Southern Cross Presbyterian Church

Question: if 15 cars leave Lismore and head to a men’s event in Brisbane, how many will get lost? Answer: almost half! But Hey, we all made it and from what I’ve heard, the time together in the cars was great for getting into some real conversation, especially on the way home as we dissected all that our very provocative, challenging and entertaining speaker had to offer.

In our discussions about the event it would be easy to focus on the things that we disagreed with (although I’m happy to go on record as saying that for me there wasn’t actually much in this category), but to be honest I think if we did that we’d be missing a great opportunity. What were the really good and necesssary challenges that hit home for you? In a sense, I think we were meant to be offended. Let’s think hard about why we were offended. Is it possible that our version of Christianity has become too “nice” and middle-of-the-road? Let’s not be too quick to dismiss our bold American brother.

I’d love to hear your thoughts – PARTICULARLY on what you thought his best points were and how you’re gonna take up the challenges that were so clearly presented.

Have you ever wondered what to do when you finish school?

Well the Year 13 Youthworks Gap Year is a great program to consider and the best thing about it is you don’t miss out by living here in Lismore.  You can choose to do the course via the intensive mode offered which is a great alternative for people living away from Sydney.

You will learn from God’s word and read the Bible from cover-to-cover and be challenged as you study the Bible and a range of subjects from world religions to church history and theology for everyday life.

During the year you will travel to Sydney and stay on the Loftus campus to complete your intensive study.  The dates for staying on campus in 2009 are:

12 February to 24 February (2 weeks)
15 April to 6 May (3 weeks)
11 September to 26 September (2 weeks)

Outside of these periods of intensive study, the average “Lismore week” would include 2 days of study, 2 days of ministry and 2 days of paid work in a “secular” job.

As well as serving in Christian ministry, one of the big highlights of the whole year would have to be the month-long mission trip to Fiji.  During the trip you will experience cross cultural mission first hand and learn how to minister the gospel in many different contexts, from universities to orphanages.

We will be hosting an information night on Saturday 13 September at Park Avenue, East Lismore Office from 7.00pm.  This is open to ALL highschoolers and parents (not just those in year 12) who want to know more about this exciting opportunity.

For more information please visit www.year13.youthworks.net

this is a question for all of us; and even if you have done crossroads it’s good to think about doing it again especially if you are looking to connect more within our church.

on sunday Peter Yock shared his experience about arriving in Lismore from the big smoke and attending our church.  Peter really enjoyed doing crossroads and found the time very helpful to get to know others in our church family.  Crossroads gives you an idea of who we are at SCPC, what we believe, and what it means for us to connect and grow and serve together as a church family.  It’s also a good opportunity for anyone thinking about being baptised or becoming a member on celebration sunday.

crossroads will take place over 3 sundays starting on august 31 at 11.30am.  Lunch and child care will be provided.  If you would like any further information or would like to attend then please call me or Pete at the office on 6621 3655 or send an email through to the office.

It’s that time of year again; in fact this event only happens once every two years so that’s why it is even more special!

Yes, that’s right its time for the 2008 Southern Cross Bush Dance.

On Sunday we got a little taste of what’s in store although nothing will compare to being there on Saturday night 23rd August.  In fact now is a good time to start looking through your wardrobe to see what flannelette will look best and how you can win the most popular “best dressed award” on the evening.

The bush dance is being held at the Lismore High School Auditorium (where we meet on Sundays) and the dance starts nice and early at 6.30pm.

I personally like the old bush dance and am encouraged to hear that many of you do.  If you would like to help out on the evening then please give me a call at the office on 6621 3655 or send me an email at julie@scpc.org.au.

Remember this is an event for ALL ages which means that anyone can give it a go.

Look forward to seeing you there!

We all know that anything worth having is worth working hard for. Unfortunately, sometimes we forget that keeping things can require just as much hard work as getting them in the first place – hence the phenomenon of the school child who will slave away earning pocket money to buy a pet only to neglect it once the novelty wears off. Sadly, many marriages suffer the same fate!

The Marriage Course is not rocket science. Neither is there anything magical about it. It’s a course developed by wise and realistic people who know that a good marriage is only ever the product of hard work. It’s hard work because at the heart of a good marriage is the need to sacrifice your own needs and desires in order to meet the needs and desires of your husband or wife. I wonder how many of us realised when we first got married what a challenge this would be!

This hard work must take two forms – hard work IN the marriage and hard work ON the marriage. Hard work IN the marriage is just the daily, even momentary decision-making in which we recognise that our choices effect our spouse and so we work hard to put each other first. Hard work ON the marriage is quite different and its what the marriage course is all about. Because life is so busy, we hardly ever make the time to hit pause, take a step or two back from our marriage and make a true and honest assessment of how we’re travelling. Amidst all the clamour of daily life, it’s all too easy for our marriage to drift off course and we don’t even realise it’s happening. Neither do we know the way back!

The Marriage Course provides an EXCELLENT opportunity to put in some hard and absolutely necessary work ON your marriage. The course covers 7 topics central to EVERY marriage – understanding marriage and knowing your spouse; the art of communication; resolving conflict, the power of forgiveness, parents and in-laws; good sex; love in action – and provides video input followed by time for couples to discuss the health of their marriage in each area.

If you think your marriage doesn’t need any help, then maybe the marriage course isn’t for you – but check with your spouse first!

The Marriage Course begins at 7:30pm Thursday 7th August and runs for 7 weeks in the church building, Park Ave East Lismore.