Transformed Winter Edition 2012

TRANSFORMEDHumeRidge Church of Christ Magazine

My StoryDavorin Bosnjak

Strengthening My BrothersPeter Schindler

Introducing... Family Matters our new church-wide series

familymatters

Winter Edition 2012

TRANSFORMEDHumeRidge Church of Christ Magazine

Welcome to our winter edition of Transformed magazine. As you read on, you will discover many opportunities for personal growth through the ministries and events of HumeRidge Church of Christ.

In this edition you will see that we are seeking to address real life

issues such as family, sex, relationships and more! We believe that God is interested in real life. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). We certainly believe that Jesus is the way to eternal life – but He also ‘adds value’ to our real lives right here and now!

Let me also say that I believe you will feel welcome at HumeRidge Church should you join us for worship (9am or 5pm), or should you seek to get further connected through a midweek connect group or other program.

In recent months we have reaffirmed a commitment to do our best in welcoming people to HumeRidge. We want to be open, hospitable, inviting and caring. We want to help real people grow in the grace and truth of Jesus. We know we’re not perfect and may not get it right all the time... but we are trying, and can sincerely say, YOU are welcome!

We have enthusiastic and caring Welcome Teams serving each Sunday morning; as well as a Welcome Lounge that is open after the service, and a Welcome Pack available for all visitors or guests.

You are welcome!

Dale White SenIOR PASTOR

cONTENTS Ups & Downs of Parenting 2 Dale White

Family Matters 4 Dale White

Welcome 6 Ministry Team

What’s on, on Sundays 9

June / July 10 Pull Out Calendar

SOAP Readings 12

Seasons 2012 13 Introducing our speakers

Strengthening My Brothers 14 Peter Schindler

Only Through God’s Grace 16 Davorin Bosnjak

Spiritual Disciplines 18 Natalie Tucker

Noticeboard 21

Contact Details 21

STATEOF ORIGIN

humeridge youth

entry

per family

night

Cafe in the Chapel

all proceeds to

Half-time food provided

HumeRidge Auditorium

7.30pm Wednesday

4th July

461- 469 Hume Street :: Phone 4635 0350

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From the moment a young couple take their newborn baby in their arms, they begin a roller coaster ride. There are many ups and downs in parenting. There are joys and sorrows; highs and lows; and each parent will experience both the pride and pain of parenting.

We experience great pride as we watch our child score a goal from the sporting sidelines; or as we see them perform in a school musical; or when they come home with a gift and say, ‘I love you, mum’ or ‘Thanks, dad.’ But we also experience great pain at times of illness, or heartache, or problems at school, or teen rebellion. And for those of us who are Christians there is also a heavy burden we carry in the hope that our kids will follow Jesus and make wise lifestyle choices.

Leading kidS in a cHriST-ward direcTion

As a young dad with energetic joy-filled toddlers, I gave out parenting advice as if I knew it all. As the years have gone on I have experienced a little more of the reality of life, and so I offer advice more tentatively, or at least with a little more humility. nevertheless I believe that the following 10 pointers are helpful for parents who seek to lead their kids in a Christ-ward direction:

parenting The ups downsand

of

1. Spend time with your childrenA survey once showed that the average American dad spent 37 seconds a day in meaningful conversation with his young children. Australian dads fared a little better, but managed just 60 seconds a day! even Jesus modelled the importance of spending time to talk with kids (Mark 10:13-16) and there is no substitute for quality time in the role of parenting.

2. Make church ‘good news’ in your homeTry to keep your statements about church as positive as you can around the home. It might be tempting to run down the preacher or complain about the music or gossip about somebody on the way home from Church or over Sunday lunch – but be careful to keep things as positive as you can. Kids will pick up anything negative very quickly.

3. Talk about the Lord (not just church)Don’t just talk about the church or the worship service at home. Point your kids to the Lord himself and to His love and truth. Yes people will let you down and Church is never perfect. But Jesus is always Lord and God is always good!

4. Show your affectionThe Bible says, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love” (Proverbs 27:5 NIV). no one likes an open rebuke, but even this is better than

Families

by dale white

hidden love! Don’t hide your love from your kids. Tell them you love them, and don’t be afraid to show it with a big hug! Remember how the waiting father treated his wayward son as he was on his way home? “He ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20 NIV)

5. Do some christian education at homeThe Bible says parents are to bring up their children “in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Don’t delegate the responsibility for your child’s Christian education to your school or church. These institutions may support you in Christian teaching, but ultimately it is a parent’s responsibility. Read Bible stories. Pray at mealtimes. Discuss Christian perspectives to news items or current affairs.

6. Be open for discussion As children grow older it is important that we are open to discuss things, giving reasons for our beliefs and values. Discussions about christian living are to be a normal part of our everyday lives. “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts... Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

7. Encourage! Encourage!“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged” (Colossians 3:21 NIV). There are a lot of things that can bring discouragement to kids – peer group pressure, name calling, trouble at school, perceived failure or a poor self image – so let us as parents choose to encourage our kids with positive words and affirmation.

HumeRidge Church of Christ Magazine I 3

8. Keep on prayingJames Dobson says, ‘nothing you do as a parents can build a hedge big enough to totally protect your kids.’ So pray. And keep on praying for them!

9. Don’t burn your bridges“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6 KJV). Whilst Proverbs like these are more ‘probabilities’ or ‘truisms’ than money-back guarantees, they still encourage us to keep on praying and trusting God for our kids – even when they are all grown up and living away from home! And if your teenage or young adult children choose different lifestyles or move away from faith – don’t burn your bridges. Make sure there is always a welcome at home and a way back to God.

10. Get out from under guilt Many parents carry a load of guilt when a young adult child grows up and makes contrary lifestyle choices or seems to reject the faith. It is right for a parent to carry a prayer, or a vision, or even a burden for their kids, but we don’t have to carry this false guilt. no family is perfect, and once children grow up they are responsible before God for themselves. “The child does not share the guilt of the parent, nor the parent the guilt of the child” (Ezekiel 18:20 The Message).

Whilst parents may often feel inadequate in their parenting role, I tend to agree with Dr Ray Guarendi’s book title, ‘You’re a Better Parent than you think!’ Keep on praying. Keep on loving. And keep on hoping.

And remember, “Children are a gift from the Lord. They are a real blessing” (Psalm 127:3 GNB).

This article is from a sermon by Pastor Dale White on 29 April 2012. DVDs & CDs of HumeRidge Sermons are available from the Church Office (07 4635 0350) or online at www.humeridgechurch.org

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Even those who live alone are usually still connected to family somewhere. And we recognise that every family is unique. Not every family consists of mum, dad, 2.2 children and a dog! There are blended families, single-parent families, childless families, separated families, extended families and more.

Family matters to God. And ‘family’ matters to us at HumeRidge Church of Christ. Some years ago our leaders were led through a process to discern our ‘holy discontent’ – the things that

Other than a saving faith in Jesus Christ, nothing else impacts upon our sense of well-being more than family. Family issues affect everyone. We are all part of a family, whether as parents, children, siblings, grandparents or in-laws.

familymatters

sadden us and perhaps grieve the spirit of God. Many things were brought to our attention, and the main four categories have over the years been turned into positives and have become our four main focus areas.

One of the things we listed as our ‘holy discontent’ was the breakdown of families. This has now been turned into a positive mission statement. We are in the business of “Transforming Families: encouraging Families to develop healthy and God-honouring Relationships.”

dale white

Families

www.humeridgechurch.org I 5

church wide series In Term 3, through July and August, the HumeRidge Ministry Team along with Deb Sorensen from Focus on the Family, are working together to take the whole Church through a brand new series, Family Matters.

This five session teaching series will include Sunday morning and evening services; connect groups and children’s ministries. Five different pastors and leaders will bring one message each, and write a Bible study. These will be compiled as a HumeRidge Study Book, which will be available to all attendees and connect group members for $5 each.

This series has come out of our desire to teach and discuss principles that can make each unique family more effective. It will be biblical, but will also be real, and perhaps even raw. Please make every effort to attend, participate, study and learn. I invite you all to make the most of this opportunity because Your Family Matters!

FaMiLY MaTTerSSTUDY BOOKS - $5 each

How do I order my copy of ‘Family Matters’?

1. If you are in a Connect Group – order though your group leader or coordinator.

2. If you want a book for individual study – sign up at the Info Counter to order your own copy.

3. If you wish to join a group just for this 5 session series – sign up at the Info Counter or speak to Associate Pastor Tim Smith.

Series outline:

FAMILy MATTERSYour Unique Family Matters to God!

July 22 Dale White, Senior Pastor “God’s Design for Families”

July 29 elicia Wuersching, Youth Worker“Communication in Families”

August 5 Tim Smith, Associate Pastor “Faith Development in Families”

August 12 Deb Sorensen, Focus on the Family “Conflict in Families”

August 19 Ross Savill, Veteran Youth Worker “Disappointment in Families”

$5familymatters

you may have noticed something different as you’ve arrived for the Sunday Morning Service, our fantastic new “Welcome Teams”!

We are excited to have this wonderful group of individuals and families greeting you as you come in, helping you find a seat [especially during special events], showing you where to find the parenting rooms and children’s programs, and even heading out in the rain with umbrella’s for you. Our Welcome Team also assist newcomers in meeting other members of the church, finding the Welcome Lounge following the service and encouraging you as you

leave each Sunday.

For a while it may seem a little odd having someone show you to a seat or ask if you need assistance but don’t be angered or put off by this change. See it as an opportunity for each of us to meet new people and encourage one another.

To help us understand more about the importance of helping others feel welcome, supported and assimilate into our HumeRidge family we’d like to share with you part of an article written by Charles Arn. As you read be open to God and think about how you may make others feel at home at HumeRidge.

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Hope

TRANSFORMING LIVES to Christ by experiencing and reflecting God ’s love together

TRANSFORMING LIVESto Christ by experiencing and re�ecting God’s love together

Hearts Hope Families World

It’s Not Rocket Science

“What are the keys to attracting visitors and keeping them coming back? I sat affixed in front of my TV. The Borg had just captured my hero and brought him on board. “You will be assimilated,” a hideous-looking Borg intoned, raising his tentacles to the temples of Star Trek’s Captain Picard. “Resistance is futile!”

“no,” I shouted. “Don’t! It will be all over!” I couldn’t look... (even though I knew what was going to happen, since I had seen the show before). Captain Picard was about to lose his ability to think for himself. He was going to be (gasp!)... assimilated.

A more intellectual approach to the term takes us to the dictionary, where assimilate is defined: “To include into the larger whole; to involve; to make one.” Moreover, Scripture offers numerous insights into the importance of our “assimilation” into the Body of Christ: “The kingdom of faith is now your home country. You are no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here...” (Eph. 2:19, The Message).

While ultimately, assimilation into a local church is a spiritual process, it can be facilitated by a loving church that’s committed to making those connections. Here’s a look at the critical checkpoints in the process of seeing outsiders becoming insiders. How is your church doing in each area?

Making the right impression

What kind of first impressions does your church make on visitors? Most churches don’t know because their regular attendees can no longer see the church through a newcomer’s eyes. But first impressions have everything to do with whether or not visitors will return. The first 10 minutes of the visitor’s experience present prime opportunities to say, “Welcome.”

The most important factor

At Church Growth Institute, we have interviewed people after their first visit to a church. We asked: “What most impressed (or depressed) you about the church you had just visited?“ One answer far outdistanced all others: “the friendliness of the church.“

“So, how did you determine whether or not the church was friendly?” we then asked. “Simple,” they told us. “It was whether or not anyone talked to us.” Well, my friends, it’s apparently not rocket science, after all. There is a simple, yet profound relationship between the number of people who talk to a first-time visitor, and a visitor’s impression of the “friendliness” of that church: Many conversations = friendly church; few conversations = unfriendly church. The perceived “friendliness” of your church is the most significant factor in whether or not a first-time visitor will return.

Critical endings

We asked one more question in our study: “When did you conclude that the church was or wasn’t a friendly church?” The most frequent response surprised us. Continued next page...

TRANSFORMED wInteR edItIon 2012 I 7

There is a 10 minute window in the 75 to 90 minutes most people spend in their first church visit, and that window is critical for the first impression of friendliness. When? It is the first 10 minutes following the service.

“An effective assimilation strategy will create a ‘greenhouse’ in which new relationships between newcomers and church members are nurtured.”The rules are now off. The people are who they really are. And that’s when it really shows, our subjects said.

Returning: seeing visitors come back

Upon closer study of the visitor assimilation process, a remarkable pattern appears. Remarkable, but logical: the more often visitors return, the more likely it is that they will stay.

Nurturing: building relationships with newcomers

Try asking your new members the same question we’ve asked more than 40,000 laypeople in the past 11 years: “Why did you join this church?” If your people are typical, 75% to 90% of them will mention “a friend or relative” as a key part of the process.

Relationships have been the most important factor in the expansion of Christianity since the first century. An effective assimilation strategy, therefore, will create a “greenhouse” in which new relationships between newcomers and church members are nurtured.

Make the connection

Assimilation. It’s not rocket science. But, neither is it all intuitive. There’s much to learn. But it’s well worth our effort to learn it.

For there’s no doubt that the heart of God is filled with joy when the sheep He places in our care are all present and accounted for - in your church.

Continued from previous page...

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Sunday 10th June

11am & 5pm

diScovering HuMeridge

This one hour course is designed to help you discover more about HumeRidge Church of Christ; what we believe and why we do what we do.

diScovering Your oPTionS

If you would like to know more about being involved in the life and ministries of HumeRidge Church this one hour course is the place for you to begin discovering your options.

Sunday 17th June

5pm to 7.30pm

diScovering Your deSign

One of the greatest challenges and delights we have as Christians is coming to know our God given gifts and design. This session provides practical insight in how to know and live out God’s design for your life.

what’s on on Sunday mornings at 9am

TRANSFORMED wInteR edItIon 2012 I 9

June

July / AugustJuLY 1 – Unplugged

A ReFLeCTIVe SeRVICe

“Be Still and Know that I am God”

(PSAlM 46:10)

JuLY 8TH – Neale Proellocks

JuLY 15TH – with Andrew Merry

COMPASSION INTeRNATIONAL

Compassion Sunday

TERM 3 SERIES OUTLINEYour unique family matters to God!

July 22 Dale White, Senior Pastor “God’s Design for Families”

July 29 elicia Wuersching, Youth Worker“Communication in Families”

August 5 Tim Smith, Associate Pastor “Faith Development in Families”

August 12 Deb Sorensen, Focus on the Family “Conflict in Families”

August 19 Ross Savill, Veteran Youth Worker “Disappointment in Families”

familymatters

New series by Senior Pastor Dale White - applying biblical teaching to real life issues.

June 3rd – Dale WhiteAnd God Created... SexGenesis 2:15-25 & 1 Corinthians 7:1-5

June 10TH – Dale WhiteChristian Living in a Sex-Crazed Culture1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

June 17TH – Dale WhiteReading the Exit Signs (A Way Out of Sin & Shame) Genesis 39:1-12 and John 8:1-10

June 24TH – Dale WhiteWhat about Same-Sex Marriage?Romans 1:18-32

The SeX Files

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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9.30am Playgroup7pm LifeKeys

9.30am & 11am Playgroups

6.30am Prayer10am KYB

1.30pm Hymn Singing

6.30pm Stumpy’s


6.30pm Stumpy’s


6.30am Prayer7.30pm webcast

ACL Marriage night4pm Music

team Practise

8am Prayer9am Sunday Service

4pm PrayerSunday@5

11&5pm Discovering HumeRidge

& Discovering Your Options

9.30am Playgroup5pm Youth Grades 7&87pm Youth

Grades 9-12


Grades 9-12


Grades 9-12

9.30am Playgroup

4pm Music team Practise




8am Prayer9am Sunday Service~ Connect Lunch ~

2pm AGM4pm PrayerSunday@5

5pm Discovering Your Design


4pm PrayerSunday@5


12.45pm KYB

12.45pm KYB

12.45pm KYB

junecalendar 2012


4pm PrayerSunday@5




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ConneCt LUnCH17th june • 15th july

DEFINING MARRIAGE. does it matter anymore? NATIONAl WEbcAST

Tuesday 26th June

7.30 - 8.45pm

HumeRidge Church of Christ Magazine I 11

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1.30pm Hymn Singing


6.30pm Stumpy’s


6.30pm Stumpy’s

YoutH SPIRItuAL RetReAt

8am Prayer9am

Compassion Service~ Connect Lunch ~

4pm PrayerSunday@5

9.30am Playgroup


Grades 9-12

9.30 am Playgroup5pm Youth Grades 7&87pm Youth

Grades 9-12






Family Series Commences

4pm PrayerSunday@5

6pm Combined Church Service



4pm PrayerSunday@5

6.30am Prayer7.30pm HagarState of origin


4pm PrayerSunday@5

12.45pm KYB

12.45pm KYB

12.45pm KYB

julycalendar 2012


4pm PrayerSunday@5 9.30am Playgroup

9.30am Playgroup9.30am & 11am

Playgroups


9.30am Playgroup9.30am & 11am

Playgroups

familymatterschurch wide series Starts July 22Your unique family matters to God!

entry

per family

7.30pm Wednesday

4th July

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Micah 1

Micah 2

Micah 3

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Micah 6

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2 Peter 1

2 Peter 2

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Philemon

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Youth Spiritual Retreat

Sunday 15th July 2012James Byrne Centre Highfields

Contact Elicia Wuersching 4635 0350

Seasons 2012Guest Speakers Register Today!

For more information:

Deb Sorensen is Counselling and Program Development Manager for Focus on the Family Australia. Deb is an experienced public presenter who is passionate about the health and wellbeing

of families of all shapes and sizes. She is qualified in behavioural science and family therapy, and has extensive experience working with families and young people within the government, educational and nGO sectors. Deb is also a mum and step mum of 7 teenagers and young adults, and a brand new grandma!

Samantha Jackel is the author of “My Purple Pants”. Her story is an amazing testimony of God’s grace, forgiveness and deliverance amidst great turmoil. Her story of childhood abuse, marriage challenges as

an older teen, and parenting 5 children, inspire and encourage listeners to seek God and trust Him.

Samantha and her husband founded the charity www.walk4charity.com which aims “to hold a world class, outdoor fundraising event that is professionally operated and that contributes to the realisation of a dream - and that is, to set every child free from both spiritual and material poverty through the gospel of Christ.”

Deb Sorensen

Samantha Jackel

Phone: 07 4635 0350

email: [email protected] web: www.seasonsconference.com

it is with gratitude that i can look back over my life and see great things the Lord has done. one of the first scriptures i read after becoming a believer was Jeremiah 33:3. Call to me. I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things which you have not known. [rSv]

Since my salvation at age 30 I have always felt the call to serve in a mission capacity mainly to strengthen brothers in the field. I have found that short term mission service has been a wonderful answer to the Jeremiah 33:3 exhortation in that God has shown me great and mighty things that I knew not. I have had the opportunity to visit numerous countries and towns working in medical missions and encouraging God’s people in communities that are suffering.

I would like to encourage everyone to possibly consider the call of missions. In previous times mission required the

dedication of years of service away from one’s home church. In our day, there are expanding opportunities for short term missions of a few days to a few weeks or months, as well as a need for long term service. God’s call is to use you for His purpose to spread the Gospel, extend His Kingdom and be part of discipling the nations at both home and abroad.

Jesus can build missions through one faithful man, woman, family or church. Presently I have the privilege of servicing in a short term medical mission aboard the ship Pacific Link along the coast of Papua new Guinea. Youth With A Mission [YWAM] started in 1960 when Loren Cummingham respond to God’s call. YWAM now has over 140 bases worldwide, sending out thousands of young Christian men and women as short term workers. I will have the privilege of serving aside some of these dedicated people using my medical skills to care for those in isolated communities.

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strengthening my brothers Peter Schindler

the World

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There is opportunity for you to join with a myriad of established mission organisations around the world, not only as preachers but to support using the talents you have been trained in, be it as a health worker, teacher of english, carpenter, electrician, pilot, deckhand or seamen to name but a few. You may not have a degree or trade but God will use you if you are willing to respond to His call.

I would encourage you to start exploring missions no matter what your age. Visiting communities overseas will open your eyes to new cultures and people, as well as provide new experiences with God. Yes, it may challenge you, perhaps at times make you feel uncomfortable, but as you serve God you will come to see His faithfulness, experience His love and see how you are part of His plan to reach people of all nations.

Finally, I want to remind you that we have a mission field in our own city. There are refugees from a number of countries who we can include in our lives. We can work together to help them understand our culture and find a home away from the home they once knew. The Lord has moved them here for a purpose and He has us in their lives for a reason. Be missional, reach out beyond your walls, and serve God faithfully in mission in Toowoomba, Australia and around the world.

Bec Groves will be serving on the Pacific Link from

July - November 2012.

If you would like to support Bec or the ministry of YWAM please

contact the church office or visit their website at www.ywam.org

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Today I am here to be baptised, but firstly I would like to give you all a glimpse of my journey so far.

I was born in Liverpool Sydney. I am one of seven kids. My Father was an immigrant from Croatia, previously known as Yugoslavia.

My mother is Australian and grew up in Guildford, Western Sydney.

My family moved from Sydney to Adelaide after one of my older brothers died of leukaemia. We returned a few years later to Sydney to build our family home in a

small country town called The Oakes. My father died of a heart attack shortly before we moved in; I was 9 at the time.

My mother and father were Catholics; I knew about the Lord but I never had a personal relationship with him. At this point of my life I was fatherless, sad and very hurt.

By the age of 16 I was heavily involved in drugs, alcohol and minor crimes like public nuisance, drink driving and car theft. My childhood friends at the time went on to commit other serious crimes

On the 22nd April we were blessed to see Davorin baptised in our morning service and the following weekend share with him and his family as their daughter was dedicated. We praise God for the work He is doing in the lives of the Bosnjak family and trust as you read Davorin’s story you will join with us in rejoicing in God’s transforming power and love.

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only through

davorin boSnjak

Hope




like assault, firearm offenses and accessory to murder.

I moved to Queensland in 2004 to start a new life but continued to live a life far from the Lord. After almost a decade of living a destructive lifestyle I came to the realisation that my life was empty and that there was no truth to the way I was living.

I casually mentioned to my close friend and flatmate at the time over a bowl of cornflakes that I was thinking of going to church. His comment included a few four-letter words, followed by a stare like I had just grown a second head.

My current employer at the time signed our entire workforce up to a health centre on the Sunshine Coast, called Good Life. After taking my friend along to the gym one day he mentioned to me halfway through our workout, that this was a Christian Gym.

I looked at him strangely and was very curious at how he came to that conclusion.

He pointed to a small A3 poster high on the wall which said “Lord’s Gym, the sins of the world, bench-press this”.

I asked Sean, a Good Life employee and newfound friend, if was this a Christian Gym. He said to me that the basketball stadium was converted to a church on Sundays and that in fact he was a Christian. After a quick conversation he said I should come and check it out one Sunday.

After a short time going to the Good Life I stood in front of the congregation and gave my life to the Lord. I must say that my journey from that point forward has been my hardest ever, now that I had given my word to the Lord, I had to keep it.

I know now that we are all born sinful and that it is OnLY through God’s grace and through faith in Jesus Christ that we are saved.

I would be lying if I didn’t say I will sin again, but Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for those sins, and this sacrifice has opened a doorway for me to be reconciled back to my creator.

ephesians 2 – 8 For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God. (8) It is not from works, so that no one can boast. (9) For we are his workmanship having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand, so we may do them. (10)

Sean, from the Good Life, brought the Gospel to me. Through that encounter the Lord has saved me. I pray that the Lord equips me the same way as he did Sean, and that I may do the same one day.

The only Christian friend I had back in The Oakes called his first born son Davorin, he thought it would be a great testimony when people asked him where they got the name Davorin from, to share my story and how God’s grace can save a wretch like me.

www.humeridgechurch.org I 17

Gods grace ‘

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Firstly, I absolutely have to clear up one thing... don’t be put off reading this by getting stuck with the word “discipline”. I’m not talking about something that is bad for you. On the contrary, I am talking about engaging in activities that build you up, encourage you and draw you closer to God.

OK. I see your eyes rolling. I admit that some of the stuff I’m going to write about will be a little weird, might challenge you or make you feel uncomfortable when you first try it, but spiritual disciplines are good for

us. Now, I’m not saying that every spiritual discipline is for everyone. Somehow I can’t see Pastor Dale taking 7 days out for a silent retreat or Pastor Ross sitting still enough more than 10 minutes to meditate to a piece of music, but I can promise you that they engage in spiritual disciplines in ways that enhance their spiritual journey.

So, will you join me for a brief journey to explore some things you might like to consider that will enhance your spiritual life and relationship with Jesus?

Spiritual disciplinesnatalie tucker

Hearts




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PRAYeR

Prayer is simply communicating with God and involves both speaking and listening. It’s important to take time to not just speak but to have time to listen; like speaking with a trusted friend.

There are numerous forms of prayer. Here’s a few you might like to try.

Breathe Prayer: Sit quietly, relax your body and slowly breathe in and out. As you breathe out express your concerns to God then as you breathe in reflect on a Scriptural promise that corresponds to your concern. Similarly, you might like to breathe out confessing a sin or character issue and breathe in reminding yourself of the promise of forgiveness, new life in Christ or reflect on a characteristic of God you’d like to see in you. It’s not some magical formula. Breathe Prayer is a way for you to slow yourself down, speak your concerns to God and reflect on Him and listen in the stillness.

Body Prayer: OK, now you’re laughing. My college friends and I did too when I first experienced this on a retreat but we ate our words! It’s amazing how God speaks in “strange” situations. Similarly to breathe prayer sit relaxed and breathe slow. As you breathe deeply focus your attention on how your body feels and ask God to show you more about your body.

As you breathe deeply feel your aches and pains and ask God to bring healing or show you how to care for that area. On retreat I had a light bulb moment in caring for a back injury and when I stretch as God showed me on that day I am pain free. Fancy God knowing what’s best for me.

now if these things aren’t for you don’t stop praying. Talk with God anywhere, anytime, with your friends or alone. Don’t stop talking, don’t stop listening. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Persevere!

BIBLe ReADInG

There are no magic formulas here but I would encourage you to follow a reading plan or use a devotional guide.

All Scripture is useful for teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training in righteousness that every man woman and child may be equipped for every good work. God speaks through His word and for you to grow in your knowledge and understanding of God spending time seeking Him through reading the Bible is essential. You may like to join a Connect Group, buy some good reference books, or talk to a pastor to help you in your journey of understanding.

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COnneCT GROUP

no, I haven’t got confused. Meeting together to seek the Lord through prayer, bible reading and sharing of testimonies regularly is a spiritual discipline. not only that but you spur one another on in your faith and encourage one another to do the good works He has planned for you as an individual AnD corporately. At HumeRidge Sunday services can provide some of these elements but as a large church we encourage you to be in a small group where you can know others and be known. We are to be a community of believers and this is a wonderful way to experience God together.

national Church Life Survey Studies show that the above mentioned three things are the primary ways in which Christians grow in their faith and that without them their ability to mature in their faith is diminished. I encourage you to make prayer, bible reading and connect group part of your everyday life. now I want to share a couple more ways you might like to experience God.

SPIRITUAL ReTReATS

Very simply retreat days [or weeks] are designed to help you get to know God better. Sometimes there is space for communal prayer and/or worship. Leaders provide some teaching and encourage you to take time together and/or alone to reflect on its meaning and the implications for you personally. One of the key aspects is for you to take

time out to listen to God without the pressures of every day. It may seem a little uncomfortable for you to sit alone listening for God’s leading if it’s something you’ve not done before. Don’t be put off by that. Give it a go. You may just be surprised!

MeDITATIOn

This is the area we often get confused and concerned about as meditation often conjures up images associated with eastern religions like Buddhism. The thing about meditation from their perspective is that you empty yourself of all things. Christian meditation is about filling yourself with the things of God. Sound weird. It’s not really. every day we seek to become more like Jesus by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us. Meditation is simply dedicating time and space to contemplate scriptures, God’s character, His actions or His creation, and other things of God. As we spend time with God the Holy Spirit reveals His ways and purposes to us. Meditation is good for us!

Recently, due to my personal reading and college experiences I’ve been challenged to engage more in spiritual disciplines and discuss them regularly with family. There’s plenty of resources and teaching available to you in these areas and I’m happy to chat if you have questions. I encourage you, above all else to seek God daily through His Word and through prayer. And please, please, please, do not give up meeting regularly with fellow believers. We are the body of Christ and better together!

Spiritual disciplines

20 I

PHONE 07 4635 0350 FAX 07 4635 4674 eMaiL [email protected] WEbSITE www.humeridgechurch.org ADDRESS 461 - 469 Hume Street Toowoomba Q 4350PO Box 7564 Toowoomba South Q 4350OFFIcE HOURS 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday

editorial by natalie Tucker

Design by Kristy Fielder { www.blackcanvas.com.au }

Photography Zara england { www.zarajane.com.au }

Senior Pastor Dale White 0419 756 469

Pastor – Evangelism neale Proellocks 0419 737 950

Pastor – Congregational Care Tim Smith 0438 350 376

Student Minister/Ministry Supportnatalie Tucker 0409 393 439

Careforce Lifekeys & Pathways Jack Kamst 0434 729 115

Pastor – youth Ross Savill 0411 201 227

youth Worker elicia Wuersching 0402 158 700

Children’s Ministry Chris england 0413 580 012

Music Ministry Brendon Walmsley 0419 654 548

Minister Emeritus Bruce Armstrong 4635 9885

youth Turn (House 469) 4636 2981 Graham Storey 0431 268 065

Transformed Magazine submissions and enquiries eMAIL [email protected]




Youth Spiritual RetreatSunday 17th July 2012

James Byrne Centre HighfieldsContact Elicia Wuersching 4635 0350

August 11

united with Christunited with one another

united together through Christ

INTRODUCING OUR SPEAKERS:

Deb Sorensen, Counselling and Program Development Manager for Focus on

the Family Australia. She is qualified in behavioural science and family therapy

and has extensive experience working with families and young people.

Samantha Jackel, author of the book “My Purple Pants,” founder of the charity

organisation “Walk 4 Charity,” and speaker sharing her inspirational personal story.

Register todayVisit us online at

www.seasonsconference.comfor further information or to register

with payment details.

Register for Early Bird $55 Adults $50 Concession closes Monday 30th April 2012.

August 11

united with Christunited with one another

united together through Christ

INTRODUCING OUR SPEAKERS:

Deb Sorensen, Counselling and Program Development Manager for Focus on

the Family Australia. She is qualified in behavioural science and family therapy

and has extensive experience working with families and young people.

Samantha Jackel, author of the book “My Purple Pants,” founder of the charity

organisation “Walk 4 Charity,” and speaker sharing her inspirational personal story.

Register todayVisit us online at

www.seasonsconference.comfor further information or to register

with payment details.

Register for Early Bird $55 Adults $50 Concession closes Monday 30th April 2012.

7.30pm Wednesday 4th July

17 JUne 2pm AGM

Sunday 10th June 11am & 5pm Sunday 17th June 5pm to 7.30pm

familiesmatterat HumeRidge

Transformed Winter Edition 2012

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Transcript of Transformed Winter Edition 2012