Hi everyone,

It's Tuesday evening, and it's 9.45pm. I'm still awake because I'm excited to tell you about what's been happening this past weekend and the start of this week. I'm currently in Orford at the churches Youth Centre. The leadership weekend was held from last Friday to Sunday lunch and we had two guest speakers. Pr Darius Jankiewicz and Pr Justin Lawman. Pr Darius has been giving us presentations based on the study of Salvation and the deep history of how Seventh-day Adventists have landed we are in our current thinking and views. He went right back into the apostles and the Catholic Church and how the reformers like Luther, Calvin and Arminius have heavily influenced our theology. It has been startlinkg. Pr Darious has been giving us more intimate sessions over the last few days and it's a wonder that we have been counseled "we have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history." - Counsels for the Church p359 E.G White. I have more to share on these topics and wonder when I can share them and whether you would be interested? In any case, I am convinced that the journey of SDA's has brought us into an interesting time in history to synthesize the balance of law and grace which can only be found at the foot of the cross. (Psalms 85:10)

Pr Justin Lawman has been encouraging us to find tangible ways to measure the health of our church. There have been confronting questions like 

• "is the culture of the church healthy?" 
• "are people comfortable with sharing personal problems in our community?"
• "do the leaders feel empowered?"

As a pastor, these are scary questions, but necessary nonetheless. I believe me as a pastor and our leaders should be prepared to be evaluated. And more importantly, take action when the results reveal we need help. He has presented a tool that could help us and I'll talk more on this at some stage also. 

In a nutshell. I can safely say that I enjoy being your pastor and working with you. I believe in my heart of hearts that God is leading us toward something magnificent in our church. Not because of me, or you, but because we are willing to be used by God and are prepared to be challenged by things that we may not be comfortable with. But Jesus is our captain and He knows how to steer this boat. We will always have challenges as a church because Satan refuses to see us succeed. God has brought us this far and has preserved his word and his movement. Let us refuse Satan from making inroads into our church community and let us make inroads into our wider community for the sake of Christ and for the sake of the salvation of others. 

Shalom,

Pr David Leo

The communion has been practiced in the Christian community since Jesus instigated the ceremony from the last supper. This Saturday morning we will be performing this ancient tradtion. Some of you may not be familiar with how this works so this write up is to help you navigate through what to expect. First and foremost, we do this because Jesus told us to do it in rememberance of Him. You will find his instruction in John chapter 13 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. I'd also encourage you to read chapters 71 and 72 of Desire of Ages. You can find chapter 71 by clicking here and you should be able to link to chapter 72 from there. 

The morning service will begin as you would usually expect. 

1. The sermon will be no longer than 10min as the service depends solely on our actions than the word being preached. 
2. After the sermon, the men and women will seperate into two groups to perform the footwashing. 
3. Everyone will rejoin to take part in the eating of unleavened bread and the drinking of wine. (grape juice)

Communion is meant to be a solemn but a joyous occassion. As it reminds of Christ's sacrifice, resurrection, and soon return. In turn, it makes us remember our commitment to Christ, the mission and to each other. 

You may be asking:

Q. Can I participate although I am not baptised in the SDA church?

A. You should only participate if you understand what you're participating in. Seventh-day Adventists practice open communion which means that we welcome anyone who has committed themselves to Christ whether they are Seventh-day Advenist or from anoher Christian denomination. If this is your first time, perhaps you could observe the footwashing and the taking of bread and wine to get a grasp of whats going in.

Q. Can children taken part in the communion?

A. We encourage parents or guardians to teach and demonstrate to their children what communion means. We leave it to the discretion of the parents as to whether their children will partake of the communion. Please understand that it is important that children have a grasp of what is taking place. If this is their first communion, they should observe the communion ceremony to ascertain what it all means. Ways to assist in teaching our children is telling the story at home, and leading a communion service in our homes so they get a first hand experience.

Q. Do I have to do have to wash my feet..it's embarassing?

A. To have the full experience of understading humility (root word for humiliation) I would encourage that you participated in the footwashing. More information to follow during the sermon.

Q. Are churches allowed to perform the Communion in light of the Covid-19 restrictions? 

A. Yes. However it will be conducted differently to what people are use to. (For those who have done Communion pre Covid-19). When performing the footwashing, participants must wear gloves if touching somebody who is not family OR you can just pour the water over the feet and avoid any touching of skin. Also, the facilitators of the bread and wine must wear gloves when distributing them. Other than these aforementioned changes, all other restrictions will be ahdered to as normal. 

If you have any other questions. Please do not hestitate to send through a text to my number 0432 454 548. Also, ensure to read the significant references mentioned above. This is an event we can look forward to. It is a time where we recommit ourselves to Christ and to each other. Spend time in prayer as we prepare for self-examination as we look to Jesus Christ. 

"Grace will hurt your feelings and humble your heart and then infuse you with joy like you've never had before." - Paul Tripp

p.s: Please note the start times for the service (website is pending update for service times). The morning service begins at 10am and the Sabbath School Program begins at 11.15am. 

I'm looking forward to doing this ceremony together with you.

- Pastor David Leo

Hi All,

Next quarters lesson is based on Education. This is a theme that the Seventh-day Adventi church have taken seriously. Keeping the mind sharp and receptive to the Holy Spirit is  something Deloraine SDA church endeavour to do through our Sabbath School. You can see in the referred picture where the 13th Sabbath Offering will be going next quater. You can click on the this link to learn more about where our offering will go for the world mission: https://am.adventistmission.org/mission-offering

Please see the list of the classes below that are being offered for next quater and click on the following link to register which class you wish to attend.

http://www.123formbuilder.com/form-5653349/form

• Happy Hearts

For ages 1 to 5 years

Look forward to messy sensory play, making subject relevant crafts, connecting with other parents, and most of all you spend quality time with your little one. Your child will learn about Jesus and Bible stories while they sing, smile, and paint their way during our sessions making as much mess as they need to! A welcoming and friendly atmosphere is what you can expect and a place where the warmth of God is felt.

Duration: 13 weeks

Materials Needed: Smiling faces

Cost: Donation can be made to Children’s Sabbath School, noted on the Tithe envelope to help offset costs

• Primary

For ages 6 to 9 years

Following the My Bible First curriculum (see mybibilefirst.com). This is a fun class that is intentionally designed to teach your child the salvation story through Bible stories. This class aims to assist the early reader to begin a personal devotion, bible verse memorisation, and creativity in music, crafts, and activities.

This quarter the lessons will be based on the life of Jesus from birth to when He begins His ministry. Part 2

Duration: 13 weeks

Materials Needed: Bible, the Lesson Pamphlet. Please check with class teacher for correct booklet

Cost: approx. $8.50 online pamphlet booklet

https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=My+Bible+First

• Juniors

Description:

For ages 10 to 13/15 years

Following the My Bible First curriculum (see mybiblefirst.com). This class is specifically designed to train the student to learn the salvation story by exploring specific themes in various Bible stories, and begin to share with others. This will be done by, bible verse memorisation, quizzes (crosswords, wordfind Q & A etc), object lessons from nature, music and interactive discussions.

This quarter will be exploring Pauls last years

Duration: 13 weeks

Materials Needed: Bible. Lesson Pamphlet. Please check with class teacher for correct booklet

Cost: approx. $8.50 online pamphlet booklet.

https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=My+Bible+First

• Explorers

Description:

For age 15 years and above. For those beginning their exciting journey with Jesus and exploring the Bible. This class is for you if you are asking the important and big questions such as:

1. Why believe what the Bible says?

2. Who (or what) is Jesus?

3. Why do Christians worship God?

4. How do I read the Bible?

5. What is prayer, and why do it?

Be prepared to ask more questions and engage in exploring why the Deloraine Seventh-day Adventists believe in the what the Bible says, and why they are excited about Jesus Christ.

Duration: 13 weeks

Materials needed: notebook and pens

Cost: nil

• Discoverers

Description:

A dynamic class open to ages 12 years and above. Intergenerational. Covering a variety of topics, fun, with plenty to challenge and ponder over. If you are doing bible studies, young in the Faith, this would also be a perfect class for you

Subject: A practical walk with Christ Jesus (growing in your personal relationship with Him)

Duration: 13 weeks

Materials Needed: Bible, Pens, Highlighters, notebook

Cost: Donation can be made to Sabbath School noted on the Tithe envelope to help offset costs

• FAST Discipleship Class

Description:

Online delivery, Friday nights (Limited places).

Ages 15 years up

Is God calling you to be more intentional in sharing Jesus with your family, friends, even people who just meet on the street? But you don’t think you have the confidence and skills to do so? This class is where you can start your training. The FAST Discipleship Training class builds ministry teams, equips team members in memorization, discipleship, and leadership. It will help you take in, live out and pass on God's word based on the Acts model in the bible.

Duration: 5 weeks (for the first course)

Materials needed: Provided in Lesson kits

Costs: Donation can be made to Sabbath School noted on the Tithe envelope to help offset costs

• Quarterly Sabbath School

Description:

Ages 15 years up. This class follows the traditional curriculum of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. (See SSnet.org). This class aims to draw out the key teachings from the relevant weeks lesson. This is mainly achieved through various teachers and open discussion.

Subject: Education

Duration: 13 weeks

Materials needed: Bible, Lesson Pamphlet (can be accessed online for free)

Cost: $3.50 can be made to Sabbath School noted on the Tithe envelope to help offset costs

The Courtyard

David Leo / General

Education Starts at Home / Justification; Sanctuary; Sacrifice in the OT / Romans 5:12–21; Galatians 2:15–21; 2 Corinthians 5:12–21

Forgiveness and Faith in Christ is the first step to transformation in Christ.

Introduction

Here’s the bad news. We’re born sinners. Read Psalms 51:5, Romans 3:23 and Jeremiah 17:9

But here’s the Good News. Jesus Saves! Matthew 19:25-26, John 3:16,17

Jesus died the death that we deserve, so that we can live the life that he deserves.

The Door

Entering through the door can be the most difficult decision to make.

A lot of people have the idea that Salvation and the laws of God are going to suffocate us and deprive us from fun and fulfillment. However, it’s a way to protect us from being stolen by the chaos in the world.

Jesus died the death that we deserve, so that we may live the life that He deserves.

The altar of sacrifice.

It’s not easy to accept that you live because your guilt was passed onto someone else. We call this, denial.

English Standard Version Chapter 9

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me

Read Leviticus 4:1-3 - If the priest sins, he must bring the prized bull of the cattle.

Read Leviticus 4:13-14 - If Israel sins, they must bring the prized bull

Read Leviticus 4:22-23 - If a leader sins, they bring a male goat.

Read Leviticus 4:27-32 - Common people bring a female goat or lamb.

Do you think the people at this time understood the cost?

Hebrews 10:2-4: “But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.”

Take a moment to reflect right now, that the King of Heaven and Earth, gave up everything to make sure that we can enter His presence with confidence.

The New King James Version Chapter 9

11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Jesus died the death that we deserve, so that we may live the life that He deserves.

The laver

There’s a misconception that when you accept that Jesus forgives you, then that’s that! Often phrased, “Once saved, always saved.” Not only is this not true, it undermines the power of the gospel.

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

The laver suggests a washing and purification process. Before entering into the Holy place, the washing first takes place. Where does the washing come from? The washing of the word! Ephesians 5:26 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,

Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

Romans 6:1-4 “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

Conclusion

Jesus died the death that we deserve, so that we may live the life that He deserves.

What is your response to Christ today? Do you accept your sinful state. But more importantly, do you accept the righteousness of Christ to take over your life?

Our church board committee met on Sunday night and agreed to reopen or church building starting Sabbath 27/6/20. However, it is important that we comply with a few stipulations from the state governement to ensure the containment of the virus. Please ensure you take notice of the posters that will displayed around the church building, and signs and aarows that need to be followed also. The following directives are below:

1. Please stay home if you are sick or feeling unwell or are not comfortable to be around crowds because of contamination risks.
2. You will need to register your details by writing on a provided register. This will only ask for name, contact number, and time in. This register is only for the sakes of keeping record of attendance in the case people will need to be contacted should there be a breakout of the Covid-19.
3. There will be one entry and exit point. The front foyer will be the entry point, and the door of the cry room will be the exit. (Please ensure you follow the directions of the aarows on the floor.)
4. Follow the handwashing and sanitising procedures as outlined on the posters displayed.
5. Please ensure you follow the social distancing rule of 1.5m distance. Seat together with your family to allow more seating. The hall will be used as an overflow for the meantime. 
6. You are welcome to bring lunch, but unfortunately it cannot be shared. Lunch must be BYO and EYO (Eat Your Own) at this point of time. (Although this weekend is a confence-wide fasting and prayer session)

These current events are a stark reminder that we are on the verge of Jesus' return. At times like this it is easy to be overwhelmed but God's people are, "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:25

Sabbaths will be different since we will be having two services. Please see the next post for more details. 

I look forward to seeing you all.

Shalom,

Pr David Leo

Good Evening All,

The premier has brought stage 2 forward one week ahead of schedule. This means we can meet in a group with no more than 20 in the building/s. (This includes the hall or any seperate buildings.) Unfortunately the church needs to follow a criteria set out by the government to ensure that we are following the stipulations when we open. It is my aim to have the church opened by at least July, but it will be determined by how much we are willng and able to follow the guidlines that have been set out by the state government. The board will meet ASAP and you will be informed as soon as we have resolved how we can feasibly set up for a smooth and compliant transition.

I know many of us are looking forward to getting together in person again (including myself). But please hold on a little longer so that we can all come to a reasonable recommendation so that we can fellowship and follow the government stipulations. Please do make the effort to get together and meet in other venues for the sake of fellowship and worship. In the meantime, you will hear from me soon when a decision is made. God's blessings for now. I look forward to when we can sit down together again and expore the "new normal." 

What remains the same is our committment to the mission to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ to a world that desperately need Him. 

Shalom,

Pastor David Leo

This is not a medical diagnosis or treatment protocol for any disease . The information given is not to be seen as medical information and is the opinion of the speaker / presenters only. Always consult your medical practitioner.

FASTING

• Lowers hormone resistance
• Reduces inflammation
• Helps to lower BP reduces cholesterol by lowering or burning Ldl cholesterol
• Improves brain function
• Removes toxins

These are a few of the benefits of fasting

Various types of fasting

• Juice fast
• Water fast
• Cleansing fast
• Religious fast
• Diagnostic fast

IF TRYING TO FAST WITH SERIOUS DISEASE CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH PRACTITIONER

Long fasts are not recommended as they need supervision particularly water fasts. They will cause the body to throw out toxins and will in most cases cause severe side effects such as severe headaches, dizziness, fainting, feeling nauseas, acid reflux, major change in blood pressure, skin rashes to name a few.

Long and short fasts starve the body of nutrients which in turn makes the body draw on the fat stored in the body which in turn release toxins in the body which can lead to many side effects. Even a 1 day fast can lead to headaches and high acid reflux

 In modern times some well known people have fasted for example

Mahatma Gandhi fasted for 21 days and a well known Irish prisoner Terrence Macswiney fasted for 74 days and died

The writer recommends short fasts of up to 3 days. Most people lose their appetite by the 3rd or 4th day and could go on. But this is the time for most to discontinue the fast.

The writer recommends short fasts drinking plenty of water, up to 8 glassez per day in combination with juices. Explanation later

Dry fasts without water and food are not recommended due to the fact that the body can go in to a major dehydration and as such usually requires hospitalization to be hydrated. Not to be recommended

We could if time permitted go into the process of the cells of the body and what happens to them but for the purposes of the talk we are more interested in the machanics of what to do and why, rather than go into the Kreb cycle, the mitochondria, the twenty step pathway and so on.

The main reason for doing a fast other than for religious reasons is that of ridding the body of toxins. Before we have rest and rejuvenation we need to cleanse the body of toxins. With this in mind- we will go to the organs of elimination

The 4 major organs are the lungs, skin, bladder-urine and bowels. These organs during fasting and particularly during a long fast have to deal with very toxic waste.

The Liver.

During a fast the stored fat cells which are used to supply energy to the body become loaded up with toxic waste. This can start from day 1. These toxins now in the fat cells of the body need to be eliminated.

These toxins have been stored by the liver over many years depending on our work and age. They come from such things as outgassing from furniture, carpets, bedding, paint, car plastics, sprays from farms and gardens, perfumes ,cleaning products, drugs and medications, gasses and smoke from the environment to name a few.

During a fast the liver breaks these down to a water soluble state and proceeds with the elimination in 3 stages.

Phase 1

The toxins in the fat cells, where they have been stored are released and broken down to a metabolite which are full of free radicals and are damaging to the tissue surrounding or hosting these toxins. In some cases of breast cancer this is the reason apart from out of place hormones that breast cancer occurs mainly in females and some males due to the heavy toxic load stored in the fat cells of the breast. If this is the case the naturopathic approach of old school was to get the patient to go on an extended fast with 6 or7 juices a day plus many different supplements and herbs as well as a poultice. The writer has had success with this type of treatment even where the cancer has spread to other organs like lungs and spine. But this is not for the faint at heart

In phase 1 the liver needs antioxidants (free radicle scavengers) of which beta carotenes as in carrot juice are great scavengers. So on day 1 of a cleansing fast and even a religious fast its good to include a juice every 2 hrs to assist the liver eliminate free radicals and toxins. Always include other veg juices mixed with the carrots including plenty of greens like Kale and other leafy greens and add apples for sweetness. Vitamin C not ascorbic acid is also helpful as is vitamin E . In serious fasting for health minerals can be added maybe in the form of celtic salt or a mineral supplement and a vitamin B. These will, nutritionally support the liver. These juices are interspersed with 6 to 8 glasses of water

Phase 2 from 24 to 36 hrs.

In phase 2 we need to do something about the metabolites. These are the products left after the toxins are being broken down. These are often called the cellular responses left from stress and toxic insults.

In this phase we often add some form of protein powder ( not cows milk) to assist the body to mop up the metabolites. It may come in the form of pea protein or almond protein powder or depending on the patient enhanced soy protein milk. The latter needs to be accessed for suitability. Do not use for breast cancer. So in addition to the 5 or 6 juices replace 2 with a protein drink.

Phase 3 36 to 48 hrs

So at this point we need to assist the health FAST with some fats to soften the toxic residues, so we add some coconut cream or a little olive oil in the juices.

A fast is always broken by eating a fresh green salad. And always remember to keep up the now 1 or 2 glasses of water between meals. On awakening, mid morning mid afternoon and after tea , if having 3 meals per day. Keep up the juices and green drinks usually half an hour before meals.

Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor

During a fast of at least 3 days the brain releases Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor or in other words dead brain cells are released which can then be replaced by new brain cells. The old brain cells cant be repaired but replaced . This process helps in conditions like Alzheimer and Parkinson’s diseases.

FASTING IS A GOD GIVEN WAY TO FREE THE BODY OF FAT SOLUBLE TOXINS.

2 days every few weeks is a recommended way to fast with less of an impact in the form of shock to the system and serious side affects. Each time we fast it will go a little deeper.

Isaiah 58 .6,8

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke.

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.

 May God bless us as we prepare for the coming crisis where our minds and bodies need to be transformed, renewed to meet the coming onslaught.