Sunday 7^th February 2016

“Experiencing the love and life of Christ through vibrant and life changing communities and creative partnerships.”

Sunday’s service was Transfiguration Sunday conducted by Rev. Ann Simons. Ann had already conducted the service at Officer at 8.45am so she had an early start. Today was the beginning of our new service times with Pakenham starting at 10.00am. In the children’s address she spoke about how easy it is for children to dress up and become a super hero. Children relate to the transfiguration of Jesus easily because of their ability to change themselves into other characters. Jesus is on the top of the mountain and is visited by Moses and Elijah. This is an unusual situation as they see Jesus and are told that the suffering to come can be bi-passed. Once the cloud descends God says to them “This is my Son, my chosen, listen to him. The men are then made to understand that the way of the cross cannot be bi-passed as this is the new event which is for the saviour of mankind. We are directed to look towards Jerusalem and the events to come. It has been a quick transition from Advent to Epiphany and now to Transfiguration, where we are given a glimpsed of what is to come. The next Christian season is Lent. The glory is the cross and we are invited to meet the world and its suffering.

Lenten Meditations: During the season of Lent, preparing for Easter 4 Lenten meditations will be held. They will be active in style and focus on four dimensions of the life of Jesus – powerlessness, denial, betrayal and abandonment. There will be time for personal and silent reflection. Held at the Uniting Church on Wednesday evenings 6.00 – 7.00 starting February 17^th. Afterwards a shared meal costing $6.00 will take place to continue conversation and reflection. Session Leader is Rev. Dr. Denham Grierson.

Last Sunday was the last performance of “Melodic Voices”. It has become more difficult for John Mc Kay to conduct practices and then performances. We thank all those involved with “Melodic Voices”, especially John. Perhaps there is someone who can continue this worship in some way, particularly at Christmas and Easter as leading the congregation through music is important. Thank you John for all your work with this group.

Readers alert as the first Otira book for 2016 is “Testing Tradition and Liberating Theology” by Val Webb. New readers are always welcome. Ask Eunice Smith about it. 59415940

Day for Girls. A box is in the foyer to collect items (These include undies, soaps, face washers and zip lock bags) which can be used by the Salvation Army to make “supplies” for girls in third world countries who are disadvantaged as when they are menstruating they are not allowed at school or work. Pick up a pink explanation sheet and see what you can donate to help this excellent cause or see Pauline or Olive for details. Congratulations to the Salvation Army for this great initiative. The box will be there until the end of February.

Please make sure you collect and complete a “Membership Form” (Yellow). These forms will allow us to get our rolls correct so that when decisions are made we know that the results are legal in the terms of the Uniting Church. If you would like to have your membership confirmed there is a service n February 21^st so please see Rev. Ann about this.

World Day of Prayer service at Pakenham Uniting Church Friday 4^th March. Morning Tea at 10.00am Worship service 10.30am. All welcome.

If you have egg cartons please bring them so they can be taken to 4Cs.

Pew sheet information can be left in the folder in the kitchen by Thursday pm or sent to missglynis@bigpond.com

This week:

Friday 12^th February 10.00                 MECWA bus Elwyn Alexander and Bev Smith

Sunday 14^th February 10.00am           Pakenham Service: Prahran Mission Guest Speaker with liturgist Rev Ann Simons

Sunday 14^th February 11.00am           Morning Tea: Elwyn Alexander and Chris Mountford. Washing up assistance always appreciated.

Coming events

Wednesday 17^th February 7.30pm      Lenten studies series. (4 weeks)

Saturday 20th February 5.00 – 7.00pm First Intergenerational Service conducted by Pastor Belinda Clear.

Friday 4^th March 10.00am                   World Day of Prayer Service (Morning tea first)

“These three remain: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians Ch13 V13