LifeWay is running ALPHA in term 3 and we need you!

Alpha requires volunteers willing to be trained to facilitate small group discussions and others to provide food and hospitality to those who attend. We are hoping to run ALPHA at the church on a Tuesday evening from 7-9pm so team members would need to be able to make themselves available each Tuesday evening for the 10 weeks of term 3.

If you would like to serve on LifeWay’s ALPHA team in term 3 then we invite you to attend the Hunter region’s ALPHA training evening at the Grainery Church on June 18thfrom 7-9pm. If you cannot make it on that evening, please speak to Pastor Mat so we can organise an alternative training opportunity. It is really important that team members receive training before the first ALPHA night.

To register please email Pastor Mat, [email protected] by Sunday the 16th of June.

We're often told ... "Don’t rock the boat." "Mind your own business." "Keep your opinions to yourself."

So we do just that... We bite our tongue, when words need to be spoken. Do nothing, when we are prompted to act. Turn a blind eye when we are called to hold to account. And in that moment, the opportunity is lost - to share the good news of the Gospel - to share Jesus who alone transforms lives and brings hope to the world.

It doesn't matter if you’re young or old. You don't need a degree or special training before you attempt it. The Bible is full of stories of ordinary people who refused to go with the flow but stand against the culture around them. People who acted courageously in the moment to have an influence and impact far more significant than silence and hiding can offer. So join us in living courageously... by faith... in the promise and power of God who always acts through unexpected people..in unexpected ways to bring life and hope to all.

Begins 26 May 2024. See our homepage for service times and locations or watch via livestream on our channel: www.youtube.com/c/LifeWayLutheranChurch

Here's some great Christian books on motherhood - perfect for gifting to Mum this Mother's Day.

The End of Me - Finding Resurrection Life in the Daily Sacrifices of Motherhood - $22.99

There are many books on motherhood but not many that talk about how hard it is physically, mentally and spiritually and what to do when you reach your limits.

When Liz Wann became a mother, she was unprepared for how hard it would be. In this book, she writes honestly about these deeply challenging aspects of motherhood and how God works through them to make us more like his Son. Coming to the end of who I was, and what motherhood was stripping me of, was a good thing that drove me to Christ and to the power that he supplies in every failure and weakness of motherhood.

This short, easy-to-read book encourages mothers to depend on Christ when they reach their limits. They will find that God will supply what they need to cope with the daily sacrifices and challenges of motherhood, and that he will use these struggles to make them more like Christ.

New Baby Survival Guide: Bite-sized Bible reading for new mothers - $18.99

A new baby is a wonderful gift from the Lord, bringing great joybut also sleepless nights, constant laundry and, sometimes, total exhaustion. It can be hard to read your Bible and pray. So here's a survival guide, which is do-able and God-centred. There's probably no time, brainpower or energy for your usual "solids" from God's word but: "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" (1 Peter 2:2)

These bite-sized Bible readings from the book of Psalms are designed for you to dip into and be refreshed by the Lord. Also includes real-life stories, practical help and an A-Z of mothering.

He Gives More Grace - 30 Reflections for the Ups and Downs of Motherhood Through the Years - $22.99

Motherhood is one of lifes most joyful yet most difficult gifts. We are eager to get it "right", yet parenting usually highlights our weaknesses and leaves us worried about our mistakes.

These hope-filled, positive devotions recognise the realities and pressures, joys and disappointments of motherhood and will give you a precious reminder of grace from Gods word to hold onto each day. They will help you to trust that Gods grace is enough for you and your kids. As the authors say in the introduction, Our children do not need a perfect mother. What they do need is a mother who recognises her need for a perfect Saviour and understands that this is the greatest need of her children as well.

As you focus on the work of Jesus rather than your own efforts, you will feel less pressure and more freedom and joy in all the ups and downs of motherhood.

Written by a mother-daughter combination (one with four kids aged 10-16, one with three grown kids and ten grandchildren) who are both grateful recipients of God's grace and faithfulness in the many seasons, situations and realities of motherhood.