Today is Good Friday, a day where people all around the world remember and reflect on the death of Jesus Christ that took place over 2,000 years ago. Jesus’ death wasn’t an accident nor was he a martyr. His death was an atoning death by which he started to put the world back together again. … Continue reading Good Friday Reflection
Announcement about Mark Conner’s Future
This weekend, I made the following announcement to my church family - CityLife Church. Obviously, it was a surprise to many, while not to others. There is a degree of sadness with any change like this but I am also encouraged by the amount of support I have received. [Watch on You Tube] I have … Continue reading Announcement about Mark Conner’s Future
All Things NEW!
God is a God of new things. He has made us new creations, given us new hearts, a new spirit, a new covenant. We live in a new day; we have a new name; we have a new commandment; we’ve been given new garments; His mercies are new every morning; we drink of the new … Continue reading All Things NEW!
Getting Ready for the New Year
In a few days time, we'll be into a New Year - 2016. The year 2015 will be history - water under the bridge. At transition times like this between years, it's beneficial to pause, take some time aside and think about your life. Someone once said, "The unexamined life is not worth living" and … Continue reading Getting Ready for the New Year
What to do with Christmas?
Can you believe it's almost Christmas! Usually around this time of the year, you'll hear some questions or comments from some well-meaning Christians such as: "Jesus was not born in December." "The Bible never tells us to celebrate the birth of Jesus." "The Christmas tree is a pagan tradition." True, the early Christians did not … Continue reading What to do with Christmas?
The Best Christmas Gifts are FREE
Christmas is right around the corner and many people are starting to think about what gifts to buy for family and friends. The truth is that as you get older you start to realise that you don't really need more 'stuff'! In fact, more 'things' don't bring more happiness. Some of the best gifts in … Continue reading The Best Christmas Gifts are FREE
Jesus – the Perfect Christmas Gift
It’s Christmas time again. I wonder what you enjoy most about this season? Maybe it’s the Christmas carols, the holidays, or the shopping. I know for the kids, it’s the presents. That’s what I looked forward to when I was young - maybe a new Mechano set or an extension to my Motorific slot car … Continue reading Jesus – the Perfect Christmas Gift
Remembrance Day 2015
Tomorrow is Remembrance Day. Every year, on 11 November at 11 am – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – Australia pauses to remember those men and women who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts and peace operations since the beginning of the 20th century. All Australians are encouraged to pause … Continue reading Remembrance Day 2015
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It’s one of the most important events in the Indigenous calendar, and you might be surprised to hear that it all began with a letter to the churches of Australia. The letter was sent by William Cooper, a … Continue reading NAIDOC Week
The Asylum Seeker Debate
The asylum seeker issue continues to hit the news here in Australia and beyond. On June 29 at 7:30 there is a free debate in the city of Melbourne. Business Faith Law and Morality: The Asylum Seeker Debate. What is Your opinion? The asylum seeker issue needs resolving. We encourage you to take advantage of … Continue reading The Asylum Seeker Debate
Mothers – Love Them While You Can!
To all the mums out there, Happy Mother's Day! We wouldn't be here without you. What amazing people you are. My mother passed away over 25 years ago now and I still miss her. Nicole's mother, affectionately known as 'Oma' passed away 7 years ago and we still really miss her. Mothers are very … Continue reading Mothers – Love Them While You Can!
Jack Simpson and His Donkey (an ANZAC Hero)
The ANZACs have a great hero called John 'Jack' Simpson Kirkpatrick who enlisted and was chosen as a field ambulance stretcher-bearer in Perth on 23 August 1914. On 25 April 1915, long with the rest of the Australian and New Zealand contingent he landed at the wrong beach on a piece of wild, impossible and savage … Continue reading Jack Simpson and His Donkey (an ANZAC Hero)
ANZAC Day – 100 Year Anniversary
Tomorrow, in Australia and New Zealand, we commemorate the centenary of ANZAC Day. 'ANZAC' stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. The ANZACs landed on Gallipoli and met fierce … Continue reading ANZAC Day – 100 Year Anniversary
He’s Risen! (Easter Sunday Reflections)
Matthew tells us the story like this: Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face … Continue reading He’s Risen! (Easter Sunday Reflections)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
A few weeks ago, on January 15th, Americans celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day in commemoration of his birthday. Dr. King was the chief spokesman for non-violent activism in the civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honour began soon after his … Continue reading Dr. Martin Luther King Jr