In the middle of a worldwide pandemic, SWIM continues to function for local groups. International groups have of course, been unable to complete their planned mission trips at this time. Our focus remains missional. SWIM is certainly not floundering! A ship without movement and no anchor usually hits the rocks but we are moving forward with purpose and expectation.
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The 25th Synod of the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia will be held, DV, in the Langwarrin CRC, Victoria, Monday, 7-11 May 2018.
Synod will be preceded by a Prayer Service during the Sunday evening worship service at Casey Christian Reformed Church on Sunday 6th May @ 5:00 pm.
Rev. John de Boer of the Riverbank Christian Church of Launceston, Tasmania, has been elected as the chair of Synod 2018. As we think of those who lead Synod, those who will serve as delegates, and the host church of Langwarrin CRC, may we commit ourselves to uphold this gathering already now in fervent prayer.
Christian speaker and author, Jolene DeHeer, reflects on the gathering of Synod. She writes: "It is a high and holy calling to be a delegate to Synod where one is asked to represent one’s Classis, to deliberate important issues concerning the church, and then make decisions that will affect thousands of people. As delegates read through the “Agenda for Synod,” and try to understand the issues, reports, and overtures that will be presented, they may feel overwhelmed in two areas: the scope of the task before them and an awareness of their inability to carry out that task. Even though the task is daunting and our natural talents and abilities are wanting, there is one assurance the delegates can rely on, if they submit and surrender to God and the power of the Holy Spirit within them, they will have all they need to complete the work in a way that honors God and blesses the church. So in addition to being overwhelmed with the scope of the task and their inabilities, may each delegate also be overwhelmed with God’s gifts of grace and His promises to work through them.
"We can prayerfully support those who are serving at Synod by claiming these promises. May all delegates be able to rest in the fact that God longs to lavishly bestow upon them all they need so they will be able to accomplish more than they can ask or imagine because His power that is at work in them. May they never forget God is able to make all grace abound so they will have all they need at all times so they can abound in every good work. May they call out to God to fill them with all wisdom and discernment so they may be able to discern what is best. May each delegate experience God’s unrestrained love for them so that they will be able to love each other as He loves them. May they sincerely seek to live into the prayer of Jesus who said, “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:20-23) May their decisions be based on the truth of scripture enfolded by an attitude of grace.
Note: Jolene DeHeer's reflections come from the Prayer Devotional prepared for the gathering of the CRCNA Synod 2016
The 2022 Synod of the CRCA met in the facilities of the Riverbank Christian Church, Launceston, TAS, beginning with a prayer service at 5:00 pm on Sunday 1 May 2022 and ended around noon on Friday 6 May 2022.
The theme of Synod 2022 is “Enduring in Christ” based on Paul's second letter to Timothy. The apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:5: "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." The apostle Paul suffered intense hardship and struggle for the sake of Christ and the proclamation of the gospel. In writing this last letter before his death, Paul urges Timothy, and us, to keep our eyes fixed on Christ and be ready to endure hardships for the sake of Christ. Rev. Peter Smit, the chair of this year's Synod, spoke at the prayer service on the theme of enduring in Christ.
All the Bible talks, photos, and daily press reports can be viewed here.
The Synodical Interim Committee (SIC) have been carefully monitoring the situation with regard to the plans for Synod 2021. As you would be aware, Synod was planned to be held from 16 – 21 May this year. The SIC wish to advise that due to the current uncertainties relating to both domestic and international travel, the repeated and unpredictable lockdowns which are taking place, and with a preference to ensure all delegates can come to Synod and meet face to face, we have decided to defer Synod for a period of at least 5 months. We also have an obligation to ensure that all delegates can participate in Synod equally for the entire week, making online participation a last resort only, and we wish to minimise the possibility that anyone be forced into unexpected quarantine when they return home. The SIC plan to monitor the situation, including advice on travel and vaccinations over the coming months and aim to hold Synod in October 2021. If this is not possible, the next option may be to defer Synod till May 2022.
Please be in prayer with us that the situation will become clear and that Synod will be able to gather in the not too distant future.
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Why would anyone move from hard atheism to a place of Christian commitment? More: what if that person is a recognised investigative journalist with a major US daily newspaper? What if that person's workplace had a banner over the open office, "If your Mom says she loves you, check it out!" Simple question: how do the claims of Christianity square with laws of evidence that any court would accept?
The Case for Christ movie chronicles the journey of Lee Strobel in his role as a journalist with the Chicago Tribune. Read review of movie here.