On Sunday we stop to celebrate all God has done in our lives, Church, and the ministries we have been a part of in 2011. This should be a great night and you are encouraged to come along and be a part of this time of sharing and giving thanks to God.

What are you thankful to God for in 2011? There will be an open mic time for people to share an answer to this question so have a think about it. Your sharing will be a blessing to others so please come prepared to share something.

· Preaching workshop

This Sunday 1pm-4pm at the Church. If you want to learn how to unpack a bible passage accurately and how to communicate it effectively to others then this Sunday I’m running a workshop and I’d love you to come along.

You don’t have to be an established or even aspiring preacher to come. Even if you want to know how to understand the bible better this will be really helpful. If you’re planning to come please let me know.

· Christmas Eve 6pm and Christmas morning 9am

LifeChurch is holding a Christmas Eve carols service from 6-7pm on Christmas Eve so come and celebrate Christmas with us and bring your friends to-it should be fantastic. The Unley Park Christmas morning service is another great service at 9am on Christmas morning.

If you have no plans for after the Christmas Eve service we want to invite everyone back to our place to hang out, watch the carols on T.V and have a swim (if the weather is good).

· New Year’s Day-My farewell service

January 1st marks my final service at LifeChurch. I will be preaching, there will be some sharing and probably a few tears from Mel and I too. We would obviously love to see everyone who’s been part of our journey over the last 5 years at the service so we can say goodbye.

Everyone will then be invited out to tea with us after the service (venue to be decided).

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

Well summer is here, the Cricket has stared, Christmas is coming and we’ve get good things planned over the next few weeks at LifeChurch so check out what’s on and hopefully I’ll see you on Sunday.

· Baptism Service - this Sunday

Next Sunday we celebrate how God has worked in Ash Goodall’s life as he takes the step of baptism. Make sure you’re there to support Ash, hear his testimony and witness his Baptism.

· Next Sunday – Street party and Christmas concert-starting at 5pm

· Gingerbread House Making Night - December 14th

Less than 2 weeks till this fantastic night is on. So have you purchased a ticket and have you invited a friend to come along with you? If not get cracking as this is one not to miss.

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

· This Sunday night-Prayer and discussion forum on the future of LifeChurch-come and find out what’s happening, ask questions, contribute and most importantly come before God in prayer for your Church.

· This Tuesday night, 7pm at the Church ‘Nurture’ women’s outreach event-and it’s free

· Next Saturday-Men’s event-hike/walk followed by brekkie-8:30am-12pm-meet at the church-it’s free but bring $$ for a café brekkie

· And finally-exciting news-in 2 weeks time (December 4th) Ash Goodall is being baptisted in the LifeChurch service.

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

Can you believe it’s the Christmas Pageant this Saturday! Where has the year gone? Well the year might be starting to head toward Christmas but there is a lot happening between now and then at LifeChurch as you hopefully know so check out below and book everything that’s relevant into your diary because it’s a happening time of year.

So what’s happening over the next few weeks?

This Sunday-New series-QANDA-Last week  you asked heaps of interesting questions. This week I’m going to start to answer them in the new series I’m simply calling Qanda (which is little in-house reference some of you will get). It should be interesting, fun and maybe a bit controversial.

Also this Sunday is the commissioning service for Diana Brenkley into her role working as an AFES staff worker at Flinders University.

-and if you are feeling keen to grow in the word the am service is running an all-day ‘Bible Intensive’ next Sunday that starts with the morning service and runs till 3:30pm. The speaker is Craig Broman who spoke at LifeChurch a few months ago and led our evangelism training session. Everyone who wants to attend simply need to attend on the day.

Next Sunday we have a prayer and discussion forum planned-this is a significant night in which every person at LifeChurch will have the chance to hear from the leadership team, ask questions and pray for LifeChurch’s future plans.

And there’s 2 upcoming events for the ladies…

Nurture-women’s event-Tuesday November 22^nd at 7pm with guest speaker Kimberley Douglas

Gingerbread House Night-December 14^th-after a hugely successful event last year LifeChurch is once again running this great outreach event. So book it in now and think about who you could invite-numbers are limited.

Men’s Event-Saturday November 26^th-And so the blokes don’t miss out on Saturday November 26^th we are doing our final men’s event for the year which will be a morning hike followed by a breakfast so please book in the date and we’ll get more details out soon.

Blessings

Mark

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

Anyhow-what’s happening on Sunday’s over the next few weeks?

This Sunday - we reach the end of the journey through Romans-come along and hear how Romans 16 is actually a very interesting chapter
Next Sunday – in the morning it’s Jarrod’s farewell service at Unley Park, in the evening we begin a new series and we will commission Diana Brenkley into her role working as an AFES staff worker at Flinders University.

Plus, if you are feeling keen to grow in the word the am service is running an all-day ‘Bible Intensive’ next Sunday that starts with the morning service and runs till 3:30pm. The speaker is Craig Broman who spoke at LifeChurch a few months ago and led our evangelism training session. Everyone who wants to attend simply need to attend on the day.

The Sunday after that (the 20th) we have a prayer and discussion forum planned-this is a significant night in which every person at LifeChurch will have the chance to hear from the leadership team, ask questions and pray for LifeChurch’s future plans.

And 2there’s 2 upcoming events for the ladies…

Nurture – women’s event – Tuesday November 22nd at 7pm with guest speaker Kimberley Douglas

Gingerbread House Night-December 14th – after a hugely successful event last year LifeChurch is once again running this great outreach event. So book it in now and think about who you could invite-numbers are limited.

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

Registrations due this week!!! If you are a leader in the church-be it a worship leader, small group leader, children’s ministry leader or youth leader I want to strongly encourage you to register online for 4D and join the team from LifeChurch who are attending 4D. It’s going to be a great event to be a part of.

This Sunday

Guest Speaker – Andrew Turner (Former church planter and pastor of Glen Osmond Baptist Church, Church Development Facilitator with the Baptist Churches of SA and all round good guy)

Just Prayer focus – This Sunday is ‘Just Prayer” Sunday-a Global Interaction initiative to get churches praying for the people in the world untouched by the gospel so we will be dedicating time in our service to do just that

Evangelism Training – After the service Andrew will be leading a 40 minute interactive evangelism training segment

Shoebox Sunday Offering – Please come prepared to contribute to the special offering for Operation Christmas Child’s Shoebox Appeal-Each box costs approx. $20-$25 to fill so if you are able to make a donation of that amount it would be great but if not all donations will be appreciated.

Shoebox Sunday - next Sunday night –This is always a fun and special night when we fill the shoeboxes, write Christmas Cards and pray for the kids who will receive them.

Converge – State-wide Baptist Young Adult gathering-Sunday October 30th from 8:30pm at Fellini’s Café in O’Connell St-this event is a chance to get together with young adults from across the SA Baptist scene, hang out, hear what’s happening in other churches and meet new people.

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

This Sunday – Guest Speaker-Richard Coombs from MECO-An organisation partnering in mission with Churches in the Middle East Richard is an engaging speaker who will preach and share stories of the work being done in one of the most interesting and challenging contexts in the world, the Middle East.

Next Sunday - Sharing Service Be here as people from LifeChurch share what God has been placing n their hearts and doing in their lives.

Shoebox Sunday - October 23rd-Shoebox Sunday is one small but significant way that we can make a difference in the lives of some of the world’s poorest children and extend the message of God’s love through our gifts. We will be dedicating the service on Sunday the 23rd to putting the shoeboxes together and will be taking up a special offering Sunday the 9th and 16th to raise the money we need to buy the toys for the kids.

4D conference – Saturday October 22nd-Are you coming? Have you registered? As previously promoted this is going to be a fantastic one day conference that I guarantee you will enjoy and benefit from in your faith and ministry so plan to come and register now to secure the electives of your choice.

And finally please be praying this weekend for our blokes as we enjoy time away on the Men’s Rough It Camp, Please pray for safety on the roads and for a great time of fellowship

blessings

Mark Sanders

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

Basketball service and presentation night
This Sunday night we will welcome people from the basketball service as they join us for a special service followed by the basketball presentations and then food. This should be a great night so please be there ready to welcome people who don’t normally come to LifeChurch and may not normally go to Church at all.

Men’s Rough It Camp
Next Friday night-Sunday afternoon-grab a flyer or contact Ben Bowey or me to get information or put your name down. This will be an awesome weekend, guaranteed, so if you’re a bloke at the church then make sure you are there

4D conference
Saturday October 22nd-Are you doing ministry at LifeChurch. Do you want to be better equipped and trained in your role. Would you value spending a full day growing in God alongside other LifeChurch people and hundreds of other people from Baptist Churches across the state. If the answer is yes then grab a flyer, look up the website (google 4D conference) and register to go.

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

So please get your diary out, read on and plan to make the most of all that’s coming up over the next few months.

Coming up in Spring
Men’s Community Link Event-Integrity-with Simon Illingworth
Tuesday September 20th, 7:30pm
At the church

Simon Illingworth is a former member of the Victorian Police who exposed the rampant corruption that existed within the force and suffered the consequences for his integrity. His amazing story has been featured on Australian Story and this is a night not to be missed.

This night is an outreach event-an opportunity to connect people who are not part of a church to something very positive the church is doing-so I want to encourage and challenge every bloke that comes along to bring a mate with them.

Basketball Presentation night
Sunday September 25th at 5pm
On Sunday in a few weeks we will be joined by people from the Unley Park Basketball Club for Church, then food then the basketball presentations.
This is always a great night and a great opportunity to welcome people into our church who are visiting for this event.

Men’s Rough it Camp
Friday September 30th-6pm-Sunday October 2nd 2pm
Black Point, Yorke Peninsula
Flyer with more detail is on it’s way
This is going to be a great weekend for all the blokes so don’t miss it

4D Conference
Saturday October 22nd 8:30-4:30
Clovercrest Baptist Church
$35
4D is a statewide Baptist Conference that will inspire and equip you in your ministry. I want to encourage everyone serving in ministry at LifeChurch to come along and join 500 others believers for a day of training, learning and worship-for more info check the link below.

http://sabaptist.asn.au/4d2011rego.html?view=event

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

Guest speaker and artist Peter Shurley

This Sunday night I will be away at a conference in Sydney but you guys have a special treat with guest preacher and musician Peter Shurley sharing with us.

Peter is a great preacher, musician, singer, pastor and a great guy so it should be an excellent night. If you have been thinking of inviting someone to church for a while then this week is a perfect opportunity to do so.

Please bring a few dollars to contribute to our food because we’re having nachos!!

Men’s events
Men’s Community Link Event
Integrity-with Simon Illingworth
Tuesday September 20th

Advanced notice of an awesome night for our blokes that is coming up in September.

Simon Illingworth is a former member of the Victorian Police who exposed the rampant corruption that existed within the force, and suffered the consequences. His amazing story has been featured on Australian Story and this is a night not to be missed.

The event is designed to be an outreach-so I want to encourage every bloke that comes along to bring a mate with them-that’s the challenge.

Men’s Rough it Camp

Last year the men’s rough it camp was one of the highlights of the year-such a great time for fellowship and fun. This year it’s on again.

So book in Friday September 30th-Sunday October 2nd as we pitch the tents for another two night getaway that will rival Bear Grylls for toughness.

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

Members Meeting

This Sunday morning at 11am, after the Unley Park morning service.

Transform your life

The gospel is truly inspiring. It’s a message of hope and forgiveness and power that transforms lives from the inside out.

This Sunday I’m preaching on Romans 12, a passage that I believe is awesome, powerful, profound and following the last few weeks it’s thankfully quite simple.

Next Sunday – Guest speaker and artist Peter Shurley

Next Sunday night I will be away at a conference in Sydney but you guys will have a special treat with guest preacher and musician Peter Shurley sharing with us.

Peter is a great preacher, musician, singer, pastor and a great guy so it should be a great night and also a great opportunity to invite someone who doesn’t go to church.

LifeChurch future directions
It’s been two years since LifeChurch started. In that time God has blessed our church in many ways.

We’re able to look back and be thankful for the community we have, the teaching and ministry that has happened and is happening. It’s been a good couple of years.

But where is LifeChurch headed? Where will we be in 1 year, 3 years or 5 years? What is God’s plan for LifeChurch? What is possible if we live boldly by faith as God leads us?

As Darren shared a few weeks ago, the LifeChurch Leadership Team is beginning to consider these questions and discern God’s future our community.

As we progress we will include the whole church in this process, but for now, can you please be praying for LifeChurch and it’s leaders. Pray that we will be faithful, faith filled, wise and discerning.

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

The gospel is truly inspiring. It’s a message of hope and forgiveness and power that transforms lives from the inside out.

This Sunday we conclude our third message from three of the most challenging chapters in Romans and the whole bible Romans 9-11. To be honest it’s been really challenging to preach on-yet what I’ve really sensed is this-God has been at work in the last few weeks in a powerful way, speaking to people through his word and this Sunday in faith I look forward to God being at work again.

40 hour famine
The 40 hour famine is coming up very soon-it’s on next weekend August 19-21.
You can famine for 40 hours from food, or choose something else…t.v?, facebook?, talking? Whatever you want. Whatever you do, it’s an opportunity to raise funds for World Vision and their aid work to some of the world poorest people.
If you want to take part you need to speak to Lauren Humphrys this weekend.

LifeChurch future directions
It’s been two years since LifeChurch started. In that time God has blessed our church in many ways. We’re able to look back and be thankful for the community we have, the teaching and ministry that has happened and is happening. It’s been a good couple of years. But where is LifeChurch headed? Where will we be in 1 year, 3 years or 5 years? What is God’s plan for LifeChurch? What is possible if we live boldly by faith as God leads us?
As Darren shared two weeks ago, the LifeChurch Leadership Team is beginning to consider these questions and discern God’s future our community. As we progress we will include the whole church in this process, but for now, can you please be praying for LifeChurch and it’s leaders. Pray that we will be faithful, faith filled, wise and discerning.

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au

Salvation is here – Romans 10 >> The gospel is truly inspiring. It’s message of hope and forgiveness is a power that transforms lives from the inside out. This Sunday we come back to that cental inspiring gospel. So be there as we share communion, review the camp (and see some camp photos) and look at the awesome words in Romans 10.

Introducing new leaders  >> For those who missed Church last week, I’m really pleased to be able to let you know Laurie Lucas and Stefan Forsyth have both joined the LifeChurch Leadership Team. I’m excited about the gifts, experiences, perspective and willingness to serve the Church that they bring to the team. The LifeChurch Leadership Team exists to serve the church by overseeing the ministries of LifeChurch and guiding it’s direction. Right now we are going through a process of reveiwing where we have come from as a Church and asking the question “where is God leading us in the future”. As we progress with this we will be sure to inform and involve everyone who is part of LifeChurch in this process of discernment. I’m also really pleased to announce that Karryn Hutchinson is stepping into the role as co-ordinator of the Creche ministry. This is fantastic news as this is vital ministry that cares for our youngest LifeChurch atendees and frees their parents up to be in Church, and Karryn will do a great job.

Find more content from LifeChurch Unley at www.lifechurchunley.org.au