​As Christmas approaches and we turn our focus to baby Jesus, its important to reflect on the bigger picture of how this baby fit's into God's mission in the world.
Jesus was with God in the beginning when he made the world, and when people turned against God and went their own way. In response to people's rebellion, God set a plan in motion to reconcile all people to himself. God loves all the people of the earth and wants an eternal relationship with every single one of us. So he sent his son Jesus to be born a human, and reveal to us what God is like and teach us how to best live as God's created beings in relationship with God and in unity with others. God's ultimate goal for all humankind is to gather us all around his throne and worship him together, forever. There's a wonderful image of this depicted in Revelation 7:9-17. As we catch a glimpse of God's end goal for all humanity, we gain a greater perspective on how we are to live as his people here and now. We are to be playing our part in his mission in the world, just like Jesus did.
These truths are what we will be focussing on this coming Sunday so we can go into Christmas with a full understanding and appreciation of what Jesus' birth is really all about.

This Sunday we look at ‘The Parable of the Talents’. Jesus told this story to his followers to encourage them to be ready for his second coming, and to use all the gifts he has given us for his Kingdom’s growth until he returns.

In the parable, a man entrusts three of his servants with his wealth (a talent was a measure of gold), before going away for a while. To one servant he gave five talents. To the second, he gave two talents, and to a third, he gave one talent. Each servant received a measure in proportion to their abilities to manage it.
The parable goes on to say that the first two servants were good stewards of their master’s money, investing it in such a way that when the master returned, they handed back double what he had originally given them. They were commended and rewarded for their faithfulness.
In contrast, the third servant was fearful and negligent. Instead of using the treasure he was given for his master’s benefit, he simply dug a hole in the ground and hid it. His lazy, wicked attitude was reprimanded by his master, and his talent was taken away from him.

Likened to the parable, Jesus has given responsibilities to his followers, to carry on his work in the world until he returns. Jesus’ followers are to wisely, faithfully and responsibly use their God-given talents and resources for his benefit and glory. We must not be fearful or complacent about God’s kingdom work.
Jesus has made us ambassadors of his mission in the world, entrusting us with:
- Spreading the gospel (Matthew 28:16-20).
- Forgiving those who have wronged us (Matt 6:14-15).
- Loving others (John 13:34-35).
- Caring for his church (John 21:17).
- Being an example to the world (Matthew 14:13-16).
- Feeding the hungry and thirsty (Matt 25:25).
- Caring for the poor, the prisoner, and the sick (Matthew 25:36)
- Being hospitable to foreigners and outsiders (Matt 25:35).

We are called to use our time, money, bodies, and abilities with intentionality and faithfulness. We are accountable to God our creator, sustainer, redeemer, master/Lord. All that we have been entrusted with is to be used for his purposes and Glory, until Christ returns. At that time, we will give an account of how we spent the time and opportunities he has given to us. Do you think he will say “Well done good and faithful servant, come and join in your maters happiness” or “You wicked lazy servant”?

As we approach our Annual Parish Meeting this Sunday, it’s important to reflect on how we are managing the great gifts God has entrusted to us at Mount Eliza Anglican Church. We have been entrusted with a huge amount to steward well.

Let’s continue to reflect on how we can be even more intentional and faithful in the coming year, to grow God’s Kingdom. As we serve him intentionally and faithfully, may he bring continual increase, until he comes again.

God be with you.

Rev Tanya   
 ​

Christ the King!
This Sunday in our church calendar we celebrate Jesus being our King! 
I am looking forward to remembering, sharing & celebrating WHY Jesus is King and how GOOD his Kingship is compared to our earthly rulers. 
We will be celebrating together with an interactive sermon that includes our children & young people and gets all of us thinking and talking - so come ready to get involved together! 
Here's a few 'wondering' questions to get you started (these are great conversations to have with kids / all people!).
I wonder...
· what you would do if you were King / Queen?
· what you think is the most important thing about being a King / Queen?
· what stories about Jesus make you think of him as King?
· what you think it means to have a King like Jesus?
what it might look like to keep Jesus as your King this advent / Christmas season?
I look forward to hearing some of your thoughts on these on Sunday! 
May God bless you and keep you close to him this week.
Amy
 ​

​What a privilege it is to be God's representatives (Christs' ambassadors) to all those around us. It was lovely to see some of our congregation members connecting with other locals at our Remembrance Day service in Mount Eliza Village on Tuesday. Rotary always do a great job organising the service, and its wonderful to see all the local schools take part; bringing wreaths, playing the Bugle, reading the Ode, reading Flanders Field, and singing the national Anthem. This year the newly retired Captain of the Royal Australian Navy was the main speaker, and I had the privilege of opening and closing the service with reflection and prayer. It is wonderful to be involved and connected with our local community at these events, bringing salt, light and the love of Jesus. Let's continue to pray that God will use each of us to draw more people to himself, and that many locals will choose to join our Church community. We have much to offer to those around us.
 
This coming Sunday we welcome Gemma from FUSION, which is an organization we support with food and financial donations, and partner with in projects to raise funds for the village they are planning to build for homeless young people. Come along this Sunday to hear more about that, and how we might continue to support and be good news among the community of people at FUSION.
 
Our service will be followed by Morning Tea as normal, then at 11:15am we will be running a church tour for those interested in exploring more and a welcome lunch with opportunity to connect with your pastors at 11:45am in the hall.
All Welcome!
 
In Christ,
 
Tanya

​This Sunday we are looking at the purpose of the local church.
If someone were to walk up to you and ask, “What is the main purpose of Mount Eliza Anglican Church?” What would you tell them? 
Many people around us don't understand or know the purpose of the Church and it's up to us to show them and be Christ's light in the world.
Our Mission statement is "To know Christ, To make Christ known".
Our website says: 
Mount Eliza Anglican Church is a community of believers, passionate about sharing the love of God with others.
We believe in the life-changing love of Jesus and it’s relevance in the world today for all people.
We can't wait to meet you!

Is this true of us?

We are to be like local missionaries in our own homes, family, networks, neighbourhoods. How are you going with that? Personally, I am doing well in some areas and feel like a complete failure every now and then. I am grateful for God's grace, mercy and patience with us. 
I am sure God wants us to grow as disciples of Him and make more disciples who will in turn make more disciples.
Next year I plan to be coached intentionally for helping our Church become a disciple-making Church. Next week I plan to read the bible with some new Christians to help them grow in their faith and knowledge of Jesus. 
This Sunday, I'll remind you of what the scriptures say about the local Church and our mission in the world. I hope we will be encouraged and appropriately challenged.
Blessings on your day,
Reverend Tanya

This Sunday we come together to celebrate 160 years of God's faithfulness to the Mount Eliza Community. I feel so privileged to be Vicar of a Church that is still growing vibrant and strong after all these years.

The Church has gone through ups and downs and many changes over the years. Parishioners have come and gone yet the one constant has been God's continued faithfulness. I'm reminded of Psalm 100:5; “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
And Psalms 145:13; “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” 

How blessed are we to have a great God who preserves His Church and sustains His people for His ministry!
 
This Sunday we will look back at God's faithfulness in the past, celebrate what He is doing in our midst today which includes seeing 3 people confirmed and 2 people received into the Anglican Communion, and we will look forward to the future with Hope and Trust in God's continued faithfulness to us. God does not change. We can trust Him for our future.
 
Bishop Paul and some of our local MPs along with many who have had some association with our Church in the past will be attending so I hope you and all of our congregation will be sure to welcome them fully.

We will continue to celebrate after the Church service with Music and Lunch in the Hall. Huge thanks to all our wonderful people volunteering their time to make this such a special and memorable occasion.
 
Blessings on your week.  


Rev. Tanya
​

​At Mount Eliza Anglican Church we believe that studying God's Word is essential because the Scriptures are God-breathed, profitable for teaching, rebuking, and training, equipping believers for every good work and transforming our lives. The Word offers guidance, healing, and wisdom, providing a solid foundation for life and a direct way to know and relate to God more deeply. 

Diligent study is an act of faith, and the Holy Spirit uses Scripture to convict, guide, and bring about freedom and a more Christ-like life. Therefore, I encourage you to spend time meditating on God's word each day and prayerfully consider joining a small group. 

This Sunday we will continue to reflect on the kind of Church that God wants us to be. I'm sure he wants us to be centered on His word. It's my hope that our current Church congregation will see even more clearly the importance of meditating on God's Word in this day and age where there are so many distractions and so much opposition and doubt. It is so easy to drift away from God and His plans for us when we don't spend time in His Word.

Spending time in God's word is important because:

• It's God's Message to Us: The Bible is inspired by God and given to us so we can know Him, His character, His plans, and His love for us. 
• It's Alive and Active: God's Word is powerful and living, capable of healing our souls, minds, and emotions. It's like a spiritual medicine, with an endless supply for our needs. 
• It Transforms Us: Scripture acts as a mirror, revealing our hearts and prompting us to live righteously. It helps us to overcome sin, grow in faith, and become complete and equipped for God's purposes. 
• It Provides Guidance and Wisdom: Studying the Word helps us discern right from wrong and provides guidance for living a fulfilling life. 
• It's a Source of Healing and Comfort: The Word offers comfort, restoration, and can help heal broken hearts. 
• It Equips Us for Every Good Work: As the Holy Spirit uses Scripture to renew our minds, we are better prepared to walk in obedience to God and to serve Him effectively. 

Consider spending extra time meditating on God's word this week and in the lead up to Sunday, prayerfully consider joining a small group to help you grow as a faith filled follower of Jesus (Sign-up sheets will be available).

Let us continue to encourage one another all the more as we see the day approaching.

Rev Tanya