Young Families Coordinator

This is a new position in our church which was set up at the beginning of 2008 to provide an immediate contact point with young and new families joining us at our worship services and in other church groups.

As part of this voluntary role, Neil Sperinck will be organising special events to provide opportunities for this group in our church family to get to know everyone better. He is also very interested in receiving feedback from you about how we can do things even better to make young families feel more comfortable and better address their needs.

YFC Newsletter - June, 2009

Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Recently, I have been greatly encouraged by the number of people within our congregation who are participating in activities outside the regular Sunday services. This varies from Bible studies and training courses, to maintenance of church property, serving other members in practical ways and having new members around for a meal. It’s much the same with families, both immediate members and also other relatives. We need to be sure we participate in more than the ‘routine’ visits or phone calls with them too. But sometimes we ourselves are not necessarily the ones God will use to reach our non-believing family members.

The great news is that God has placed other Christians in our church family who can help us. Romans, chapter 12:4-6, tells us that we all have different gifts and each has an invaluable role to play: Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. God has given each of us unique gifts suited to our personality and we can work together to introduce our family members to Jesus and to show them his love. Let me give you three quick examples of serving the same person differently. You notice a visitor to church with no connections to any members that day. We aren’t all going to race up and try to have a conversation, but loving them can be as simple as helping them get their pram or themselves up the stairs to the hall. Or maybe going and getting them a cuppa, introducing yourself and finding out their name. And if appropriate, offering to pray for them. These are all simple ways to serve God on Sundays and also show them Jesus' love in practical ways.

Families, too, are about relationships. During a recent conversation, I found out how hard it can be to encourage a close family member to come to church. After all, they see our ‘bad’ side too! They may be open to Christianity or coming along to church, but use something we've done wrong, as an excuse not to come. In this case, perhaps introducing them to another church member would help. Or inviting them to a church activity they would enjoy. Remember, just because you might not be the talkative type or have difficulties with some relatives, that shouldn’t hinder you from doing what God has called you to do.

To give you an idea of some activities, think of some of your hobbies. For me it’s motor racing, gardening and 4 wheel driving. Some activities could be a group attendance to a race meeting or a 4 wheel driving weekend. Maybe chess is your thing ... so organize a chess night! And invite your non-Christian friends or family members to come along and spend time with other Christians from Church. That way, they can experience firsthand a taste of Christian community.

If you have any ideas like these, please let me know. I'm keen to minister to men and need more ideas that men and young families would enjoy!

YFC Newsletter - February, 2009
ANNUAL REPORT for 2008

Well, what a difference a year makes! Looking back at past YFC newsletters and the experience this position has given me, I know our gracious Lord and Saviour has been pivotal in helping me through what the last year has thrown at me. I pray that through this I have been able to offer some help in someone else’s life and demonstrate to them that all things are possible with God. Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’ Mt 19:26 .

In the first edition of the YFC Newsletter, I asked for prayer as I use the gifts God has given me. I now know how powerful that prayer can be, for without it I would have found the last 12 months very hard and probably not had the wisdom, grace, and the ability to forgive that I needed. Never before had I needed to totally rely on God for his guidance and strength. Philippians 4:6 says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

As most of you may remember I spoke briefly about not only providing a short article in ‘Contact’ but also organising a couple of events and also presenting a short talk once every second month. Well as you know most of this didn’t happen due to sickness and family issues. It goes to show who is really in charge! I praise God for this as without doing things his way I would not have learned the lessons he wanted to teach me and also demonstrated His love through me to both Christian and non-Christian friends and family.

Since I know that I am going to experience similar or worse situations in the future I find great comfort in His word for I know that when I’m comfortable I don’t rely on Him as I should. As a modern music group, ‘Mercy Me’, says in their song ‘bring the rain’, ‘And I know there’ll be days when this life brings me pain, but if that’s what it takes to praise You, Jesus bring the rain’ Romans 8:28. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

What a great promise, to know that in every thing we do and go through, our gracious Lord and Saviour is using it for the good of those who love him.

YFC Newsletter - October, 2008

Ecc 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”

I find myself sitting in front of my computer stressed at what to include in this edition’s article. Why? Well apart from having 2 weeks holidays and spending it working on the house instead of with the kids, I find I’m always in a hurry.

It’s pretty ironic then that I use this extract from the book “Rock Solid Families” of a radio broadcast between Dr James Dobson and Dr Archibald Hart, author of “stress and your child”. We’re getting them up in the morning with ‘Hurry up. Get ready. I’ve got to go to work and you’ve got to go to school. Take a bite and eat quick, hurry, get ready!’

Children are being taught to live at a hectic pace in today’s society. The home – the family environment – creates the stress problems that so many children experience later in life. It’s in the home, therefore, in the family, that the solution to the problem lies. What we model to our children teaches them the values that will determine whether they’re going to live a stressful life or not.

Parents are busier than ever these days. Don’t use adrenaline to get everything done. Don’t sit all tensed up; don’t drive the car with your adrenaline surging. When you’re angry, resentful or frustrated, your adrenaline is pumping. If tackling that pile of papers or sink of dishes is going to make you angry or frustrated, set it aside; leave the task.

Go hug your child; play a game of monopoly; spend a few minutes thanking God for your home, family and job. Believe me, your kids will notice – and your physical and emotional well-being will improve. The book goes on to include other examples of hectic kids, like too many sporting activities, tutoring, etc. I see from my own experience the most important thing as parents we can give our kids is “time”.

May I suggest that if you find your self stressed or in a hectic hurry, read Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, and pray for guidance. God will listen and provide an answer. Rock solid families is written by Janell Rardon and is available from most Christian bookshops.

YFC Nesletter - August, 2008

Proverbs 24:3-4 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

I thought that in this month’s YFC Newsletter I would give you information about some of the resources we have available to use that may help guide us in our endeavours to raise God focused children. Everyone agrees that raising children is not for the faint hearted and I personally would have struggled more than I have if it wasn’t for some of these resources.

If you have access to the internet may I suggest some of the following websites:-

www.focusonthefamily.com - here you can find a mountain of sound advice on just about any topic, they also partner with us in offering newssheets and reviews on various other resources.

www.familylife.com - this also has many topics and reviews, may I recommend registering so you can subscribe to the free e-mag 'the family room'.

www.thewordfortoday.com.au - again register with this website to receive daily devotions sent to your email account.

www.max7.org - although this website is more directed at youth groups and kids clubs it does have some great ways of keeping the kids entertained.

Also don’t be afraid to register with i-tunes, there are some great free pod casts (audio subscriptions) and radio programs. Speaking of radio broadcasts Sydney’s103.2 and Newcastle’s rhema fm now broadcast over the internet so you could play it in the background whenever your on the computer. Their websites are www.fm1032.com.au and www.rhemafm.com.au .

Books are always a good resource as you can get some great advice and go back to them whenever you may need help. A couple I have just read are:-

The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, by John C Maxwell. After all us parents are leaders of the family and I found this leadership book very worthwhile.

Praying the Scriptures for Your Teenagers, by Jodie Berndt. Not the sort of book to read cover to cover but very helpful none the less. These are just some of the many varieties of resources available to help us with our kids.

Of course the most valuable resource we have is each other, young and old we all have experiences in one thing or another and no matter what the situation there is always someone willing to help. Don’t forget about items for the kids such as DVD’s, books and music CD’s. I have a mountain of items and ideas for various age groups, just come and ask me and I can give you some suggestions.

YFC Newsletter - June, 2008

Eph 6:18 'And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.'

On December 9th last year a gunman entered two separate Christian buildings and shot 4 people dead. Why do I mention this? Well on December 9th last year I started a prayer journal and on December 10 when I heard these news reports I felt I needed to pray for those people involved. One point was that the forgiveness and testimony of those who survived may help others come to know God.

Well, last week while listening to Focus On the Family’s radio broadcast they had the pastor of one of the churches involved preaching on forgiveness. (I will have a copy of this recording if anyone would like to hear it). I think this is only significant for me because of the fact I recorded these prayer points in a journal. It is showing me how God does answer every one of my prayers.

Can I suggest that you start a prayer journal of your own, if you haven’t already done so. Another way of helping younger children grow in faith would be to have a family prayer journal. Try before, or after dinner (if you have hungry kids who can’t wait!), to think of some simple prayer points, maybe a good mark in a test the next day, or some guidance with a friend, thanks for something, etc. I’m sure you could think of things.

Write these down in a book that can be kept and looked at anytime. Let the kids see the results. It’ll not only give them real evidence that God exists but may even teach them patience! You can simply use a an exercise book or go to the Koorong Book Shop in Penrith, or other book shops and buy prayer journals if you like - these are especially good as they have a bible verse on each page.

The only suggestion I have for your prayer journal is to make it unstructured, that is, write down prayer points, feelings about a subject, complete prayers etc. I have found the less formal it is the more I write and the more enjoyable it will be for you and your children.

YFC Newsletter - April, 2008

Young Families Coordinator:

Hello and welcome to the first Young Families Coordinator newsletter. Firstly let me introduce myself. My name is Neil Sperinck and for those who don't know I am Elaine Morrison's older brother. I am married to Lisa and have 4 children, Terri, Sean, Brock and Jaydon. My role is to welcome new families, encourage families, assist families and present family related topics to the congregation. If you have a prayer point, family related concern, need help, or have advice I am only too happy to hear from you as we all strive to do God's will and raise our children to know God as our Lord and Saviour.

Through the process of presenting this idea to session 1 was aware of Satan's attacks on our family. Someone once told me 'the more you do God's will the more Satan will try to undermine it'. So with that in mind, I'd ask for your prayers as I go about my new role as your Young Families Coordinator (YFC).

How Can I Help You?

Each month I will present either a short article in church or in Contact (and a copy added to our church website). Included will be information relating to specific family issues, general advice, book and other material reviews that are available to you through various sources, including the 'focus on the family' organisation. 1 will also organise regular activities. such as car rallies, picnics, dinner events etc, with your help. If you've got great ideas of activities relating to families and family outreach then I'd love to hear them. I would like to see at least 6 activities per year and need help from anyone who is able. Are you a 'details' person? Unfortunately, I'm not!! So although I may have some ideas on some of the activities I lack the wisdom of detail, so if you would like to help me organise an event then please let me know.

'Every opportunity has a difficulty, every difficulty has an opportunity.'

'By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established ... through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.' Proverbs 24:3-4

If you have any questions - or would simply like to know more about our church and meet up with other young family groups then please speak to Neil or contact our assistant minister, Steve Gould via email.

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