We have been challenged across this term to reject the way of folly and pursue wisdom. We know wisdom leads to flourishing and folly to disaster. As we looked at last Sunday, wise words bring life and foolish words can lead to death. We know that wisdom accords with God’s ways and is in line with God’s righteous character. It seems obvious that that wise, skilful living should be our aim.

Yet as we pursue wisdom’s way we need reminding that more than technique, and the understanding of living out God’s wisdom well, we need to receive God’s wisdom, Christ crucified.

Of course, the wonder of Christmas is that in God’s wisdom his son came near. Jesus, God’s wisdom in flesh displayed most perfectly wisdom in humility and sacrifice. It was God’s wisdom to see Jesus through the ordinary and general hardships of first century Israel bring about what humanity’s most skilled could not: reconciliation to God. As much as provides an example of wisdom, it is not his example that we need most; we need his death and his life for us.

Our society is captured with living the good life. The life of choice and habit that cultivates self-expression and comfort. Perhaps there are things to be gleaned in some of their practices, even some of the proverbs seem to be adapted from the nations surrounding Israel. Yet Christmas reminds us that what brings the good life is God’s wisdom incarnate. Living well (in light of eternity) is only possible because of Jesus life, death and resurrection. Skilled living is in response to the salvation we have received by God’s wisdom. God’s wisdom came near so that it could be ours by faith. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, God’s wisdom, our Saviour.  

We are so thankful to God for the amazing response towards Anglicare’s Toys and Tucker this year.  It was fun to be part of packing all the food and toys into boxes and bags, awaiting Anglicare’s pick up.  We are thankful for our church community who are praying for this and have donated food and toys.  We are also thankful for Wilberforce and Glossodia School communities who also have donated food and toys in partnership with us.  Both schools were impressed with the interest shown & the amount of donations their communities brought in, and both are keen to partner with us in this next year again! We will be giving hampers of food and toys to people in need in this area  – 22 hampers will be distributed by our church.  Please pray that all who receive a hamper will be delighted by the contents, and even more so – come to know the God of hope who deeply loves.

With our thanksgiving service coming up we are reminded again of God’s kindness to us. The last month has been a special time in our church particularly with our baptism and confirmations in early November. And as we come to the end of the year there is much in the youth and children’s space to be thankful for. Here are two things I want to share:

Some joys of MAD. When I talk to MAD leaders and see that Day Camp and SRE kids are involved in Friday nights it fills me with much thankfulness. We want all children to hear the good news of Jesus. And When I hear about the conversations that MAD leaders are having with these kids it is a great reminder that gospel fruit can and is happening amongst our children.

I’m also super excited to see more kids and teens serve in our church. Whether on Friday nights, or perhaps Sunday mornings we see more and more of our young people serving others. I am thrilled to see Josh, Alex and Samantha help with making our morning tea inviting and warm. I am encouraged to hear Daniel loves to be a helper in minis. There are many other examples. I am so thankful God has given each one of us for the building up of God’s people.

As we take the gospel to all and help our young ones thrive in following Jesus, we see in many ways that this is happening amongst us (and so many others not stated here). As we stop and reflect on God’s work let us marvel in the power of his transforming work.

Healthy churches are filled with men, women and children who are confident they belong to God and His family. We gather regularly (Hebrews 10:24–25), knowing that despite our weaknesses, God keeps calling us to Himself — and to one another.

Charles Spurgeon, a 19th-century Baptist pastor, once said:

“If I had never joined a church till I found one that was perfect, I should not have joined one at all. And the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us.” (Condie, S. 2025 MHPC institute)

God’s eternal purpose is to create a new and reconciled humanity united with Jesus Christ. When people who have little in common in the world’s eyes love one another like family, all heaven and earth look on in wonder at what the gospel has created!

The diversity within our church family shows the power of the cross and the glory of God. Let’s keep doing this with thankfulness and joy.

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Three Ways to Love and Build the Body of Christ at St John’s

💗 Keep gathering each Sunday — it’s one of the most important ways we show our love for God and each other.

💗 Before and after church, talk with someone you don’t know well — especially someone you share only Jesus in common with. That’s the beauty of the gospel!

💗 Come to our Combined Thanksgiving Service — 9am, Sunday 30th November. Stay, mingle, and share lunch together. Bring something along if you can!

Why Mental Health Sunday?

Stats from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare:

- 1 in 5 Australians

aged 16-85 (22% or 4.3 million) experienced a mental disorder.

- 17% of Australians experienced an Anxiety disorder. 

8% experienced an Affective disorder and 3% a Substance use disorder.

- 1 in 7 children and adolescents

aged 4-17 years experienced a mental illness.

With these numbers, it is most likely, if we do not know first-hand what it’s like to battle with mental health, we know someone who does. That is why we think it is important that we put a Sunday aside and think through how the gospel of Jesus speaks into an aspect of our mental health.

This year we have a particular focus on the family with our subject being:

Jesus, Family and Mental Health

We will be thinking through how we might best love our family when one or more members are battling with mental health. And how can faith in Jesus help us?

We have invited Steve Dinning who will speak at all our services and then run a lunch time workshop. For catering purposes, we would love to know if you are interested in the workshop. You can sign up on the sheet up the back or email Dave to let him know. We’ll provide a light lunch for the workshop.

A Bit About Steve

Steve visited us a few years ago running a parenting workshop that all who attended found really helpful.

Steve has a background in social work and Anglican parish ministry. As part of Anglicare’s Family & Life Skills Education Team he runs courses and seminars in parenting, family life and relating with others. He’s also on Anglicare’s Southern Counselling Team.