Everton Park Presbyterian Reformed Church

A local friendly reformed church in Everton Park, Brisbane

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The Parables

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Throughout His ministry Jesus taught over twenty parables. These parables are often described as ‘earthly stories with a heavenly meaning’ because for those who want to hear they reveal great riches about the kingdom of God. In Matthew 13:10-17, we learn why Jesus spoke in parables:

And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”

He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:

‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive;
For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.’

But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Jesus spoke in parables so that His disciples would understand His teachings and so that unbelievers would be without comprehension. This is true today – those interested in the truth of Jesus’ message are given understanding by God. So, over the summer period we will study some of the parables so that we can learn more about the truth that Jesus is teaching us.

Ministries during Coronavirus restrictions – December 2020 Update

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Under current Stage 6 Queensland Government restrictions, we are permitted to have up to 1 person per 2m2 attending worship services or other gatherings at the Church Hall. Generally, this means regular attendees plus some visitors can be accommodated.

We continue to hold bible studies on Wednesday evenings and Prayer Meetings on Sunday mornings at 9am before our worship service.

Sunday School has now concluded for the year and is not held over the school summer holiday period. We anticipate classes will resume in early 2021.

Some activities are still restricted and we have accordingly modified our practices around serving of food and drinks:

  • Morning Tea: we are unable to serve morning tea, however we still have a time of fellowship from 10-10:30am between the Prayer Meeting and Worship Service for a BYO morning tea.
  • First Sunday Lunch: we would ‘normally’ hold a shared meal fellowship lunch on the first Sunday. Instead of a shared lunch, per Government restrictions this is currently a BYO lunch, with family groups sitting together and/or smaller groups spread in our various areas outside. If you would like to join us on the first Sunday, please bring your own lunch and accept our apologies that we can’t offer hospitality.

Should restrictions change we will modify gatherings and events accordingly. Please contact us for any current updates or check back here regularly. Thank you.

Ministries during Coronavirus restrictions – Updated June 2020

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With the recent announcements by the Queensland Government of the early implementation of Stage 2 easing, we are recommencing public meetings at Everton Park.

Per the Government requirements, our meetings will be with limited numbers (currently max 20 people). Meetings at the hall are currently planned to include Tuesday and Wednesday Bible Studies, and two (duplicate) services on Sunday for worship. These multiple events will help more people to be able to join in person. However, for any who are unwell, or who are otherwise unable to be with us in person, we will continue to provide a digital ministry via SermonAudio and are trialling also live-streaming services.

If you would like to attend either a Bible Study or our Sunday Worship service, please contact us so that we can confirm your interest and coordinate numbers at the hall. If you would like the details of the Sunday live-stream, please also contact us and we will send necessary links.

Reassured Waiting

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Have you ever been waiting for something and thought you may have missed it? Have you ever experienced the disappointment that accompanies this? Many of us have. 1 Thessalonians is a wonderful letter that gives us reassurances as we wait for the return of Christ.

Join us each Sunday as we explore the words of comfort God provides us from 1 Thessalonians.

Ministries during Coronavirus restrictions

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Due to recent Australian government requirements introduced to restrict indoor gatherings, including places of worship, we are suspending our public worship services and meetings at Everton Park.

We will continue to seek opportunities to minister to one another, encourage one another and build each other up, however these may of necessity take different forms for the immediate future. Our plans for alternatives to public meeting currently include:

  • Sunday worship services will be available pre-recorded in audio and video format. These will be provided through our SermonAudio feed for download by each Sunday and are linked below.
  • Bible studies will be trialled via video conference link-up. Depending on the success of this we may continue as one or a few smaller groups meeting together via virtual presence.
  • Pastoral ministry may be impacted by the practical restrictions of social distancing and limiting our movement and contact with each other. Callum will be contacting people directly to discuss this.
  • Sunday School material is being provided to parents to continue teaching and training their children. Current or past Sunday School material can be made available for others who may want to use it.
  • Social and service activities are suspended until further notice.

While we may be isolated, we can be greatly encouraged and encouraging through prayer. Please continue to pray:

  • for one another for spiritual strength and growth, despite the circumstances that limit our physically meeting together.
  • for those who are isolated by current events and seek to reach out to encourage them by maintaining regular contact.
  • for our members working in healthcare, that they would be able to provide good care for those in need and that they would be kept safe.
  • for those in authority over us making decisions and seeking to lead our State and country, that they would have wisdom and humility in their responsibilities.
  • that though these uncertain and disruptive times, the recognition of our lack of control over things, and the reminder of our mortality that it would cause all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.