Ryde Presbyterian Church

Our Tuesday evening dvd nights have undergone a major transformation! For starters we have a new name! Seamus. Why? To be honest, because it was a name, and we needed a name. Some have tried very hard to think of other reasons (like suggesting that Seamus stands for something, such as "Spiritual Evangelical Apostle's Mutual Unification Society"), but really it is just a name.

Tomorrow night Seamus will kick off at a brand new time (7:30) at a brand new venue (see Dave for details). Hope to see you there!!

Don't panic! It is just the end of the sermon series! This week is the last week on our 'women in the church and home' series. We will be looking at 1 Timothy 3:1-13 as well as a few other relevant passages. We will think through what an elder in the church is, as well as whether or not a woman should Biblically fulfil this role. I have found it very interesting to think through what an elder does, as the NT does not give a lot of information in this area. Paul in 1 Timothy and in Titus gives us lists of qualifications of elders (things that they should be doing before they are selected to be elders), but does not really say what they should do as elders. In Acts 20, as Paul farewells the Ephesian elders we see a picture of what elders should actually do. Interested in knowing what? Then drop in on Sunday or download the talk from the audio page when it goes up!

Late last year we had a bit of a think about why we do the whole church thing. I guess this is one of those things that it is good to revisit on a regular basis as we so easily slip into tradition, routine and/or confusion! It is especially important if we are going to be united and heading in the same direction. You can check out the sermon series from last year at the 'audio download' page.

For me, one theme keeps popping up in the NT and the early church. We meet together to remind each other, through the Spirit, of what Jesus has done. We encourage each other in the truth that we are loved and accepted by God, in Christ. Obviously other themes spin off from this main theme, such as the 'love and good deeds' that result from being encouraged in the truth of the cross.

Having this theme clear in our minds helps us to be united around what God has done, it points to and gives glory to God because of what he has done in Jesus, and it reminds us of our position in Christ: unloveable, yet loved!

Our next church lunch is on the 7th of June. It will be at my place (Dave)! It will be a 'potluck' style meal where we ask people to bring something in a pot (preferably edible). Church lunches provide us with an opportunity to spend time together (in this busy world).

The last church lunch was a very yummy Korean BBQ. Thanks to all those who helped out with the cooking, the set up and the eating!

We have just two weeks left of our 'Women in the church and in the home' sermon series. This Sunday we will be looking at 1 Timothy 2, and in particular Paul's word regarding women teaching and being in authority. All the talks so far are available at our audio downloads page if you want to have a listen.

For me personally I have found this series to be very challenging, but also very encouraging. I am looking forward to the final week where I will attempt(!) to tie everything together as we think through eldership in general, and the role of women in eldership. I do not want to give away too much now...so stay tuned!