St Clements Mosman

 

"As iron sharpens iron, so does one person sharpen another"                                                Proverbs 27:17

Over the summer holidays I had the chance to read a number of books.  (Some of course are still going).  One of those brought me up short on the subject of listening. The argument of the author was basically this: that the older we get the less likely we are to listen - to listen to other people, to listen to different view points, to listen to God.  Now the reason for this was equally or even more compelling.  It was in his opinion: success. The author argued that one of the problems of success is that accomplishment in one area of our lives makes us believe we are an expert in all.  A sort of Master of One Trade so Master of All.  This of course creates the greatest problem when it comes to God.

One of the things that I really like about being part of a bible study group is that I have to listen.  I have to listen to what other people think the Bible is saying.  I have to listen to be able to pray effectively for them.  I have to listen to what God is doing and teaching in their lives and reflect on my own.  Its not easy to listen but the group really helps.  It sort of 'beats-me-up' in a metaphorical sense.  I think 'X' and someone else says 'I think Y'.  I have to think and respond and even change. Not listening can stop that and therefore stop me from growing.  Someone once told me that one of the dangers of being single is not being sharpened.  It is the same for 'individual' Christians

Today as we encourage small groups please think of joining especially if you weren't in one last year.  I know that people have had some bad experiences in small groups and I am sorry about that, (we are still this side of heaven) but what small groups offer is the  opportunity to serve others personally and pastorally.  I can't know everyone's prayer and praise points in a church as big as St Clements but I can know those of my small group.  We, the ministry team, struggle and frequently fail at finding out how people are going.  But in a small 

group someone knows and they have the opportunity to share & care and even to correct.  Sure we can be in a group with our friends but being in a group when we aren't naturally drawn to the other members gives us a God given opportunity to serve and grow and show grace.

For all these reasons can I encourage you to join a small group this year.  The Men's Breakfast on Wednesday at 7am and Women's Thursday Connection at 10am on Thursday are the most accessible.  They are what we call open groups - anyone can come.  But there are lots of different groups - at various times and places.  Speak to Matt and Melanie or me about a group today.

You know sharp knives make a big difference when you are making something great!  So do sharp people!

 

group someone knows and they have the opportunity to share & care and even to correct.  Sure we can be in a group with our friends but being in a group when we aren't naturally drawn to the other members gives us a God given opportunity to serve and grow and show grace.

For all these reasons can I encourage you to join a small group this year.  The Men's Breakfast on Wednesday at 7am and Women's Thursday Connection at 10am on Thursday are the most accessible.  They are what we call open groups - anyone can come.  But there are lots of different groups - at various times and places.  Speak to Matt and Melanie or me about a group today.

You know sharp knives make a big difference when you are making something great!  So do sharp people!

 

 

 Help out with a 2 year old during the week in the morning during February.  See Eve Bagnall for more information.

Congratulate Peter Jones on his Order of Australia award announced last week.

Pick up a new Prayer Diary for Term 1.

Buy a ticket to the Mozambique Dinner. 

Talk  to Lew Hartley about joining a group from St Clements in the BRW Triathlon.

Speak to Kay Avery about learning New Testament Greek.  Phone her on 9969 6721.

Invite a friend to Saturday Evensong 6pm on the 6th March.

Help out with the donation of a voucher to the Mozambique Dinner to the value of $25, $50 or $100.

Wish Dorothy Bird a happy birthday for Thursday.  Cake next Sunday.

Join a Bible Study.  For more details see Stuart.

Sing at Saturday Evensong on 6 March at 6pm. See James.

Join a 6-week course introducing Christianity on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm in Lower Hall (Begins 25 February). See James.  

Return your Christmas flyer bag &/or adopt a street for Easter flyers: Bayview Ave, Botanic Rd,  David St, Glen St, Harbour St, Iluka Rd, Lavoni St, Little St, Morella Rd, Prince St (Military to MacPherson), Whiting Beach Rd. See James.

Put 7pm weekend away dates (26-28 March) in your diary.

 

 

Mon	10am	Mosman Mums @ 10
Tues	3.30pm	Bible Stories at Mosman Prep
	6pm	Wardens’  Meeting
Wed	7am	Men’s Breakfast Romans 1:1-17
	9am 11am	Infants Scripture Mosman Public Primary Scripture Mosman Public
	2pm	Staff Meeting
Thurs		Scripture at Mosman High
	10am	Thursday Connection Romans 1:1-17
	12noon	MCEPS Senior Chapel & Divinity classes
	Lunch	Queenwood Senior School (CAOS)
	2pm	Classics  Romans 1:1-17
Fri	10am	Mosman Mums @ 10
	11am	MCEPS Junior Chapel
	6pm	Girls’ Club & CEBS
All weekend		Splash Camp