As we come to the end of 2007, our plans are well under way for the first term of 2008.
Over summer we will be exploring the topic of the Grace of God. Throughout January, each of our five gatherings each Sunday will be on the topic of Grace. Each will stand alone but for those not going away on holidays or to Christian camps and conferences, the complete series will deepen our understanding of God’s grace. Naturally, we intend to record all the messages so that those who want to catch up later will be able to hear all the talks.
On Australia Day we will be holding our first Australia Day Convention. It will be similar to the Queen’s Birthday Convention – eight half hour talks expounding a whole section of Scripture. This time it will be Mark 1-8. Tea and coffee will be provided but it is bring your own lunch. There will be two hours of Bible teaching before and after lunch. There will be singing and prayer, as well as a Question time just after lunch. More details will be made available during January.
February starts our regular programmes. Each of the congregations will commence a new preaching programme—that will be made available at the end of January. The small group ministries and Kathedral Kids will recommence. Each congregation is planning a special series for newcomers and those who are inquiring about the Christian faith. The Choir returns to duty on the first weekend in February. The special gathering to mark the Commencement of the School year will be on the second Sunday in February.
Easter is particularly early next year. Easter Day is the 23rd March. This means that school holidays are not connected to the Easter holidays. We are planning a busy programme over Easter to follow up our Christmas programme. There will also be the annual Good Friday Convention on the afternoon of 21st March. Ross Cobb has commenced his planning for “the best ever” production of Messiah on Good Friday night.
On the first weekend of the school holidays (April 11-13) we hold our second Cathedral Conference at Kurrajong. Those who attended this year were greatly blessed by our time of fellowship together. Next year we hope to build upon that sense of gathering all our congregations together as we look forward to the expanding ministry of the Cathedral.
With new staff and the planned busy programme we have much to look forward to as we ask God to continue to bless our fellowship in the Gospel together.
On behalf of the Chapter and the staff of the Cathedral—I wish you a very happy Christmas and summer holiday.
