a christmas message from Pastor dave:
A great number of people love Christmas. Time with the family, presents, parties and joy; but does it satisfy? Most of us feel a void, a vacuum in our lives that we try to fill with many things: relationships; achievements; work; addictions; and yes even Christmas. For example, H.G. Wells, famous historian and philosopher, said at age 61: “I have no peace. All life is at the end of the tether” What is the answer?
Neil Marten, a member of the British Parliament, was once giving a group of his constituents a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. During the course of the visit, the group happened to meet Lord Hailsham, then Lord Chancellor, wearing all the regalia of his office. Hailsham recognized Marten among the group and cried, “Neil!” Not daring to question or disobey the “call,” the entire band of visitors promptly fell to their knees!
In effect we kneel before many things in life trying to fill that empty longing we have. We are called though to kneel only before one; the Lord Jesus Christ. Here there is a relationship which makes life complete, that satisfies our inner desires. Learn with us how Christmas tells the truth of the answers to life through the birth of Jesus and the Real Joy that He brings us.
We'd love to see you at our Advent/Christmas Services!
*No morning services on Sunday, December 24
**No 8:30 am service on Sunday, December 31
Neil Marten, a member of the British Parliament, was once giving a group of his constituents a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. During the course of the visit, the group happened to meet Lord Hailsham, then Lord Chancellor, wearing all the regalia of his office. Hailsham recognized Marten among the group and cried, “Neil!” Not daring to question or disobey the “call,” the entire band of visitors promptly fell to their knees!
In effect we kneel before many things in life trying to fill that empty longing we have. We are called though to kneel only before one; the Lord Jesus Christ. Here there is a relationship which makes life complete, that satisfies our inner desires. Learn with us how Christmas tells the truth of the answers to life through the birth of Jesus and the Real Joy that He brings us.
We'd love to see you at our Advent/Christmas Services!
- Saturday, December 9 | Messy Church: 4 pm to 6 pm |“Messy Almost Christmas”
- Sunday, Advent 1: December 3 | 8:30 am Traditional Holy Communion | 10:30 am Contemporary Holy Communion
- Sunday, Advent 2: December 10 | 8:30 am Traditional Holy Communion | 10:30 am Worship Service
- Friday, December 15 | 7 pm Nine Lessons and Carols
- Sunday, Advent 3: December 17 | 8:30 am O Antiphons | 10:30 am Contemporary Holy Communion
- Sunday, Christmas Eve: December 24*
- 5 pm Family Service (No Holy Communion)
- 8 pm Holy Communion (Contemporary)
- 11 pm Holy Communion (Traditional)
- Monday, Christmas Day: December 25 | 10:30 am Holy Communion with Carols
- Sunday, December 31** | 10:30 am Morning Prayer
*No morning services on Sunday, December 24
**No 8:30 am service on Sunday, December 31
Year End Giving
Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38
Thank you for your generous contributions this past year.
Just a reminder the final date for a 46% tax credit is December 31.
Thank you for your generous contributions this past year.
Just a reminder the final date for a 46% tax credit is December 31.
the way forward Three year plan: 2018-2020
On Sunday, November 5, Pastor Dave shared with us an overview of the vision for St Aidan's over the next 3 years. The theme for this plan is "To Follow His Voice". A handout was given to clarify our way forward. Please take a look!
| The Way Forward.pdf |
REAL GROWTH: Sermon Series
The Brother King; to be conformed
Verse of the Series
“For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the first born among many brothers.” - Romans 8: 29
Dear All,
For nearly the last year we have been focusing on Real Growth as a Church and as God’s Children. We have therefore had our eyes fixed upon the Lord Jesus because as we look at Him (spiritually), He changes our being which changes what we do and impacts upon our Real Lives for Him. We have looked at the Lord as our Servant, Saviour, Victorious and Living King. In this new series we will look at Him within the amazing truth that He is our Brother King with whose likeness, God the Father, wishes us to conform. We will focus on and unpack deep aspects of our faith (some difficult and perhaps uncomfortable), that can help us to grow closer to God, trust Him more and transform our lives; conforming us to His likeness.
The series will conclude with a Café Church on the 29th October for the Church to collectively reflect upon the topics covered to enable discernment for the Church and individual, together with identification of matters for application (to put into practice). The sermons will be recorded and placed on the Church website. Study notes will be produced to assist with personal reflection and group study (and also for the Café Church service discussions and reflection). I encourage your commitment to this series.
“For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the first born among many brothers.” - Romans 8: 29
Dear All,
For nearly the last year we have been focusing on Real Growth as a Church and as God’s Children. We have therefore had our eyes fixed upon the Lord Jesus because as we look at Him (spiritually), He changes our being which changes what we do and impacts upon our Real Lives for Him. We have looked at the Lord as our Servant, Saviour, Victorious and Living King. In this new series we will look at Him within the amazing truth that He is our Brother King with whose likeness, God the Father, wishes us to conform. We will focus on and unpack deep aspects of our faith (some difficult and perhaps uncomfortable), that can help us to grow closer to God, trust Him more and transform our lives; conforming us to His likeness.
The series will conclude with a Café Church on the 29th October for the Church to collectively reflect upon the topics covered to enable discernment for the Church and individual, together with identification of matters for application (to put into practice). The sermons will be recorded and placed on the Church website. Study notes will be produced to assist with personal reflection and group study (and also for the Café Church service discussions and reflection). I encourage your commitment to this series.
There are prayers, called Responsories, one such wonderful example is recorded below for use before and during the series; let us pray:
Let our works shine and bring forth the image of God, in whose likeness we were made.
We seek this image in your Word, Lord.
Let not our love be put out by trials, but let it be strong and steadfast.
Your Love, Lord, gives us true faith, your Word is forgiveness and life.
God the Father sealed us, Christ the Lord confirmed us and placed His Spirit in our hearts.
Your Word is forgiveness and life. Through our birth in your image and love we praise you and bless you forever. Amen
Thank You
Pastor Dave Labdon
Let our works shine and bring forth the image of God, in whose likeness we were made.
We seek this image in your Word, Lord.
Let not our love be put out by trials, but let it be strong and steadfast.
Your Love, Lord, gives us true faith, your Word is forgiveness and life.
God the Father sealed us, Christ the Lord confirmed us and placed His Spirit in our hearts.
Your Word is forgiveness and life. Through our birth in your image and love we praise you and bless you forever. Amen
Thank You
Pastor Dave Labdon
god's story, our story
Come Celebrate with Us!
You are invited to come deepen your relationship with Jesus during this season with a variety of opportunities for the entire family to worship and celebrate the Risen Christ. We encourage you to participate in as many of the services as possible as we travel together towards Easter.
