As I write this letter, the day after our AGM, there is the realisation that our church is being truly blessed by God. We have come a long way in the past two years and we look forward to achieving even greater things in the name of Jesus Christ. As we heard last night we also in a very sound position financially. I would like to focus on a ministry that has been part of EBC for many years - Friendship Club. The club meets every Tuesday and is involved in a number of activities including outings, carpet bowls, cards, 8-ball, table tennis and more importantly social interaction. The club is directed toward the over 50's group although a few of us only just scrape in to that demographic. Many of the members, however, are in their late 70's and 80's. Sadly, our numbers are dwindling and there is a real need for new people to join the group. There is a need for an injection of people in the 50-60 year age group. Gwenyth Harrison, who took up the leadership role when our dear brother Jim McLachlan went to be with the Lord approx. 6 years ago, is stepping down from the role. Gwenyth has done an amazing job in organising the week to week activities. Her commitment has blessed many people and she has built and maintained strong friendships with the members of the group. I would like to publicly thank Gwenyth for all of her efforts and we look forward to her spending time with us in a less formal way. If there is anyone who feels called to step into the leadership role please contact Ps Joe or myself. Please be in prayer for this opportunity to serve God in His church.

Please be in prayer for the people of the Philippines who are dealing with the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. EBC will be accepting donations but will hold them until phase two of recovery program Yolanda which begins early in 2014. If you wish to donate before then please direct your monies through the Red Cross, World Vision and most major banks.

As Pastor Joe said last night there is a real excitement about the coming year. We want to be a blessing for God by Caring, Equipping and Mobilising people to joyfully do the work He sets before us.

I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday

God bless  

Barry

Barry Bennett

Pastoral Assistant

On Monday, the 3^rd of November 2013, we had the opportunity to hear from Mr Ian Conway of the Conway Kids Trust Foundation about the struggles and many issues affecting the Aboriginal Australians living in Central Australia. Despite the difficulties they face, there are also positive results happening with those Aboriginal Australian children who have the desire to study in certain schools in Adelaide. He shared his burden of giving education to these children and for them to have a prospective future. Several children have been in Adelaide studying at Westminster School and enjoying the benefits of education, friendship and family relationship. We thank God for men and women who have such vision and passion to help the under- privileged and have given their time and resources to make a difference in their community.

Recently, a super typhoon hit the Central Visayan Region of the Philippines and swept through the islands, leaving the areas massively devastated. Prior to the typhoon, an earthquake shook another province with a 7.2 magnitude. People were caught unprepared. These occurred in Bohol, Cebu, Samar, Leyte, Tacloban City, Iloilo, and many other small islands placing the region under national calamity. Whilst we think and prepare for Christmas, these disasters strike. What can we do to make a difference in someone’s life? As a community of believers, we can pray for the people to see the one true God in this situation. We can pray and give to the churches that go out to minister and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in those areas.  We can pray for a big harvest of souls in the coming days.

Today, whatever God impresses in your heart to do, just do it in Christ’s Mighty name!

God bless you!

Edwin

Edwin Del Pilar

Multicultural Ministries Pastor

This past weekend, a group of ladies from EBC went to the Redcliff Women’s Camp near Tumby Bay. We had a lovely weekend of fellowship with our Sisters in Christ on the Eyre Peninsula.  We had the theme of REACH OUT and it certainly was an experience of Reaching Out!

We experienced genuine country hospitality (food and friendship), as our sisters in faith reached out to us in Jesus’ love. Friday evening Lea Berry led us in some fun “getting to know you games” which opened the door to new friendships, as well as deepening relationships already established.

We had a wonderfully warm day on Saturday and since the setting was gorgeous, being on the beach, it afforded some of the more adventurous the opportunity to swim, snorkel or walk the beach. Wendy Burrill even reached out in friendship to a 10 yr. old girl (a day-camper visiting with her mother), taking her snorkelling, even giving up her wet suit in the cold water!  Tamara Wenham led us in a challenging devotional on reaching out with whatever is in our hand.  We also had an evening of fun and foolishness and it was good to “let down our hair” and relax together.

We had 4 study sessions where we studied several biblical women and how they reached out: a) to Jesus, b) to their families, c) to those who in need of justice and d) to those in our church and community. We considered how these women reached out, as well as our own responsibility to reach out and we were challenged to hold each other accountable. We pray that God will use us to reach out!

This Sunday we have the opportunity to reach out and welcome Dale and Laura Green as they worship with us. Dale will be bringing the message in both the morning (Mark 14:32-52) and the evening services (Mark 14:53-72).

Marti

Women's Pastor

Earlier this month, as staff, we went to the Global Leadership Conference out at Clovercrest Baptist Church. In his last e-letter, Jarrod shared insights he gained from one of the speakers, Brené Brown, whom we all found excellent. Brené’s presentation represented a new theme coming out of some major overseas Church Networks. That is, character trumps charisma all the time, especially when it is the character of Christ imprinted in leadership and the Church. Bill Hybels also made statements like, “It’s not good enough to come to church and be untouched by community – welcomed, greeted, touched and engaged by the Church (people).” We were encouraged to apply value by being community – “knowing & being known; loving & being loved; serving & being served.” These thoughts resonate with me and I believe they play an important part in our future together.

In one of the sessions we were asked to record our impression of our Church’s status, then as a team, personally share our impressions. All team members unanimously believed EBC was healthy and heading up. The degree of ‘heading up’ varied, but all carried an air of expectation that blessings were being enjoyed and more was to come. God is constantly at work in us.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer puts it this way, “Christian community…is a gift of God which we cannot claim. Only God knows the real state of our fellowship, of our sanctification. Just as the Christian should not be constantly feeling his spiritual pulse, so too, the Christian community has not been given to us by God for us to be constantly taking its temperature. The more thankfully we daily receive what is given to us, the more surely and steadily will fellowship increase and grow from day to day as God pleases.”

Ray Williams will be sharing more from Mark’s gospel Sunday (am) and Joy Singh an ACM student, will be speaking in the evening.

Joe

Joe Gray

Lead Pastor

Good morning! Last week I had the privilege with the EBC staff to attend the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit. It was a good chance to absorb and percolate as we listened to some world-class speakers, pastors and researchers.

All the speakers were insightful and engaging, but Dr Brene Brown had some great insights into people and vulnerability. She made the points that the irreducible needs of people are:
1)To be seen and loved
2)To belong
3)To be brave

All these needs she says help meet our purpose of connection. As she was talking I found myself connecting her research with what the Bible says about how God created us to live. Our deepest need for connection and community reflects a God who Himself lives in perfect community in what we understand as the Trinity.

As much as I understand that our relationship with God meets our deepest human needs, we were created for connection and these irreducible needs need to be met by the human relationships around us. I think Jesus understood this when He prayed for us in John 17:21, “Father, may they all be one as You are in Me and I am in You; may they be in Us, for by this unity the world will believe that You sent Me.”

I am reminded again of the power of authentic Christian community. Jesus prayed that we would have the community that He experiences. Imagine if together we found the bravery to risk ourselves to each other as we walked together in faith; a deep sense of being known and loved, a feeling of belonging and willingness to be brave as we invite others into our vulnerability.

It is this level of community that meets our deepest needs and convinces the world that Jesus is the Son of God.

Jarrod

Jarrod Flack

Youth Pastor

Mark 11:25 “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Forgiveness is as a unique trait of a disciple of Jesus. Forgiveness does not come naturally; it’s a foreign concept to us. Human as we are, if someone wrongs us, our first instinct is to get back at them, inflict maximum revenge and defend ourselves. From experience, it is difficult to forgive.

Forgiveness is hard because we often think it is us giving something out, or releasing something to somebody and we don’t get any benefit back from it. We think we are on the losing end. But this is not true.

Do you know why Jesus mandated us to forgive? Firstly, when you forgive it benefits you the most as a person and not the other party. Forgiveness is an issue of the heart and the heart is where Jesus wants to work with us. When you forgive it attacks the core of your being, it humbles your proud heart and opens a way for God to work in you and through you. Secondly, when you forgive, it benefits the kingdom of God. When you extend forgiveness to others, it speaks volumes about who Christ is in this world. It is a strong evangelistic tool. Thirdly, forgiveness is an avenue for release from that heavy burden in your heart. It’s not worth carrying the load around. It stagnates and slows you down as a Christian. Fourthly, as Our Lord forgave us, we therefore must forgive others.

Is there somebody that you need to forgive today? Offer it to Jesus and He will help you to release forgiveness.

God bless and have a great day...

Julio

Julio Alejo

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

It is with this promise from the Lord that I invite you to continue to pray for and with the Elders and the Teaching Pastor Search Team over the calling of a Teaching Pastor to the ministry of EBC.

We have been on this journey for a while now and have been committed to seeking out and calling the Lord’s choice for this important role in our church family. We’re not quite there yet, but the Lord has brought along some quality people for us to pray over and consider. We continue to seek the Lord’s leading, knowing and trusting that His plan is to prosper us, both now and on into the future.

The Search Team and Eldership have become acutely aware of the calibre of men who have fulfilled the teaching role in our church over recent months, supporting Pastor Joe and the Pastoral Team. As a church, we are in a good place, in no small way because of these men. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank them for their time and effort in presenting God’s word to our church family here at EBC. The Lord continues to bless in many ways and as a result, it is so encouraging to see our church family continue to grow together.

Please uphold the Search Team in prayer as we make contact and communicate with those whom we believe to be strong ‘short listed’ candidates. May we know the questions to ask and commit to being aware of God’s prompting and leading.

In His service, and yours,

Warren Hall

Elder

I would like to take the opportunity to share a sad but encouraging incident that our Munchiez team was involved in recently. The Munchiez team regularly provides meals to the homeless and those who are experiencing hardship. Our goal has been to not only provide food but to build relationships that may eventually lead to the possibility of sharing Jesus. About four weeks ago one of the ladies who had patronised Munchiez from its inception, was tragically killed when struck by a car. It was a devastating time for many people as Sue was a kind and generous person who would do anything for anyone in need. Sadly another one of our Munchiez friends was present and witnessed the accident as it occurred. The accident happened on a Friday night and incredibly Ron was at Munchiez two nights later. He sought out Pastor Edwin who spent time speaking with him. The next morning Edwin and I visited Ron at home and he recounted his harrowing experience. Whilst it was difficult to listen to, it was a privilege to be there.

The point of this story is that Munchiez does make a difference. We are able to build relationships that allow people to turn to us in times of trouble. Ron trusted us to the point where he felt safe to share his deepest experience of grief with us. I believe that as Christians, if we make ourselves available to people, God will always be glorified. I am reminded of a quote from St Francis of Assisi

‘O Divine Master, grant that I/we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;  to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive.’

I would like to thank all those people who regularly give their time and finances to support the Munchiez Food Van. I believe they are playing a valuable role in His Kingdom.

Barry Bennett

Pastoral Assistant

When we began the series of studies on “Balanced” by Andy Stanley, several things started to happen in the lives of the Filipino Life Groups meeting in three different places: Sheidow Park, St Marys and Mitchell Park.  These are some of their testimonies:

“I have gained new insights on what matters most to God; my heart not my stuff”.

“I was challenged to give more time to do the will of God in sharing Jesus Christ with others by simply spreading the Word through a mailbox drop of witnessing tracts while delivering goods in different suburbs”.

“We were stressed out about where our daughter will be accepted in high school but God surprised us to send her to Blackwood High School”.

“Talking to my son overseas, he shared about his discipleship experience of growing in intimacy with God and sharing God’s word to other people.”

Listening to them about God’s move of His Spirit makes me to rejoice in God’s presence. Thank you, God! The Lord’s favour rests upon those who obey Him and follow his leading by His Holy Spirit. I do remember a quote which helped me in my early days as a follower of Christ, “When God touches your heart, and you acknowledge Him, you will never be the same again“.

God truly is a heart specialist and He deals directly with the areas that matter to Him the most, the issues of the heart. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

Another area which I find exciting is seeing the Multicultural Indoor Soccer every Saturday at 6:30 pm in our Youth Centre gym grow and attract more people in the community and to share Christ’s love and salvation with those who are yet to be reached with the gospel. Will you join us?

Keep praying,

Edwin

Edwin Del Pilar

Once upon a time there was a farmer who really cared for his animals. One day Mrs. Chicken had an idea! She spoke to Mrs. Pig, “Our Farmer is such a wonderful man, we need to do something wonderful to thank him. How about we give him a big country breakfast?” Mrs. Pig thought for a moment and then said, “You know I love our Farmer as much as you do...but I am afraid I can’t do that!” Mrs. Chicken was surprised and asked her, “Why not? It would be such a great way to show him how much we appreciate his care for us!” Mrs. Pig answered, “Because showing love for our Farmer that way is just a donation for you...but for me its total commitment!”

As we return to our series in Mark and begin to consider the concept of discipleship again, this little story makes a poignant point: The cost of discipleship. As disciples of Christ, we are not called to just be involved in donations. We are called to be totally committed to obedience to Jesus.

God is calling us to fulfil HIS purpose in this world. It’s about HIM – not about me being “me”. Rather, it’s about “me” being more like Jesus. This requires giving “me” up, and focusing on who He is, rather than who I am!

This is a call for extravagance... the kind which the woman in Mark 14 showed when she anointed Jesus with costly ointment. She didn’t use a donation of “Cheap as Chips” Chanel knock-off! She gave Him her best – and she gave it ALL! When she poured it out, it was used up. That’s total commitment! Or like the way Paul did when he was willing to be poured out like a drink offering (Phil 2:17) for the Philippians. That is, to be used up!

This call to discipleship is not about US at all! It’s about a heart attitude focused on Jesus living out His life through us. We must be “poured out”, “used up”, totally committed! We need to ask ourselves: Are we just donating a portion or are we willing to give ourselves over to Jesus that extravagantly?  What does total commitment look like in our daily life?

Are we willing to be “poured out”, “used up”, totally committed to Jesus pouring His life through us? Can we move beyond donation to total commitment? Can we serve Him by taking meals to those who need assistance? Can we be Jesus to the lonely in the community? Will we serve Him (and the church) at the Working Bee Saturday, Sept 28^th? Will we serve Him by bringing friends to the Harmony Conference on Sept 21^st ?

Which describes us the most? Mrs. Chicken’s donation? Or Mrs. Pig’s total commitment? As HIS channel, this total commitment “pouring out” just runs right through us. We can’t measure it...but God does. “Well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your master.” Matt. 25:23

Marti

Marti Williams

Women’s Pastor