NEWS

We all want a sign. A sign that God is real. A sign that he sees us. A sign that he cares. A sign that hope is possible.

When people demanded proof, Jesus pointed them to an unexpected place: Jonah. A reluctant prophet. A pagan city. Three days in the depths. A message nobody expected. But Jonah was only the beginning. His three days in darkness pointed to Christ's three days in the tomb. His mission to a city far from God revealed God's heart for people everywhere. And his story became a sign of the greatest truth of all: through the cross and resurrection of Jesus, God is making all things new.

The sign of Jonah reveals a God whose mercy reaches further than we imagine, whose love extends to people we might overlook, and whose call sends us beyond our comfort zones. Join us as we discover how the sign Jesus gave still changes lives today—and what it means to follow him wherever he leads.

Have you ever found yourself asking, “What if…?”

What if I won the lottery? What if I had superpowers? What if life looked completely different?

They’re fun questions to imagine. But what happens when we begin asking something deeper: What if God really could…?

What if God really could make you brave when fear takes over?

What if he really could make you strong when life feels overwhelming?

What if he really could forgive your past, set you free, and use your life for something greater?

These aren’t just hopeful ideas or hypothetical questions. They’re questions that sit at the very heart of the Christian faith.

Join us as we explore what God can do in and through ordinary people—and discover that with God, “what if” can become reality. Series begins Pentecost Sunday 24 May 2026.

LifeWay Westside church plant will officially be administered by St. Paul’s, St Marys from 1st April 2026

As you may be aware, LifeWay have been exploring alternative organisational and oversight arrangements for the Westside ministry. A joint proposal from LifeWay and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in St Marys was submitted to the NSW/ACT District Church Council. It outlined the transition of administration and oversight of the Westside church plant from LifeWay to the St. Paul’s congregation. The proposal was approved by the District at their recent March meeting. Danny and the Westside church plant will officially be administered by St. Paul’s from 1st April 2026.

While this news may be a surprise to some of you it is important that the reasoning behind this decision be explained.

In working with Danny to develop a ministry plan for Westside in 2026, it became obvious that all of the developing ministry opportunities that were arising in the area were coming about because of Westside’s use of the St. Paul’s church building and closer working relationship with Pastor Mark Simpfendorfer.

Since October 2025, various conversations between LifeWay Pastors, Pastor Mark Simpfendorfer, Danny, and NSW/ACT District Bishop Richard Schwedes, determined that moving the oversight of this ministry to a geographically closer church community was in the best interest of the Westside ministry.

If you would like to know more about this decision and the process which led to this point, please contact Pastor Mathew von Stanke. He’s very happy to share what he can with you and answer any questions you might have.

In the meantime, please continue to pray for Danny, Michelle, Dylan and Cody and the whole Westside Community as they continue to serve God in Western Sydney.

The LifeWay 2025 Book of Reports is now available. Click on the PDF attachment to view online or pick up a printed copy at church.

Join us for the AGM after worship on Sunday 23rd November.

Please note some service time changes for that day:

- Combined English & Chinese service at Epping at 9.30am

- Combined Oak Flats & Wollongong service at 1/8 Kenny St Wollongong, 10am.

A selection of short meditations for each day of the year, from Australian writers, including pastors and other faith-filled servants of Jesus.

Drawing illustrations from every day life, the writers thoughts are relatable, Christ-centred, and point readers back to the full life he promises in his name. Included is the bible reading for the day, a featured verse, a faith-talk question, and a prayer. Perfect for individuals, families, or groups.

May you be blessed by a daily hint of heaven as you take time out in His presence.

[AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW](https://www.shopacr.com.au/P702771/Time-Out-For-A-Hint-Of-Heaven-_dash_-Devotions-for-a-Year/pd.php) from Australian Christian Resources.

If you'd like to collect your copy from Church, please write which LifeWay location you'd like to collect from in the delivery details and select 'Store Pickup' during the checkout process.

A life-changing gift that inspires hope…empowers individuals…transforms families and communities!

The Cambodia Education & Support appeal is on again this year. You can help sponsor one of 9 students in part or full to go to school, or provide a bike for a young person in the village to go to school. Our goal for the students is $7,500 and $1200 for the bikes (10 are needed at $120 AUD ea).

LifeWay, thank you for your generosity! Both of our goals have been reached. All further donations will go towards the student education fund.

You can read about the students via the PDF attachment here.

Thank you for your generosity. From small things, great things can happen.

This unique sculptural candle, crafter in the shape of a cross features the word 'Blessed' delicately embossed. A beautiful piece to display in your home this Easter or all year round as a reminder of God's abundant blessings.

- Size: 8cm wide (at cross piece) and stands 15cm high.

- Individually hand crafted in small batches by our friends at Candles by Lily in Sydney Australia.

- Made from unscented natural soy wax with a pure cotton wick.

- Due to the handmade nature, each candle may have slight imperfections or variations in colour.

- A popular choice for a baby welcoming celebration, baptism, christening or wedding favour. Ask us about bulk pricing for large orders.

Please note: Sculptural candles are designed to be decorative pieces, however, should you choose to burn them, please be aware that they will drip. Make sure to use a stable, heat-resistant surface underneath such as a plate or tray to catch the melted wax. Due to non-traditional shapes, the candle may not fully burn to the end.

[Available now - $14.95](https://www.shopacr.com.au/P502452/Blessed-Cross-Candle/pd.php)

This lovely new cake topper featuring the words God Bless with a cross symbol will make the perfect addition to your Easter baking and celebrations! Suitable for a variety of special occasion cakes, from birthdays to weddings to graduations and more.

- Size: 77mm w x 53mm high. Stick 118 mm.

- Pearl white colour.

- Designed and made in Australia, exclusively for ACR.

- Non-toxic, made from PLA filament derived from renewable resources.

[Available now - $14.95](https://www.shopacr.com.au/P502458/Cake-Topper--God-Bless/pd.php)