James Duff July 5th 2015 ~ Light Shine before Others

Many events and topics currently occurring in the world are causing great confusion and debate. Greece is on the brink of economic meltdown,  causing panic, not only in Greece itself, but also being felt throughout Europe and the world over. There have been more horrific ISIS attacks, spreading hatred and sorrow. The US has passed a bill recognising same-sex marriage and Australia  will most likely follow suit in the near future. Currently, the Dockers and the Eagles are sitting 1 and 2 on the AFL ladder - talk about confusing! But a topic that has caused much confusion and debate within the body of Christ for centuries is the person and works of the Holy Spirit.Many of you are aware that we teach CRE at North Cottesloe Primary. We have been involved in this ministry for many years and Cathy Kiernan heads up the team that goes in each Wednesday.  St Philips has a lovely friendship with the school. This year has seen a change in our normal involvement. After much discussion with the leaders of the school, we were informed that CRE will only be taught in terms 2 and 3 and only to the children up to year 3. This is a trend that is happening throughout the State. The CRE team and the leadership at St Philips have been listening to what the Holy Spirit has been saying to us through this situation and have also been asking what He now wants us to do about it.As a church we take seriously the teachings of Jesus to let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). We want our friendship with North Cottesloe to be good news for both organisations and for our involvement to glorify the Father, to be a reflection of his love for that school and all who are part of it. With this in mind we are looking at new ways to engage the older students of North Cottesloe with the gospel. There is a chaplain (Dom), who works a few days a week at the school. She is very keen for us to continue our involvement and we have now met with her a number of times, discussing the best way forward and praying for the school. This week we met a staff member from YouthCARE which is an umbrella organisation that oversees CRE. They have begun implementing lunchtime activities for older students in State schools, which have been well received, with a huge amount of uptake by schools and children in Perth. We are discerning how we might implement this at North Cottesloe.Please be encouraged to pray for the school and our longterm involvement in it. We need wisdom in our ongoing friendship with the school - a gift given by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:8). We also need to show the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), so please pray that the ministry of CRE will bear much fruit and in turn bring many to faith in Jesus Christ, the hope of the world. If you want to be involved in this wonderful OUT ministry, please let Cathy, James or Malcolm know. We would love your input.Blessings,James