October 2017

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WHAT IS ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN? All Saints is a friendly,

lively Anglican church in the beautiful surroundings of Nelson Bay. A Place To Belong and grow! Going somewhere new is never the easiest thing to do, so we hope our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ALL.SAINTS.NB helps you learn more about us, and makes that first visit easier. When you're ready, we have a Family Service every Sunday at 10.00am where we'd love to say 'G'day' in person. Our 10.00am Service is designed to be the most inspirational 60 minutes of your week where you’ll encounter vibrant and encouraging worship; receive faith-building, inspirational, relevant and Bible-based messages week after week to help you to live a life of purpose, faith and impact. If you enjoy a more traditional Anglican service then the 8.00am service may be more for you. I'm sure that at one of our services you'll find a home that suits. Our hope is that whoever you are, whatever you’ve been through, whatever you thought of Church, All Saints can be a place you call “family”, as you discover God’s purpose for your life and grow in faith. There’s more to your life than you ever thought - God has a wonderful plan for your life, and a place for you in His family... come and discover it with us! And remember, if you’ve got any questions, just get in touch.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU COME TO CHURCH: A relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Songs and hymns that are easy to join in with.

Down to earth teaching from the bible.

Fun and safe groups for kids, toddlers, and babies.

Small groups to make new friends.

Opportunities to get involved in helping others.

We’re a big church, but you don’t have to be just a face in the crowd. Find your place in one of our many ministries.

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W elcome to the October edition of the Connections Magazine. Inside this month’s issue

we’ve got all the latest news on what’s going on and coming up at All Saints Anglican in Nelson Bay and in our Anna Bay Mission Church. This month we have launched our brand NEW WEBSITE www.allsaintsnelsonbay.org. So why not check it out! No need to miss any event anymore - you can simply look in the events section on our website and get all the latest details of all that’s going on in our church. In this month’s issue you’ll also find the articles and photographs on recent events like the ‘Bush Dance’ and the upcoming Talents Day. If you’re a ‘FACEBOOK’ user why not link up with our FACEBOOK page and get all the latest information on upcoming events and browse through the many photographs of recent and past events - you might even see a photograph of yourself! Come and join us at All Saints Anglican and experience for yourself what over 250 people have already discovered - a church with a great welcome - filled with God’s spirit, love, joy and peace. All Saints Anglican - One Church - One Community!

Happy reading!

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Visiting the Police Station in Nelson Bay (I was visiting I wasn’t arrested just in case you were wondering???) reminded me of my childhood dream to be a policeman. My Dad had a friend who was a policeman and he would regularly come round to the house for lunch when he was on duty and us children would look at him with his cool uniform and his ‘Bobby’s Hat’ and think, “Wow, I’m gonna be a policeman when I grow up!” As children we would play cops and robbers (did you play that when you were a child?) pretending we were on the cast of

the 70’s hit series ‘The Sweeney’. We would use our hands as pretend guns, hide under beds, jump out of cupboards, hide behind the curtains and pretend to shoot it out with the ‘baddies’ (who were my older brothers). I never gave up my dream of wanting to be a Policeman and when I turned 16, I went to the recruitment office in my home town to register. I passed all the written tests and physical tests but there was one problem??? Back then you had to be a minimum height of 5 foot 6 inches to join the Police Force (I was only 5 foot 5 inches). The Officer in charge told me, “How I was well, fit and able, but I probably needed to wait a few weeks or so to reach the required minimum height.” Well, every day after that, I would measure myself against the wall. The weeks turned into months and the months turned into years – in fact I never did grow that extra inch. Even today I’m still only 5 foot 5 inches!!!

Do You Remember What You Wanted to BE When You Were Young?

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Kesh x

The Bible talks about how God made us just the way we are. We may not be the height we want to be or look the way we want to look or have the skills we would love to have but God made us just the way we ought to be. The Psalmist writes in Psalm 139:14, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” And the Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10, “You are God’s Masterpiece.” When I look at my life, I don’t necessarily see rhythm, orderliness, or beauty. And I can guarantee

that I don’t see perfection. When we see ourselves, we tend to see our flaws. We see so many things that need to change. But God says, “You are my

work of art. You are my poem. You are my masterpiece.” Well, I must grow - ‘Grow?!?’ I meant – ‘Go!’ I’m 5 foot 5 inches and 2 parts of an inch only 14 more parts to go… maybe next year I’ll get there?!?!?

With love and blessings to you all,

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HELLO! All Saints Travellers! Fasten your seat belts we are off again… Our trip in October is to the beautiful region of Gloucester. We will wind our way up the highway, turn off towards Limeburners Creek and make our way to Stroud where we wil stop for Morning Tea. There are a number of cafés and a lovely little community shop with a few antiques.Then back on and off to the other side of Gloucester - Copeland. We will be visiting and taking a tour of an old Goldmine. This is run by the National Parks and takes about two hours. This does not mean we will be walking for two hours - so don’t panic! After the tour we will make our way to the beautiful Hillview Farm where there is a nursery and a herb farm. We will have lunch here which is a gourmet BBQ with tea or coffee (they can cater for gluten free so don’t worry). I imagine we will be home by 4.30pm. The cost for this great day out will be $60.00 which includes everything but your Morning Tea! We had a great time on our last trip, lots of fun, singing, talking and getting to know each other.

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If you would like to come and need some financial assistance please let me know so we can help. These trips are not for fundraising but purely for fun, leisure, enjoyment and fellowship. The trip is not just for church members - invite your friends as we

are taking a big bus! There is a sign up sheet in the foyer of the church or you can email the Parish Office at office@allsaintsnelsonbay.org or call in anytime the Parish Office is open. We look forward to seeing you!

Best Wishes, Lissy

Walk around some historic buildings, get

up close and personal with old machinery such as a battery stamper, whirly-gig gold separator, air compressor and gold carts. Imagine what it was like for them working out here in this remote location.

Hillview Herb Farm overlooks the Majestic

Bucket Mountains on the left and the Mograni Range on the right. Why not sit on our spacious veranda or in our screened garden rotunda and enjoy a delicious morning tea or light lunch, using fresh herbs and produce, sourced from Hillview's gardens and the local Gloucester and Barrington region.

Coach will leave about 8.30am and will return about 4.30pm.

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I have a book called Worship Leaders – We Are Not Rock Stars, by Stephen Miller. I thought it was an interesting title, and it set me wondering if I needed to check my motives for being part of a Christian Music Group. As a start I pondered on an experience I had some time ago in a previous parish where I had played at a Christian conference with some long-time Christian musician friends. All of them were far better players than me, but in some of the early songs during the evening session I felt my confidence increase, and I started to play free of the usual restraints that often limit the music. There was a crowd of about 300 people present, and the excitement was pretty intense as the music ebbed and flowed. People were on their feet, some dancing; arms were waving, and some people were calling out the name of Jesus. During a break, while we some coffee and a chat, someone I knew, who had seen me play many times before, came to speak to me. Feeling pretty excited I said ‘I’ve never played like that before, I really think the

Holy Spirit was leading me tonight’. His reply stunned me. ‘No’, he said, you were just showing off!’ What to say to that? The conversation just tailed off into space. So, I had a important issue to get clear in my mind… had I experienced the Holy Spirit’s presence,

(Praise and Rock ‘n’ Roll)(Praise and Rock ‘n’ Roll)

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guiding me to help bring people to Jesus, or was it just me trying to be a rock star? Was I using the stage for my own ego trip, or for God’s glory? Or, perhaps a mix of both? Most musicians have a pretty good idea about their ability, and I knew the music at that conference had been inspirational, and in addition I knew that I had literally played with my eyes closed for a number of the songs. Not something I normally do, as I usually need the music or chord charts to keep me in the right place. I also knew that it was not just the music that was inspired, but the whole conference was a transforming experience for many people there. Checking our motives for doing things can sometimes be quite interesting, but for me the mission to bring people to Jesus can’t be confused with trying to be a rock star. It’s much more about using the gifts that we are given to show our love for God. And, by the way, I have no problem of course in having fun at the same time. What do you think about this issue of checking motives, and using our talents? I’ve included one instance of the evidence I had to think through, and perhaps you have had similar times of wondering? Our band members at the 10.00am service give up their time, and provide their talent and their musical equipment. Like the organists at the earlier service they have years of experience and spend time improving their skills to provide the music for the services. All of us, musicians, singers, organists and congregation members, whether at the traditional or contemporary services, surely do this to help bring God’s

Kingdom to our church. For me, the title of the book makes perfect sense. Definitely - Not a rock star – it’s much more important than that – being a very small cog in the great work of mission at All Saints Nelson Bay is more than enough.

Chris Plumb

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CHALLENGE Well, here I am again talking about money…..well not really just money but Talents. A talent was an ancient unit of value in biblical times and was also what we would understand as being a coin. The parable of the Talents. Is the story about how three individuals were given talents(money) to invest or grow. At our church , we are in the 6th year of the Talents challenge, and for the first time, we are incorporating a kind of Talent quest. It is a opportunity for you to shine…sing, dance , perform poetry, create magic. This part of the day is called ‘Time to Shine’. We have invited local schools with the hope that they will bring along some of their clever kids to perform. We have had an amazing response to people taking up tha challenge this year. 40 bags of Talents, which is 40 lots of$20 have been taken by people to grow. Some are still a bit confused about what it means it very simply use your talents and gifts to turn $20 into $30 or $40 !!! Some clever folk might make some jam. They sell that jam at a profit. They then use that money and make more jam. They may stop then or continue to make more. Others will buy stock to. Are cards or bookmarks. Why not host a movie night….use $20 to hire a movie bug some snacks and charge your guests $2 a head. Have amino raffle, grow some plants or propagate cuttings. Offer your services to cleans car or two. We all have gifts and skills . If you are not sure what your gift is ask someone!!!The Talents Challenge is not meant to be a burden . It is a chance for our church to have a celebratory market day, enjoy the music and share a spirit of fun. It is not too late to join in and collect some Talents. Kids are welcome of course to join in. Look forward to seeing the wonderful creations you will bring for us all.

Best wishes Lissy , Chris, Christine, Sarah, and Terri.

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Want to Learn More?

Why not join a HOMEGROUP?

Home groups are a key part of our Church life and an excellent way to meet other people and grow together spiritually. It’s hard to be a Christian on your own. It’s great to be part of the whole church community, but we also need a place where we share the real issues of life and faith in a safe and supportive environment – and our home groups are a great place to do that! They are places of discipleship, fellowship, prayer, care, teaching, fun and a place to invite friends to find out more! If you’re interested in joining a group, give us a call at the Parish Office and we’ll be delighted to help you to connect with one of our many home groups.

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A Theological Word: ‘SPIRIT’

Dr Ed Parker.

The word “Spirit” and the expression “Holy Spirit” are important Biblical terms. About 100 times in the Old Testament and 200 times in the New Testament we find such usage, hence some 300 times in the Bible reference is made to the Spirit. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word is ruach, a word that occurs about 400 times. The New Testament Greek word is pneuma, and it too is used almost 400 times. Approximately a quarter of the Hebrew usage of ruach in Old Testament refers to the spirit / Spirit of God, and in the New Testament up to one half of the Greek uses of the word pneuma makes such reference. All words have a range of meanings, and it is useful for our understanding to see how the words are used in contexts that do not deal with the Spirit / Holy Spirit. If one looks at a biblical Hebrew dictionary the word ruach is rendered in different contexts: air in motion, blowing, wind, mind, and breath. A biblical Greek dictionary translates pneuma as: breath, and wind. This background gives us some clue as to what is meant. All humans are keenly aware of the vital necessity of breath. Without breath there is no human life. Just as breath is necessary for physical life, so the Holy Spirit is necessary for spiritual life. Human experience tells us how life-giving breath is. Stop breathing and life ceases. The story of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37:1-14 uses this life-giving quality of breath to encourage the dispirited people of Israel. The dry bones come back into form and take on new life with breath. From this type of language insight

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it is then possible to develop a theology of the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Here are some significant texts concerning the Holy Spirit:

Acts 2:1 – 4 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

John 16:13 – 14 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Psalm 51:11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 11 Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.

In the Christian life we can have a deep and abiding relationship with God (Father, Son and Spirit): We come ‘In the Spirit’, ‘Through the Son’, ‘To the Father’. This is the story of Christian life. A balanced approach is necessary, without distorting what it means to be in the Spirit.

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Caring for those in Aged Care Facilities

If you have time on your hands, why not join us? We always need volunteers to help with visiting residents and helping them to participate in the services. We especially need people who love to sing, this is your opportunity to re-visit the favourite old hymns!

Harbourside Haven Nursing Home: Thursday 7th September 11am

Salamander Uniting Care: Friday 8th September 10am Muller Street

Regis Port Stephens: Friday 15th September 11am

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At All Saints we are committed to caring for the whole person; their spiritual, emotional and physical needs. A dedicated team of clergy head up our Pastoral Care Ministry who prayerfully seek ways to see everyone at All Saints genuinely loved, cared for and supported. Confidentiality is assured, along with a listening ear, respect, love and patience.

CARE BY PRAYING. For encouragement, comfort or direction, the

Pastoral Care team offer a confidential ear and prayer support. Where professional counselling is required, the team are able to refer you to suitable organisations for specialised care.

CARE IN TIMES OF NEED. There are times in life when a few

prepared meals or other forms of practical help can be great blessing. Help and support is available for those who have been sick, in hospital, had a baby or are in need of additional assistance for a range of reasons.

CARE BY GOING. Wonderful teams of volunteers visit patients in the

Nursing and Residential Homes in the Parish and often in the hospitals in Newcastle providing encouragement and support to the sick and aged in our community. Each visit is a wonderful time to share in their lives; to take time to pray for them. There have been many opportunities to share the Gospel message; many stories of friends or relatives of the sick being touched through the ministry and many nurses and staff who have also been comforted or assisted through this ministry.

CARE BY BEING INVOLVED. If you believe you are gifted in pastoral

care, why not consider joining us in prayer, hospital or nursing/residential home visitation.

For more information, contact Kesh at the church office during business hours or email kesh@allsaintsnelsonbay.com.au

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Missions Secretary: Yvonne Duffy

Throughout the year the church receives information from many mission organisations. Each of these offers hope and support to many throughout the world. All Saints as a church group, support three missions, with the money being channelled through the Diocese. These missions are.....Church Missionary Society, Bush Church Aid and Anglican Board of Mission. The information received on other missions is placed in the brochure stand in the foyer of the church. It is there to be read and taken home to read again if you so wish.

BUSH CHURCH AID - B.C.A. boxes have been counted throughout September. Thank you to those who have brought them in. The money is sent to the Diocese as one amount so please bring these boxes in before the end of the month. Next Sunday will be the last Sunday for this counting.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY - CMS presents a Summer School in Katoomba each year. In 2018 this activity will be held from 6th to 12th of January. One can book for a day or for a week. Accommodation is on site. Families are catered for and are very welcome. There is child minding available if required. The application forms for this event are in the church foyer. If you would like more information, these are the contacts.....wwwnswsummerschool.org.au, nswsummerschool@cms.org.au, (02)92846736. Liz Burns, the CMS Missionary supported by All Saints, will be on sabbatical throughout summer and will be a speaker at the Summer School. On the "well"7 at the back of the church you will see a photo of Liz Burns. The "well" is happy to receive donations for Liz. Being in

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Australia for her three months sabbatical stretches her finances so as a church we are hoping to add a little extra to pass on to her .

MISSION TO SEAFARERS - Thank you to all who have been knitting beanies. Recently I delivered 40 beanies to the mission, along with 70 magazines. Both items were greatly appreciated. As summer approaches knitting will slow down, however please let me know if you would like more wool or a pattern. If you have finished beanies you can bring them to me at the church at any time. All Saints Anglican is committed to making a difference in the world around us and about us. Our desire is to glorify God beyond our cultural and geographical boundaries. We do this by actively being involved in Mission. As well as regularly giving towards worldwide and national missions, All Saints Anglican is actively involved with mission projects overseas and in outback Australia and is also engaged in our local area where there are also great needs

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All Saints Family Album

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All Saints Family Album

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Are you 12-18? Enjoying Having fun?

Why not join us at our next meeting??? Saturday 14th September

NEW TIME: 3.00pm - 5.00pm! FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Neil & Kylie - 0400 843 881

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FRIDAY 13th OCTOBER

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN NELSON BAY

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AT ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! At any and every stage of life there is a place to connect in community with one another and grow together in faith. Whether you’re new or have been attending our services for years, we challenge you to get involved and be blessed in doing life together. Call us on: 4981 1839 and get connected!

Playtime is a playgroup for children aged 0-5 years and their parents or carers. It’s a place for you and your child to have fun and play! It’s also a chance to get out of the house, relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat with other parents and carers. Frog Kids Club is the Sunday Bible teaching program for kids at All Saints. With a heart for creatively reaching children of all ages, teachers present the Bible as truth and personally applicable for today. Lots of interaction and fun make for a great first “Sunday school” experience for little ones.

Aftershock Youth leads students to understand Biblical theology, to approach life from a Biblical vs. secular worldview, and to discover “Who I Am in Christ.” As students prepare to move into the world of college and work, teachers encourage them to seek God personally.

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Girls Night In is part of our women’s ministries which helps ladies connect with other ladies who share similar interests, desires, struggles, and values so that they can help one another grow spiritually and become the women God created them to be.

Home groups are a key part of our Church life and an excellent way to meet other people and grow together spiritually. The Girls Night In Bible Study is specially designed for women to discuss everyday life by looking at a biblical perspective. The Women’s Bible Study meets on alternate Wednesdays in church.

MU Australia is part of a world-wide network of people passionate about the empowerment of women and the wellbeing of families. Over 4,000,000 members in 81 countries provide spiritual and physical support to powerless, uneducated, and oppressed women and families.

At All Saints we realise that men need their own environment to grow. So throughout the year we hold special events just for men: Men & Motors, Blokes & Bikes, Men & Meat, etc. Look our for details in the weekly newssheet.

Men are often brought together by grills, televisions and sports. And guys certainly do bond while watching sports. But typically that bond only reaches far. The Men's Bible Study offers a different kind of arena where men can talk about things that really matter to them.

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Breakout Kids Club is for primary school children and meets at our Mission Church in Anna Bay on Wednesday afternoons at 3.00pm. Great games, great craft and a great afternoon tea!

Want to make new friends? Why not drop in to our informal coffee morning at Salamander Tavern at Salamander Bay Shopping Centre. Men meet every Monday at 10.30am and women on Tuesdays at 10.30am. A great way to meet up with new and old friends.

A support group for Grandparents and Kinship Carers where you can have social interaction and shared experiences with other carers, receive support and friendship, and get relevant information and discussion on support services.

All Saints Anglican takes a number of Hymn Services and Holy Communion Services in the Retirement Villages and Nursing Homes in our area, and a large team visits, sings and prays. We are always looking for new volunteers to join us.

All Saints Anglican is passionate about caring for the whole person and if you suffer from any kind of mental illness or are caring for someone with a mental illness why not join us at our ‘Mental Health and Social Network on Fridays 10.00am to 12.00 noon.

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Home groups are a key part of our Church life and an excellent way to meet other people and grow together spiritually. Our home groups are places of discipleship, where we move forward on our faith journey together with others.

Do you have a question for God? Want to learn more about what Christianity is all about? Interested in taking the next steps in your journey of faith? The Alpha Course is designed to be a safe and open environment where you can connect with other people who are asking the same questions you are.

All Saints Anglican has it’s own Bible College where you can study for the ‘Certificate in Theology & Ministry’ accredited by Trinity College, Melbourne University. A great way to increase your faith and get a better understanding of the Bible.

A great opportunity to practice being in the presence of God, of waiting on him, and hearing what his will is for our church, our nation and his Kingdom here on earth. If you need refreshing and a faith boost, join us. No agenda, no expectations, just seeking God.

Our desire is to glorify God beyond our cultural and geographical boundaries. We do this by actively being involved in Mission. All Saints Anglican is actively involved with mission projects overseas and in outback Australia and is also engaged in our local area where there are also great needs.

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For more information on any of the above groups contact the Parish Office 4981 1839

There’s a place for everyone at

All Saints Anglican

Fancy a cup of tea, lunch or just some good company? Visit our Open Door Cafe which is held in Church between 10.30 and 2.00 pm every Friday. We call it the Open Door Cafe because we offer the warmest of welcomes to anybody who drops in.

All Saints Op Shop is the perfect place to pick up a bargain, hunt through vintage and second hand clothing, toys, shoes, handbags, books, records and linen all while knowing that your money is going to a good cause. The shop is open Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm and 9.00am - 12.00pm on Saturdays .

Here at All Saints Anglican we know the importance of meeting together in a fun and relaxing way so throughout the year we have a full social events calendar which include: Christmas in July, Beach parties, Family Days Out, Movie Nights, Theme Nights and lots more .

All Saints Anglican It’s more than just Sundays!

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GOING DEEPER

A discussion group hoping to deepen our faith and enrich our prayer life. We read a text by a well-known writer (Category: Spirituality) and share our thoughts. We meet once a fortnight, i.e. October 11th & 25th after the morning service.

New members welcome.

For more information contact Annette.

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Martha’s Kitchen

Join us for an afternoon of teaching, food and fellowship. A biblical look at the story of Martha and Mary followed by high tea.

Date: Saturday Oct 21st

Time: 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Where: In the Church hall.

Bring your friends!

(A donation for afternoon tea would be

appreciated. Thank you)

OPEN DOOR & GIRLS NIGHT IN CAFÉ

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CHALLENGE

EVENTS

"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again …" The opening words of Rebecca, was Hitchcock's first American film, made for David O Selznick and released in 1940. Doreen and Susan are following last year’s screening of The Lady Vanishes with a screening of Rebecca. The4 screening of the movie will be

on Saturday 11th November. Film time is 2.30pm. A gold coin donation would be appreciated and tea, biscuits and Doreen’s tasty popcorn will be available! Susan Winters.

On Saturday -- November we will be staging the Talent Market with Jazz Café. There will be great music and plenty of stalls to grab yourself a bargain including a range of hand made art greeting cards produced from drawings, watercolour painting, and various acrylic print techniques (a sample is shown here on the left of the page) some are Christmas themed.

Jen Forester

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What a great start to Spring. We wine lovers are looking forward to a great vintage. So we will start with an old and well known label. Rawson’s Retreat was a Penfold’s label, but the new owners are not using the Penfold’s label. However, the wine is still the same Cabernet Sauvignon. We are now drinking 2016 vintage, the grapes still grown on the old Magill vineyard in South Australia.The wine displays a delightful varietal black fruits with oak and dusty tannins. It will cellar, but why!.I would drink it now. The price is right!

Cheers! The Sipper...

Marshmallow bubble bars

Ingredients:

5 cups Rice Bubbles 2 cups (200g) vanilla marshmallows 100g butter, chopped 50g white chocolate, melted 2 tablespoons rainbow choc chips

Grease a 16cm x 26cm (base) slice pan. Line with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above edges on all sides. Place Rice Bubbles in a large bowl. Place marshmallows and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100%) for 1 minute, stirring every 30 seconds or until mixture is smooth. Add to Rice Bubbles. Stir to coat well. Press mixture firmly and evenly into prepared pan. Drizzle with white chocolate. Sprinkle with rainbow choc chips. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.

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Finances are a major part of the world we live in. Money is a big deal in our culture! And it's really nothing new. There are newspapers and television channels specifically focused on it. Income is one of the first things we ask about at a new job. Economics is even a central cog in determining who we elect to public office. Money is a big deal in our culture! And it's really nothing new. You might be surprised to know that Jesus talked a lot about money and actually had a lot to say about how we use and manage our money, and because of that it's important to consider our giving to church as it is part of a worship to our God.

The Bible teaches a simple money-map for how we should prioritize the wealth God entrusts to us. Simply put, we ought to:

Give first Save second

Live on the rest

Chew on that for a second; it's really a fool-proof plan! And as far as giving goes, we believe one place that God would have everyone give is the local church. The church was His invention to spread His message to the world and what you see at All Saints Church is one expression of that in this area of Port Stephens. Your generous giving helps to support the many ministries that

MONEY MATTERS

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All Saints runs week by week: Church members are faithful in taking regular services of Holy Communion in our nursing and residential homes, we have an active youth and children‘s ministry as well as women’s ministry and a seniors ministry. Your giving also supports our outreach work into the community through the Open Door Café, The Girls Night In and the Thursday Playtime group. Your giving also goes to support world mission as we support such organisations as Compassion, Bush Aid Society, supporting a women and children literacy program through the Anglican Board of Mission and numerous others charities. Our church All Saints is an easy place to give to because every week we see lives being changed as a direct result of faithful giving. It's really rewarding! The reality is every dollar that you give really does go to creating the kind of

church that even the unchurched people of Port Stephens love to attend; the kind of church it's easy to invite them to! And we rely on the generous giving of our people to help us do everything in Port Stephens that we dream of doing. We collect an offering on Sunday morning, but many of us have found it easier and more manageable to set up a direct giving scheme with our banks - this helps the church to budget for the year more accurately. Thankyou for all you give. Your giving is making a difference and changing the lives of many in our church, community and wider world and increasing God’s kingdom here on earth. Jesus tells us, “Give and it will be given to you… for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6:38. The more we give, the more we will receive of all the good things God has in store for us.

Hall Restoration Fund: $500

Total Offerings $ 11,416.40 Direct Giving $ 3,213.00

Plate Offerings $ 8,203.40 First Fruits $ 15,536.93

Missions $ 355.65 Hall Hire $ 80.00

September Offerings and Gifts

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JONAH WORDSEARCH 2

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Contact Us

Church Office: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. 10.00am - 2.00pm

office@allsaintsnelsonbay.org Phone / Fax 4981 1839

Pastoral Care

Rev Kesh revkesh@allsaintsnelsonbay.org 02 4981 1839

Rev Anne niccal2085@bigpond.com 02 4984 7056

Rev Annette bourquin1@bigpond.com 02 4984 3982

Rev Frank f.y.duffy@bigpond.com 02 4984 3838

Rev Lissy lissyross@hotmail.com 02 4981 4790

Church Ministries

Aged Care Annette Bourquin 02 4984 3982

Aftershock Youth Neil & Kylie Kearton 0400 843 881

Breakout Kids Club Jamie & Emma Torr 0409 654 923

Frog Kids Club Catherine Govan 02 4981 5976

Free Legal Aid Val Morris 0408 630 911

Men's Ministry Peter Rallings 02 4984 6587

Mental Health Support Leonie Konrad 02 4981 1839

Mothers’ Union Pauline Hockings 02 4981 1428

Open Door Café Verina Rallings 02 4984 6587

Op Shop Val Morris 0408 630 911

Prayer Ministry Diana Lyall 0478 974 087

Small Saints Playtime Catherine Govan 02 4981 5976

Women’s Ministry Toni Wein 0402 363 113

Churchwardens

For matters relating to buildings and health and safety please contact the churchwardens: warden@allsaintsnelsonbay.org

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Monday 2nd BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS (ANNA BAY) 4.00pm

Tuesday 3rd Tuesday Night Prayer 6.00pm

Wednesday 4th Women’s Bible Study 7.00pm

Thursday 5th NO PLAYTIME

Harbourside Sing & Visit 11.00am

Men’s Bible Study 7.30pm

Friday 6th NO MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT MEET

NO OPEN DOOR CAFE

Monday 9th All Saints Bible College 7.00pm

Tuesday 10th Free Legal Aid 11.00am

Tuesday Night Prayer 6.00pm

Wednesday 11th Going Deeper Discussion Group 11.15am

Thursday 12th Small Saints Playtime 10.00am

Friday 13th Mothers’ Union 10.00am

Mental Health Support 10.00am

Salamander Aged Care Sing & Visit 10.00am

Open Door Café 10.30am

Saturday 14th Aftershock Youth 3.00pm

Monday 16th Bible College 7.00am

Tuesday 17th Tuesday Night Prayer 6.00am

Wednesday 18th Women’s Bible Study 7.00pm

Thursday 19TH Small Saints Playtime 10.00am

Men’s Bible Study 7.30pm

Friday 20TH Mental Health Support 10.00am

Open Door Café 10.30am

Regis the Gardens Sing & Visit 11.00am

Girls Night In 7.00pm

Monday 23RD Bible College 7.00am

Tuesday 24th Tuesday Night Prayer 6.00am

Wednesday 25th Going Deeper Discussion Group 11.15am Thursday 26th Small Saints Playtime 10.00am

Friday 27th Mental Health Support 10.00am

Open Door Café 10.30am

WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH