From the Pastor's Pen
Sunday, 15th December 2019
Good morning everyone,
This week, we were saddened by the news of the passing away of Jack Crawford and Hebert De Lisen. Both Jack and Herbert were loved and cherished by their families, friends and their Tahmoor Baptist Church family. Once we have the details of their funerals, our Church Secretary, Geoff Cannon, will communicate these via email. Let’s continue to show our love and support in prayer for both the Crawford and De Lisen families and friends.
Today, Bob Armstrong will continue his preaching series in Joshua. His message for today has two themes: “Following God’s Directives” and “Preparing for the Future”.
As a reminder, here is what is happening over the Christmas period. We will have our regular Worship Service on Sunday the 22nd as well as a Christmas Carols service at 5:00 pm followed by a BBQ.
On Christmas Day, our Celebration Service will commence at 9:00 am.
There will also be a gathering for a Christmas Day lunch in the hall. If this is something you would like to attend, please see Cassandra and Shane Callaghan.
I love serving alongside you all,
Pastor Nigel Lyons
Sunday, 8th December 2019
Good morning everyone,
Today we will continue our series ‘To live is Christ’ from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It seems that some people were at odds with each other in this early church. Paul’s plea in chapter 4 for Euodia and Syntyche to work out their differences is of special note, as their disagreement seems to have been serious enough to be mentioned in a letter to be read publicly. As we explore today’s reading, Chapter 2:12-18, let’s prayerfully reflect on what it means to ‘shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life’.
As we are nearing the conclusion of another year, with December now upon us and a season of festivities beginning, let’s pause for a few moments and give thanks to our wonderful God. For it is He who works in us to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose. Paul wanted the Philippian church, and I believe us as well, to consider what it means to reflect God’s glory so that through us others will see Jesus, the true light of the world.
As we watch the displays of Christmas lights on many homes, can I encourage us all to be not just a seasonal display like those Christmas lights, but to be a constant and consistent display of God’s love and grace all year round.
I love serving alongside you all,
Pastor Nigel Lyons
Sunday, 24th November 2019
Good morning everyone,
As I write this today, there is another thick smoke haze over our town. It’s a good reminder for me, and I hope for us all, to be fervent in prayer for those who have lost homes and belongings, as well as for our tireless emergency services. Let’s also continue to pray for our towns struggling in drought. Thank you so much for all of the donations which will be going to a church couple’s family in a drought-stricken town this week.
In this morning’s service, we will continue our series in the book of Philippians with the theme ‘To live is Christ’. As we unpack Philippians 2:1-11, look out for Paul’s four appeals for the church, the four results of his appeals and how we can apply this to our lives. If you have time this morning, please read verses 2:5-11 and consider the outlook, nature and actions of Christ Jesus.
Today is a special day in the life of the church. After the service, we will be having our Annual General Meeting in the hall. Whilst this is important, our AGM is not just about passing a budget and then going home. Our AGM is more than that. It is about hearing what has transpired this year in our ministries and giving thanks, welcoming new members and hearing what’s on the hearts of our ministry leaders. We will listen and prayerfully consider what lies ahead in the days, months and years ahead. We will thank God for the last twelve months and pray for the steps we will be making forward as a church. You are all invited. Even if you’re not a voting member, all can come and participate in prayer.
Next week, there will be a celebration of faith as we will witness the baptisms of Michael and William Cooke.
I love serving alongside you all,
Pastor Nigel Lyons
Sunday, 17th November 2019
Good morning everyone,
First of all, I would love to welcome the families of the Brigades who have come to support their children here today. It would be great to see you at morning tea after the service. Further, both Brigades have their awards nights this Monday and Tuesday. If you are free, it would be great to see you there.
Secondly, let’s continue to pray for the emergency services and those who have experienced so much loss with the bush fires. Let’s also keep praying for our farmers in a devastating drought. Let’s pray for good rain!
Thirdly, I am so grateful to you all in relation to what was shared and spoken about at Comms Café last week. Whilst the added compliance measures and changes may seem a little overwhelming at first, I believe that we, as a community, are able to do this. I also believe that God has given us a mission to be the best possible 'safe church' and a light to this community, and am looking forward to seeing us step up even further to be a church of faithfulness, community and discipleship with a missional outlook.
This is why I love saying, I love serving alongside you all,
Pastor Nigel Lyons
Sunday, 10th November 2019
Good morning everyone,
I hope you had a great week.
Today, we are having a one-week interlude from our current preaching series on Philippians, and Bob Armstrong will be speaking from the book of Joshua. His theme is 'Listening to God'.
A reminder that following the service this morning we have Comms Café in the hall. It would be great to see you all there.
Next Sunday is our Boys' and Girls' Brigade Service, then, on the 1st of December, we are looking forward to witnessing Michael and William Cook being baptised.
As we announced last week, we are putting together non-perishable food items and gifts for Peter and Bronwyn's daughter's family who are struggling with the severe drought on their farm at Warren. Thanks to those who have brought items today. In case you weren't here last week and didn't know, Fay and Bob Armstrong will be happy to collect items this week until Friday. Please see them for their address and the best time to drop items off.
See you at the Comms Café.
I love serving alongside you all,
Pastor Nigel Lyons
