Welcome to Castle Hill SDA Church eNews
for 20 February 2021

FEAR NOT! Friday - Pr Terry Johnson

If you have announcements to be added, please send to
bulletin@castlehillchurch.org.au
by 9:00pm each Wednesday.

If you would like to receive an electronic eNews,
please send your details to the above email address to be added to the emailing list.

Welcome to this Sabbath's eBulletin

We are enjoying the new freedoms of lifted restrictions, but we would like to remind those wishing to attend Sabbath Schools and Church of the guidelines that have been put in place to keep us all safe.

PROTOCOLS FOR WORSHIP AT CASTLE HILL

Please register with our COVID Marshalls upon arrival before attending Sabbath School or Church.
There will be two registration areas, the entrance to the foyer downstairs to the hall, and the entrance area to the main church building.
Each Sabbath School group is to use antibacterial wipes to wipe down chairs and tables at the end of the class. All cleaning products will be provided by the church.
Church pews will need to be wiped down between Sabbath School and our 11:00am worship service.
Everyone entering church will be allocated seating for Sabbath School and our Worship service.
Toilets will be cleaned at 30min intervals—please be patient as this takes place.
Frequently touched areas will be wiped clean.
Singing in church will be limited to the Praise and Worship team. Unfortunately, we cannot have congregational singing.
Congregants are not required to wear a mask—but you may do so if you choose.
Tithes and offering will be collected during our worship service by the deacons.
We have an incredibly loving culture, however, let’s skip the hugs and handshakes in favour of a smile and a wave. And, let's ensure we maintain social distancing of at least 1.5 metres, whilst still being social, warm and loving with one another and visitors.
The Pastoral team won’t be at the door to greet at the end of the service.
If you are not feeling well, please stay at home and get tested.

Offerings

Tithes and offering will be collected during our worship service by the deacons. Or you can use the Tap ‘n Go and eGiving facility if you would like to donate electronically. Thank you for your generosity and continued faithfulness in giving back to God during 2020. We encourage you to continue to give online via eGiving. Thank you for investing meaningfully in the mission of Castle Hill SDA Church.

This week's offering will be for

Castle Hill SDA Church's Outreach Programs
helping those in our community.

Putting God first can be difficult. What can we learn from Daniel that will help us put God first in our lives today?
Daniel was a young man when he was taken to Babylon, the capital of the greatest empire the world had ever seen. King Nebuchadnezzar would take the best and brightest young men as captives from the many nations he conquered. He would then indoctrinate them into Babylonian science and religion, knowing they would greatly contribute to the expansion of his kingdom. Ten thousand other young people were taken alongside Daniel and, from them, the best of the best were taken to the palace. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were some of these.
Their first test was a biblical diet. Putting God first could have cost them all the privileges afforded them— or worse, they could lose their lives. However, these young men made a commitment in their hearts to put God first, no matter what happened. They couldn’t be forced or bribed to do otherwise. They were faithful with their diets and God gave them wisdom, helping them become the top students in the Babylonian “university”.
Later, Daniel would be put in charge of all other scientists, while his three friends would eventually become the top leaders of the capital city, Babylon itself. This only happened because they put God first, no matter the consequences. In fact, they were willing to be burnt alive rather than compromise. Daniel 3:17 records their words: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Even as an old man, Daniel would rather be thrown into a den of lions than stop praying first thing in the morning. But God came through again and Daniel lived to praise Him and became the chief interpreter and was appointed over all the pagan magicians of Babylon. Daniel was also a government official under 4 kings. Some commentaries say he was made the Prime Minister of Babylon.
Daniel put God first. His example compels us to do the same. As the deacons collect the tithe and offerings, we are challenged to put God first.

Our heavenly Father, help us to seek You and Your kingdom first. Please accept our worship this morning. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Give offerings and donations with eGiving

Last Sabbath' offering was for ADRA's Disaster and Famine Relief.
Thank you for your generosity.

It is one year since the 2019-2020 bushfire season ravaged the Australian landscape. Known as the ‘Black Summer Fires’, the fires burned over 17 million hectares, claimed 33 lives and wiped out 3,094 homes, leaving communities devastated.

ADRA Australia, together with local Seventh-day Adventist Churches, began responding to the growing disaster in November 2019. One of the couples that ADRA helped was Bill and Sandra, farmers in East Gippsland, Victoria.

Read full article and some personal encounters at:
www.adra.org.au/black-summer-fires-one-year-on

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank you to all who attended the
Child Protection Training last Sabbath afternoon.

Just a reminder to send your
valid WWC Check including your surname, DOB and WWC number
to Megan Lillo, if you haven't already:

meganlillo@icloud.com

ADVENTURERS - FIRST MEETING
THIS SABBATH AFTERNOON

20 February at 2:00pm

For details, please consult the Adventurers webpage:
castlehilladventurer.club
or contact the Adventurers Leaders Chris and Lucy Engel - 0412760401

Woolworths “Discovery Garden" Seed Collection

There's a new buzz in the garden! Woolies has their Discovery Garden seed pod collection promotion on again, with 24 herbs, vege and flower seed varieties to collect! Please accept any that you are eligible for, and if you have any unwanted boxes, please bring them to the church where they can be donated to the ADRA Blacktown Community Garden. A collection box will be left in the foyer.

Have a look at the Woolies Website (no spiders!) for recipes, seed varieties and gardening tips for kids: www.woolworths.com.au

Discover the hands behind the ADRA Blacktown Community Garden setup

Adventist Book Centre (ABC)

See what is new at the ABC

Subscribe to their newsletter:

adventistbookcentre.subscribe

go to the Facebook page:

facebook.com/AdventistBookCentreSydney

Ministry Groups

Weekly Prayer Meeting - Wednesday Evenings at 7:30-8:30pm

Weekly prayer meetings have resumed each Wednesday evening
from 7:30-8:30pm for another 7 weeks via Zoom.

The program will follow the Conference's 10 days of prayer program but run over 10 weeks. The topic is "Seeking Revival" and this coming Wednesday will be Week 4 (23 February).

The meetings will initially be run online via Zoom given the ease of access. Please contact Marvin Malcolm if you need assistance with the technology to join.

Like regular weeks of prayer, there is an associated reading that will be used to guide the program and is attached. I'm not sure the best way to distribute it, however, there is a corresponding site where all the materials, in multiple languages, can be found.

Get Your Kit Here

ADVENTURERS

For children aged 4 (in prep) to 10 years old. The curriculum includes age appropriate activities ranging from games, crafts, outdoor activities, exploring nature, camping, religious instruction and service opportunities, and they earn honours (reward patches and pins) for these achievements. For more information, please visit -

Adventurers webpage: castlehilladventurer.club
Leaders: Chris and Lucy Engel - 0412760401

PATHFINDERS

Pathfinders is an activity-based program (a bit like Scouts & Brownies) run by the SDA Church, specially designed for 10- to 15-year-olds. The program aids in the development of leadership and positive group skills, teamwork and fun problem-solving experiences. With a focus on developing skills in outdoor

environmental issues through practical camping, hiking, nature study and other outdoor adventure activities. Exposing those involved to a wide range of skills, crafts, arts and other practical skills. Teaching the awareness of joy in serving others and the understanding of opportunities within community needs in addition encouraging a good healthy lifestyle that says no to any drugs or any other harmful substances. To find out more, please visit the Pathfinder webpage: castlehillpathfinder.club
Leader: Oli Matheson; Secretary: Alex Rolfo - 0414 857 601, pathfinderalex68@gmail.com

Castle Hill Youth & Young Adults

Sydney Adventist Youth
Facebook Page and Events

Sydney Adventist Youth exist to connect teens, youth and young adults
across Sydney, and link them to ministries and events that are
relevant to them.

This page is where you find out about all things Adventurers, Pathfinders and Youth Rallies.

Come along and make connections with other Adventist young people.

Sydney Adventist Young Adults Facebook Page and Events

Welcome to SAYA!
Our goal is to build a network of
young adults across Sydney to become better connected
and to better support each other.
We understand that as young adults we want to be involved in things that engage us and are meaningful to our lives both in and out of church.
So moving forward we will be using this space to build connections, plug relevant local events, and grow a community both online and in person (when we are able to do that again).
Come and journey with us!

Castle Hill SDA Youth - Get Connected!

Go to Instagram to keep informed of socials, Sabbath Schools, Feature Friday testimonies, and inspiration from the Bible.

Click the button below to go to the Insta page.

CHY Instagram

To view the 2021 Calendar for
Sydney Adventist Youth & Young Adults, go to:

Download the 2021 Calendar

Deadline for March edition: 22 March

This event is for 25+ adults:

Tales & Mocktails Night is a social for Young Adults
Date: Saturday, 27 February
Time: 7:00-10:00pm
Venue: Dundas Community Centre - 21 Sturt Street, Telopea
What to expect:
- Pr Moses Depaz, our new Associate Youth Director, will be closing Sabbath for us.
- Catching up with friends
- Live music
- Mocktails
- Fun

COVID-19 Notice: In accordance with NSW government laws around COVID-19, ALL guests must register their attendance. We will be working with the venue to ensure that the event is COVID-safe. This includes adhering to restrictions around the maximum number of persons per gathering, subject to the 4 square metre rule, recording contact details of all attendees, and ensuring a COVID-19 Safety Plan is in place.

For our Teens, Youth & Young Adults:
20 March, 6:30-10:00pm

Ekklesia is the Greek word for Church. It refers to a 'gathering', or 'called out people'. Explore with us what that means in a post-Christian, covid-burdened world.

Our Keynote Speaker is Pr Moses Depaz, the new Associate Youth Director for the Greater Sydney Conference. We will also be hearing from Jessica Shipton and Hamish Kadrian. Jessica and Hamish are both highly involved in their local churches and have a passion for sharing Jesus.

Time: 6:30pm - 10:00pm
Venue: Crosslands Youth and Convention Centre
Parking: There is free parking on site.
Dinner and hot drinks will be provided after the program.
Cost: FREE, with registration

COVID-19 Notice: In accordance with NSW government laws around COVID-19, ALL guests must register their attendance. Guests who have not registered online will not be allowed on site. We will be working with the venue to ensure that the event is COVID-safe.

Women's Ministry

Adventist Women encourages women to improve their potential
and participation in the mission of the Church and provides a support system
and forum for women in and out of the church.

Read daily devotionals, keep up with events, watch yummy recipes being made, and be encouraged in your faith and ministry, on the official Facebook presence of the Women's Ministry Department of the Greater Sydney Seventh-day Adventist Conference.

Sydney Adventist Women

LEADERSHIP BRUNCH - Online - 21 February 2021, 9:30am

Sydney Adventist Women's first Leadership Brunch for 2021. A morning designed to share Leadership principles, ideas, networking, resources and more. Designed to set you up for ministry in 2021. A morning designed to inspire and resource.

Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm ON ZOOM
FREE event for Leaders and their teams.
RSVP ESSENTIAL
Admission by RSVP ONLY. Please register:

Event by Adventist Women Australia
Free Online Event
Friday, March 5, 2021 at 7:30pm

Join us for an online Prayer Summit.
We will have a guest presenter, panel discussion,
music and online zoom prayer rooms to join and participate.

Find Out More

Need someone to talk to?

Suzanne Bocking provides high-quality online counselling for women
in the comfort of your home, office, or anywhere you have internet access.

Online Counseling for Women

Castle Hill Seniors

Retirees Enjoying
Life Group
(REL)

FIRST OUTING FOR 2021

We are planning a picnic/fish & chips lunch at Berowra Waters on
Tuesday 23 February at 12 o’clock.

It's a lovely drive down to Berowra Waters, and parking is easy there. You can bring your own lunch, or buy it at the cafe near our picnic spot. Their takeaway fish & chips are excellent, and they also have vegetarian burgers.

Bring your chairs and all your stories to share since we last caught up.

At the moment we are feeling a little more comfortable being outdoors. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us and we can have a fun time together.

Keep updated on the group's activities, news and events by joining the mailing list.
If you know anyone who would like to join us, please feel free to invite them.
Please contact Shirley Hinze on relgroup2018@gmail.com
to have your email address added.

REL Group Committee:
Bev Garrard, Marion Mason, Bob Smith, Greg and Shirley Hinze.

Outreach - Ways to Serve & Give

Gardening at Church

Although the church building is taking a rest, it is still needing constant care. If you'd like to some weeding or trimming over the holidays or during the week, we'd love you to volunteer!

Community Response

Reach out in our community and friends through local service projects. To volunteer to do some gardening at church, or register your interest be involved in a future community service project, please contact Chris Engel on 041 276 0401.

ADRA Community Centre Blacktown

Donate Here

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone’s generous donations!
Without all of you, we are not be able to help the number of people we do!

Watch this video to find out more
about ADRA Blacktown

< (Click on image)

Fund for Needy Persons (FFNP)

This charity, run by Greater Sydney Conference, aims to restore independence by helping people get back on their feet after hardship.

Funds are used to help resolve the crisis caused by rental or accommodation problems, abuse, unemployment, the illness or death of a family member. The FFNP charity is maintained by the generosity of members who give regularly and when the annual offering is collected.

You can contribute throughout the year via egiving.org.au/ and search Church Fund For The Needy. Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.

Contribute Here

Worship Service Podcasts

Listen to the messages that have been presented this year
via our online services.

Listen to podcasts or our (growing) library of online church sermons from 2020. Pop over to https://castlehillsda.transistor.fm/ to catch up on any episode, or subscribe using your favourite podcast app (search in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict, etc).

Upcoming Speakers & Events at Castle Hill Church

February 2021

20. Jessica Laws
Offering: Castle Hills SDA Church

27. Pr Joshua Stothers
Offering: Education - Auburn School Scholarships

March 2021

06. Youth Service, Jess Laws speaking
Offering: Castle Hills SDA Church

13. Pr Pablo Lillo
Offering: Adventist World Radio

20. Dr Bryan Craig
Offering: Castle Hills SDA Church

27. Dr Rogers
Offering: Education - Wahroonga School Scholarships

Our Church Vision:
The vision of Castle Hill Seventh-day Adventist church is to be the most loving church.

Our mission is for us to take the good of Jesus Christ to every place we can, in every way possible. Whatever the means, we want to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our School, friends, family, neighbours, and the wider community.

We exist:
1. To honour God through worship.
2. To share the Gospel message of Jesus with others.
3. To connect with others in meaningful relationships.
4. To prepare disciples to fulfil their purpose.
5. To encourage leaders in their God-given destiny.

Senior Pastor – Pablo Lillo
E: pastor.pablo@icloud.com
M: 0412 588 827

Associate Pastor – Josh Stothers
E: joshuastothers@adventist.org.au
M: 0426 897 577

Youth Pastor – Jessica Laws
E: jessicalaws@adventist.org.au
M: 0424 370 294

Senior Elder - Marvin Malcolm
E: marvin_malcolm@yahoo.co.uk
M: 0414 430 688

Final Word...

PROTOCOLS FOR WORSHIP AT CASTLE HILL

Woolworths “Discovery Garden" Seed Collection

Sydney Adventist Youth Facebook Page and Events

LEADERSHIP BRUNCH - Online - 21 February 2021, 9:30am

Sydney Adventist Youth
Facebook Page and Events