Transformed Magazine - Winter 2010 Edition

TRANSFORMEDHumeRidge Church of Christ Magazine

WinterEdition 2010

understandingchristian faith

the prodigal God

Careforce Highlights

Conversations withDarren Fielder Impacting

Hearts & Lives

~ God’s Word ~

The Heritage concert has a vision to “Honour the past to inspire the future”

Steve Grace Concert ‘The Heritage Tour’6pm at HumeRidge August 8

FRee AdmiSSion

Edition 2009

contents 2 Christian Faith Christianity Explained

4 The Prodigal God New teaching resource

7 Careforce Lifekeys Highlights

8 What’s On On Sundays

10 Calendar June and July pull out

12 S.O.A.P. Studies Checklist

13 Testimony Jeremy Cox

14 HumeRidge Children 16 Old Testament Law Natalie Tucker

18 Conversations with Darren Fielder

20 Notice Board

TRANSFORMEDHumeRidge Church of Christ Magazine

Christians believe that, “all Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living” (2 Timothy 3:16 GNB). It should be no surprise, then, that a detailed research project known as REVEAL has confirmed the usefulness of the Bible in the 21st Century. Researchers Greg Hawkins & Cally Parkinson interviewed tens of thousands of people from hundreds of churches and discovered that “personal Bible study/reflection is the most powerful catalyst for spiritual growth.” “Everywhere we turned the data revealed the same truth: spending time in the Bible is hands down the highest impact personal spiritual practice. More specifically, reflecting on the meaning of Scripture in one’s life, is the spiritual practice most predictive of spiritual growth” (Follow Me, 2008, Willow Creek).

During winter, there are many ways that you can grapple with and apply the truths of the Bible. For example, our LifeKeys courses such as Valiant Man, Search for Life, and Woman to Woman (page 7), apply Biblical truth to real life struggles and situations. Our OPTIONS Series during the month of June (page 8) will also help us understand and apply the Bible to daily life. The two streams are “Understanding Your Bible (Auditorium) and “Handling Life’s Difficulties” (Chapel). Then on July 25 the whole Church will begin an in-depth look at Jesus’ parable of the lost Son (Luke 15). This Term 3 series (page 4) entitled The Prodigal God includes a DVD, Sunday Sermons and Connect Group studies. Or you can use the S.O.A.P studies (page 12), enrol in Christianity Explained (page 2), join a Connect Group, study with ACOM (page 20), read stories of transformed lives (pages 13 and 18)… and much, much more!

DALE WHITESENIOR PASTOR

Edition 2010

WinterEdition 2010

ImpactingHearts & Lives

God’s Word

2 I TRANSFORMED wInter edItIon 2010

Christianity Explained, introduced to Australia during Brisbane’s World Expo 1988, was prepared and written with the average Australian in mind. For 22 years it has been used extensively throughout our

country to help people of all ages and backgrounds to understand what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Participation in Christianity Explained requires six, one hour sessions, generally conducted over six weeks.

During the course no one is asked to pray, sing or read aloud. Questions may be asked of the facilitator who works with you in understanding six foundational Christian principles.

understanding christian faith

Bob & Denise Hogarth

by Neale Proellocks

Humeridge Church of Christ Magazine I 3

During the course people consider:

The Person of Jesus Christ! Who is He? The identity of Jesus is of absolute importance in the matter of a right relationship with God. The uniqueness of Christ is a watershed, a defining truth that cannot be down played. No one other than the perfect Son of God could rescue us from the penalty of our sin.

The New Testament gospels present in real life situations Christ’s matchlessness —His teaching, power to heal, authority to forgive sin, power over demons, His authority in raising the dead, His control over natural elements, and His claim on people’s lives, distinguish Him from all others. Jesus made the most amazing claims about Himself, which proved Him to be a deluded fool, a deceitful liar or the unique Son of God.

The Cross of Jesus Christ! How does it affect me?The cross of Christ is the most universally known symbol of Christian faith. Yet at the time of Jesus the cross was not a symbol, but a Roman instrument of execution reserved for the worst criminals. Jesus Christ came into human history with the primary purpose of cancelling mankind’s debt against God. Only through

His death could He do that, satisfy Divine justice and at the same time provide forgiveness, freedom and life for believers.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ! What is its influence on me?The physical resurrection of Jesus proves the person and claims of Jesus.

Because He rose from the dead, His resurrection enables us to look ahead with hope. His rising from the dead also assures us that God’s children have power to live a meaningful life. The resurrection is God’s guarantee that believers will spend eternity with Him. Christ’s resurrection also says that those who remain indifferent and independent of Christ will spend eternity separated from God.

Right with God by Grace Not Work! Clearing up the confusion.Most people believe that we have a good standing with God on the basis of what we DO. The Bible is emphatic that only those who trust in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ are right with God. We must trust in what Christ has DONE.

Responding to Jesus Christ! A change of mind.The response that God seeks from us is one of giving Christ His rightful place in

our lives. This means dying to self determination.

Jesus called it repentance. Repentance involves turning from as much as you know of your sin to give as much as you know of yourself to as much as you know of your God.

As our knowledge grows at these three points, so our practice of repentance must enlarge.

Responding to Jesus! He is the new Focus and Centre in our lives.The right response to Jesus is ‘taking God at His Word’; ‘reaching out to Him in trust’; ‘having a child like faith’; and ‘knowing God accepts you because of what Christ has done.’ Real faith is active. It is in fact a life attitude of obedience to God’s claim on our lives. So it boils down to this:

If you have no knowledge or certainty in your standing with God, or if you cannot confidently say that trusting in Jesus alone is your only means to a personal relationship with God, then consider taking time to make sure of these issues.

You can participate in a Christianity Explained course by ringing and registering your name on 4635 0350. Bob and Denise Hogarth run the course regularly and will be in touch with you.

4 I www.humeridgechurch.org

“One son kept the rules religiously. One son broke them all. One father loved them both beyond anything they could ever imagine. The Prodigal God” is a dramatic teaching film, sermon series and group

study resource based on Jesus’ great parable – The Prodigal Son.”

by tim smith

TRANSFORMED wInter edItIon 2010 I 5

“There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled

with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could

celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ “ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ “ Luke 15:11-32 (nIV)

Discover the amazing depths of God’s extravagant love

Our Church wide study and sermon series for term 3 is entitled “The Prodigal God” and commences on Sunday July 25th with DVD input from Tim Keller. There will be a 5 part sermon series after that, with a break for Seasons (August 15), presented by Tim and Neale. Our Connect Groups will be utilising this material for third term. If you are not already part of a Connect Group please consider joining an existing group; hosting a new group and where possible attend each Sunday to be part of this series.

Continued next page

6 I Humeridge Church of Christ Magazine

The CurriCuluM KiT CoNTaiNs:

1 Hardcover Book

The short hardcover book outlines the key ideas of the gospel as found in the parable: the problem of the younger brother; the problem of the elder brother; the insight that the brothers share the same underlying sin; and the realization that they need the same solution.

1 Discussion Guide

The six-week study guide includes questions for group discussion and personal reflection, as well as exercises that will help groups apply the truths of Jesus’ parable into their own life.

CosTs

$14 Prodigal God paper back book

$12 Discussion Guide

$24 Book & Study guide Each participant is encouraged to purchase the curriculum kit which contains the book and study guide.

sessioN TiTles:

1. The Parable

2. The People Around Jesus

3. The Two Lost Sons

4. The Elder Brother

5. The True Elder Brother

6. The Feast of the Father

prod•i•gal – adjective

1. recklessly extravagant2. giving or yielding profusely;

lavishly abundant3. having spent everything

This new teaching resource dramatically illustrates Timothy Keller’s core message:

that the gospel is neither religion nor irreligion, neither morality nor immorality,

but something else entirely.

The Prodigal God is for both curious outsiders and established insiders of the faith as it is meant to lay out the essentials of the Christian message, the gospel. If the teaching of Jesus is likened to a lake, this famous parable would be one of the clearest spots where we can see all the way down to the bottom. Pastor Timothy KellerTimothy Keller – Senior Pastor Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Manhattan; and New York Times best selling author of “The Reason for God”.

Please register & order your curriculum kit now.

www.humeridgechurch.org I 7

by emma higlett

In this process called life there are many experiences whether natural or involuntary that happen to us. Sometimes we ask why it happens and also we ask how am I going to live /

deal with this?

So we don’t. We slowly become negative, bitter, fearful and distant. We keep pushing on until nothing makes sense anymore - until there is no joy, no spark, no reason.

Woman to Woman deals with issues of your life that you haven’t generally discussed with anyone else. It challenges you to make changes and move forward in areas that you never entirely trusted God to work in before. It reminds you that God offers hope, healing and His

perfect love forever... And that’s why Woman to Woman has been valuable to me.

This bible verse has really stood out for me whilst doing Woman to Woman: “God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us”.

EPHESIANS 3:20 - THE MESSAGE

highlights from

JohN gouldsoN

I have found the Search For Life program very rewarding and inspirational.

Dr Allan Meyer’s video presentation was an excellent introduction each night and the group interaction following allows the participants to make the concept/s presented more meaningful. The “at home” section reinforces the issues and it has been amazing to me how the experiences of the week have often reflected the issues discussed on Monday night. The blessings I have experienced from this program can be briefly summarized as

follows:

1. My father and mother gave me a wonderful grounding in the meanings and values of life and in particular the introduction to my Saviour early in life. This upbringing meant I was protected from many of the harmful experiences so many people have in their early years.

2. Although in my mid-life years I became less involved in the life of the formal church and my relationship with my Saviour did not develop, my early foundations remained a powerful force in my persona and my faith in God remained alive.

3. A serious health problem was the catalyst for the restoration of my

relationship with God.

4. The most powerful part of the program to me has been the continual conflict between “personal” and “real” truth in our lives and the wonderful fact that knowing God and trusting Him helps us exercise the real truth into our will and then experience the blessings he has for us.

5. The secret of ongoing freedom from feelings of shame, condemnation and rejection rests with a close relationship with our Father and a sense of knowing His will in all that we do. We can act with confidence and faith that He will work out the fruits of the Holy Spirit in and through us.

8 I TRANSFORMED CoMMunIty edItIon 2010

what’s on on Sunday Mornings in June

Handling lifE’s

DifficultiesOption 2 series with

Tim Smith & Brendon Walmsley

June (Chapel)JuNe 6How Can I Cope With Stress?(Matthew 11:28-30)Tim SmithJuNe 13How Can I Be Confident in a Crisis?(Matthew 8:23-27)Tim SmithJuNe 20 How Can I Rebound From Failure? (Romans 8:28) Brendon WalmsleyJuNe 27How Can I ever Change? (Philippians 2:12-13)Tim Smith

June (Auditorium)JuNe 6How We Got the Bible(2 Timothy 3:14-17) Dale White with Rachel ButtsworthJuNe 13Foundations for understanding the Bible(Psalm 119:1-16)Dale WhiteJuNe 20Principles for Interpreting the Bible(2 Timothy 2:14-15)Dale WhiteJuNe 27Responding to the Message of the Bible(2 Chronicles 34:14-33) Dale White

UndErstanding

yourbiblE

Option 1 series with Pastor Dale White

During the four weeks of June we have two services running concurrently and you choose which topic – OPTIONS!There is quite a contrast in these OPTIONS series. One will address some of the hassles and difficulties we often face in day-to-day life. The other aims to help us better understand the Bible, recognising that a deeper understanding of the Bible is one of the most vital catalysts for spiritual growth and change. Children’s ministries will continue as normal during OPTIONS.

FOUR WEEKSTWO SERVICES

ONE TIME - 9AM

OPTIONS!

register now

Seasons

Sunday Mornings in July

barriErs T o cHristian

faiT hJuly series with

Pastor Neale Proellocks

Humeridge Church of Christ Magazine I 9

JulyJuLy 4

How Can There Be Only One True Faith?JuLy 11

Isn’t Hell Inconsistent with a Loving God?JuLy 18

How Can a Good God Allow Suffering? JuLy 25

CommenCIng The Prodigal God Series

Prayer For losT aT huMeridGeJuNe 11.30am Sunday 20 5pm & 7pm Tuesday 22 6am & 7pm Wednesday 23JuLy 11.30am Sunday 25 5pm and 7pm Tuesday 27 6am & 7pm Wednesday 28

SUnDAY monDAY TUeSDAY WeDneSDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

8am Prayer9am Sunday Service

11.30am Prayer for Lost

4pm Prayer5pm Sunday@5



9.30am Playgroup

6.30am Prayer9.45am KyB

1.30pm Hymn Singing

6.30pm Stumpy’s


6.30pm Stumpy’s

6am Prayer for Lost 6.30am Prayer

9.45am KyB6.30pm Stumpy’s

7pm Prayer for Lost

9.30am Playgroup6pm youth


4pm Band rehearsal

4pm Band rehearsal

12.45pm KyB

9.30am Playgroup11am Playgroup

5pm & 7pm Prayer for the Lost




11am Golden eagles 50+ Luncheon at

regent’s on the Lake 12.45pm KyB


junecalendar 2010

4pm Band rehearsal

6.30am Prayer

12.45pm KyB9.30am Playgroup11am Playgroup


6.30pm Stumpy’s9.30am Playgroup

6pm youth 4pm Band rehearsal


4pm Prayer5pm Sunday@5 9.30am Playgroup

9.30am Playgroup11am Playgroup 12.45pm KyB


school holidaysGolden eaglesluncheon

tuesday 11am 15th June“Regents on The Lake”

$17

OPTIONS!

OPTIONS!

OPTIONS!

OPTIONS!

qUEEN’S bIRTHDAy HOlIDAy

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31





8am Prayer9am Sunday Service11.30am Prayer for

the Lost4pm Prayer

5pm Combined Church Service

9.30am Playgroup

9.30am Playgroup

4pm Band rehearsal

6.30am Prayer7pm State of origin


6.30pm Stumpy’s9.30am Playgroup

6pm youth

4pm Band rehearsal

4pm Band rehearsal

4pm Band rehearsal9.30am Playgroup11am Playgroup


5pm & 7pm Prayer for the Lost

12.45pm KyB

6am Prayer for Lost 6.30am Prayer

9.45am KyB6.30pm Stumpy’s

7pm Prayer for Lost




1.30pm Hymn Singing

9.30am PlaygroupLeading from deep

Places Seminar [ACoM]


11am Golden eagles 50+

12.45pm KyB

TRANSFORMED I 11

julycalendar 2010

4pm Band rehearsalelders + Pastors Planning retreat


elders and Pastors Planning retreatelders + Pastors Planning retreat12.45pm KyB

school holidays

SONS OF KORAH CONCERT 7.30PM

16

s.o.a.p. studies


Scripture. Observation. Application. Prayer.S.O.A.P. studies are about developing a healthy habit of spending regular time with the Lord. If you commit to a reading and journaling on a daily basis, your life will be truly revolutionised.

teStIMony froM jEREMy COx

www.humeridgechurch.org I 13

Sex, drugs, money and achievements! This is what I use to live for. My goal in life was to obtain as much wealth as I could, achieve the greatest accolade in higher education, gain the next promotion at work and find security within a marriage. I count all of this a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing true happiness that lasts forever.

There were some things I regret in my life. There have been some people who have hurt me a lot. But the first step toward my recovery was not in denial or avoidance of the things happening around me or to me. Recovery began through the realisation of my need for personal forgiveness and the necessity of forgiving others. I use to just get pulled along in life, living one day at a time, thinking I was enjoying every moment and in control but not really stopping to think where my life was heading. Sure, the pleasures of the world will satisfy us now, but they won’t fulfil us forever. The day I asked God to send His Holy Spirit into me changed my life forever. He taught me the joy of knowing free forgiveness and eternal

life through Jesus and that the longing in my heart that I was trying to fill with other things was meant for Him.

I didn’t grow up in a Christian home, nor did I have any Christian friends growing up at school. My parents were separated when I was born and family was always a broken, violent and confusing thing for me. I use to look in on people going to Churches and think how self-righteous and proud they were. I mean, I believed in God, but I didn’t want to play a part in a Church with people who thought they were perfect.

No one should have to think they need to be perfect. After all, if we were perfect, then Christ died for nothing!

Whether we go to HumeRidge or City Life, are Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Anglican or Baptist I know that we are all part of God’s family and hope that people can see that His love transcends denominations. We gather not because we are perfect, but because we need forgiveness.

Hearts

TRANSFORMING LIVES to Christ by experiencing and reflecting God ’s love together

TRANSFORMING LIVESto Christ by experiencing and re�ecting God’s love together

Hearts Hope Families World

HumeRidge Children


We have been blessed this year with such

a great team of leaders for stumpys. They

are passionate about making a difference

in the lives of the young people, and each

week they go out of their way to turn up

to spend time at Stumpys, even though

many of them lead very busy lives - with

work, high school and university.

Why do we run Stumpys?

• To connect children with positive role

models

• To actually make a difference in kid’s lives

• To be the hands and feet of Jesus to

those who may never know Him

• To have fun (like seriously,

its heaps of fun)

• Allow our passions and gifting

to be used to honour God

• To love the unloved, to be friends to the

kids that no one wants to be friends with.

By being present, listening, asking

the right questions, and having good

conversations with children, we are able

to be positive role models in their lives.

We always look out for the positives in

kids, and we are big on catching them

doing things that are right. We allow

children to have fun, and we provide a

safe space for them to be themselves,

and we accept them for who they are. As

Stumpys leaders, we believe that prayer

is the work and ministry is the outcome,

and we are big on allowing children to

explore ‘God stuff’ for themselves, and

helping them along the way.

In What4? This term, we have been able to learn about God’s Mega Plan. We have used puppets and pirates as a theme, to both make it exciting and to put a fresh perspective on some of the well known Bible stories. Once again, the small group of leaders that run What4 have been amazing. So amazing that they even created a Pirate Ship.

What4? Is about…

• Discipleship• Equipping children with a knowledge and understanding of God so that they can make steps toward a decision to follow him

• Allowing children to be safe and confident in their faith

• Encouraging questions • And being awesome, very awesome.

This term the midgets have

really enjoyed taking part

in our lessons. We covered

Creation and Genesis last

term and this term has seen

the Midgets continuing with

Genesis and Exodus. They have enjoyed

being the animals on the Ark and building the

tower of Babel. They were astounded when

“God” actually spoke to them through the

speakers in the ceiling!! Geof, Kay and Julie

all share the theory that if children are given

the love of Jesus at a young age it can be a

foundation for them to have a relationship

with Jesus for their whole lives. The Midgets

have been blessed to have Celina Connors

and Zac Kok return this year to take an active

and important role of teaching children of

Jesus’ love and we’ve also welcomed Jenny

Greenaway into our motley crew.

Chi

ldre

n’s

M

inis

try

HuMerIdGe CHurCH of CHrISt MAGAzIne I 15

Chris’ ColumnQuESTIONS

Who is the Captain?

a) Alienb) Dale Whitec) Pirated) The Duke of Wellington

In the course of an average lifetime you will, while sleeping, eat?

a) 70 different insects and 10 spidersb) 10 Different insects and 2 spidersc) 300 grams of pillow fluffd) Around 1 heads worth of hair

Which one of these is true:

a) It is impossible to lick your elbow b) A crocodile can’t stick its tongue

out c) A shrimp’s heart is in their head d) All the above

Random Facts:

1) A duck’s quack doesn’t echo anywhere, and no one knows why

2) A rat can fall from a five story building without injury

3) Clinophobia is the fear of beds4) Nathaniel Kok is part human and

part awesome

ANSWeRS Q1: c) Pirate

Q2: a) 70 different insects and 10 spiders

Q3: d) All the aboveMeet the new What4? Crew

CAPTAIN JACK WHEELBARROW This guy is the captain of the crew and got his name because he hit his head on a wheel barrow. Now he just seems to pop up unannounced from time to time.

CHEF BOOPITY BOOPHe is the chef of the crew. Boop was trained in the professional art of cooking at Marc Doinailds (pronounced Mac-Don-alds).

THe DOC The Doc helps the crew out from silly accidents that always seem to happen. She holds the record for ‘The most splinters pulled out in 1 minute’ - 139!

PRINCESS SPOILTPrincess Spoilt is different to most princesses, she actually likes being at the top of a very tall tower as she gets better phone reception there.


Turning the Light on old testament law

When it comes to Old Testament Law, Exodus to Deuteronomy, most of us get bogged on the bizarre nature of specific laws that have no relevance to life in the 21st Century. But is there more to the Law? Is there some purpose not obvious at first glance for it’s inclusion in the Bible we read today?

To help us gain some insight let’s explore a little the timing of the Law in regards to Israel as a nation. When God spoke to Moses giving him the Law for the people, Israel had come out of slavery and was preparing to enter the promised land. Israel,

a nomadic shepherding people are about to become dwellers of cities and towns. They will need to learn to trade, plant crops, manage societal issues, and a host of other new situations. God’s purpose in the Law is to equip Israel to live in these new circumstances and maintain their relationship with God.

Why is it so important for Israel to live God’s way? Israelites were descendants of Abraham who were called to be a blessing to the nations. Initially, to be lights to the world of what it means to live in relationship with God and with each other. ultimately, it

would be the nation through whom God blessed the nations through Jesus. Israel was part of God’s intend plan to bring all creation back to a right relationship with Him. The Law helped equip the people to do this.

How can these Laws help us today? The Law helped reveal who God was, and is. It opened the people’s eyes to see what it means to live holy lives before God by showing his character through the Law. The Law to Israel, at least initially, was not a burdensome bunch of rules that couldn’t be kept but a means through

by NATAlIE TUCKER

HuMerIdGe CHurCH of CHrISt MAGAzIne I 17

which they could enjoy the fullness of relationship with God and each other. Who wouldn’t want to follow a law based on God’s desire for relationship! Based on His love for us!

The individual Laws may not be pertinent today but the underlying principles of the Law reveals God’s character. Let’s look at a law which seems totally irrelevant today and see what underlying principle we can apply to our lives.

“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am, the Lord your God.” Lev 19:9-10 {NIV}

Now, to help us in our understanding, it is important to note that “the poor and the alien” not only includes those in financial hardship or foreigners, but portrays those who can not provide for themselves or protect themselves. They are the vulnerable who can be oppressed by those with the means to do so. This Law then makes provision for

those people by giving them opportunity to gain a harvest which would provide for the family. The unsaid portion is that the landholder will also protect those gathering because they would not have the means to protect themselves.

What does this reveal to you about God’s character? Firstly, God is concerned for all members of society, including the underprivileged, the oppressed and sometimes neglect members. Secondly, while God loves the poor and seeks to provide for them He expresses His love for those with resources and wealth by teaching them how to live according to His will. Thirdly, by creating an acceptance of all people God creates unity within the community. God’s love is expressed to individuals and through individuals to the community.

Can you apply this to your life? Each of us has resources provide to us from God.

You may be in a fortunate position to provide for the poor with gifts of money, food, clothes, and maybe even housing. You may be able to cook a meal, help

someone with housework, or mow a lawn. On a bigger scale you may be able to travel on mission or sponsor a child. On a small scale you may be able to use your voice and write to the people in power, whether it be organisations or governments, who neglect to care for those in need.

While this little Law about harvesting may be archaic the principles it reveals are still relevant today because God is the same today, tomorrow and yesterday. There is more to be found in this Law so don’t be afraid to read it again and allow God to reveal who He is through the reading of His word to you.

As I finish it would be remiss of me to highlight a very important part of these verses and that is the statement “I am, the Lord your God”. The reason for Israel to obey, and for us to apply these principles today, is because God said so. He loves us so much that He shows us how to live in accordance with Him, and our response, out of love, is to obey and bring glory to Him - as we are a light to the nations.


Acting Chairman of the HumeRidge Governance Board

Thanks for chatting with us Darren. Would you like to begin by sharing with us how you came to be involved in HumeRidge Church of Christ?

I was invited by Anthony Corkill to youth group one Friday night when I was 16. I came along not because of my mate so much as the fact that there were women everywhere, and they thought I was cool! How amazing is that? I was then invited along to Sunday night services by Ross back in Margaret St days, and

haven’t stopped coming to church since that time.

Your association with youth group wasn’t just as a student was it?

I left youth group as a high school student and returned one year later as a leader. I have been leading at either the Friday night program or during midweek with Stumpys for around 15 years now. I have had a couple of years off during this time for university study and becoming a father, but Ross likes to think that I have

signed a life contract with youth leading.

How has this affected your view of God and of what ministry is?

I developed a real love for youth ministry because I knew what it was like to be a teenager without God in my life. I have a deep sense of loyalty to HumeRidge Church and to the youth ministry in particular because of the way it has changed my life. My loyalty to God has made me want to give something back. I love seeing misfits

with Darren Fielderconversations

TRANSFORMED wInter edItIon 2010 I 19

and quirky kids (and leaders) being themselves at youth group which rubs off on others around them. Lifelong relationships are created in the safety of youth group. I’ve come to realise that God works through us to reach the lost – by us loving others, by us believing in others, by us being there and listening. Through relationships we can genuinely express our faith.

How did the Blue Tongues Soccer Team come about and how do you view this in the context of church ministry?

It was actually a bunch of broken down soccer (football!) players who decided to get together one day and put a team into the Toowoomba Church League. I’ll only mention first names to protect them from fans: Adam, Paul, Jason, Ray and I pulled the team together back in 2004. We’ve done reasonably well over the years (mostly because of the younger players involved).

It has proven to be a great way to connect with each other and creates a bond for other settings in the life of the church.

Through your journey can you share how God prepared you for being an Elder?

This question is somewhat difficult to answer because I didn’t set out to be an Elder at HumeRidge. I was honoured to be asked to be involved in the church at a deeper level then I had ever been before. It is a privilege to be part of a fantastic leadership team with many godly people surrounding me. I just did what I thought God wanted me to do over the years, and that’s what I’m doing today.

As an Elder what strengths do you personally feel you bring to the leadership team?

I can’t think of any strengths that I personally bring to the table... and that is the beauty of serving God. We don’t

require a resume in order to fulfil His purpose. All that he asks of us is a willingness to put up our hand, show up, and make a commitment to this decision. So to answer your question - I believe God equips me for this role.

If you could share one thing that you hope people come to know about God through your life what would that be?

Jesus changes our lives forever: that’s true. He does it through ordinary decisions everyday, in ordinary situations – at home as a father, at work as a colleague, at youth as a leader and when I’m alone with just me and God. Everyday decisions change the course of our lives and with God as our focus, we can only grow closer to Him.

Thanks for sharing with us Darren. May God continue to bless and guide you as your serve him in all areas of your life.

PHONE 07 4635 0350 FAx 07 4635 4674 EMAIl [email protected] WEbSITE www.humeridgechurch.org

ADDRESS 461 - 469 Hume Street Toowoomba Qld 4350PO Box 7564 Toowoomba South Q 4350

OFFICE HOURS 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday

TRANSFORMING LIVES to Christ by experiencing and reflecting God ’s love together

TRANSFORMING LIVESto Christ by experiencing and re�ecting God’s love together

Hearts Hope Families World

editorial by Natalie tuckergraphic design by kristy Fielder

{ www.blackcanvas.com.au }

Senior Pastor Dale White 0419 756 469

Pastor – Evangelism Neale Proellocks 0419 737 950

Pastor – Congregational Care Tim Smith 0438 350 376

Student Minister/Ministry SupportNatalie Tucker 0409 393 439

Careforce Lifekeys & Pathways Jack Kamst 0434 729 115

Pastor – Youth Ross Savill 0411 201 227

Youth Worker Elicia Wuersching 0402 158 700

Children’s Ministry Chris England 0413 580 012 Zara England 0401 948 860

Music Ministry Brendon Walmsley 0419 654 548

Minister Emeritus Bruce Armstrong 4635 9885

Youth Turn (House 469) 4636 2980

Graham Storey 0431 268 065

Transformed magazine submissions and enquiries email: [email protected]

luncheon11am tuesday 15th June“Regents on The Lake” Perth Street, Toowoomba Cost of luncheon is $17.00. Everyone 50+ welcome.

To register see June Draney or sign up at the Info Counter afterSunday Morning Services.

Golden Eagles

Friday July 16 at 7.30pm

At HumeRidge - Ticketed Event

For the Bible Society

SONS OF KORAH CONCERT

city celebratioN service

at HumeRidge25 July 5pm

With Kids Programs!

Elders + Pastors Planning retreatJuly 30-31

Queenslanders vs the CoCkroaChesWHeN 7pm 7th July

WHeRe HumeRidge Church

TICKeTS $5 per person or $20 per family

DReSS Maroon, Maroon, Maroon

All Funds Raised Go to Hagar International.

Documents

Transformed Magazine - Winter 2010 Edition