Last week I encouraged people to take seriously the habit of reading the Bible.  This week I want to encourage people from all services to be reading the letter to the Hebrews over the next few weeks.  Both the morning and evening services will be studying this letter and it is one that needs to be read and re-read to try and understand some of the more difficult aspects that it contains.  The main point of the letter is to show how superior Jesus is to everything else in this world.  The writer shows how Jesus is superior to Angels, to Moses and is the Great High Priest of the New Covenant.  We read about the sacrifice of Jesus that is once and for all people.  There are warnings in the letter to listen carefully to the message and to consider Jesus and then to follow him without drifting into unbelief or falling away.  This book of the Bible is a very important one to understand and I encourage you to read it and to take seriously what it has to say to you.

Colin Watson

A great way for Year 12 students to study for school together and to maintain focus on Jesus in this busy school year.

For more information contact Ed -7pm Service

One of the cool features of DVDs is the director’s commentary option. You watch the movie and at the same time hear the inside word on what the director was thinking, what he was trying to achieve & how he arranged the shots and scenes. The book of Hebrews is a bit like God’s director’s commentary on how Jesus’ death can pay for people’s sins. In Hebrews we’re taken up into heaven to see what happens in the throne room of God as Jesus brings his blood there to make purification for sin. Join us at 7pm for 13 weeks of the inside word about Jesus’ death.

Prayer is possible because God has enabled a relationship with him through our faith in Jesus Christ.  We can often find prayer difficult because it can be hard work and something we need to devote time and energy to and that is something we seem to have less of these days.  Paul told us from Colossians that Epaphras wrestled in prayer for the Colossian Christians.  He saw the importance of prayer that took some effort and even discomfort.  Sometimes the lack of habit of praying stops us from this discipline.  There are many people who are in good habits of reading the Bible regularly and praying to their heavenly Father.  We admire them and can sometimes wonder why they find it easy and we don’t.  I think the secret of prayer is understanding who God is; who we are in his sight and continuing in prayer even when we don’t feel like it and it seems like hard work.  Let us encourage each other to pray and to be in constant communion with our heavenly Father.  It is a great privilege that we need to nurture in our lives.

Colin Watson

St Stephen’s turns 90 this year.

Mark your calendar for our service of Thanksgiving to God.

All services will be celebrating and giving thanks together.

When:          11am Sunday 1 August

Where:         Abbotsleigh, Senior School
1666 Pacific Hwy
(Crn Ada Avenue)
Wahroonga.

is back…

12 –16 July 9am-12.30pm

the best kid-thing on earth

Enjoy sports, games, getting creative and the Bible at this awesome holiday program for kids in grades 1-6.

Early bird discount before 14 June.

Registration forms available in the church foyer.

Sponsored by the combined

Churches of Thornleigh & Normanhurst

St Stephen’s turns 90 this year

In celebration we need your photos, slides, memorabilia, books and bulletins and any contact details of previous members and staff.

Contact your service representative:

Verna (8am), Graeme (10am), Johanna (5pm), Simon / Fiona (7pm)

Sunday 14th March 2-4pm at the church.

Four of our professional teachers are providing half hour training sessions on aspects of running a children’s group:

• Discipline
• Preparation and transitions
• Meaningful games and craft
• Story presentation
• Memory verse ideas

If you are involved in children’s ministry or want to know more about how to do it before becoming involved this will help you. A sign up sheet is at the back of the church or let the office or Wendy Mayer know you are coming.

Rosters are ready to view from the resources page.

SAFE MINISTRY TRAINING

We are running a Safe Ministry Training course on Saturday 20 February from 1-5pm at St Stephen’s.
This course consists of 2 parts. Part A only has to be done once, but Part B, must be done every 3 years. 
These courses are a requirement for anyone working with children at our church or representing our church in a children’s ministry.  
Part A will run from 1-3pm and Part B/ Refresher from 3-5pm on 20 February..

We will also run a Refresher course on Sunday 28 February from 2-4pm

Please book into these courses by contacting the church office or emailing Wendy Mayer