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Dear brothers and sisters,
Simon Manchester has asked me to write to you this week, and he’s
invited me to say something in particular about the new congregation
we aim to start in Northbridge soon, but also about the ministry
of Scripture Union NSW.
Northbridge
As many of you know, St Thomas’ has generously committed to
birthing a new congregation at St Mark’s Northbridge this year.
The church at Northbridge does not currently have an evening service,
so I will be leading a large group of people from the St Thomas’
5pm service to begin an evening service at Northbridge on July 25.
It’s an exciting endeavour and we’re praying, under God,
that it will stretch those of us who go, and that it will be used
by God to grow his Kingdom in Northbridge and beyond. Please pray
that all the factors involved in transitioning from here to there
will be well arranged over the next few months, and that the move
will happen smoothly. Pray that those of us who go will be a great
blessing to the existing congregations at Northbridge. Pray too
that our long-term hope of significant gospel growth will be realised.
Thanks for partnering with us!
Scripture Union NSW
Many of you may not know that I’m the Chairman of the Board
for Scripture Union in NSW. It’s a voluntary position, but
one I give serious attention to. SU has been a big part of my Christian
life over the years. I’ve read the Bible with the help of SU
Bible reading notes at various times, I was greatly helped to grow
and serve as a Christian through a lunch-time Christian group at
high school (ISCF), and I learnt a lot about evangelism and leadership
by being involved with a Beach Mission for 12 years as well. As
a result I’m very passionate about what Scripture Union does.
Basically it’s an inter-denominational movement of volunteers
seeking to introduce Australians to Jesus, the Bible, and the local
church (primarily through missions, camps, and ministry in schools).
Feel free to ask me more about it some time. You could also check
out http://www.nsw.su.org.au/
Building Project
Can I also take this opportunity to commend to you the letter most
should have received this week from the Churchwardens. It reminds
us all of the various needs of the ministries here at St Thomas’.
In particular, I want to commend to you the building project that’s
in the pipeline and the new web site that will tell you all you
need to know — http://www.st-thomas.org.au/buildingproject/
As someone who’s spent a good chunk of the past six and a
half years working in the current Ministry Centre, I can assure
you that new office space is definitely needed! But I can also assure
you that the possibilities that the new buildings will open up for
staff-accommodation, for fellowship, and for ministry (especially
with an open door to the North Sydney community) are well worth
your support.
Yours in joyful slavery to Christ,
Simon Flinders.
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