Pages 13-15 - Apostolic Church of Queensland

ADVENT
An advent is the fulfillment of a proclamation of an event that will
change our lives.
We celebrate this first Advent foretold by God down through the ages
by his prophets outlining the place, time and even the sign given by God.
Isaiah Chapter 7 Verse 14 “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a
sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his
name Im-man’u-el. “
How many acknowledged or witnessed this first Advent? As we, over the
next weeks prepare for Christmas, let us spend some time in thinking on
this first Advent and the change and hope it would bring for all mankind, the only begotten Son of
God. God sent His son Jesus Christ into the world, born of a virgin, to be anointed with the Holy
Spirit to fulfill a mission to glorify God, to bring peace again between man and God by overcoming
sin, hell and death, to then allow God at His appointed time to dispense His goodwill to a full
measure in the Kingdom of God.
This is the hope, we should now look towards through His victory. There is a great blessing
ahead for those who use His word and make a preparation for this great second Advent which will
bring a change in our lives again. As with the first Advent, God gave through His word, signs to
look for. As with this second Advent, He has also given us through His Holy word, signs to look
for. Christ has given us much food for thought through His teachings, events of things that will
happen before He is sent by His Father at the first resurrection.
Matthew, Chapter 24, Verses 32-33 “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is
yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when we shall
see all these things, know it is near, even at the doors.”
Let us heed this teaching of the Lord, use the spirit and look to His word and
signs given. Look to the world and discern where we are going. See what Christ
said is fulfilling itself, and in so doing, we are coming closer to the Lord in
that preparation of His return. Are we missing the signs through neglect or
indifference thinking we have plenty of time?
Let us use the outcome of that first Advent as a lesson that we don’t come
complacent, for by God’s word it fulfilled itself and so it will be with the second Advent.
Elder Wayne Bramer
CHRISTMAS
The Christmas period stands before us once again and as we see
the preparations for this time underway we can cast our minds-eye
back in time at events that would change the world and display to all,
God’s love to His Creation.
John 3:16-17: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through
him might be saved.”
The feeling of peace and joy within our hearts should extend to all around us by our
being able to thank God by giving to Him our prayers and the recognition that the birth of
Jesus Christ has displayed that His love is extended to all. The birth of Christ in a stable
showed that His labour would encompass all people, from the poor, the meek, and the
lowly, through to those with the highest positions of authority.
As we enjoy this Christmas Festival let us keep in our mind that it is God’s love that
has allowed us to do so and we should share this gift with all.
Bishop Alan Crouch
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NEW YEAR
The changing world we live in makes it impossible for us to
imagine what the coming calendar year has in store for us. The
past year has meant different things to different people.
Globally, we have seen governments in turmoil, financial
instability and human suffering in horrific proportions. People are
saying, “Why has God abandoned us?” God has not moved away
from us and abandoned us; it is The World which is slowly removing God from our lives.
The coming year is an opportunity to assess our relationship with God. Are we prepared
to accept all the blessings, natural and spiritual, that God gives us in our life and not give
any thought or thanks for them, or will we realise our obligations and, if necessary, make
adjustments that will reflect our Lord’s teaching?
Mark 12:30-31: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And
the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none
other commandment greater than these.”
Bishop Alan Crouch
Newsletter
DISTRICT NEWS
THANKSGIVING AND
MISSION FESTIVAL
The
Thanksgiving
and
Mission
Festival
was
celebrated in Bundaberg on
6th and 7th September when
many officers and members
united in thanksgiving for
blessings received during the
past year. The Choirs, Youth
Chorus and Sunday School
children all added to the
festival as they rendered
hymns of praise to the
Almighty God. Lunch was
enjoyed in the hall on both
days, while the Bundaberg
String Band entertained.
An Officers’ Meeting was
held on Saturday afternoon,
followed by the United
Apostolic
Volunteers
Foundation Annual General
Meeting.
Save
the
dates
Children’s Muster 2015
3rd to 4th April
Bundaberg
Youth Camp 2015
7th to 12th April
Seaforth, Mackay
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UNITED APOSTOLIC VOLUNTEERS FOUNDATION
ABN 51 532 709 168
‘Giving Hope, Sharing Grace’’
PO Box 1069
Mackay 4740
Queensland, Australia
Phone: +617 4999 9042
Fax: +617 4999 9046
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.uavfoundation.org
REPORT
The financial year 2013-14 has seen the foundation continue to grow with donations and
appeals raising a total of $181,576 for Australian and Overseas Projects and $129,563
distributed to various worthwhile recipients. Australian distributions include flood and
drought assistance, health needs and care packages, while overseas, Kenya, India,
Burma, Pakistan and Philippines disaster relief and orphan support continues. In the year
ahead fundraising will continue to enable the foundation to finance new and existing
projects.
The Youth Associates continue to meet regularly and are having important input and
suggestions for fundraising and future projects.
The Annual Fundraising Concert is being hosted by the Maryborough Community on
Saturday, 29th November and they have been working together with church members
throughout the state to assemble a variety of talent to entertain one and all.
LAKE AWOONGA FAMILY CAMPING AND
FISHING COMPETITION
A very sociable weekend at Lake Awoonga
was enjoyed by all. Family and friends came
along to join in and made it a memorable
weekend.
It’s a pity a few more fish didn’t show though!
The fishing catches were almost nil until a few
keen fishermen ventured further downstream to
try their luck. A couple of salmon and bream
were caught, landing Steven Parchert the title
of winner in the senior section. His winning fish
was 41cm long. The junior shield was forwarded
on to Michael Kaddatz for his very best efforts
only being able to catch some tiny fish in a net
(more than anyone else caught!). The crab pots
provided a nice feed for Sunday evening.
Other than fishing, a few took the time to go
for some hiking along the hills bordering the
dam. The children and young at heart enjoyed
their time swimming and biscuiting. Thanks
again to Bro. Darren Beckmann for taking time
away from fishing to provide some much
appreciated entertainment.
Senior Shield winner Steven Parchert
Junior Shield holder Michael Kaddatz
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