Here is an article that everyone should read. It is a summary of a lecture that Mark Driscoll delivered in early September 2008. He was addressing a gathering of ministers and leaders of the Anglican Church in Sydney. He said similar things at the meeting organised by the Queensland Theological College.

Mark's words are hard-hitting and fair. The issues that they (the Anglican Church) face are in large measure the same issues that we face. And we had better come to grips with them or surrender what little ground we presently hold. Personally, I feel a constant tension and pressure as a result of these issues.

When you have read the article, invite me around for a chat - and to pray. I would love to hear your reflections and suggestions.

Driscoll: 18 obstacles to effective evangelism

We've booked the Bamboo Studio at the Byfield Getaway for one night (we'll share the cost).

Friday 21 November to  Saturday 22 November

The idea is to spend 24 hours together. Do some fishing. Perhaps some 4WDriving. Certainly some thinking about 2009 and our responsibility as Christian men.

• BBQ on the Friday night in Byfield
• Cooked breakfast at the Byfield Getaway
• Packed lunch (somewhere in the bush)
  
• Home for dinner Saturday (unless other arrangements are made)
  

The Thessalonians were known throughout the region as people who had turned from idols, to serve the true and living God, and to wait for his Son from heaven (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). What does that mean for us?

• What do we worship when we are not worshipping God?
• What does it mean to serve God in the circumstances in which he has placed us?
• How will the imminent coming of Jesus change what we do and say today?

This is your opportunity to plan and pray with me on some of the most important issues facing our church and our future.

WHEN a vacancy arose at the Queen Street Community Hall, our local church committee jumped at it. So from the first Sunday in November, CCPC will meet at the Community Hall for services of worship. Plenty of parking can be found near the bus station, or on the median strip.

Same God. Same gospel. Same friendly faces. We hope to see you there. Same time: Sundays at 10am.

AN UNOFFICIAL estimate puts the number of Capricorn Coast miners at nearly two thousand. These people commute four hours inland to coal mines near Blackwater and Emerald, leaving behind family and friends.

In today’s economic climate it is a well paid job. Yet it can be a hard life, with many planning an exit before they even start.

It is tougher again for those who follow Christ. Temptation and ridicule can be a daily battle.

For this reason, Richard Fortune, a mining engineer from CQ, started an online network for Christians working in the mining industry called outofthepit.org.

The network is designed to break down some of the isolation that Christians miners experience. Those who sign up are able to identify and receive support from fellow Christian miners, all over Australia.

As a local, Christ-centred church, we’re keen to say “hello” to miners in CQ. We want to support Christians in their workplace, and reach out to others in the industry with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We’re hoping to start Bible study groups and other ministries that are appropriate.

If you know somebody in the industry who might be interested, or would like to financially support this initiative, please contact Michael.

We have been able to secure three speakers for the first Central Queensland Christian Convention (CQCC), and have finalised a date. The convention will be held over the Labour Day long weekend next year (and every year) - that is, Saturday 2 May to Monday 4 May. Our theme for 2009 will be: Faith Alone. We will be examining the Bible's teaching on this very important doctrine: the justification of God's people by faith alone. Phil Campbell will lead us through Paul's letter to the saints in Galatia, and Anthony Petterson will expound the Old Testament's teaching on this doctrine. The children's program will be led by Andrew Campbell.