Posts Tagged ‘Gatherings’

News for rejoicing

Monday, March 9th, 2009

Our KYB study of Psalms of mercy and hope reminds us, “It is good to praise the LORD” (Psalm 92:1) and, “declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples.” (Psalm 95:3). There are some good things happening at Beth Tephillah which are worth sharing:

When we returned to the KYB group in January, Heather did just that. She had been bursting to share with the ladies the good news, that just before Christmas her husband, Ray, had accepted Jesus. It encouraged other wives to continue praying that their husbands might too come to know the love of God for themselves.

We have been happy to welcome Ray to the gatherings on Friday evenings and he is obviously taking in a great deal as he makes comments and asks questions. This Friday we will celebrate his 78th birthday with him.

Speaking of birthdays, we celebrated 100 years on 31st January – not the church (we’re 140 now) – but Mal was 60 and Kev 40 in January, so they had a combined party. It was a bit of fun to start the year.

Last Friday night we were pleased to welcome Steve into membership. He’s endeared himself to us since he started coming last year. He’s already shown himself really good at washing dishes, and we’re discovering his other gifts as we get to know him better.

Before Easter Beth Tephillah is being used by one of the interchurch Lenten study groups. Great to be sharing with others of the Body of Christ in the Williamstown and Newport areas. Our facilitator is Peter Clark, the pastor from Newport Baptist Church. Peter’s also a CFA chaplain who has been involved in the aftermath of the Victorian bushfires. Many harrowing stories but also amazing deliverance, courage and generosity, showing that God is bringing good out of this most terrible devastation.

Having spent 2008 considering the glory of God and how we live to bring him glory and share his glory, we have begun to explore worship together on Friday nights. Using a Vineyard DVD to aid us we are wanting to learn how all of life becomes a spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1).

Related Reading:

The King's Grace: A NovelThe King's Grace: A Novel The bestselling author of A Rose for the Crown and Daughter of York takes a young woman that history noticed only once and sets her on a quest for th... Read More >
Life Application Study Bible NIVLife Application Study Bible NIVThe NIV edition of today's #1selling study Bible has been updated and expanded. Over 300 new Life Application notes, nearly 350 note revisions, 16 new... Read More >
Hebreos / Hebrews (Conozca Su Bilbia / Know Your Bible) (Spanish Edition)Hebreos / Hebrews (Conozca Su Bilbia / Know Your Bible) (Spanish Edition)Conozca su Biblia, developed in partnership with the Asocación para la Educación Teológica Hispana and the Division for Congregational Ministries o... Read More >

Christmas and New Year at Beth Tephillah

Tuesday, December 25th, 2007

We had a great celebration on Christmas Day, worshipping the King. The birth of Jesus was both a beginning and an end. Then 13 gathered for Christmas lunch. We will continue on Friday evening with the usual 6 pm meal followed by some more carol singing and the Bible Study. Leading up to Christmas we had looked at the eight I AM statements Jesus made which are recorded in John’s Gospel. On Friday we will discuss I AM the Alpha and the Omega, Jesus’ statement in Revelation. When we gather on New Year’s Eve at 7.30 pm that theme will continue as we end one year and begin 2008. We’ll have a video, nibbles and share communion before watching fireworks at midnight on the television.

Friday evening gatherings will continue through January as normal, just as most other churches continue Sunday services even in holiday times.

Related Reading:

A Celebration of Sex: A Guide to Enjoying God's Gift of Sexual IntimacyA Celebration of Sex: A Guide to Enjoying God's Gift of Sexual Intimacy

Dr. Douglas Rosenau is a licensed psychologist, and a Christian sex therapist who has for the past seventeen years used his training in theology an... Read More >

A Christmas CarolThis book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
The Story of the World, Activity Book 1: Ancient Times - From the Earliest Nomad to the Last Roman EmperorThe Story of the World, Activity Book 1: Ancient Times - From the Earliest Nomad to the Last Roman EmperorColor a picture of a Minoan bull-jumper, make a model of the Nile River, create Roman armor and Celtic jewelry and more...don't just read about histor... Read More >