December is here

Jacweb   -  

Another year is coming to a close which means many end of year events are underway. With these come the chance to thank God for his grace in sending Jesus, and for his kindness in the year that’s been. It is also a sad time for many of our members and so we pray for and grieve with those who’ve lost loved ones or faced trials of many kinds this year.

XII Escape

Last week the annual XII Escape camp for year 12 school leavers was a week in Nelson Bay full of activities, relationships and time looking at the book of Ephesians.

Jordan Nicholls was one of those who attended. He says he enjoyed spending time with the boys in his town house – including a K-Mart shopping trip for matching outfits. He also enjoyed the quad-biking trek and Fran’s salads. Jordan found the daily time in God’s word encouraging and he says, “I’d recommend people go on Escape because you get to spend time away with both your peers and your leaders who continue to spiritually challenge and encourage you throughout the week even when it’s not Bible study, talk or session time.”

Carols
Those who arrived early to the Morning Church 10am service on the weekend might have spotted a motley crew of people. Simon McGrath along with two of his children Jasper and Violet, and Aidan Stanton were gearing up to take carols invites to those in the community down at the Jannali shopping strip. “The response,” said Aidan, “was almost totally positive from people we handed flyers to. Many said they would come along and we noted people seemed willing to accept some joy into their day and lives.”

For those able to come along this Saturday, why not invite a friend! Aidan says, ‘We are excited about this event as a great outreach to our community and someone commented it’s the easiest invite to church you can get.’

Camps

An array of camps are coming up in the weeks ahead. Our annual youth camps Summer Camp and Ignite are filling up. And the Evening Church weekend away was announced on Sunday.

Christmas services
Our Christmas services will be happening at the regular times — Christmas Eve: 5pm (Kids), 7pm (Youth), 11pm (Late); Christmas Day: 7.30am (Traditional), 9am (Family service). As with our weekly church services, we extend a warm and open invitation to our whole community to join us as we celebrate Christ the Saviour born in Bethlehem.
Top image: Students on XII Escape battle the elements as they get the run-down on sand-boarding.