As we think about what makes a good leader from Titus 1:5-9 – join me in praying that God will raise up leaders of godly character and gospel convictions who can serve among us for God’s glory. Also pray that we’d all be good followers of Jesus Christ, first and foremost.
At the Wollongong Regional Conference last week Tim Dyer shared with the Church workers from the Anglican Church about ‘followership’. One of the things that struck me was the power and influence of the ‘first follower’. A leader can be doing a great job of teaching and modelling the Christian life, but the first follower shows everybody that a normal person can do it and often is the most important step in everybody getting on board.
Your commitment to Christ and participation in Church life is much more powerful and influencial than you may realise. As you strive to live a godly life in obedience to Christ you are having an influence on everyone around you. For more on this concept see the Dancing Man leadership video.
Blessings,
Ben
The most encouraging thing I received this week was permission to be sad.
At the Wollongong Region Ministry Conference we heard (among many other things) Jay Behan from New Zealand share from Psalm 6 about the power of lament.
Life is sometimes very very sad and hard. Unfortunately, in this broken world marred by sin, we will face suffering, pain and injustice. There are many Psalms which help us express sadness, frustration and even anger at God – the important thing they do is help us turn towards God in our pain, instead of away from him.
In Church we often sing songs of triumph, hope, joy and victory – and these are great and true songs to sing – but we also need to sing songs of grief and suffering, lament and pain. Crying out to God for relief, for comfort, for respite.
Our God is not far off and distant, he wants to hear our prayers of sorrow and crying out in pain. He understands and has suffered in His Son even more than we can imagine – and he did so at the cross so that we might look forward to an eternity free from pain and suffering when Jesus returns.
But for now we often cry with King David:
‘Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, LORD, how long?’
– Psalm 6:2-3.
Blessings,
Ben
Scott and I sat down together yesterday to gather some thoughts and ideas about what we should focus on as a Church over the next 5-10 years. As we looked at the data something struck me. There are forecast to be nearly 70,000 people in our parish by 2060. In fact, our population is predicted to increase from 12,000 to 18,000 people over the next 5 years, and to increase to 37,000 in the 10 years following that.
These are all people who need to hear about Jesus. What a wonderful opportunity we have to share the good news with them.
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
– Matthew 9:37-38.
Will you join me in praying and planning to make the most of every opportunity our Lord brings before us to share the good news of Life in Christ?
Blessings,
Ben
*This interview is a part of a series to commemorate 175 years of St. Mark’s Anglican Church.*
You have a very in-depth connection with St. Mark’s going back a number of years!
My first beautiful memories of St. Mark’s was as a small child visiting the resting places of my great-grandparents, who had arrived in Picton (from Ireland) after a long sea voyage as young children in 1848, and began farming in a wonderful valley North of Picton. The church was built in 1850, so they were here at the very beginning of the opening of the church and formed the foundation, along with other pioneer families, for St. Marks.
The cemetery on the grounds of St. Mark’s is also a local historic landmark and has a special connection to your family. Can you tell us about that?
I recall listening quietly to my Grandmother and mother lovingly talking about these special people who I had never met – as incredibly strong, loving, and devout Christians who helped begin the early settlement of Picton. I adored bringing fresh flowers to their headstones and saying a special prayer of thanks for being part of a strong, caring and safe community under the special care of our loving God.
What are some important moments throughout your life that were spent at St. Mark’s?
In 1939, I was Christened by Rev. Fred Shaw at the church’s font that still remains today for our babies, and later in my high school years was confirmed by Rev. Barry Schofield. We had Sunday School here when we were children. In 1962, my husband, Garry Brown and I were married here with organist Mrs. Ingleton’s daughter, Joan playing for us, and in 1967 our dear baby Michael was also christened here.
In your view, what impact has the church had on the lives of its congregation members?
The friendships and wonderfully kind community here has always been a caring atmosphere to visit; with family, friends and visitors always welcome with warmth and open arms. The people who have come to church here have become very, very close friends, which has been that way since my family first came here. Our congregation has been blessed to have our present Senior Minister, Ben, and assistant Greg, as well as an engaging team who are dedicated to PWAC. I never wake in the mornings without giving thanks to God for this outstandingly safe and friendly place, in the best country on Earth to grow up and rear a beautiful family.
Interviewed by Rachel Winn.
I’m not sure whether I’m Boggis, Bunce, or Bean*, but the last few nights we’ve been engaged in a battle of wits with a Fox who is determined to eat our chickens.
The first night our daughter, Issy (first on the scene), saw the fox in the chicken run with a chicken in its mouth – but she and our dog scared it off and somehow all the chickens survived the ordeal (so far – they may yet die from injury). The next day I spent some time securing the chicken run so that last night, although the chickens alerted us to the foxes return, he couldn’t get into the chickens. It remains to be seen whether he makes a third attempt tonight and whether my security measures will be sufficient.
In Ephesians 6 we’re encouraged to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. He has equipped us with the full armour of God so that we can take our stand against the devils schemes.
Are your security measures in place against Satan’s schemes? – the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Let’s put on the full armour of God – and live our lives secure and safe in God’s strength!
Blessings,
Ben
*Characters from Roald Dahl’s ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’
This Sunday 4 May, our Archbishop has declared to be a Day of Prayer for the Spread of the Gospel across our Sydney Anglican fellowship. There is a central prayer meeting at the Sydney Cathedral at 2:30pm which everyone is welcome to attend, but there will also be a focus on prayer for the spread of the gospel in all of our Anglican Churches on this day. It’s great to have an archbishop who leads us in prayer and its great to have a God who loves to answer our prayers – so let’s pray!
It was so wonderful to have full churches over the Easter weekend, with many visitors at all of our 5 services – both Christians who have moved into the area and are finding a new Church, and not-yet Christians wanting to participate in our Easter celebrations.
We’re following this up by inviting people to participate in the ‘Hope Explored’ course where they can get a foundational understanding of the Christian faith and the Hope, Peace and Purpose that Jesus offers. If you’re interested in participating in Hope Explored, please reply to this email to let me know – it starts this Sunday at Picton 10:30am and Wilton 4:30pm – and another weeknight option will start in a few weeks.
Yours in Christ,
Ben
Four things have dominated this week, all in the theme of death:
- We mourned the loss of our dear sister, Shirley.
- We heard news of the death of Pope Francis, whose life and ministry was characterised by humility.
- We prepare to commemorate ANZAC Day, remembering those who served and some who gave their lives so that our nation might be free.
- And most significantly, we celebrated the death and resurrection of Christ last weekend.
It is an unplanned blessing to discover that this Sunday at Picton, and the following Sunday at Wilton, we are looking at the last section of John 11, where the high priest Caiaphas declared to the gathered Sanhedrin:
‘It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.’
Caiaphas likely meant Jesus to be a political sacrifice, and the chief priests and Pharisees acted on this by plotting to take Jesus’ life.
Ironically, we see how Caiaphas’ prophesy was fulfilled in a much more significant way. Jesus death wasn’t a political sacrifice, to quell an uprising and keep the peace, it was a sin and death conquering, God’s wrath absorbing, Satan defeating, salvation offering, substitutionary death in our place so that we might be forgiven and reconciled to God our heavenly Father. Isn’t it marvelous how God is in control of all circumstances and weaves them together to bring about his purposes – the salvation of his people, and the glory of his name!
Yours in Christ,
Ben
“I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)
These are Jesus’ words to Martha in the wake of her brother Lazarus’s death, and they have provided comfort to many millions of believers ever since. Indeed, I shared them last Thursday at Campbelltown Hospital.
In a world full of uncertainties and vulnerabilities, Jesus offers comfort and eternal hope to all who trust in him. This Easter, join me in taking hold of Jesus’ promise of eternal life and resurrection hope.
This Easter, go deeper than eggs and camping, go to Jesus.
This Easter, find Life in Christ!
We’d love for you to explore the Life and Hope that Jesus offers by participating in a ‘Hope Explored’ course, or by receiving a free ‘Meeting Jesus’ book, or by meeting up with someone to ask questions and discuss. Let us know via our Connect card if you’d like to take up one of these opportunities.
Happy Easter,
Ben
Interview with John & Eileen Bicknell
This interview is a part of a series to commemorate 175 years of St. Mark’s Anglican Church.
When did you start attending St. Mark’s? What was church life like for you then?
John: In 1949. St. Mark’s was the church that we “Barnado Boys” – stationed at Mowbray Park Farm Training School – attended at times, upon migrating from England after the Second World War.
Eileen: I came to St Mark’s Parish at the end of 1956. I was confirmed at St. Marks in 1964, but in about ‘65/’66, I started attending a big youth group that the Parish had on a Saturday evening. Forty to fifty teenagers and above were in this big group. So I met John there but I wasn’t dating. I was there with three of my brothers.
John: Before Eileen and I married, I was co-opted into driving Picton High School students to the youth group held in the rectory, on what is now Remembrance Drive; the Reverend Barry “JB” Schofield presiding. I was about 25 years old then, perhaps younger. Many of those students became Christians. Some became very long lasting friends. [JB is pictured alongside John & Eileen in the accompanying photo.]
Eileen, what can you remember about your marriage proposal from John?
I was nursing, and it was 4 years (of training) in those days, and we were dating. We’d been dating for 8 or 12 months or so… John asked if I was going to do midwifery. And he’d already told me that he wanted 12 children! I thought, no, I don’t want to do midwifery if I’m going to have 12 children. So I said I’d be interested in doing psychiatry nursing. John said, “How long does that take?”, and I said, “Two years.” So he said no, we’ll get married instead. Later on he did give a romantic proposal, at Manly Beach.
Your wedding ceremony was held at St. Mark’s. What can you share with us about that special day?
Eileen: It was a lovely day. I think we had a 5pm evening wedding, on March 13th, 1971. We’re not superstitious so that didn’t worry us. Everything went along nicely. The church then didn’t look much different than it does now. The font for baptism was at the other end of the church when you first came into the double doors. There was no technology centre for screens on the wall. Everything was in books in those days; all the service, all the songs. Lots of our family and friends came. John didn’t have that many family but there were locals from Lakesland, where he lived.
John: I had no idea what I was doing. (Laughs). No, it was a fantastic wedding. All I was concerned with was making sure I said yes!
Following your marriage you remained a part of the congregation at St Mark’s for years.
John: Our 4 children were all christened in St. Mark’s. I held many positions over the years, including as the Treasurer for about thirty years. I’ve attended marriages, funerals, and many a working bee – especially after floods swept through the building.
Thanks, John & Eileen!
Interviewed by Rachel Winn
This Easter we’re going to be reading John 11 about the remarkable day when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead!
Lazarus is Jesus’ friend, and the brother of Mary and Martha. When confronted by his friends death Jesus is deeply moved in Spirit and troubled (v33). His initial response isn’t to problem solve, but to weep. So we read the shortest verse in the Bible: ‘Jesus wept’ (v35).
Death for Christians is not to be trivialised or skimmed over as if it doesn’t matter. Death is the great enemy to life and joy and hope. Death is the great breaker of relationships and the loss of a loved one alters us in significant and often permanent ways.
However, Jesus goes further than to simply mourn – he is the powerful God of the universe and he calls Lazarus from the grave as easily as you and I rouse a drowsy friend from sleep.
Come along this Easter as we stare death in the face and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection power.
Yours in Christ,
Ben
