http://www.allsaintspetersham.org.au/church/en/node/1621

http://www.allsaintspetersham.org.au/church/en/node/1590

http://www.stanhope.anglican.asn.au/?page_id=36&preacher=9

http://www.matthias.org.au/content.cfm?id=213 (search “Marquez”)

Articles I have written for the youth website fervr are below.

http://fervr.net/articles/jordin-sparks-battlefield/

http://fervr.net/articles/avatar-closer-look/

http://fervr.net/articles/devotion-and-justin-bieber/

The singles competition was extremely close. Ben France took the early lead with 22 points (-4) on the front nine, two shots ahead of Anton Marquez. However, after France stumbled on the back nine the lead changed multiple times. After 14 holes only 2 shots separated the top 6 players. An Augusta-style finish was on the cards. Oram and McCorkindale both came home strong with 21 and 20 points respectively on the back nine. But it was Overhall and Pass that finished on top, both with 39 points (-3). Chris Overhall received the Scott/Day award for coming second on a countback despite a back nine of 22 points. But it was Bruce Pass who claimed his second Moore College Golf win with 23 points on the back nine – 14 on the last four holes! He was also the only person to shoot two birdies on greens that made holing putts difficult.

Here are the scores and some photos:

Robbie Hayes took out best of the newcomers with a score of 70 (after handicap), which was good enough for second place. Dan Presland bid farewell to Moore College with a stunning round of 71 for third place. Also, Doug Fyfe was very happy to pass on the wooden spoon medal to Adam Wall. However, Chris Overhall finally achieved his breakthrough victory with a stunning 67 (+6 off scratch).

For those who finished their rounds, here are the scores and some photos.

Nicholls in trouble

Andy for double bogey

Bidwell looking on

The Victor!

After discussing euthanasia in my Ethics class, me and many others at College decided to voice our opposition to the practice. This is particularly timely as a euthanasia bill, introduced by the Greens, is currently being debated in the Federal and State Upper Houses. The letter isn’t argued brilliantly, but it’s something. For more detailed information about euthanasia, head to the Social Issues Executive website.

Here’s what I wrote:

Dear the Honourable …,

I am writing to express my opposition to voluntary euthanasia and to urge you to oppose the voluntary euthanasia legislation soon to come before the Parliament.

My concern that is that this legislation will de-value human life and have a negative effect on society, particularly our view of the terminally ill. A person’s life remains inherently valuable during the course of a terminal illness. Therefore, life must remain protected at this time, even if someone, at some stage, desires to end it. We seek to protect the lives of the suicidal, even when they have an illness such as depression. Human life is to be always to be valued and protected over and above an individual’s wishes.

I am also concerned on the effect such legislation will have on society’s concern for and care of the elderly and terminally ill. If euthanasia is the path we take as society will increase our loathing of the sick and elderly, rather than our desire to care for them. These people will be seen pure as a burden to be removed rather than a person to be cared for. Those that wish not to receive a lethal injection feel that they are a drain on resources. Research and funding into palliative care, which is highly effective, will also be reduced. This legislation opens the way for euthanasia without consent, which has been the experience of countries such as the Netherlands.

I ask that you consider these arguments and oppose this legislation as it comes before the parliament.

Regards,

AM

At the start of the Commonwealth Games I told some friends that the best sport they’ll watch all year is the Netball gold medal match. I think I can safely say I was right.

As expected Australia and New Zealand made it through. The lead went back and forward all match. At 3-quarter time, things seemed grim for Australia, trailing by 4 goals. However, they came back to level it up and force extra time. Scores were again level and so ‘double extra time’ took in effect with New Zealand being the first to reach a two-goal margin. Each team had many chances to win and each team made crucial costly mistakes.

I’m normally not a netball fan, but when played at this level it’s great. I think it’s to do with after each goal, the teams alternate who starts with the ball. At this level, you expect the team who starts with the ball to convert it into a goal, and so a turnover is crucial.

As for this match, it is easily the best game of sport I’ve seen this year and I ended up, literally, on the edge of my seat.

Told you so.

If you’re interested in Full-Time, Part-Time or External Study to better equipped for ministry and mission come along to the 2010 Open Day & Spring Carnival – Sat 25 September. The day starts with morning tea at 10am and continues through to 2.30pm. BBQ lunch included. 1 King Street Newtown 2042.

Tash is particularly looking forward to the petting zoo!

The aforementioned lecturer tore up the coarse early with two birdies on the front nine (we won’t mention the 10 on the 4th hole) and Oram, Presland and Marquez shot to their handicaps or better on the back nine. However, there was no stopping the defending champ from reclaiming his trophy. 13 points in the last 4 holes led him to shoot 36 and beat Gibbo on a count-back.

Other highlights included all groups completing their rounds before it got dark, Francey’s haul of golf balls he fished out of the canal and the mutual consensus to raise Bidwell’s handicap artificially before the next round following today’s performance.

See below for the scores.

But what got my attention was the devotion of the thousands of fans to this pop (although I’m sure he’d like to be known as R&B) star. Some camped out all night at Circular Quay, others flew in from interstate, some made signs, all screamed at the sight of even a picture of Justin and all knew every word to his song. It made me reflect on our devotion to Jesus. What can we learn from these fans on how we relate to Jesus?

They were devoted to Justin, but is Jesus the one we are ultimately devoted to? Do we take every opportunity to get to know him better? Do he and his word fill our minds so that we live lives to please him? Can we not help but share our excitement over him to others? Does it lead us to do crazy things like love our enemies or get up early to read the Bible and pray?

But how do we grow this devotion to Jesus within us? We do this not by the excitement of going to a concert or stalking a celebrity, but by the ordinary activities of reading and reflecting on God’s word, being part of a Christian community and praying to our heavenly Father. It is in these ‘ordinary’ things that we see Jesus and how worthy he is of our devotion.

So if we’re excited over someone, then enjoy their music or movies or even their appearances on TV. But our devotion to them should pale into insignificance compare with our devotion to Christ. He has loved us, not by performing for us, but by dying for us. He has given us true cause to celebrate because by trusting in him we have a right relationship with our Creator.

1. BAD ROMANCE Lady Gaga (2 wks on #1)

2. BURN YOUR NAME Powderfinger (-0)

3. REPLAY Iyaz (-0)

4. TELEPHONE Lady Gaga Feat. Beyonce (New)

5. ART OF LOVE Guy Sebastian Feat. Jordin Sparks (-0)

1. BAD ROMANCE Lady Gaga (1 wk on #1)
2. BURN YOUR NAME Powderfinger (↓1)
3. REPLAY Iyaz (New)
4. FIREFLIES Owl City (↓1)
5. ART OF LOVE Guy Sebastian Feat. Jordin Sparks (↓1)