It was a joy to launch our very first Faithlabs session on Monday 2 June! Led by Mr Lachlan Palmisano, this new group creates space for students to explore life’s big questions at the intersection of faith and science.
Jesus was rough on Pharisees: ‘Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness’ (Matthew 23:28 NLT). They put on a good front but were devoid of grace, mercy, and compassion. And Jesus called them on it! Because we live in an appearance-focused society, Jesus warns us about the dangers that come from dwelling on the outer life at the cost of developing the inner life. So, how do you keep that from happening?
In training Timothy for ministry, Paul says, ‘Preach the Word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching’ (2 Timothy 4:2 NLT). Most hotels have a sign you can put on your bedroom door that says, ‘Do Not Disturb’. That sign on your door means you want to relax, sleep, or not be bothered. Hanging that sign on your hotel room door is acceptable, but putting it on your life isn’t. Have you ever noticed that God doesn’t always do things on our timetable or in ways that are convenient for us? Paul told Timothy that when it came to serving the Lord, he was called to do it ‘whether the time is favourable or not’. We need to remember that whatever God asks us to do, it’s always worth any inconvenience or difficulty we face in the process. And He will always make a way for us to accomplish His will when we are obedient to Him.
The Bible says, ‘For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.’ (Romans 8:7-8 NLT). Notice, this ‘sinful nature’ doesn’t please God. This doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love us. What it does mean is that He is not satisfied, nor will He accept behaviour ‘still under the control of their sinful nature’. So take down your ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign and commit to walking in obedience, for it’s the pathway of blessing.
SoulFood: Matt 4:18-20 Matt 16:13-23 Matt 26:69-75 John 21:15-19
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2024
Jesus told of a shepherd with a hundred sheep. When one of them was lost, he left the other ninety-nine in the fold and searched until he found the one lost sheep. Then he put it on his shoulders and rejoiced as he brought it home. Good shepherds don’t care about some of the flock, or most of the flock, but all of the flock. That becomes most evident when one sheep gets lost.
On Wednesday, the 27th of November, the concrete was poured for our new Secondary Ball Courts, marking an exciting step forward for our college. With a growing student body and increased participation in GBC sports, these additional facilities will meet the rising demand for enhanced sporting opportunities. This development is part of our initiative, "Thankful for the Past, Looking to the Future," reflecting our commitment to honouring our heritage while investing in the future of our students.
On Wedesday, the 27th of November, our Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students sang and danced to Christmas songs, bringing smiles to everyone. We also celebrated student achievements with awards and Mr Freeman shared a message about the word ‘hope’ from a Christian perspective.
A Christian leader writes: ‘The Italian violin maker Antonio Stradivari was a poor man. And yet his violins are now the most prized violins ever made because of the rich and resonant sound they produce. The unique sound of a Stradivarius cannot be duplicated. What may surprise you is that these precious instruments were not made from treasured pieces of wood; they were carved from discarded lumber. Because Stradivari couldn’t afford fine materials, he got most of his wood from the dirty harbours where he lived. He would take those waterlogged pieces of wood to his shop, clean them up, and dry them out. Then, from those trashed pieces of lumber, he would create instruments of rare beauty. It has since been discovered that while the wood floated in those dirty harbours, microbes infiltrated the wood and ate out the centres of those cells. This left just a fibrous infrastructure of wood that created resonating chambers for the music. From wood that nobody wanted, Stradivari produced violins that now everybody wants.’
The Primary Awards Ceremony celebrated the efforts and achievements of our learners. Surrounded by families, teachers, and peers, students were recognised for their commitment to growth and development. Each award represented a meaningful step forward in their journey of faith, learning, and character.
We finished the year with Christmas carols, delicious food, gifts for the children and a fun water play morning. Thanks to all the parents and children who have come along this year. We look forward to Playgroup starting back up on the 4th of February, 2025.
On Friday 15th November, Elijah represented Staines Memorial College in the QLD State Finals for FUSE Cup – MarioKart. Despite walking away from the finals, not having qualified for Nationals, Elijah demonstrated the SMC values through his resilience and good sportsmanship. We are very proud of your efforts, Elijah!