Work on a Thursday

On Thursday, I went to meet a Men's Group for Breakfast. They meet fortnightly (every two weeks, in the morning, not at night) to discuss the book, Pilgrim in the Cosmos by Dean Drayton. He used to be the head of the Uniting Church in Australia and was one of the professors while Peter Chapman was at Bible College. Chapter 5 was about Drayton's experience as a Student Pastor in America while working on his PhD.

After that, I worked on sermon and office stuff and met with a woman whose mother is not doing well. After lunch at the Chinese Restaurant, went back to reading/prepping for the sermon and doing other administrative stuff to prepare for Sunday's worship services. Preaching on the Shrewd Manager, Luke 16:-13.

When Davis woke up from a nap we got out to see the Harvest Moon rising. We went to an area called Boat Harbour, which used to be the boat harbour/pier area for boats coming into Gerringong. There is a rock pool overlooking the ocean, but at 58* F with 15 mph winds, we aren't going swimming anytime soon. We did get some good pictures.

Leslie, Davis, and moon

Panoramic with Leslie and Davis on each end

Moon over Werri Beach

Following dinner, I went to Bible study in which we discussed Ephesians 6:5-9. Why do we work? Who do we really work for? Who do we seek praise from? How do we share our faith? In work, specifically do we seek the approval of God or of man? That was a good reminder. Too often we try to win the approval of others, we compare ourselves to others, but God does not see us as anything other than God's children. He doesn't look at our business cards or titles. God looks at our hearts. Perhaps that was the best place to end a day of "work."

First (Solo) Sunday at GUC

Panoramic view after church

On my first Sunday in "full command"* I preached the morning service at 9:00am, joined with the saints of the church for coffee, tea, and biscuits afterwards, and helped lead the evening service at which we had people from the local YWAM (Youth with a Mission) come and speak about the work they are doing globally. It continues to be a blessing to be a part of the leadership of Gerringong Uniting Church. They are a mission minded community and very caring. They even had a cupcake for Davis' birthday and sang Happy Birthday to him Sunday night. The music was wonderful all day long. It is a small congregation but a very singing congregation. Half of the congregation in the morning is in the choir.

The last couple of days have provided much wind and rain, which was much needed in the farming areas of the community. People here are grateful. And we are grateful.

Below is a link to the sermon I preached that morning. At the very end, you can hear a member of the congregation saying, "Nice job." It was humbling and gracious.

Tomorrow I will help teach Bible at the local elementary school, help lead a night study for kids, and work on sermon/bulletin stuff for Sunday and Sunday evening. Today is Davis' birthday so we will go get pizza, bring home his cake, and celebrate his 3rd birthday down under.

Sermon, Lost and Found, Luke 15:1-10

*It should be noted that I am seldom in full command. There is a dynamic lay leadership team here which allows me to participate in the already excellent ministries of the church. It is definitely a team effort.

On our own

Today, the Chapmans began their leg of the voyage. We moved into their lovely home and it is quiet. We've spent almost all of our time with them the last few days here in their house. Now, it is quiet. We are praying for safe travel for our new friends.

Today began my first day with Peter's responsibilities. I began by helping lead Bible class at the public elementary school in Gerringong. 

Technical difficulties followed me as my computer projected everything in a blue-ish tent. After some administrative work and our first trip to the grocery store (American mustard costs $3.50) I was off to BiG: Boys in Gerringong. 

They meet every Wednesday night school is in session from 6:30-8pm. They play games, have a speaker, pray, do an activity, then play until 8. It's a lot of fun. From kindergarten to 4th grade (year 4). 

For those of you wondering, they do have GiG (Girls in Gerringong) which meets at the same time. 

Thoughts are with all those who travel today and everyday, by land, sea, or air and all of our friends back home. 

We're Here

Actually, we've been here a while. Still trying to sort out phones and wifi. Just finished a lunch meeting with the church leadership. A picnic table became a prayer table became a business table.

It was a blessed experience while we sat and talked and Davis ran around the back yard. 

We are safe, well rested, and well cared for. More to come later but for now, we continue to be grateful to our family, our PRUMC family and our new Gerringong Uniting Church family. 

First leg of the trip

Just arrived in LAX. 5 hour trip. We have begun a long, exciting journey. We are filled with gratitude to so many people right now. More to come later. 

Oh, it's an hour past someone's bedtime right now