From: Noel Rowlatt
JUNE 2021
Around And About The Centre Place, June 2021 by High Priest Paul J. Gage, Independence, Missouri
June Greetings to the lovely Saints of Australia,
Here we are, already, approaching the mid-point of 2021. Like 2020, it has been a year to remember. Though the virus is still affecting many people and some Saints, restrictions are easing and things are somewhat more relaxed than last year. However, this may just be a false effort so we will wait and see what the rest of the year holds. Regardless, we know we must continue to trust God for all things and not be fearful of the things of the world. God is in control even as He was in the beginning.
All the Branches in the Independence area are back to meeting in person, though many continue to live stream for those still not able to get out. Summer camps and reunions are planned to start May 30th and go through the summer, unless something comes up along the way to block the plans.
The Conference of Restoration Elders (CRE)/Pastors of Zion (POZ) reunion is set for June 20-26, 2021 It will be held at Center Place Restoration School (CPRS)/Waldo Avenue Restoration Branch in Independence, Missouri. The main theme is: "Standing on the Promises of God." More information can be found in the Tidings of Zion, Issue 134 and on the CRE website.
Center Place Restoration School has been back in session for some time and will be completing its 29th year of service to the Restoration Saints. This year will be completed around May 28, 2021.
The missionary groups are still active with African Restoration Ministries (ARM) completing a two week mission trip to Africa May 11-25, 2021. Elders Brian Mundy and Shaun Turner, from Missionary Restoration Branch were there.
I want to commend the Priesthood and Saints for the Team sessions. The services and ministry has been very good. The CRE continues to have the Zoom services each week though most Branches in the USA re back to meeting in person. We can thank God for the technology and expertise of those who make the Team sessions possible.
May God continue to bless each of you and keep you in His tender, loving arms.
Love to all, Brother Paul.
Riches from the Scriptures by Elder Neil Kerswell, Queensland, Australia.
Vol 5 Chapter 3 “ Funerals “
Over our lives we inevitably have the experience of losing someone close to us, or we support relatives and friends who have lost loved ones close to them. We never want to deal with this type of loss, even those of renown in scriptural history often mourned for days or weeks over the loss of a wife, child or family member. Jacob/Israel never got over the loss of young Joseph until he was told he was yet alive and blessed in Egypt. During life we form incredibly strong bonds with the people we love and respect.
For those of us who have hope in the Resurrection through Jesus Christ, this pain and suffering is eased and comforted in the hope and knowledge that our loved one is in God’s care and already knows more than we do as intelligence burst upon them when meeting God in the preliminary judgement. One thing to note is that a funeral service isn’t for the deceased, they are already in God’s care, but rather a funeral is for the comfort and healing of those who are left behind.
Those of us who have performed funeral services know the weight of getting things right in the sight of God and in meeting the needs of the family so they can celebrate the life of their loved one and leave the service having received hope, strength and comfort enough to negotiate life from now on into the future. For those of you who are new to this type of ministry I would like to share a few things that have helped me. First seek guidance in prayer with God and from those who have had much experience, they were once helped by those before them and now have a wealth of gifts to share in this area of ministry. You will be required to meet and visit with the immediate family a week or two before the funeral is to take place. Ask God to accompany you and to help you to meet their needs. At this stage most families just want to know you love them and will help guide them through the proceedings in a manner that will truly honour their loved one. They just want you to listen to the circumstances, however you will have to take the lead between so that when you leave you have all that is necessary to truly minister on the day of the funeral. Some things you need to know before you leave. 1. The full name of the deceased, sometimes what you have always known them as is not their birth name, you need to know both. 2. Their date of birth, 3. Date of passing 4. Names of immediate family. 5. Who is preparing the Eulogy and who will offer it on the day, sometimes you will be asked to offer it however is best if close family offer it, sometimes it can be shared between two people. 6. Does any of the family want to offer a few words on the day and their names? 7. Does family agree to any others offering a few words during the service and who they agree to, so you can contact them. Please note opening to the congregation to say a few words is not always a good thing as those with the courage to speak are not always the most appropriate, sometimes making it all about them and not properly honouring the deceased loved one. However it’s up to the family what their desire is. 8. Ask if the family has a favourite scripture, Hymn or poem etc. they would like you to share or include. 9. Ask if the family agrees to you making a statement like ( ________ and family would like to thank all those who have supported, assisted and prayed for them during this time, it has been a great comfort to the whole family.) 10. Ask the family if they have thought of the service booklets with order of service and hymns etc. sometimes the funeral parlour offers this as part of their package. Now you have the foundation information required to put the service together with God’s help.
Your service will require scripture to minister to the needs on the day, during your visit with the family, they shared with you, this is where if you are willing and open to the leadings of the Holy Ghost, you will have begun to understand what ministry is required on the day. You will begin to see or hear scripture in your mind as they grieve and express, make notes of this if you can. As you pray for guidance from then on God will help you if you don’t doubt. I will share some scriptures I have used over the years, this for a guide only. I had other priesthood share a couple with me when I first started. You will no doubt find many more in your ministry specific to the needs at hand.
John 14:1-6 Jesus has prepared a place for us
[John 14:1] Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.
[John 14:2] In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
[John 14:3] And when I go, I will prepare a place for you, and come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, ye may be also.
[John 14:4] And whither I go ye know; and the way ye know.
[John 14:5] Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
[John 14:6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
2 Corinthians 1:2-4 God Comforts us, hoping we will comfort others
[2 Corinthians 1:2] Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
[2 Corinthians 1:3] Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
[2 Corinthians 1:4] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
1st Corinthians 15:52-57 Death is swallowed up in the Victory of Christ
[1 Corinthians 15:51] Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.
[1 Corinthians 15:52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the sound of the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
[1 Corinthians 15:53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
[1 Corinthians 15:54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
[1 Corinthians 15:55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
[1 Corinthians 15:56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
[1 Corinthians 15:57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Moroni 7:45 -47 We have Hope through Christ and His Resurrection
[Moroni 7:45] And again my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you concerning hope.
[Moroni 7:46] How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope? And what is it that ye shall hope for?
[Moroni 7:47] Behold I say unto you, that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal; and this because of your faith in him according to the promise;
This is just a couple of suitable scriptures, there are endless possibilities, all if led by God’s Spirit will be exactly what is needed on the day. Remember if the deceased has made a covenant in Baptism, there is much reason for hope and joy to come. If they were non-member there is still great hope through Jesus Christ, remember you are not their judge, you are not perfect, you too have much to repent of everyday. Your duty that day is to reach out to family and all guests to celebrate the life, inspire hope and faith and believe it or not, reach out to non-members. Every single person who attends a funeral considers their own mortality and considers believing in God even if just for the fleeting moment. Leave them something to consider on their trip home and maybe weeks to come. It has been my experience that it is mostly non-members and members who have not attended in a long time that say thank you for the ministry when you are leaving. You will hear things like I have never heard anything like it, I have never heard anything so beautiful. If you present in love, the love of God reaches out to all.
One last thing to consider is the committal, this is for both before a body is lowered in the earth for burial, before a body is covered for cremation at the service or before a casket is carried or pushed out to a vehicle to be taken for cremation. I was given words that have helped me, I now share them with you.
Sample Committal
Almighty God has taken back unto himself the spirit that was life in our loved one and friend ________ ________, and that which remains is the tabernacle of clay, which He also created. We now commit it back to the earth from whence it was taken, to await the call of our Lord when his/her body and spirit shall be united again, incorruptible in the presence of God.
Almighty God we give you thanks for the life and memory of _________.
Let your blessing of peace rest upon ________, his/her Family, Relatives and friends gathered here today.
This is our humble prayer in Jesus Name. Amen
A funeral is a topic a lot of people don’t want to talk about, however for those of you who have God’s calling to be a pillar of strength and comfort in times like this, will know like everything else with God if you are a good steward and prepare against the time of need, you will be better equipped to minister and meet the need when the time comes that you are called into action for your Lord. I have had priesthood approach me after a service and say that is a gift and skill I never want to learn, I couldn’t do it. My testimony is God does not leave you alone, He is there to bless help and guide you. I hope this little article is a help to those who need it.
May God bless and keep you is my prayer in Christ’s name, Amen.
*********************
Notification of Change of Editor for The Australian Restoration News Approximately 20 years ago Elder Doug Smith and Family came for an extended mission to Australia and while based in Tamworth, travelled around Australia to meet and try and bring some cohesion to the scattered saints who had isolated themselves from the church with the introduction of Section 156 in the Doctrine and Covenants. The first Australian Restoration Reunion was planned and held at Mt.Seaview in New South Wales and proved to be very successful as we met each other and worshiped together. It was felt that we needed something to keep us connected and thus was born The Australian Restoration News. I was Editor/Publisher for the first 6 months followed by Elder Kelly Loyd, who in turn was followed by Sr.Mellisa Game who had to relinquish the responsibility when family started arriving on the scene and I have been responsible for producing it for the last eleven years. At 91 years of age I realize it’s time that an enthusiastic younger person took over the reins. I am very happy to advise that Sister Monique Hummel of Victoria will be doing this, starting with the July 2021 Issue. All reports, written testimonies and other contributions should now be sent directly to Monique. Her contact details: email address is mlhummel1@bigpond.com and postal address is 33 Bassett Crescent, Gawler East, South Australia 5118. I am confident that under her direction that the publication will go from strength to strength. Sr. Hummel is certainly enthusiastic and wants to make this responsibility a service for the Lord, His church and his people. I will still be providing the back page that contains the information for the Kingston Branch.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to my all who have contributed to the Australian Restoration News over the years with articles, testimonies, reports and news, with a special thank you to High Priest Paul Gage and Elder Neil Kerswell who have both written monthly material for their columns over the years and I ask for their continued support and literary contributions for the new Editor. Also, a word of appreciation to my assistant editor, Gary Rowlatt, who has been a constant support and has helped me out of trouble on many occasions.
I would also like to sincerely thank Elder Garland Schnack who graciously forwards the Australian Restoration News on his extensive mail out list and trust that will also continue. May the Lord’s Blessing rest upon each one and find us diligently serving Him in that which He Himself has described as “A marvellous work and a wonder” Noel D.Rowlatt. Retiring Editor of The Australian Restoration News
*****************
South Australian News by Sr. Monique Hummel
Jacob and I recently returned from a whirl wind visit to Queensland for 4 days. We had a wonderful time staying with David and Melissa (my sister) Game and their 5 children Lauren, Ngaia, Micah, Nikolas and Stella. During this time, we were also able to visit with members of the Kingston Branch and enjoyed a picnic lunch with Neville and Del Churchill, Kathy and Norm Melling, Glenn Kerswell and Noel Rowlatt. It was wonderful to be there amongst the Saints and see the Church building which we had never seen before. We are already planning a return trip.
****************
FOR THE SCATTERED SAINTS OF AUSTRALIA
Sr Monique Hummel - Co- Ordinator of this page.
Use What You Have
‘One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.’
Jesus taught His disciples to be distributors of His blessing and responders to those in need. He equipped them to represent Him on earth by involving them in the process of performing miracles. In the feeding of the five thousand, the miracle of multiplication didn’t happen when the food left Jesus’ hands, but when it left the disciples’ hands. Jesus blessed the five loaves and two fish, gave the food to the disciples, and they set out to do what seemed impossible: feeding a multitude with a boy’s packed lunch. But as they did it, they experienced the miraculous. When the Lord’s blessing is on what we have, we will succeed despite the challenges and obstacles we face. God has given each of us something that others need. But sometimes we fail to recognise it, or we doubt that it has any value. And so, we think, ‘I don’t have what it takes.’ The truth is, we do – but it is in seed form. Jesus described it this way: ‘First the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head’ (Mark 4:28). God has placed something within each of us that He wants us to recognise, nurture, and use for His glory. When He blesses what we have, we’ll be amazed at the potential we’ve got. A miracle began when a boy found an unmet need and decided, ‘These people are hungry and need to be fed. I’m going to give what I have to help.’ That’s also when the disciples discovered what Jesus could do with what they had, even though it looked hopelessly inadequate. Take what God’s blessed you with and see what miracles He can work when we offer it back to Him to use for His kingdom.
What Now?
Read the story of the feeding of the five thousand. After you’ve read it, take a few moments to offer all your skills and gifts to God and ask Him to use them for His glory.
I invite everyone to contribute to this page, anytime. If you would like to share a testimony, a favourite reading or hymn, please email it to me so that it can be included in this page. My email address is mlhummel1@bigpond.com and my postal address is 33 Bassett Crescent, Gawler East, South Australia 5118.
ON LINE PRAYER MEETING at 7.00 p.m. EST Time on EACH WEDNESDAY
Zone Times:
PRAYER SERVICE & PRIESTHOOD MEETING: NSW/VIC/ACT 7-00 pm; QLD 7-00 pm; STH AUST 6-30 PM; W.AUST 5-00 pm
SUNDAY: NSW / VICTORIA / ACT 10-00 am; QLD 10.00 am; STH AUST 9.30 am; W.AUST 8-00 am
Streamed on-line Church Services Scheduled for JUNE, 2021.
Sunday Services at 10.00 a.m..EST......................................................Prayer Services 7-00 p.p. EST
Sun 6th Sacrament.....LOCAL AREA SERVICES........................................Wed. 2nd Elder Danny Archer
Sun. 13th Preaching Elder Murray Broughton..............................Wed. 9th Elder Peter Archer
Sun. 20th Preaching Elder Neville Churchill.................................Wed. 16th Priest Peter Churchill
Sun. 27rd Preaching Elder Murray Broughton..............................Wed. 23th Elder Gary Melling
Wed. 30th Elder Neville Churchill
To join and share in this group activity all you need to do is email Elder Danny Archer in Sydney danny@inbeta.org and register and he will give you the instructions on how to get connected. You must have internet to access this service.
****************************************************************************
Tamworth News reported by Sr.Helen Archer
We continue to meet on line and enjoy the ministry of the Priesthood in Australia. Meeting on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings.
We celebrated Deacon Roy Schuberts 88th Birthday on Friday the 21 May with family. The Tamworth Group would like to thank Elder Noel Rowlatt for his dedicated work on the Australian News letter over the many years that he has worked to put the News Letter out each month.
*****************
Please include in your daily prayers the following people who are in need of a blessing. Gwen Whately, Alma & Janice Kerswell Audrey Kerswell Michael & Patty Fulton,
Gary Rowlatt, Ellen Sheppard, Olive Melling, .
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST RESTORATION BRANCH, KINGSTON
17-19 Juers Street, Kingston, Queensland. Pastor: Elder Alma Kerswell. Phone 07 3800 1151
ACTIVITY SCHEDULE. JUNE 2021.
Wed 2nd. 7.00p.m. Prayer Meeting. Elder Danny Archer
Sun. 6th . 10.00 a.m. COMMUNION SERVICE. Elder G. Melling asstd.by Priest G. Kerswell
Musical Item for Service: Linda Myers
11.10 a.m. Favorite Hymn, Scripture & Testimony Service. Elder Noel Rowlatt
Monday 7th. June. 7.00p.m. PRIESTHOOD MEETING on line
Wed 9th. 7.00p.m. Prayer Meeting. Elder Peter Archer
Sun. 13th. 10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder Murray Broughton
(Live streamed in)
11.10 a.m. Class. Elder Neville Churchill
.
Wed 16th. 7.00p.m. Prayer Meeting. Priest Peter Churchill
Sun. 20th. 10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder Neville Churchill
(Live streamed out)
11.10 a.m. Class. Elder Gary Melling
Wed 23rd. 7.00p.m. Prayer Meeting. Elder Gary Melling
Sun. 27th. 10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder Murray Broughton
( Live streamed in)
11.10 a.m. Class. Priest Glenn Kerswell
Wed 30th. 7.00p.m. Prayer Meeting. Elder Neville Churchill
BRANCH NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS for Kingston Branch..
Wedding Anniversary. Elder George and Sue Parker celebrate their 51st on the 13th June.
Our thanks is extended to Brethren Glenn Kerswell and Neville Churchill for carrying our some repairs on the back fence on the church property at Juers St., Kingston.
Contributions to the Australian Restoration News need to come by the 20th of the month and must be submitted by email if possible. Email details are nandjrow@bigpond.com.au Phone contact: 07 3824 8386
We would love to have contributions from isolated members in Australia; articles or testimonies or just greetings. We would also like to hear from American saints who have ministered in Australia.
Postal details are as follows: Noel Rowlatt, 6 Wetheral Place, Alexandra Hills. Q4161
Editor Elder Noel Rowlatt Assistant Editor Gary Rowlatt
No comments:
Post a Comment