Together 2022...Thank You!

What an amazing time we had at ‘Together 2022’! It was such a joy to be gathering across our two churches, worshipping, praying, studying, feasting, and playing together! There were so many memories made, friendships formed, people cared for, and souls refreshed!

I want to thank everyone who came! Thank you for taking the time to make our church family a part of your life! I hope you got a taste of the joy and potentials of partnership and saw that this isn’t just a preference or pragmatic decision but one of biblical principle.

I also want to thank everyone who served in various capacities! SG Parra, you guys are such amazing servants and you did such a great job creatively and sacrificially to make the weekend happen. A big thank you to Prav and the events team, the PA team, and everyone who stepped in to make things happen (set up, kids, etc.) THANKYOU!

I can’t wait for Together 2023 already!

If you missed the Retreat or a particular message please head to www.sgparra.org.au/sermons to catch up. In particular, Dave Taylor’s first message ‘Together In Partnership’ is a crucial foundation stone for us going forward!

Riley Spring
The Manly 7

You man have seen in the news recently that the Manly Sea Eagles, an NRL club, has required their players to wear a ‘Pride Round’ rainbow jersey for this weeks match up. In response, seven of their players (some of their best) have declined to wear the jersey and have subsequently been required to sit out this round due to a matter of conscience. This, predictably, has caused a furore. Many people see this as a vile act of hatred and bigotry. Others see it as damaging to the many young men and women who are exploring homosexuality and are experiencing the challenges of trying to fit in. Others simply cannot comprehend that there are still people who are not affirmative of homosexuality in 2022 and are grieved. Others see them as heroes, standing up for what is just and right. Others may not agree with their beliefs, stand by their actions, and defend their right to freedom of conscience and belief. Sadly, for a society that promotes ‘inclusion’ and ‘diversity’ and ‘tolerance’, it would seem like that there has been a distinct lack of those elements in the news cycle!

Though I do not know exactly why ‘The Manly 7’ have refused to wear the jersey, I applaud their courage to stand against the new moral majority on this matter of conscience. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for them to weather this storm of outrage, abuse, and discord both internally in the sheds and externally from the media. This is a good test case for us as a society, and it would appear that we’re still a very long way away from our ideals of ‘tolerance’ and ‘inclusion’.

A good question for us all to consider, because it’s likely only a matter of time before ‘Pride’ comes to your workplace or school, is: “what should I do?” It’s not an easy one. And each of us needs to figure out how we are to going uphold biblical values of sexuality in a world that is desperate to celebrate what God abominates. The pressure will be strong, the circumstances complex, the difficulty immense.

In time, we’re going to spend some time as a church on Sunday evenings engaging with these difficult topics. But for now this article below by Simon Camilleri may help you to understand a bit more about the rainbow symbol and how and why we cannot support it.

https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/whats-in-a-rainbow/


Riley Spring
Pray for 'Together 2022' Tonight

Hi guys,

As we know, Jesus said, ‘apart from me you can do nothing...” but “ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15).

As we look ahead to Together 2022 this reality is true! Nothing truly good can come from our time together unless the Lord is with us!

If anyone would like to spend some time praying for our Together Retreat Matt Pettett is running a zoom prayer session. See below for details:

Day:Tuesday 26th July,

Time: 8-9pm. Aiming to keep the timing pretty tight. Anyone is welcome to join.

Topic: Prayer for retreat
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81788090105
Meeting ID: 817 8809 0105
Passcode: retreat

Riley Spring
Deacons

On Sunday I preached on 1 Timothy 3:8-13, ‘Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church’. This message will help to shape us as we go forward as a church, so if you missed it, please take a moment to listen to it. You could also pick up the book “Deacons” By Matt Smethurst (Smetto!)

Next Steps:

  1. Going forward could I ask that you spend some time praying and put forward to me a list of names of men and women you think may be suitable to serve as Deacons in the church. The reality is…we could pretty much nominate everyone in the church because we have SUCH a servant hearted and joyful church! So let’s see how the Lord leads.

  2. In time, I will then send out to you a list of names of the people i’d like to put forward as Deacons. For you to review, commend, or submit concerns about.

  3. We will then have an ordination service where we set apart a few members in our church to serve as Deacons

This is new to me and so there will be kinks to iron out in the process but I look forward to seeing how following this biblical pattern can strengthen and serve our church and all those who will one day call SG Parra “Home”.

Riley

Riley Spring
Together 2022 - Final Information

Hey Church,

Together retreat 2022 is only 3 days away. As we prepare to gather, please see below final information (you would have also received this in your emails last week for those attending)

Friday Night Arrival & Check In

Site Address: Collaroy Centre – 22 Homestead Avenue, Collaroy Beach 2097

Please arrive between 6:30PM - 8:30PM. Supper is from 8-8:30pm (make sure you eat dinner before you arrive).

Note: When you arrive, park your car in the carpark (leave your luggage in it) and visit the front reception/welcome desk where you will collect your room number, pin code and information pack.

You can then drive to your cabin and drop your gear off before returning your car to the carpark. Be mindful that it will be dark when you arrive so watch your steps (bring a torch).

 

What if I’m arriving late on Friday or Saturday?

If you will be arriving after 8:30pm, please make your way to the Conference Room adjacent to the Reception and find/call Richard Song (0407 272 034), who will be able to direct you from there. 

 

What time can day visitors arrive?

Day Visitors are welcome to join us anytime from 7:30 AM. If you are registered for the day, please know your meals are; Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper on Saturday.

 

What do I need to bring?

Besides your personal gear… 

·         Bath towel, pillowcase, sleeping bag, single bed sheets & blankets/doona (for guests in Cabin rooms). Note: Linen and towels are provided for Hotel and Private Room guests only.

·         Portable Cot if you need one

·         High chair if you need one

·         Baby Monitor if you need one

·         Wet weather gear

·         Board games, books, sporting equipment

Questions?

If you have ANY questions, please feel free to contact Richard Song on mobile – 0407 272 034

Riley Spring