090222 - Feb 22 - Newsletter

Your Notes

February 22nd 2009

Help in tight places! "God is our refuge and strength." Psalm 46:1 NAS

OVERSIGHT TEAM:

Pastor Shane & Glenda Whitbourn Dwayne & Cynthia Alexander YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS CO-ORDINATOR & WORSHIP DIRECTOR: Julian Gollasch Ph: 0413 771 390

ELECTRONIC GIVING

To direct deposit or Internet bank your giving : South West Community Church BSB 033656 A/C 128710

We live in a troubled world. Natural and man-made disasters like Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, tsunamis, wars, the mortgage crisis and soaring petrol prices have tapped the roots of our anxiety. Every night the media invades our homes bringing it all to us in real time, exposing us to a new phenomenon called 'compassion fatigue'. Modern-day psychiatrists identify the helplessness, stress, vulnerability and depression we feel watching and wondering, "What if we are next to be targeted by terrorists or slammed by forces of nature? Who will protect us?" To the fearful in heart, the Bible says three things: (1) "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Ps 46:1 NAS). The margin of the New American Standard Bible renders this last phrase, "Abundantly available for help in tight places." Isn't that great! When you're in a tight spot, God is abundantly available to help you. Notice, it doesn't say that God will help you occasionally or reluctantly. No, He will do it abundantly and faithfully. What more do you need? (2) "Therefore we will not fear" (v.2 NIV). You needn't panic, talk defeat, or give in to despair. The songwriter said, "He's as close as the mention of His name." Just breathe His name in prayer, and He'll be there for you. (3) "Let the oceans roar...Let the mountains tremble" (v.3 NLT). When everything you once thought to be stable and dependable is threatened and shaken to the core - you will be where you have always been - in the strong and loving arms of God; the One who is "abundantly available to help in tight places".

Services @ 10am Fawthrop Community Centre Hood St, Portland Pr. Shane Whitbourn Ph: 0417509516

www.swccportland.com

today@church

what’s happening?

9.30am Prayer meeting ….please join us! 10am Service: Praise & Worship, Communion & then a

Home Groups

Also during the 10am Service:

&

Kindling Kids

Primary School

Pre-school

who’s on?

If you are visiting with us this morning, Welcome! Please stay after the service and enjoy some morning tea with us. Morning Tea

Today: Mar 1 :

Kindling Kids

Today : Megan Mar 1: Nykoal

Cynthia’s Team Margot’s team

Thankyou to everyone who gave a helping hand to making last week’s Family Camp such a great success. It was a great time of fun, food and fellowship—praise God for good weather, his provision and protection.

Our mid-week groups have been studying “ReGroup” by the people who brought us “Boundaries”. It is a powerful study that challenges the way we do home groups, church and life! People are really enjoying it. There are daytime and evening groups available Please talk to Ps Shane if you would like to be part of a group

Youth

message from Reid Stiles

Senior Youth Study: For Youth Info: Junior: Victoria 0408 109 152 Tuesday 7.30 pm Senior: Julian 0408 109 @ David Emmerson’s 27 Hurd St Swan Lakes Sand Tobogganing Sat Feb 28

Senior & Junior Youth Activity 1pm bus pick-up —6.30pm return (Fawthrop) Bring Boogie boards and beach gear. Includes BBQ tea.

Leadership Development Night

Next Sunday night, 7.30pm @ Shane & Glenda’s

Learn key’s to becoming a more effective leader along with a time of discussion & prayer for God’s direction for our church. Please watch “Relating to Authority” by John Bevere before coming (See Ps. Shane)

TUESDAYS

Open to everyone !!

Prayer & Fasting

(Monday tea till Tuesday tea for the next 4 Tuesdays)

Join us in prayer for spiritual breakthroughs, especially :   

Healing (especially for Genevieve, Keith, Narelle & Sonia) Current financial crisis—protection, provision & wisdom Souls to be saved

March 7-8 Ian Richardson Saturday Night: Speaking on Relationships Sunday 10am: Family day including lunch. Ian will speak & Minister. Ian has a breadth of experience spanning more than 30 years in leadership, training, pastoral ministry and counselling. His passion is to encourage, equip and motivate people to achieve their best. He has much wisdom to offer!