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Prayers for this week September 5

Pray for the newly baptised and for all new converts to the Christian faith, that they may be strengthened against the attacks of the evil one

Pray for our national leaders, that they may not turn their backs on the needs of the third world

Pray for parish leaders, especially for the chairperson and church council, and for the elders

Pray for those who have big decisions to make, that God would guide them and give them the power to carry out what they decide

Pray for all in slavery or bonded labour, especially those who are children

Pray for all Christians, that we carry the cross of Christ and never grow weary

Taking Faith Home September 5

Faith Talk:
Discuss in your household or small group:
What is the best thing about being a follower of Jesus? What is the most difficult thing?
Jesus said that we must “give up everything” to be his disciples. What do you understand him to be saying?
What has Jesus given up for you?

Devotional Practices:
St. Paul wrote these words to his friend Philemon: “I always thank God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints” (Philemon 4-5). In your home devotion times this week, pray by name for your Christian friends. Send them cards containing the above verse.

Service:
St. Paul gave his love, care and support to a young man called Onesimus whom he met in prison. Who in your community is experiencing hard times due to illness, loss of work or separation from family? Choose a couple or family to be the “ONES I MUst Serve” for your household. Make them a meal, do an act of service for them (e.g. mow their lawn) or offer friendship to them.

Rituals and Traditions:
September 5th is FATHERS DAY in Australia and New Zealand. If there is a father and/or grandfather in your home, celebrate Father’s Day by praying for and blessing them. Take time to share the things you appreciate about them or memories of their contributions to your life as household. Then say this prayer together:
Father in Heaven: Thank you for the father in our home. Thank you for all the ways he loves and cares for us in your name. Please bless him with strength, health and wisdom to be the best father he can be. Help us to honor and respect him. Amen.

To conclude, have each household member place their hand on the father’s shoulder or head. Give them this “finish the sentence” blessing:
“May God bless you with …” (each person adds a word or phrase).

Bible Studies and Christian Growth courses.

Several opportunities exist to join with others for Bible Study and Christian Growth within the Illawarra Lutheran Parish. Here are 3 such opportunities...

Tuesday Night Bible Study...Becoming a Contagious Christian...a 6 week study course preparing you for personal witness. Tuesday evenings 7-9pm. 7 for a 7.30pm start. The first 30 minutes are a time for a cuppa and general conversation. The study starts in earnest at 7.30pm. Just bring yourself and a Bible. All are welcome. Contact 0419 416 860 or 42281348 for more details

I was just thinking...

Being church is about being people of God. What sort of picture does the concept "people of God" conjure up in your thinking??

Wollongong Women's Fellowship

St Johns Ladies Fellowship
The Fellowship meet on a monthly basis from Feb-Dec on 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10.30 am at the church hall or a member’s home. Meetings consist of coffee, devotion from the “Lutheran Women” magazine, bible study which instigates discussion among members. Songs can be sung, especially birthday days, and it concludes with lunch. Funds are raised through meetings and two street stalls.

Projects supported include Australian Lutheran World Service, Deborah Orphanage in Indonesia, New Guinea Scholarship Fund, Warrambui Retreat & Conference Centre, Bible Society NSW program “hands in Rwanda”, and maintenance at St. John’s.
There is also an annual Lutheran Women NSW Convention. 2010’s is at Henty on Saturday, 24th April. Other events in 2010 are: World Day of Prayer Service at the Baptist Church, Wollongong on Friday, 5th March, beginning at 10.00 am.(for men and women), LWNSW Retreat at Warrambui from the 12th-14th March, Coastal Zone Fellowship Day in Sept.

The most important aspect is the coming together in Christian fellowship Women. We pray that our Fellowship will grow in God’s Grace, caring for each other & beyond the confines of our membership. We would love to have more women at our meetings. Your presence, input and fellowship would be great. Friends and all are most welcome.

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