For Sunday 10th January - 8.30am

This Sunday as we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord Jesus, we will be thinking about the way His baptism shows how completely He identifies Himself with us sinners. As He is baptised by John, Jesus reveals how far He will go to save us and the Father and the Spirit proclaim their love and approval of all that He is about to do.

For us who have been baptised into Christ Jesus, this Sunday brings great hope as we are reminded that we are incorporated into the Body of the One with whom the Father is well pleased.

Service begins at 8.30am.

God's peace,
Pastor Matt

For the week of Christmas

Service times for this week will be as follows:

Christmas Day:
Service with Holy Communion beginning at 8.30am
Sunday 27th December:
Service with Holy Communion beginning at 8.30am

I pray your preparations for the celebration of the incarnation of our God are peace filled and joyful.

God bless,
Pastor Matt

For Sunday 13th December - 8.30am

This Sunday we will be holding a Service of Advent readings and Carols which will begin at 8.30am.

Please remember that the children will also be rehearsing for the Children's Christmas presentation which will take place at 7pm on Sunday 20th December.

God's peace,
Pastor Matt

For Sunday 6th December - 11am

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Malachi 3:1–4

Philippians 1:3–11

Luke 3:1–6

The Preaching of Repentance Prepares Us for the Coming of the Lord

The preaching and baptism “of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3) prepare us for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The historic work of John the Baptizer was completed with the first Advent of our Lord Jesus in the flesh, but the ministry of the Forerunner continues in the preaching of Law and Gospel and in Holy Baptism. Through His messengers, the Lord calls people of all nations to “see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6). Our haughtiness is removed, and our mountains of pride are brought low, but the Lord humbles us in order to exalt us in His mercy; He fills up our valleys with His peace. As the Lord has begun this good work of repentance in us, so also does he perfect it by His Word and Holy Spirit, and He “will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). He purifies us to be His priestly people, precious in His sight, abounding in faith and love, so that our very lives are offered in righteousness to the Lord (Mal. 3:3–4).

Divine Service this week (6/12) will begin at 11am.

God's peace,
Pastor Matt

For Sunday 29th November

This Sunday we will be having a parish service at the Tongala Aged Hostel, which will be followed by a Parish Picnic at the Tongala Village Green. Service will begin at 10.30am.

Over Advent I will be posting reflections made available through the LC-MS Commission on Worship. Please use them in your preparation for worship each week:

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Jeremiah 33:14–16

1 Thessalonians 3:9–13

Luke 21:25–36

The Lord Jesus Comes in Humility to Redeem Us

The Season of Advent focuses on the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and this first Sunday establishes this theme for the rest of the season. The Son of God came long ago to be our Savior, “a righteous Branch,” descended from David (Jer. 33:15). As He then came into Jerusalem, riding on a lowly donkey to sacrifice Himself for the sins of the world (Luke 19:28-40), so does He come to His Church today in the humility of Word and Sacrament to deliver the fruits of His Passion: the forgiveness of sins. He absolves us and establishes our hearts, “blameless in holiness before our God and Father” (1 Thess. 3:13). The same Lord Jesus, who came to Jerusalem then, and who comes to us now in peace, will come again with power and great glory on the Last Day. Then there will be “distress of nations in perplexity,” with “people fainting in fear.” Yet, as we anticipate that great and terrible day, He bids us to rest securely in Him: “Raise up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:25, 26, 28).


God's peace,

Pastor Matt

For Sunday 8th November - 8.30am

This week service will begin at 8.30am.

God bless,
Pastor Matt

For Sunday 11th October - 8.30am

This Sunday we will be reflecting on the theme of our recent Synodical Convention, "Learning to walk again" with particular reference to David's prayer in Psalm 86: Teach me your way O Lord, that I may walk in your truth. Make me wholehearted in fearing your name.

Service will begin at 8.30am.

Please remember that next Sunday (18th) is our Service of Thanksgiving as we celebrate God's provision of a debt free church building at our fourth anniversary of dedication.

God's peace,
Pastor Matt