Millennialism, dedication, College newsletter and much more!

​Dear members and friends of St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Hobart.
 
Millennialism, or the thousand-year reign of Christ revealed in Revelation 20, is a very controversial part of Scripture. Those who hold to pre-millennialism, very popular in significant parts of (US) Evangelicalism who, along with most of Pentecostalism, believe that Christ will return in this present age to reign in Jerusalem for 1,000 years. But is this consistent with a proper interpretation of Revelation and the Scriptures as a whole? Who are those that reign with Christ for 1,000 years and how should this 1,000 years be understood? Much of mainstream Christianity, both historically and today, have interpreted this passage in a way that is both consistent with the Creeds of the Church and the way the book of Revelation itself demands to be interpreted as apocalyptic literature or more specifically inspired, apocalyptic sacred text or prophecy. Even if you have not been a regular at our online studies of Revelation you are most welcome to join the study on Revelation 20 this Thursday evening, 19th of Ausgust at 7.30pm by going to the link on our St Peter’s website or by clicking here.

Also coming up is the dedication of the Cottage at the College straight after service Sunday week, 29th of August. The Cottage has been modified in order to facilitate year 11 & 12 classes. We plan to steam the dedication rite from the Cottage back to the St Peter’s Centre for those whose mobility precludes them from wandering across to the Cottage or in case of inclement weather. The College community are especially invited to attend the dedication service and rite and a group of students will be leading the singing on that day. Lunch will follow with sausages provided and all are invited to bring a salad, sandwiches or a sweet to share. All are encouraged to attend what should be an uplifting occasion. 

The College has just published a new newsletter. You can read it here.
 
Barnabas Fund retiring offering extended: Millions around the world are being pushed into poverty by COVID and conflict. The Barnabas Fund has been active for a long time now and partners with local Churches, including the persecuted Church, to get funds to where they are sorely needed. There will be an opportunity to support this charity through a retiring offering at our service this Sunday the 22nd of August.

Medieval Festival: The ELC Parents and Friends group is hosting a Medieval Fair on Saturday 4th of September at Eastside Lutheran College from 3.30pm. Come and join the fun. More details to follow in the coming weeks. 
 
Quiz night: Saturday, 18th of September, at the St Peter’s Centre. BYO drinks and nibbles. Get a table together or simply join one. $10 adults, $5 for those aged 15-18. Under 15 free. More information to follow. 
 
Praise God for the rain which has fallen on Hobart after quite a dry period. We had 20mm following service on Sunday which was a fair bit more than forecast and also following prayers for rain being included in the service that day.
 
Let us all keep close to our merciful and gracious Lord, the bread of life who has come down from heaven and who alone, as we will hear on Sunday from the mouth of St Peter, has words of eternal life.
 
Warmest regards and blessings,
 
Pastor Mike.
Saint Peter's Lutheran Church, Hobart.