26th August 2022

It’s weekly news update time and we welcome you, our church family and mission partners who live in our vicinity and elsewhere. Be assured of our prayers, particularly for those of you who are needing God’s healing grace and peace at this time. May God bless you and yours in exceeding abundance this week.

HOPE4KIDS WEEKEND HAS ARRIVED!!! – Thanks to all who have worked tirelessly in preparation for the Keith Green Tribute Concert TOMORROW (Saturday 27th) night. There are so many moving parts in staging events like this, and people have freely given of their time and effort, in some cases for months now, to ensure this both raises awareness and significant funds in support of our kids who struggle with rare health conditions AND provides a genuine ministry event that carries the heart of the kingdom gospel of Christ. Of course this year, we will be sharing the monies raised with ‘Hope and Future Project’ for 28 Orphans in Uganda that Port Kembla Baptist Church is currently in relationship with.

We know that ticket sales are increasing steadily so if you or someone you know would still like to attend at City Diggers on the corner of Church and Burelli Sts Wollongong, doors open at 6.30pm for a prompt start just before 7pm. Here is the DIRECT LINK to the Concert’s booking website.

There is growing excitement about the funds being raised beyond the concert and there is a full update below in the Sit-Reps section.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS SUNDAY 27th AUGUST – David will be on deck THIS WEEK to facilitate the gathering and bring a timely word from the scriptures. Last week Bob shared at The River Church and God moved powerfully. This week, Julie will preach at The River as we continue to play our part as a church in support of our sister church whilst May continues her recovery. Please be in prayer for our whole team for this, one of the biggest weekends of the year so far.

IF YOU ARE IN THE VICINITY ON SUNDAY, PLEASE DO JOIN US face to face at the Augusta Street Hub, and if you are unwell, on leave, or just away for whatever reason, please join us ONLINE via our Live-Stream from 10am THIS and EVERY SUNDAY … (see our Facebook page link OR our YouTube Channel for online access).

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER – PLEASE stay home if you or someone in your household is feeling unwell.

The HOPE Project Mission Situation Reports (Sit-Reps)

NATIONAL DAY OF THANKSGIVING PRESENTATION TO CORRIMAL EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS (If you missed it, see report with photo in last week’s update)

HOPE4KIDS 2022 AWARENESS AND FUNDRAISING EVENT – (see above for details about tomorrow night) SO, a couple of exciting announcements about our fund raising efforts for the 2022 Campaign ….. Firstly, HOPE4Kids 2022 will continue to raise awareness and funds after the Wollongong Concert until Friday 16th September and secondly, we can confirm that the extra fund raising effort beyond the concert ticket sales, is currently at about $500 after the first week and a half of promotion – WOW … THANK YOU!

You CAN of course give cash specifically earmarked for H4K-22 to Heather or Carol if and when you see them (as some lovely people have done recently), OR if you are already giving to the church account electronically, you could identify an extra gift deposit identified as ‘H4K-22’, OR you can DONATE DIRECTLY VIA CARD TRANSACTION HERE.

As you may know, sales of Graeme’s music raises funds for HOPE4Kids all year round, and each year, dedicated sales funds are added to monies raised through the annual community fundraiser to boost the total giving. You can catch up with the latest about our KIDS and the 2022 campaign stories on the HOPE4Kids Facebook Group which is accessible via THIS LINK. For the H4K backstory, visit our website’s ‘HOPE4Kids’ page.

‘BUILDING THE FUTURE’ – we have had a few positive conversations with neighbours and the BTF Team met with the potential project manager on Tuesday for an update on what’s actually possible on our block. There is a significant journey ahead of us and nothing will happen overnight, but all the information we have will be presented as part of the ministry reports at the AGM on September 25th. Stay tuned for the official notice of that meeting. If you are still catching up and missed the ‘Building the Future’ announcement that Mick presented so well and clearly, OR, you simply couldn’t access the link for one of a number of reasons, HERE IS THE LINK to the recorded version.

THE SANCTUARY ILLAWARRA – Our ‘backyard missionaries’ Jono and Nicky Hyratt, will NOW join us for a chat, hopefully on Sunday 11th September. There has been a lot going on with their work, health and family. So we’ll look to God’s timing for this interview, if not on the 11th September. Our catch up chat will be designed to help inform our prayers about their efforts in the name of Christ, and the people that have begun journeying with them as they follow Jesus’ call to reach the lost through this southern church plant and more. Let’s keep praying and seeking God’s heart for them all as they move forward. Recent online messages can be engaged via their YouTube channel and all the latest news via their Facebook page.

CHURCH AND COLLEGE PODCAST STATIONS LAUNCHED – We are slowly but steadily adding content to the two podcast stations. Here are the links so you can check in regularly for new episodes of content which will include audios of weekly Sunday messages, devotional reflections, Discover Corrimal Community Church information, regular content for bible study and missionary training, and more ….

Church Podcast Station or you can listen on Spotify HERE (new devotional reflections added weekly)

College Podcast Station or you can listen on Spotify HERE (more subject content will be added soon)

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD (OCC) 2022 – is our hands-on way to bless children in need across the world by filling shoe-boxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and fun gifts. The shoe-boxes and other helpful materials are available now from the Hub. See Heather or one of our Hosts soon, if you are at the Hub on any given Sunday OR use our Contact Us page to let us know you are interested in helping and would like to know more and we’ll make sure you have all the information you need. As boxes are completed, we will gather them together and deliver them to our local OCC coordinator Robyn, who will distribute them in the name of Jesus Christ to children living in vulnerable situations.

Calendar Updates

(Please use our Contact Us page if you’d like to register for, or get more details for the following)

  • General Bible Discussion (Beverley) 1st September at Judy’s place (on the verandah or inside with the heater if cold), (now the 1st and 3rd Wednesday’s of each month)
  • Women’s Monday Fortnightly Study and Prayer (Julie) 5th September – 10.30am @ the HUB
  • Regular Hour of Prayer for the Churches of the Illawarra and the Salvation of Souls (Graeme) @ The Hub 7.45am the 2nd & 4th Mondays of each month. Next Prayer Time = 12th September.
  • The Wollongong ‘Keith Green 40th Anniversary’ Tribute Concert (for HOPE4Kids & Hope and Future Ministries) at City Diggers (TOMORROW) Saturday evening August 27 … find out more HERE, including our ticket website
  • Korimul Gang (Scout & Guide) Shows – September shows Friday 9th – 7pm or Saturday 10th – 2pm OR 7pm (Merrigong IPAC Theatre Wollongong Tickets – Choose your Day then Show Time) for more details contact Rob or Sharon Sackett
  • TRIVIA – Northern Illawarra Scripture Board Fundraiser at C3 Thirroul on Saturday 10th September – so, support the Korimul Gang Show on Friday or Saturday Matinee, and our Scripture Teachers/Chaplain on Saturday night. REGISTER YOURSELF OR GET 7 OF YOUR MATES & REGISTER A TABLE HERE NB: If you know someone who might be able to add worthwhile items for the silent auction, please let Heather or Carol know OR hand any items to them ASAP so they can be registered for bidding.
  • Covenant Partner Sunday – AGM – scheduled for the Sunday 25th September Gathering – notice will be sent before Sunday 10th September in accord with our Constitution.
  • ‘Carols in the Street 2022’ – is scheduled as always for the second Sunday of December (11th). The street closure will occur from 4pm – 8pm. We will gather on that Sunday (11th Dec) morning to PRAY and ALLOCATE tasks for this our annual Christmas Gift to the community and as such there will be NO SUNDAY AM GATHERING that day. More Details after the HOPE4Kids Fundraiser. SAVE THE DATE!
  • Spring Campaign – Check back here SOON for the updated HOPE Project schedule!

Weekly Pastoral Prayer Update

NB: We leave prayer points up until we either hear about resolutions OR thank God for answers etc. so …

  • Firstly, we are THANKFUL for all the answered prayers that often go unnoticed. Thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness.
  • Secondly, each and EVERY week we pray for each other and our brothers and sisters representing the Illawarra region’s body of Christ through other local churches who meet around us. And as Jesus prayed 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. We know this is a season when we will need to be combat ready and so we pray for each other that we would stand firm in the victory Christ won for us … AND that the Lord will add daily, those who are BEING SAVED!
    • THIS WEEK we are continuing to pray for our sister church ‘The River of Life – Dapto’, in particular because their minister and member of our church’s apostolic reference group May, has been in hospital undergoing tests and being monitored. We pray for May’s complete healing and restoration, and we pray for our Julie, who will preach for May THIS Sunday.
  • Thirdly each week we pray for the New Season of Mission Effort – We thank you for the first ‘7 years of planting and re-aligning to heaven’ and now we pray for the FIRST PHASE of the time we are referring to as ‘The SEED of Sustainability’ (2022-23) so a strategic plan for Spring 2022 will be released for prayer and response shortly. PLEASE PRAY AS WE PREPARE (Pre-Prayer) and keep tuning in for more. PLEASE ALSO PRAY FOR THE KEITH GREEN TRIBUTE CONCERT TOMORROW.
  • Fourthly, here following are the MOST RECENT prayer requests that we have been given permission to share across our praying network … (please talk directly with the source of the request if you want more info) – we will endeavour to seek updates on all of the following, particularly those points that we’ve been praying for these last few weeks – not always simple, so thanks for your patience.
    • We ask Lord that you continue watching over the Boots family as they wrap up their time together celebrating family birthdays and as they travel home. We pray for all the little health and other things that have occurred during this time that all might be resolved in Your care.
    • We pray particularly for Christian who was rushed to hospital with acute appendicitis a few days ago. We thank you for the stability of his condition which has allowed preliminary processes to occur and we pray peace and resolved good health as doctors seek to schedule an appendectomy as soon as is possible.
    • Lord we continue to pray for Jayden O’Connell (son of John and Chris) who took ill whilst away in Tweed Heads but the first operation has gone well and he’s slowly recovering in ICU.
    • We thank You Lord, for the miracle of returning strength to Julie’s back and if it’s helpful Lord, please make clear what the issue is and why it is happening. Please Lord, uphold Julie as she speaks at ‘The River Church Dapto’ on Sunday.
    • We pray for Margaret who lost her eldest brother Norm recently We ask for peace and cover for Margaret and John, her brother Keith who has been staying with them and the whole family, who farewelled Norm last Tuesday in the Camden Valley. We ask for extra strength for this wonderfully caring and hospitable couple as they host Mike & Judy and Rob & Young currently.
    • We also pray for the Podmore’s, and Leanne and Michael’s family as they settle Ray into Marco Polo in Woonona after his recent move.
    • We continue to pray for June and her wider family as they not only grieve for Don, but also now for the passing of June and Josie’s brother Ken. We pray for Ken’s family, June, Josie and their families including Julie’s, Donna’s and Sandi’s – BUT also for our mate and Ken’s son, Mark, his wife Lou, his brother and sisters and all connected to this well known local family. We pray for peace beyond all understanding as they prepare for Ken’s farewell at Corrimal UC this coming Wednesday 31st August at 2pm.
    • Please keep praying for our friend Marie and her family as she continues to fight some serious health challenges. We praise God for her recent positive move to a Warrigal Home and we pray for the family and health professionals as they assess whether Doug can join her.
    • We are praying also for our friend Audrey who is also facing some health challenges over the coming months. We pray for health and peace for her, her family and her friends.
    • We are praying for complete healing in Jono’s body, particularly the hernia that has been an issue for some time now, and a few other things. Lord, bring peace to Jono, particularly with regard to a resolution required in his work situation.
    • Jono’s Dad Richard – we praise you Lord for answered prayer and we ask for your continued peace and protection as Richard prepares for a pacemaker to be inserted.
    • We thank you Lord that Christine is on the mend after her broken toe and the recent bout of the migraines she’s been having.
    • We thank you Lord for our sister Dot who sends her love to you all and we keep praying for her general health and well-being.
    • We continue to pray for Betro and SoYoung as they settle in back at home, and particularly for Betro’s residual minor health issues.
    • We thank God and keep praying for Evelyn.
    • We continue praying for Gwen and her son Jason. We are so thankful Lord for what you are doing in these two precious lives.
    • We are praying for Maree’s friend Gail who has a suspicious nodule on her thyroid gland. We pray for God’s miraculous healing supernaturally through the surgeon – guide them in whatever they do. Lord bring hope, peace and healing to Gail and all who love and care for her.
    • We pray for Emma’s friend Anna. That you will be sovereign in her life and completely cure whatever is wrong with some vital organs. We thank you for a recent positive update.
    • Linda and Andrew have some things going on for them with friends and family. God knows what’s happening so let’s pray for them and the circumstances in faith for complete resolution in the name of Jesus.
  • Please Keep Praying for these Brothers and sisters and situations –
    • We pray healing for members of our family who are each dealing with a variety of ongoing health issues currently, including those still experiencing cold and flu symptoms and or respiratory infections. We thank you for recent full recoveries and Lord for your protection over other family members of these precious folk.
    • We continue to pray for Harry, Joy and Greg, Tom, Elsie and Carolyn’s family, Tim, and for Kylie and her family and friend’s needs.
    • We pray for our mate Gordon who has been isolated with Covid recently. We ask Lord for a speedy and full recovery with no lasting impact as he, Graeme and the team prepare for the Keith Green Tribute TOMORROW.
    • We pray thanks to God for the work of the Northern Illawarra Scripture Board and for answered prayer. We pray that we are empowered to play our part in this kingdom advancing work as it increases across the northern Illawarra churches network. We pray for our scripture teachers and chaplain as they get stuck into the challenges of term 3.
    • We also pray continuously for health and energy for Rob and Sharon who are heavily involved and busy as, coordinating scouts across the region for an increasing return to activities post-covid AND in particular the Korimul Gang Show, rehearsing to return to the stage (IPAC) this September.
    • We continue praying for Murray and Julie and the Food for Life Community Care team as they work tirelessly to provide affordable groceries to people trying to make ends meet across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. We pray for Murray in the aftermath of a melanoma removal and the impact this has for Julie and the Kids, with Julie running the FFL Service for a week or three. We pray for our support team who work with the hamper truck on Thursday mornings. (Gary, Christine, Beverley, Ken, Jacki, Denise, John, Margaret, Maggie and Alex)
    • We pray for the people doing it tough that our Food for Life volunteers come across weekly when they serve hampers off the truck; in particular we continue to pray for Mich and Hamish.
    • We continue to petition our Lord Jesus for Heaven’s answers to the needs of so many who are struggling in the current economic climate and or have lost significantly in these repeated floods and cold weather snaps up and down the east coast.
    • For all of the wonderful people connected with our church family as we stand together during this new season of the battle for souls. We thank God for His encouragement, His healing touch and His mercy, grace and protection.
    • We pray both thanks to you God and ask for exceeding abundant blessings on all the new people who are determining whether or not to partner with us in the mission You have called us to.
    • We also pray with thankfulness for the wonderful and consistent giving and investment that our family and partners offer to enable this mission to thrive.
    • Graeme is grateful for the specific prayer support he knows he has received this last week or three. He has had good meetings and God has moved in a number of scenarios – including the Dedication last Saturday of the 2nd Child (Charli) of a couple Graeme has a discipling relationship with (See FB post), the Q&A Forums about the Building announcement with Augusta St Neighbours and final rehearsals and logistical coordination and preparations for the Keith Green Tribute.
  • The World needs our Faithful Prayers –
    • We continue to pray for people in the Ukraine and Russia, for peace, for unity, for a sense of purpose together for the future, instead of the divide and the misdirection that seems evident and ongoing. LORD HAVE MERCY!
    • We pray for ongoing health issues around the world and ask for Your intervention Lord, bringing about your purposes in response to these things rather than feeble human control efforts. LORD HAVE MERCY on those affected and those working out what’s happening, and those working closely with those affected.
    • Please pray for the people who are hungry and helpless. Pray for the church (under persecution in many of these countries mentioned below) that they along with World Aid organizations will be able to be God’s effective hands and feet in that desperate scenario.
    • Pray for the people in many other countries who are dealing with political, religious and military unrest and or are being subjected to violence and persecution; in particular this week we pray for the unrest and unease particularly in Myanmar this week, but also ongoing concerns in Afghanistan, the senseless violent attacks on people in Ethiopia, Vietnam, Togo and Ghana, Kenya, Papua (Indonesia), Eritrea, Burkina-Faso (particularly in the East where Jihadists seem hell bent on eradicating Christian facilitated education), Algeria and Indonesia, Nigeria (particularly for recent savage attacks on churches and renewed calls by IS to attack Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Shi’ite places of worship across Africa and Asia), India, Iran, the Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and this week our prayer call is for continued and lasting peace along the North-Eastern Syrian border with Turkey (and Syria in general)
    • PLEASE add any concern you have for our world HERE and pray LORD HAVE MERCY!
  • Of course if you have any thing you feel confident to ask us to SHARE in prayer for, please call, send a text or email Gary Padwick if you know his contact details, otherwise via our Contact Us page. We can help connect you, and Gary will faithfully engage our prayer-network.
  • Thank you for continuing to uphold each other and the lives and circumstances of our partners everywhere, in life-empowering prayer.

Love & blessings
Graeme for The Team