Christmas Joy

What a fantastic Christmas we had. The week began with the Broome Combined Churches Carols in the Amphitheatre overlooking Cable Beach. It was an extravaganza of fantastic Christmas carols, all performed by some very talented locals from professional artists to children's dance groups. Broome Anglican Church participated with 4 singers, including Bec and Judy in the Christmas Tree Choir, Judy playing Trumpet, Lachlan and Colin helping with stage management, and many volunteers helping with the set up and pack up of the huge stage and selling a variety of glow stick products. Lachlan also got a 3 minute opportunity to share some thoughts on the real gift of Christmas - Jesus our Lord. There were between 2000-3000 who came to have a picnic on the grass and watch the show.

Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services went well. The Christmas Eve carols and readings service saw our little church decked out in many candles (and fire extinguishers), whilst our Christmas Day service was a celebration of what Christ has done in coming to earth. We enjoyed live music for the first time in many months from our newly formed church band. Both service saw a number of previously unseen locals and visitors worship with us.

Christmas lunch was a fantastic time. We invited all the orphans (those who don't have other family in town) to come and join us at our place. We packed 17 adults and 13 kids onto our veranda - some of which overflowed into our paddle pool - and enjoyed an Australian Christmas smorgasbord on a 42 degree day.

January is a significantly quieter month while all the Schools scripture and Kids activities are in hiatus, which has allowed us to spend more time meeting one to one with people, praying and reading the bible together.

As we begin 2008 we are looking forward to many great activities including 3 different mission teams coming to Broome (one from Trinity Theological college in April for our ANZAC camp at 80 mile beach; one from Albany Baptist in June to run some Indigenous and schools events; and one from the Reformed Churches of Perth to once again run our SEASIDE ROCK holiday kids club). This year as a church we are focusing on unity in our ministry to the gospel which has seen the birth of a new Ministry Action Team, whose job is to actively consider our many ministries and have a coordinated approach to them. This includes everything from Mission to Mowing and Maintenance. Please be praying for this team of dedicated people.

Please also praise God for those who financially support our church. Without the wonderful support by individuals, families and churches outside Australia we could not survive. We also look forward to the blessing that so many bring each year by visiting Broome and giving their time to the church by helping us with our maintenance and ministry. Also pray for the maintenance and renovations of our facilities over the next few years. We realise that some significant works need to be undertaken and this could run into the 100's of thousands of dollars.

If you would like a Broome break during the year and would like to come and help out then please make contact with us. There may even be opportunities to house sit for a couple of weeks whilst putting your hand to some painting or maintenance as well as enjoying all that Broome has to offer.

May God bless you in 2008.

Lachlan, Bec, Tim & Emily