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You are God's precious Building

I wonder what you might name as the most impressive building you've ever seen? If you've travelled then you might say the Taj Mahal, the Hagia Sophia, or the Eiffel tower. Or maybe something even older like the Pyramids in Egypt or the Acropolis in Greece. Perhaps the more modern architecture of the Gherkin in London or the Sydney Opera House is what catches your eye.

What building do you think God finds most impressive? In Jesus' day his disciples thought it was the temple. In Mark 13 when arriving at Herod's newly refurbished temple they exclaim "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" However, Jesus is not impressed at all and teaches that all of those buildings will be thrown down, but what will replace them is his church. 

The church is the building project that God is involved in today. The foundation of the building is the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 3:11) And on that foundation believers are built together into a spiritual house that is chosen by God and precious to him (1 Peter 2:4-5). This is the building whose purpose is to 'declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light' (1 Peter 2:9).

Peter also says that each person who is part of the building is a 'living stone'. We're not dead bricks, we're alive by the Spirit! That means we all have something to do and contribute. We build each other up by speaking words that are strengthening, encouraging, and comforting. We edify each other by prayer and using our varied gifts in service of one another.

There's nothing very impressive about the physical buildings located in Coleman St Wagga Wagga, but the church that is located there is part of the most impressive building in the world. As we meet to edify one another the manifold wisdom of God is displayed in the heavenly realms (Eph 3:10). So, this week, what will it look like for you to play your part in God's building project at St Aidan's? 
 
‘Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.' Ephesians 2:19-22

Plans for this Sunday

We continue in our re-gathering stage at St Aidan's.
- 9 O'clock Church and church@5 meeting at St Aidan's
- For ten30church, the weather is looking fine for church in the Carpark (bring a chair), with Kids Church meeting in Tulloch Lodge.
We are continuing to make available the Online Service as well as a Live linkup through Zoom at each gathering, access both via the Online Service page of our website.

This Sunday - Hebrews 11:8-22

None of us know the future, but we do know the promises of God and His character. Like the Old Testament examples of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph we are called to live and act by faith as we look forward to heaven trusting the faithful God who through Christ fulfills his promises.
Next week Hebrews 11:23-40.

Kids Church News

This Week: Philippians 1:12-30
This week in Kids church we are spending time looking at Paul in Prison. As I read this passage again this week, I was super encouraged by Paul's words. Despite his circumstances he is still determined to share the Good News with the people around him. In verse 18 he says The important thing is that Christ is preached and he rejoices when this happens. I want to encourage you to be praying for that person in your life who doesn't know Jesus is Lord. In our lives we probably won't find ourselves in the same hardships as Paul but we can take encouragement from him that with the Holy Spirit we will also have strength the tell people about Jesus.
Kids Church has been wonderful and the children are having a great time. Each week we pray together in our small groups, play games, dance (remember to ask your children for their amazing dance moves) and spend time reading God's word. It has been a really encouraging time. I would like to thank you all for remembering to come and collect your children straight after the service and for staying on the verandah. We will continue to do this each week. See you all Sunday morning, Corinne.
Next week: We will learn another way to share the Gospel with our friends.
Students from The Riverina Anglican College, where Gareth Tyndall serves as Chaplain, are looking for pen pals. Due to COVID restrictions students are unable to complete normal community service opportunities and so are taking up the opportunity of writing handwritten letters regularly to a pen pal. This will count towards a key component of their Duke of Edinburgh requirements.

If you would like to receive letters and write back then please complete the online form at bit.ly/tracpenpal and Gareth will organise a pen pal for you. This promises to be a rewarding experience for both students and St Aidan's members. If you have any queries then please contact Gareth on 0412863154 or email chaplain@trac.nsw.edu.au

Other News

Prayer Diary
Each month a Prayer Diary is prepared to aid us in praying for one another, for the ministry of our church, and the several missionaries we support. Here is the September Prayer Diary
You can also access the Prayer Diary via the app PrayerMate. To find the St Aidan’s feed press the Add (+) icon, then scroll down to Ready-made content & organisations > Church Life > Australian Churches > St Aidan’s Presbyterian Church

Can you serve on the Ground's Roster?
We're looking for a few more people who could serve by mowing the lawn and tidying up the grounds. You'd be paired up with someone and rostered on about every 6-8 weeks, or less if more people volunteer, all the equipment needed is supplied. Contact Rob Toet - 0418 574 874.

Giving Update
Last week the Committee of Management gave an update highlighting that overall our giving is below budget for the year, and lower than in 2019. We ask members to consider their contribution toward God's work at St Aidan's. A small weekly increase can make a big difference. Banking details here.

To stay up to date with our online church events, visit staidanswagga.org.au and like us on Facebook.
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