I know in theory and practice that I need to be regularly connected and engaged with a local group of believers (church). However, I sometimes need to be reminded of the importance of this connection. If you are like me, then read on for some useful prompts I found for myself.

I need to be engaged with a local church (I used “engaged” specifically as I don’t just want to sit in a pew) –

• Because I need the regular support and encouragement of Christian fellowship.
  The Christian life is not designed to be lived in isolation, and those who try it that way are likely to crash!
• Fellowship provided by Christian friends is no substitute for belonging to a church.
  I choose my friends because their ideas and style are similar to mine. God puts different people in a congregation so they can learn from each other.
• Gifts can only rightly be used by someone who is a member of a congregation. Gifts are primarily for the congregation, not for the individual and are rightly used to build up the church.
• God’s basic unit is the church, not the individual.
• Without it, I am not paying the price of being a Christian.
  Jesus called me to serve my community of faith… to be ‘slave of all’. (see Mark 10:35-45)
• I cannot understand the New Testament properly unless I belong to a church.
  Most of the New Testament is addressed to churches. If I only read the Bible privately, then I will not be in the right place to hear God’s word.
• Basic maturity in faith and knowledge is only found in the church.
  The Bible clearly teaches that those who cannot cope with the church ‘system’ are immature (see Titus 1:5; Hebrews 13:17).
• Sharing in Baptism and the Lord’s Supper is basic to Christian obedience.
• Submitting to Christian leadership is integral to New Testament Christianity.
  ‘Going-it-alone’ is okay in the short term, but eventually I err if I imagine that I do not need structures and human authority.
• Ministry teams, evangelism teams, and Christian societies are no substitute for churches.
  They do good work but are not the same as churches, because they are limited in membership and task oriented. Churches must accept everyone, gifted or not, and so they more accurately reflect God’s free grace. (See Titus 3:1-7)
• Listening to sermons online is no substitute for receiving God’s words in the church you belong to.
  I need people to whom I am accountable for my hearing of God’s words. The sermon I need to hear next Sunday is from my church minister, who loves me and prays for me.

That’s a little longer than normal, but I found it put a stone in my shoe. I pray it does for you as well.

IMPORTANT BUS AREA REMINDER

Please do not access the bus zone in the afternoon. It is a safety concern to have vehicles and people moving around buses.

All students are to be picked up in their dedicated pick-up areas. All students are to be picked up in the area of the youngest sibling:

• Prep – Prep car park area
• Yr 1-3 - Primary Village ring road pick up

• Yr 4-6 – Bottom Primary/ELC car park
• Secondary – Secondary area pick up on ring road

Thank you for your understanding and for helping keep our students safe. If you have any concerns please see us.

To make the final days of the school year special we have a great week of activities planned for our Primary students.

• Stepping Up Morning – Tuesday 26th November, 9:45am
• Primary Presentation Night – Thursday 28th November
• Class Activities - Monday 2nd December to Wednesday 4th December
• Christmas Musical – Wednesday 4th December, 11:00am

Please take note of the details and information in the attached letter and flyer.

We look forward to celebrating the end of 2024 with you.

During Monday to Wednesday in the last week of school of 2024, Cooloola Christian College is pleased to present Year 7, 8 and 9 students with an Alternate Program.

Appropriate non-uniform attire may be worn on Monday and Wednesday (please adhere to the non-uniform guidelines in the Uniform Policy); sports uniform can be worn on Tuesday.

Please see the attached letter and flyer for an outline of each day, and additional items your child may be required to bring with them.

Please note that any students who have not completed assessment tasks or have outstanding RTP plans, will be required to finalise these before they can participate in the End of Year (EOY) Alternate activities.

We look forward to celebrating the end of term with you.

The final day of Term 4 2024 for students in Prep to Year 9 is Wednesday 4 December.

The final day for Year 10 & 11 students is Friday 22 November.

School commences in 2025 on Tuesday 28 January.

We have a lot of lost property at Student Services. Please have a look through and collect anything that may be yours. All items not collected by the end of Term will be donated.

Calling all VOLLEYBALLERS!

Be a part of one of the fastest growing sports in the world, volleyball! At Sharks Volleyball we offer a range of programs and opportunities to get YOU involved.
Our programs include training and gameplay to help you Get your Edge on your volleyball skills and knowledge.

Weekly Junior Session – Weekly training during the school term for ages 10 to 18.
Exclusive Mid-Term sale available!

Beach (Volleyball) Sessions – Weekly training ON THE SAND! Ages 10 to 18.
Currently only available on the Gold Coast. Starting 11th November!

Holiday Pass – Affordable school holiday program for ages 8 to 18

Youth Social Volleyball – Weekly Social Gameplay, for ages 13 to 18

Kelp Roots – Grassroots incursion style program for ages 6 to 12.

Private Sessions – Training session tailored to your specific needs, all ages.

Sharks Camp – 4-day holiday training program, ages 10 to 18.

Visit our website to find out more information on these programs!

If you're looking for a holiday experience your child will never forget, Tunnel Ridge Ranch, has crafted the perfect blend of fun, faith, and adventure, designed to make their holiday one they’ll be talking about for years! With horse rides, water activities, faith & character building talks, your child will make unforgettable memories and lasting friendships.

Sign up now and give your child the adventure of a lifetime. Spaces are limited, so make sure you grab their spot today.

Head to www.tunnelridge.com.au to register and secure their place at camp.