to be a better person. No, it was an illustration of the sinner, repenting and finding salvation. You may also begin to worry that some of those things you struggle with - mercy, a pure heart, persecution. However, this is the most amazing part: it isn’t a hierarchical guide to forgiveness, but the depiction of a journey. After all, read verse 3 and 10 again. Whether you are just beginning to see your need for Christ, or wholly suffering for his sake, YOURS is the kingdom of heaven.
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WAYS TO WITNESS
STARVING STUDENTS
Miriam Milivojevic
s a young kid, I used to pray asking God to make me an example to others, but I never really knew what I was asking. I thought being a sinner there was no way that people could see Christ through me. It wasn’t until an atheist friend of mine decided to question me about my beliefs that I realized God can use anyone to be an example to others.
A
Reflecting on that conversation with my friend, I often wonder how is it that an atheist would choose to talk to me about religion? Elizabeth George in her devotional book titled ‘A Young Woman’s Walk With God’, talks about the importance of kindness in our everyday lives and how it is a useful tool for witnessing and bringing others to Christ.
Minestrone Soup
She writes that kindness like all the other fruit of the Spirit As many of you pointed out, last issues' Nutella cake had desires godly action and, therefore, looks for many 'issues' (oh punny pun). Apparently, eggs and Nutella opportunities to do something. Kindness actively asks, aren't enough ingredients for a cake? Pfft! ;) Well, we've heard “Who needs love? How can I ease someone’s burden? your concerns, and to appease your cries, we've decided to How can I touch another person?” semi-uphold the Adventist health message and give you a
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*If you feel this is too healthy-an-option for you, feel free to ditch the beans. Who needs protein anyway?
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Lack of Interest
OPINION POLL “What is the biggest challenge to your faith?” Family and Friends
It just shows us how simple it can be, that there is no need to quote passages and passages of endless Bible verses, or be a Bible scholar. All it takes is a kind word, a selfless deed and a cheerful heart. Next time you see someone sitting alone, go up to them and ask them how their day is going, send someone a kind message on Facebook or text. Even though it might not be much to you, it means a lot more to someone else.
Time: 10 mins Serves: 4 Cost: $2 ea.
Method Bring the stock to the boil with the tomatoes, then add the pasta and cook for 6 mins or until done. A few minutes before the pasta is ready, add the vegetables and bean mix and bring back to the boil. Simmer for 2 mins until everything is cooked. Serve in bowls (if you want) and sprinkle with cheese.
Church Culture
I don’t really know what has been going through the mind of my atheist friend since that conversation. I don’t know if what I said impressed him to search for more answers or if he thought that my views were completely ridiculous. However I know that God has planted a seed in his heart and I have been a witness to him, demonstrating Christ through kindness.
Ingredients 1L vegetable stock 400g tin chopped tomatoes 100g thin spaghetti/pasta of choice 350g frozen mixed vegetables 1 can 4 bean mix (drained)* Grated cheese, to serve
Intellectual Doubts
Thinking back to my friend, I realized that it was my actions and my attitudes that impacted him to talk to me about religion. The time I gave him money for lunch, the time I praised his achievements in school and the time I was there when he was going through some hardships. “By diligent activity, lives might become as bright rays of sunshine to guide those who are in the dark road into the pathway to heaven. (Review and Herald, Oct. 25, 1881.)
(relatively) healthy Minestrone soup recipe! If you hate food preparation, and are deluded enough to think that a handful of frozen vegetables constitutes a sufficient dose of daily vitamins, then this is the recipe for you! Enjoy it hot or cold (depending on whether you're bothered to re-heat), from a plastic bowl (because who are we kidding, we 'ain't washing up), or straight from the saucepan. It's a students' dream!
Busyness
In the Bible, we see many characters that used kindness as a form of witnessing, illuminating the love of Christ through kindness. I’m reminded of the boy with the 5 loaves and 2 fishes, which was used to feed the crowd of 5,000 people (John 6:1-14) and Dorcas who is known by her charitable acts and unselfish heart (Acts 9:36). Through their everyday interactions, they were a living example of Christ and his love to those around them. Even Ellen White writes “The most successful toilers are those who will cheerfully work to serve God in small things” (Review and Herald, May. 9, 1899.)
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TELL ME A’MORE .
Dear Welcome-to-the-friend-zonewe-hope-you-enjoy-your-flight,
Dear Aunt Agatha, I really like this boy in my church youth group. He smiles at me and is really friendly but he always calls me ‘bro’. I have concluded that it could be one of two things: either he only sees me as a friend and is dropping hints or he thinks that I look like a boy! I need to know what he’s actually thinking, can you help me?
Normally I’m Agatha, but now let me be Frank, we can’t keep skirting around the topic any longer! We need to address this right now. What clothes are you wearing? I’m not saying you need to be wearing a ball gown and a tiara every time you see each other, but often a good indicator that you are actually a girl is to wear a skirt. Unless you live in Scotland of course, but we have to be careful what we say about their male skirts, I heard they kilt the last person to call it that! And how are you wearing your hair? You may like the idea of short hair or think it’s cute but there might be a reason it’s called a ‘Bob’ cut. Leave Bob cuts to male construction workers and get yourself a curling wand and give yourself a new spring in your step. (Disclaimer: while it is called a wand, it will not magically fix all your problems: if you are ugly now, that will stay the same). It’s probably more likely however, that he is trying to walk you slowly back to the friend zone that you came from. Far from saying it to your face, which I assume would hurt your feelings; he is leaving a trail a ‘bro’-crumbs to lead you the realization that he is actually saying: “I just want to be friends/I don’t want to ruin our friendship”. So as far as I see it, you have a few options: 1. You make him realise you are actually a girl, 2. You accept your free ticket back to the friend zone and enjoy the flight or 3. You risk and persist, which can either end in you taking the flight back to the friend zone with turbulence or on the off chance that it does work out, you have beaten the odds (but I discourage gambling because we are Adventists). Yours Truly,
Aunt Agatha
WORDS OF WISDOM Rob Pertzel
WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS
W
e often think we are in full control of everything we do in our life. Our looks, our career and our relationships. But what happens when it all goes pear shape and we are no longer in control? Control is an illusion and something we never are really in.
You could look at all these reasons above and think that there is no hope and no way to ever succeed in life. Life knocks you around, and in reality, we don’t get out of life alive. So when it “hits the fan” what do we do?
We can get angry, upset and cry with pain and frustration at the situation. We can blame God for the situation we are in and that He hasn’t fixed it for us. But God isn’t a Genie in a bottle. He wants you to tell Him what’s going on and from personal experience, He wants to hear it Age affects our looks, not to mention the sun, wind and warts and all. current fashion trends. Our careers can change based on education, the stock market and company So when all else fails remember the following passage performance, also people have how they treat you and “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of how you treat them. As for our relationships well that is Heaven” Matthew 5:3, and tell God your burdens. You entire article in itself. But from a male’s perspective, I may may not get the immediate answer we want but He is think I am in control until my wife tells me otherwise. listening.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
JUN
Are you a strong, burly male who loves to cook, or a lovely lady with culinary talents and a passion for lifting things? Great! We want YOU! In all seriousness, if you’d be interested in being on the set up / pack up team, helping out in the Cafe, or in any other capacity for the Upper Room, we’d love to hear from you! Call Josh 0435 079 224.
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TOMORROW!
Youth Rally is TOMORROW! See you there!
EV ER Y FIR ST SA B B A TH O F TH E M O N TH C ontact N icole Fatt:0416 442 093 Come and serve the Redfern community by preparing food and worshipping with them! It is an amazing experience not to be missed. Contact Nicole Fatt if you'd like to help out!
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LIFE
“Why should we trust the Bible?” SAN CONFERENCE ROOM LEVEL 2
A new program presenting the BIG QUESTIONS of Christianity. The perfect place to invite anyone you know who may have intellectual doubts. More information soon!
Youth
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Come join the discussion every Friday Night, 7:30pm downstairs!