How is your patience?

I heard this funny story of a lonely guy who decided that life would be more fun if he had a pet. So he went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet. After some discussion, he decided on a centipede, which came in a little white box to use as its house.

He took the centipede home, found a good location for the box, and then decided he would start off by taking his new pet to a restaurant to have dinner. So, he asked the centipede in the box, Would you like to go out with me to have dinner? But there was no answer from his new pet. This bothered him a bit, but he waited a few minutes and then asked him again, How about going out for a meal with me?

But again, there was no answer from his new friend and pet. So, he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation. He decided to ask him one more time; this time putting his face against the centipede’s house and shouting, Hey, in there! Would you like to go with me to have dinner? A little voice came out of the box from the centipede: Patience man! I heard you the first time! I’m putting on my shoes!

Patience is something that many of us have trouble with. From driving down the freeway and coming to a long line of traffic, and knowing you’re going to be late, to arriving at a long queue at the grocery check-out. We become annoyed and irritated at delays like this. We get worked up—we become very impatient.

Patience teaches us to wait, to remember that God is still in charge. Patience reminds us that God isn’t finished yet. We may not understand all there is to know. But where do we get this quality from? Patience is a hard thing to create. It is virtually impossible to make yourself be patient. We can’t produce patience on our own.

But as we mature in our Christian faith, as we learn to trust more and more that God really is in charge of this world and our lives, then patience is the fruit that grows as a natural result of our relationship with God. Remember, patience is a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 says, “God’s Spirit makes us… patient”. It’s a fruit that God will grow. And he grows that fruit as we grow in him. As we learn to trust him, as we learn to rely upon him, as we learn that.

I think the most important step we can take to develop patience is to give God control of our life. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry,” says Psalm 40:1.

Credit Chris Witts - hope1032.com.au

Sundays

• 4 July - the Sunday Service is ONLINE ONLY due to anticipated Covid19 post-lockdown restrictions. Click here for the online service which has been set up to start @9.30am. Online chat will open 15 minutes before and end 15 minutes after the service. We’ll be in touch if there are any more Covid-related changes to future services and events!
• PARKY SUNDAY SERVICE @9.30am - Online services available on-demand at parkerville.church/live
• PRE-SERVICE PRAYER MEETING @8.30am
• 22 August - Special General Meeting & Quarterly Members' Meeting after the Sunday service @11.15am

Mondays

• 19 July – BLOKES @6.30pm, Parky. Scroll down for flyer with further information.

Tuesdays

• CRAFT @9.30am - in recess during school holidays - recommences 20 July
• CRAFT @7.00pm - in recess during school holidays - recommences 20 July

Wednesdays

• TODDLER JAM @9.30am & @1.00pm - in recess during school holidays - recommences 21 July
• PURSUIT YOUNG ADULTS @7.30pm - in recess during the school holidays.

Thursdays

• C.A.F.E. (Coffee And Friendship Etc) @9.00am– creche available - in recess during school holidays - recommences 22 July
• 22 July - Busy Bee at the Church (part 1) @8.00am - morning tea provided. Contact Rowan 0423 865 972

Fridays

• ONE POINT YOUTH @7.30pm - in recess during school holidays - recommences 23 July

Saturdays

• 24 July - Busy Bee at the Church (part2) @8.00am - morning tea provided. Contact Rowan 0423 865 972
• 31 July - Safe Church workshop @ the Church for registered volunteers, 9am - 1pm. Contact Ian Hill 0401 103 607

Mens’ Convention 2021

14 August @ Kingsway Christian College

Perth Men’s Convention is a day convention for men aged 17 and up, to help them grow as disciples of Jesus and stand as men of character in their home, work, church, and everyday lives.

PMC has talks, toolboxes, interviews and testimonies, and a room full of 700 blokes singing together to praise Jesus. There is also plenty of time to meet and chat with men from around WA over a coffee and some food.

Simon Manchester will be the guest speaker, talking on “Crossing the Distance” – Studies in Ezekiel. Over the day we will hear of God’s complete adequacy to sustain and restore His people.

To register online, click on this link http://flr.ms/5Gg

For more information contact Brian McGrechan 0407 387 543

Women knowing Jesus

Perth Women’s Convention is a day of Bible teaching for women, exploring the truth of God’s word, responding to him and thinking through how to live for Jesus.

No matter what age or stage of life, whether you’ve been a Christian for ages or you’re just checking it out, PWC is for you. Bring your mum, sister, colleague or Bible study group for a day of encouragement, music, interviews and much more.

To register online, click on this link https://share.fluro.io/form/6080e19d68fbbf0670bc43e9

24 - 27 September 2021

• REGISTRATIONS OPEN https://central.sportsfest.org.au/team/5BM5Z
• Ages 16-30
• It’s an opportunity for young adults to encounter Jesus through a fun long weekend of sport (some which include Wally Ball, Archery Attack and Uno).
• For more information contact Kris Gibson 0417 958 252 or kris.gibson@parkerville.net.au or Jae Gibson 0428 079 271 or jaejaegib@gmail.com

• 2021 Budgeted giving - $29,000
• Giving received as at 30 June ≈ $30,078
• Building Loan as at 30 June - $526,558
• General Donations: BSB 704-922 Acc 100008307
• Building Donations: BSB 704-922 Acc 100013582
• Online Donations: parkerville.church/give

Prayer Points

• Pray for safe travelling for those going away on holidays.
• Pray for our children over the school holiday break.
• Pray for the School Chaplains who give so much energy, wisdom, and support to the students and teachers alike.
• Pray for those who have recently lost a loved one or are unwell.
• Pray for SportsFest, for opportunities for the young people attending to encounter Jesus.

Praise Points

• Give thanks for the teachers and workers at the schools who work so hard in educating them and feeding into their lives on so many levels, may they be recharged over the holidays ready to start Term 3.
• Give thanks for those who volunteer their time and skills in the various ministries at Parky.

Fire Care

The Parky Fire Care team continues to support the Shire of Mundaring community activities at Wooroloo where afternoon tea and activities are held fortnightly with support from members of the congregation. A team of volunteers also whip up the meal and clean up the kitchen at the monthly Gidgegannup Fire Recovery dinner where attendance ranges between 70 and 100 people.

On the gardening front we have had our first request to help re-establish a home garden; a need which we see as growing over time. The first request was from a quite elderly lady who, while not losing her house, lost her garden, sheds, fences and surrounding property to the fire. It is in this area that we have traditionally been able to help people in the past.

Volunteers Are Needed

Kura Hill is coordinating the volunteers that will be needed for gardening. Please consider assisting. Kura would love to hear from you in advance if you think you will have time to lend a hand now, or in the coming months. Families impacted by the fire continue to need help, for instance those living in “pods” on burnt out properties are not finding it easy. Kura can be contacted on 0488 042 291.

Winter Recess

The Village Program and our Parenting Courses are now in recess but will be re-commencing next term. Parky Care gratefully acknowledges the wonderful help of all our volunteers which makes the running of these programs possible. Also the Shire of Mundaring provides a grant to fund the Village Program and Hills Fresh generously contributes fruit for our crèche children.

If anyone would like to participate in our Tuesday Morning ‘Village Program’ for mothers, please register your interest via email to admin@parkycare.net.au.

For further information on the Parenting Program, contact Midvale Hub Parenting Service on 9290 6827 or email them at parentingservice@mundaring.wa.gov.au.

On Thursday, 1 July 2021, legislation passed by the Western Australian State Parliament in relation to Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) will be enacted. This legislation will permit a person, under certain specified conditions, to access medication which is designed to cause that person’s death. The legislation will also permit other people, again under certain specified conditions, to aid those who without such assistance would be unable to administer the medication to themselves.

The VAD conversation and ensuing legislation sees people divided according to beliefs, life experience and where each stand on the ethical principles at play. There are those who have long advocated in support of VAD and those who are concerned about this development in our society. There are those who say it is ethically permissible in some circumstances for a person to end their own life and to assist another to do so. Others see no circumstance in which taking one’s own life or helping another to do so is an appropriate action. It would be simplistic to say that this divide occurs only along faith lines although this is often what is asserted. As an example, there are some in the medical world including mental health professionals who do not support VAD out of the things they have seen and know about our bodies and minds and in particular the healthy processing of death and grief.

That said, there are significant elements of the narrative of Christian faith that play into the conversation. The story of God in human history told through the Spirit’s revealing work in the Scriptures, our traditions and our experiences is the story of the worth of human beings made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). It’s the story of a good, intelligent, and intentional Creator God who is matchless in wisdom and power (Psalm 139: Luke 12:24). The story of a God who is love and always acts justly (Exodus 20:13: Matthew 22:36-40; Luke14:15-24). It is the story of freedom to live in peace (shalom) with God, with each other and with all of the created world (Romans 8:19-23; Revelation 21:1-5). A shalom that is made possible in the incarnate life, death and resurrection of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Churches are shalom communities whose mission is to bring shalom into their communities. So, how will this identity and this mission inform how we respond? Here are some thoughts for you to consider.

First, recognise that the law allows for people to choose voluntary assisted death (within certain parameters) and it is a matter for each person to consider within the context of their circumstances.

It’s good for us to remember that people considering voluntary assisted dying (within the legal parameters) will not have arrived at that point lightly. Individuals within families may well have different opinions. There will be significant pain and angst and even ambivalence and our best response is likely to be a pastoral one - offering support and care and prayer rather than making this a place to demand conformity to our particular convictions.

Put differently, there is always a place to respect the rights of another to have access to professional help and pastoral support so as to make a decision and to process decisions and the implications of decisions without fear of being shamed or judged.

And of course, as Baptists, we declare and protect this freedom. The Baptist distinctive of liberty of conscience means that instead of being protective of a position, we lean in and listen across differences to the experiences of others. This doesn’t mean we will arrive at the same conclusions as others of course but it does mean we listen appreciatively to the stories of how God guides and leads people. It does mean we can acknowledge courage and integrity in others as they navigate the challenges of life.

There is always a place to lean in, listen and journey alongside; to be in relationships that give you and others meaningful, respectful, appropriate opportunity to tell how your story is part of God’s story and to see how the other person’s story is part of the narrative too. It is in this relational space that we will find transformative opportunities to tell the good news of the freedom Jesus brings us.

As you go about your faith shaped lives in your own communities and spend time yourselves and with others grappling with some of the tough experiences of life (and I hope the good times too!) may you return again and again to the comforting clear direction Jesus gave us when he said:

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’” (Luke 22:37-38)

As always, please feel free to respond to me with your thoughts. Karen Siggins - Interim Director of Ministries, Baptist Churches of WA

Office Staff

• The church office is usually open from 9am to 3pm Tuesdays to Thursdays.
• Ps Craig Lydon (Senior Pastor) - craig@parkerville.net.au - Tue-Thu (on leave 5-25 July)
• Ps Rowan du Boulay (Discipleship Pastor) - rowan@parkerville.net.au - Tue-Thu
• Deanne Dunlop (Business Manager) - deanne@parkerville.net.au - Tue-Thu (on leave 5-9 July)
• Kris Gibson (Admin Assistant) - kris.gibson@parkerville.net.au - Tue & Thu (on leave 6-22 July)

Sunday Service

• Come to our Parky Service @9.30am to hear God's word from a variety of different speakers. We have a Creche facility, Kids Ministry and Youth Explorers so bring the whole family!
• Come to our 8.30am pre-service prayer meeting - in the Community Lounge, Church House.
• Online services - available on-demand at parkerville.church/live each week.

Sunday Kids & Youth Activities

• Parents’ Room - available for young children supervised by a guardian
• Crèche - available for toddlers 6 months-4yrs from 9.20am.
• Kids Min (Kindy - Year 6) – 9.30am in the KidsMin worship area. Alternative activities available during school holidays.
• Explorers (Years 7 - 12) On during the message in the Youth Shed, usually takes a break for school holidays.
• Go to our website parkerville.church/children for online and printable resources.

Journey Groups

• There is a wide variety of Journey Groups available that meet in various home and online at various times to encourage each other, study God's word and share together.
• Contact Ken Wadley 0409 680 925

Pursuit Young Adults

• Meet weekly for Gather and Grow nights, Wednesdays 18+ years. Contact the office 9295 6789

Craft

• Meets weekly @ the Church House during school terms. Tuesdays 9.30-11.30am. Contact Jo Weir 0409 889 809
• Meets weekly @ the Church during school terms. Tuesdays 7.00pm-9.30pm. Contact Yvonne Claessens 0417 172 315

C.A.F.E. (Coffee And Friendship Etc!)

• Meets weekly @ the Church during school terms. Thursdays 9.00am-12noon (creche available). Contact Angela Ebert 0402 011 207

Toddler Jam

• Meets weekly @ the Church during school terms. For parents, carers and their kids up to kindy age. Wednesdays 9.30-11.00am & 1.00-2.30pm. Registration is essential. Contact Michelle Terranova 0435 071 282

Youth Group

• Meets weekly @ the Church during school terms. Fridays 7.30-9.30pm. Years 7-12. Contact Caleb Terranova 0459 042 771
• Follow them on instagram.com/onepointyouth/?hl=en

BLOKES

• Meets @ the Church once a month on a Monday @ 6.30pm. Come and hear our special guest share their life story over burgers - all blokes welcome! Cost is $10 for a burger and a drink. Contact Craig Lydon 0427 979 710

SOCIAL MEDIA

Did you know that Parky has a Facebook and Instagram page? We've been posting regular photos and updates of what's happening in the life of Parky, so 'Like' our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Parkychurch/ or follow @parkychurch on Instagram for access to this great way of staying in touch!

SERMON PODCASTS AVAILABLE

We hope you have been enjoying all that our Sunday preachers and speakers have had to say lately. If there is a sermon you have missed, would like to share with a friend or would simply like to hear again then please head to parkerville.church/live and listen to or download the sermon of your choice!

inspiring people to follow Jesus

• Physical & Online Services parkerville.church/live
• 910 Seaborne Street, Parkerville WA 6081
• (08) 9295 6789
• admin@parkerville.net.au
• parkerville.church