Earlier this year I preached on these words from Psalm 78:

  4 ...we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
    his power, and the wonders he has done.
5...he commanded our ancestors
    to teach their children,
6 so the next generation would know them,
    even the children yet to be born,
    and they in turn would tell their children.
7 Then they would put their trust in God
    and would not forget his deeds
    but would keep his commands.

Last week I led on a youth camp called 'Leaders in Training'. In case you missed the awesome review Rufus gave it on Sunday, he attended and loved it!

The spirit of this camp IS to do what this psalm commands, but in such a way that encourages and equips the youth themselves to own their faith and pass it on to their peers and the next generation.
On camp, they learned to read and apply the bible to their own lives and others, they discussed the bible talks in small groups and the impact of Jesus' crucifixion on their personal lives and its implications for servant leadership. They had all sorts of workshops to equip them with skills to serve Jesus in their own context.

For Rufus, this involved a focus on sharing faith and character of a Christian leader. 
Rufus mentioned one of the things he loved most was the community that formed so quickly. The 29 youth made fast friends, welcomed each other, and made it easy for those coming alone from other churches to be included. Praise God for that experience! May our churches be places where these young people are welcomed, included and given opportunity to contribute to the body of Christ. 

As you see young people come and go in our church, please make every week a chance to welcome and include them - not just the first week you see a new young family. Make every effort not just to talk to your friends after church, but to say 'hello, tell me about yourself' to at least one other person. Learn the names of the young people and take that first step as the mature adult in the room to ask them about their week and their faith in Jesus. Let us not become a church of separate 'huddles', but one where people visit, feel the love, want to return, and feel the love again!

Each week, as we see what John writes to the churches in Asia-Minor about something they're doing well or not so well in, we'll have a chance to think about what kind of church we are and what kind of church we want to be. What will we be in 10 years? What will we be known for? I certainly hope that it's a welcoming one that includes all ages as together, we are outward looking, passing on the faith to those outside the church. 

Amy
​

​Do you remember when everything you did for God was motivated by your love for Him?

In new relationships it's easy to be motivated to put love into action, but over time, I think that things can seem like they take a bit more effort or intentionality. Our good intentions can be replaced by just "going through the motions". But our love for God ought to always remain the motivation for everything we do for him.

In his letter the church at Ephesus, Jesus says "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first." Revelation 2:4 NIV. This is the first of the seven letters we will be looking at over the next 7 Sundays, and it's the one that hits me the hardest.

The Church at Ephesus seemed to be doing everything right. Jesus acknowledged their labour, their testing of false prophets, and their endurance. Yet he had one problem with them; they had abandoned the love for Christ that they had at an earlier time. It would appear that as time went on, they had focused more on the outward activities of being a church. And they had drifted away from their relationship with their head. Because of this, Jesus warned them severely, saying; "If you don’t return to me, you will lose your place as a church."

How many churches today seem to be doing everything right? But they do it in a legalistic fashion rather than out of love. And how many individuals are the same way? They seem to be good examples of the Christian life. Yet they have lost their intimate relationship with Christ. I am sure Christ’s warning to Ephesus is just as applicable to us today. Return to your first love before it’s too late.

If we love God, we want to worship. If we love Him, we want to give an offering. If we love Him, we want to serve, and tell people about Him. When we do these things because we love God, in response to His love for us, and not out of habit or obligation or guilt, or duty, Jesus is honoured, and God is glorified.

That's what the Lord was telling the church at Ephesus. He told them "You’re doing all this 'stuff;' that’s all good. But you don’t have the one most important thing: you’ve left your first love.” Your heart is not in it — and more than that, your heart is not with me!

Therefore, we ought to examine our own hearts and motivations for serving, worshipping and tithing, and intentionally put our relationship with God and love for Him as our highest priority. All good things will flow from that love and be pleasing in his sight. 

Yours in Christ,
Tanya

​Last week I began our new sermon series in the book of Revelation. This Sunday Adam Copeland continues with a message from Revelation 1:9-20.

This passage describes John’s vision and encounter with the glorified Jesus Christ and emphasizes the ultimate authority and power of Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega. It reminds us of the eternal reign and presence of God.

In the passage we read that John was praying when he suddenly heard a loud voice behind him. Turning around, he saw a vision of the glorified Jesus Christ standing among seven golden lampstands. His appearance is radiant, with eyes like blazing fire and a voice like rushing waters. The vision is overwhelming, and John falls to the ground in awe and fear. Wouldn't we all!?

Surrounding Jesus are seven stars held in his right hand, symbolising the seven angels of the seven churches mentioned in the following chapters of Revelation. Jesus speaks to John, reassuring him and commissioning him to write down the visions he will see and to send them to the seven churches. Over the coming weeks, we will look at what God said to those churches and seek to discern what he might be saying to ours.

I encourage you this week to reflect on this passage of scripture and be reminded that Jesus has ultimate control over life and death, and that through Him we can find eternal life and salvation.

Let this vision of Jesus inspire and strengthen our faith, knowing that He holds the keys to our eternal destiny and offers us the gift of everlasting life.

These words bring special comfort at this time as we remember and give thanks for the life of John Tatman.  Please uphold his family in prayer.

God be with you.

Rev. Tanya

​t Alpha we have been discussing how we need to listen to God and seek what he wants to say to us, not just talk to or at him. This is important in all relationships, and most important in our relationship with God. So, I wonder how God speaks to you?

God often speaks to me first thing in the morning when I wake. Sometimes, a Bible verse comes to mind as if God is speaking to me about it. Other mornings he gives me visions. 

Last Monday morning as I awoke, I saw a chasm between myself and God and I took a big wooden cross to lay across it so I could walk over into the arms of Jesus, hugging him on the other side. At that time, flames flared up out of the chasm behind me and I had to tuck my feet up to not get burned. I was then aware of being in God's throne room. I sat with the image for a while and responded as led. Shortly after, a second vision came. I was walking out of St. Paul's Cathedral completely naked, going out into the world with nothing, holding my arms out wide. Both of these visions made more sense by the end of the day.

During the morning, I visited a beautiful who would soon pass away. As he shared his journey with me, I was able reassure him from the vision I had that morning that Christ will bring him through, and Jesus is waiting for him with open arms on the other side where he will see the glory of God. The first vision from that morning made sense here.

That evening, after a really hard day, I met with a longtime Christian friend and had a long, deep and honest conversation about faith and where I was at. I needed this conversation and so did she. She expressed appreciation and told me that she sees this kind of openness and vulnerability as being Naked, standing with arms out wide, nothing of your own. Just your authentic self! It was then that the second image from that morning made sense, and I was assured that God is with me and speaks to me and is carrying me through my tough time when I felt challenged in my faith.

This Sunday, as we begin a sermon series in the book of Revelation, I pray we all grow in our faith and assurance of God being with us. May the symbols in the letter reveal more of God's truth to us and encourage us to live faithfully in this challenging time between Christ's first and second coming.

John, calls this book a ‘prophecy’, indicating that it is the word of God, affirming the truth already revealed by God in the past, and applied to the situation in which John and his readers found themselves. Its references to things as yet in the future are an essential part of the encouragement of the saints in their current situation. This book is what God gave to John to say to Christians suffering intense persecution and pressure at the hands of the evil one.

In our revelation series we will be reminded of Christ's incarnation – during which he glorified the Father [see John 17:4] – ‘the faithful witness’, His crucifixion and resurrection, in which he conquered sin and death – ‘the firstborn from the dead’ and His ascension to the right hand of God, where he is ‘the ruler of the kings of the earth’. Each of these aspects of Jesus Christ are of key relevance to John’s readers in the context of their witness, their struggle, and their victory.

We will be reminded of three massive truths; Jesus loves us. He has freed us from our sins by his blood. And He has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father. May these truths affirm, strengthen and empower us in our own struggles.

The voice of God is reported for the first time in this book: ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega … who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty’ [verse 8]. In reflecting on this passage, this song comes to mind. 'Alpha and Omega' - Gaither Vocal Band:
Listen HERE

I hope you enjoy listening to it and I encourage you to keep listening for God's voice and listen to/or see what he is wanting to say to you each day.

God is with you.
Rev. Tanya

If you’ve been joining us on Sundays, you’ll know we are up to Ruth chapter three in our sermon mini-series this week. It’s a wonderful story!

So far, Ruth has shown undivided kindness and loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi. She chose to leave her home country to go with Naomi and made Naomi’s God her God. She served Naomi, going out to glean for food so neither of them would starve. Ruth and Naomi have discovered that Boaz, in whose fields Ruth gleaned, is a kind, generous and loyal man who is also one of their family’s “redeemers.”

As it stands, Naomi will have to sell her family’s land to survive. But if Boaz marries Ruth, their problems will be solved! It’s not clear if Boaz will entertain the idea of marrying Ruth as she is a possibly infertile, poor widow, and a foreigner. If he does marry her and has a son with her, the child will be considered Elimelech’s heir not his own.

Regardless of all this, Naomi comes up with a clever but risky plan to secure a marriage proposal from Boaz (Ruth 3:1). Ruth needs to get dressed up, put on expensive perfume, and then wait for Boaz to fall asleep after a big meal and a few drinks (Ruth 3:3). She should then uncover his feet and lie down next to him (Ruth 3:4). Though this kind of proposal sounds strange to us, it was culturally appropriate at the time. Ruth didn’t propose to Boaz because he was handsome or rich but to redeem Naomi’s family. We will unpack this more on this coming Sunday. I hope you can join us and hear how it turns out.

Meantime, I encourage you to consider God’s loving kindness to us though Jesus Christ our redeemer. Out of loyalty to God’s promises of steadfast kindness, Jesus left his homeland and married a bride at great cost to himself (Ephesians 5:25). Jesus did not join himself with us because we are the best or most desired. Rather, he died for us because he is kind and loyal. He’s kind toward people in need and loyal to the promises he made.

May this encourage us to go to him and lay at his feet this week. We can go to him and ask for help, and he will surely give it. We have a God who covers us with his wings.

In Christ,
Rev Tanya
​

​Last Sunday we launched our new mini sermon series on the book of Ruth. Apologies to those watching online, as the sound wasn’t working. We hope to be up and running again this Sunday.

In Chapter 1 we considered the sadness and the need for redemption for those who go their own way instead of God’s way and noted Ruth’s choice to come back from Moab with Naomi and make the Lord God her own God. Ruth committed herself to Naomi and her God completely. She was “All In” which is how God wants us all to follow him. Are you all in?

This Sunday we will look at Chapter 2 which emphasises the hope that comes from God’s love and the fruit of His love in a believer’s life. His love is shown through His blessings and provision for both Ruth and Naomi. Also, by bringing them a relative of Naomi’s husband named Boaz, who would restore them as a “kinsman redeemer” (Lev. 27:9-25; Deut. 25:5-10). There are many lessons and truths we can discover in this chapter. So, join us for the next exciting episode this Sunday.

In the meantime, you may like to reflect on this short devotion that my friend sent to me during the week; Based on Ruth 2:7 'She came and has continued from morning until now.'

When you work, do your best!
After ten years of sorrow and hardship in which she lost her husband and her support system, God introduced Ruth to her new husband, Boaz. He was the owner of the field that she worked in each day. One of the things that brought Ruth to Boaz's attention was her work ethic. The servant in charge of the reapers told Boaz, 'She came and has continued from morning until now' (Ruth 2:7 NKJV). Her work ethic moved her to a position of respect and honour.

The Bible has heaps to say about the difference between hard work and laziness, excellence and sloppiness, punctuality and lateness, honesty and dishonesty, a positive attitude and a negative one.

Read these three Scriptures: (1) 'Do you see people skilled in their work? They will work for kings, not for ordinary people' (Proverbs 22:29). (2) 'The lazy will not get what they want, but those who work hard will' (Proverbs 13:4). (3) 'A lazy person will end up poor, but a hard worker will become rich' (Proverbs 10:4).

By expecting much and giving back as little as possible in return, we don't just short-change the person or the organisation we work for, we short-change ourselves.

God promises to honour us when we give our best. His word says, 'You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things' (Psalm 128:2 NCV).

So what now? When you work/serve, give your best!
Know that you are pleasing God and that it will go well for you.

In response to this devotion, I want to work more diligently and acknowledge those of you who do. I want to say 'Thank you' to all who work/serve here at MEAC. In particular I'd like to thank Ian and Rosemary who work tirelessly in our gardens. The wardens: Geoff, Jim and Sarnia and treasurer Ross who excel in all they do. They do a lot!

Thanks to Kel overseeing the Ramp project, and to Peter overseeing the Hall Hire. To Amy and our Parish Council, to all who serve on Sundays, and to those behind the scenes - your service is noted and appreciated.

To each one of you who serves the Lord and his people here, I want to say that your work ethic moves you to a position of honour and respect.

Thank you for all you do.
Yours in Christ,
​Tanya

​I’m delighted to begin a sermon series in the book of Ruth this coming Sunday. Ruth is a fabulous short story with a big message. On a quick read it could be viewed as just a love story, but when read with the original context in mind we learn that it’s a story about God and how he restores those who look to him with hope. It’s a story about God's faithfulness which contributes to the overall covenantal storyline of the Bible as a whole. It is also relevant to us today as it shows how God works in the everyday events in the lives of his people.

The story begins with highlighting the Judges theme of Israel and their need for a king. It explores the misery and emptiness that a family experienced during that dark time in history. All the males of a particular Israelite family who had left Bethlehem sadly died in Moab, leaving Naomi without a male relative to care for her. Naomi returns to Bethlehem with Ruth the Moabite who chooses to be loyal to Yahweh and Naomi.

In Bethlehem, Ruth works hard gleaning in fields to support Naomi and there she meets Boaz. Boaz was a man of character and a kinsman redeemer for the family. Naomi plans to join Ruth and Boaz for good outcomes. She sends Ruth to present herself (as a woman of character) to Boaz at the threshing floor and Boaz says he will seek to redeem Naomi's family.

Boaz marries Ruth, exhibiting his loyalty to God, his commandments, and his family. Naomi’s life is restored to all fullness when a son is born to Ruth and Boaz, continuing Naomi’s family line. This son would also become an ancestor of King David and the promised Messiah. Thus, we can see how this story fits in the bigger biblical narrative.

Through it we can also see how God is at work in the day-to-day challenges we all face, such as death, moving, lack of financial resources, family responsibilities, and how he can bring redemption to each of our lives. It encourages us to view our day-to-day lives as part of God’s bigger plan for our lives and world. As we study it together, may we all become more fully aware of God's great big love for us and be encouraged to put our hope in him to get us through our darkest times.

I hope you enjoy the sermon series.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Tanya Cummings

​This Sunday we celebrate our mothers and say "Happy Mothers' Day" to all the mums.

Mother's Day isn't always a happy day for some. For some mothers or women who never became mothers and would have liked to, it can be a hard day. Thanks be to God, for giving us all a spiritual family in the church to make up for any lack in our lives.

Hopefully we all have spiritual mothers in the family of God. Jesus told his disciples that whoever does the will of God is his brother and sister and mother (Matthew 12:48-50). He also told his disciples that whoever leaves their earthly family in order to follow him will receive 100 times as much as they gave up, in this life and in eternal life (Matthew 19:29). In Christ we have such a big family. We will do well to bless them and show our appreciation for them, as well as our own families of origin this Sunday.

Who will you thank for being a spiritual mother, father, brother or sister in the Lord?

God bless you and your earthly families too. 

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Tanya Cummings

​There's a lot happening this Sunday on May 4th. In our 9:30am service we are focusing on the way Jesus cares for people and came to set the captives free. We will discuss how these biblical truths about him can be related to the issue of Domestic Violence.

DVSunday is an initiative of the Anglican Church’s Families and Culture Commission—a call to shine a light on domestic and family violence, and how we can serve those who are impacted by it in our churches.  Domestic violence has no place in the kingdom of God, yet more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men in our churches report that they have experienced violence, with women far more likely to be impacted by sexual and physical assault and sexual harassment. We cannot stand by, so we are choosing to join many Anglican parishes in marking this Sunday as DVSUNDAY.

This Sunday evening, we will begin our Alpha Course with approx. 24 participants signed up. We can't wait! If you are not going to join us in the large hall for this course starting at 6pm (please arrive slightly earlier), then please pray for us all. Pray specifically that all attendees will experience a fresh revelation of Jesus and that many will come to saving faith in him and receive the holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is essential for all Christians to fulfil our purpose and mission. He is the one to empower us to live God's ways for God's glory. Even Jesus received the Holy Spirit to empower him to do the works God had for him to do. In Luke 4:14-18 it records how he, led by the spirit, went to the temple, read these words from the prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” He then sat down and declared "These words are fulfilled today". By the spirit he sets people free. And if the son sets us free, we are free indeed, to live according to the spirit. I hope you will join us this Sunday as I speak more about this.

In the meantime, you may like to pray this collect daily:
God of liberation and light, your Son Jesus came to set the oppressed free and to proclaim the year of your favour. Open our eyes to see those who suffer in silence, give us courage to speak your truth with love and, by your grace, empower us to be agents of your healing and hope so that your church may be a place of safety and sanctuary, where all may find freedom from fear and the promise of new life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Tanya Cummings

​I never get tired of Easter Services. I delight in coming back to the cross in such an intentional way at this special time of year. I remember when the death and resurrection of Christ first made real sense to me in a deep and meaningful way. I was reading "The Romans Road to Salvation" which explains the good news of salvation using verses from the Book of Romans. It is a simple yet powerful method of explaining why we need salvation, how God provided salvation, how we can receive salvation and the results of salvation. It serves as a great tool for evangelism, offering a clear and concise way to explain the Christian faith, so I thought I'd share it with you. Hopefully you'll have opportunity to share it with someone soon. 

The Roman Road.
Human Problem - Sin
Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
This verse tells us that all people have sinned and thus fall short of God's glorious standard.

The Consequence of Sin
Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
This highlights the consequences of sin - death, which means eternal separation from God. However, it also introduces the solution - the gift of God, which is eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The Solution - Christ's Sacrifice
Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates his love for us, in this; While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Despite our sins, God demonstrated His love for us through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, who died in our place.

The Response - Faith
Romans 10:9 - "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ—by confessing Him as Lord and believing in His resurrection.

The Assurance of Salvation
Romans 10:13 - "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
This verse assures us that anyone who calls on the name of Jesus Christ for salvation will be saved.

The Result of Salvation - Peace with God
Romans 5:1 - "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are justified and have peace with God, signifying a restored relationship with Him.

Living in the Spirit
Romans 8:1 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
This verse emphasizes that those who are in Christ are not condemned but live according to the Spirit, leading a life transformed by their faith.

When I first understood these verses, a light went on, I was assured of my faith, which transformed my life by the power of the Holy Spirit. I have known these verses to be true.

Let's pray many more will experience salvation in Christ for themselves through our Easter journey to the cross on Good Friday, or through Alpha after Easter, or through you sharing the Good News of salvation with them, perhaps using the Romans Road. 

May God's Spirit work in and through us in a powerful way this Easter time.

See you at one of our services.
Rev Tanya.