Sunday 21st August - BBQ (12:15pm) and Disability and missions (2:45pm)

Community BBQ

12:15pm onwards

Our monthly community BBQ is open to all and we love to have new people along! Think sausages, salads, great space - with indoor areas for cold days, welcoming community.



We have lots of outside toys and equipment for kids, and it's been great to see them enjoying the large but enclosed space.

Please join us to eat, hang out, make new friends and as we continue to deepen our friendships and community!

Disability and missions

Mission to the disabled, and the disabled to the mission

2:45-4:00pm

God calls us to respond lovingly to the needs of those with disability so that they (and we) may experience life in all its fullness. Not only should we respond lovingly, but we need to appreciate that God works through us all whatever our disability or differing ability. Each of us is disabled in some area but that doesn’t prevent us working in mission ... and indeed it is often in and through that weakness that God uses us!  After all His power is made perfect in weakness!  

Recently the Grills’ have been working in disability in India and they are currently hosting three Indian disability co-workers (Robert, Jubin and Pratima) in Melbourne. This group has thought a lot about theology and disability and they will share their insights and personal experiences with us. Robert and Pratima both have powerful stories of how their own experience of severe disability has been used for the glory of God. Sadly, Nathan and Claire are also working through what it means to have a disabled child and be in overseas ministry. 

During this time exploring the theology of disability, Nathan and Claire will give an update on Abby, Robert will talk about his personal experience and how God has used disability for His work and glory, Jubin will lead us in thinking about what is a Christian response to disability.  The Hope in the Himalayas team will also give a brief update... and we will end in prayer that despite our disabilities God in His sovereignty will use us in India and missions for His glory. 

Sunday 14th August - Mentoring

Tim Dyer defines mentoring as 'an intentional interpersonal process in which one person equips and empowers another toward more effective ministry through sharing God-given encouragement, instruction and resources.'

Mentoring variously includes praying, reading the Bible, listening, talking, and hopefully having fun!!

In this session, we will look at what the Bible says about mentoring, then unpack how to mentor. This will be a very practical session.

Time: 3-4pm

Deb Sugars, our facilitator for the seminar, works on the leadership team at St Jude's in Parkville as our Discipleship Minister and loves encouraging people to keep growing themselves and others.

Sunday 7th August - Ancient Near Eastern Law Codes (Michael Theophilos)

This seminar will explore Ancient Near Eastern law codes - particularly how
the Code of Hammurabi both illuminates and challenges our reading of
the Mosaic law of the Old Testament (Exodus 20-23; Leviticus 1-7;
11-25; Deuteronomy 5-26). This will provide fascinating insight into
the Mosaic law in the context of surrounding cultures. All are welcome
- no prior knowledge necessary!

Our speaker Michael Theophilos will address questions such as:

1. The Code of Hammurabi: What is it? Who discovered it? When and where did they discover it? Why is it important for biblical Studies? How is it to be used to inform our reading of the Bible?
2. What does the sculptured bas relief depict?
3. How many laws are there and how are they grouped?
4. Does the Code of Hammurabi display inequality of punishment to the offending party based on social standing? If so, provide examples.
   
5. Are there examples of this in the Law of Moses?
6. How do the law codes of Hammurabi and Moses compare on the following topics: i. False Accusations; ii. Stealing; iii. Kidnapping; iv. Robbery; v. Restitution of death; vi. Agricultural Laws; vi. Dishonest weights; viii. Release of Slaves; ix. Safekeeping; x. Adultery; xi. Incest; xii. Parents; xiii. Restitution; xiv. Renting Animals; xv. Wild Oxen.
7. To what extent are the biblical laws in the Pentateuch unique to Israel amid the ANE?
8. What are the implications of this for the history of Judeo-Christian ethics?

Michael is a council member of the Australian Institute of Archeology and will also bring along some relevant artefacts for participants to examine.

Time: 3-4:30pm

Sunday 31st July - Letter writing campaign

In Australia, writing letters is a great way of informing our elected representatives about the things we care about. We have the opportunity to let decision-makers know that we care about overseas aid, climate change, food production, treatment of refugees, live exports and heaps of other issues we feel strongly about.

This Sunday afternoon is set aside for letter writing. It's often hard to find the time or to know where to start, but we'll have letter writing guides, information about current issues, possibly a couple of stories from people about what they are writing about - so if you've never written to politicians or other police makers before, there should be plenty of help around!

Paper, envelopes, stamps and addresses provided.

This event is happening in parallel with Micah Challenge's 'Offering of letters', so if you'd like to write to Wayne Swan encouraging the Australian Government to keep its commitment concerning the Millenium Development Goals, we'll forward your letters to Micah Challenge so that they can be delivered in person. Read more here: Millenium Development Goals, Micah Challenge's Offering of Letters.

"Learn to do good;
seek justice,
rescue the oppressed,
defend the orphan,
plead for the widow." (Isaiah 1:17)

Time: 3-4:30pm