Gazette
Sunday 17th July 2016
“Experiencing the love and life of Christ through vibrant and life changing communities and creative partnerships.”
Sunday’s service was the dedication and unveiling of the mural which was designed by Rob Matheson and worked on by members of the congregation, school and community members. Thank you to Rob and John Irving from Beaconhills. The mural is entitled “Symbol of Diversity”. It contains the eagle symbol (from our first peoples) and various religious symbols woven into the vibrant coloured ropes – many colours one people. This mural on the front of the church will be enjoyed by the community who pass. Reverend Ann spoke to the congregation about the importance of being focused as we often get distracted by many things. About two years ago a grant was applied for and the mural was created. This symbolised what the church hoes to be in the community. This grant was not successful but some other money from other Uniting Churches has since helped bring this to fruition. John Irving from Beaconhills College spoke of the relationship between the church and the college. The building of a mosaic chair, then a prize to the best VCE Arts student each year. Rob Matheson designed the mural. He saw it as an opportunity, illustrating the fact that we are a diverse community. Rob spoke of his background from Springvale and how that the community there has now changed as has ours. Kris Barnard from the Interfaith Network spoke of the very small number of faiths a few years ago but now the community is very different. Tours are conducted to different places of worship to educate people. The taste of faith program is also important. Kris also spoke of the calendar produced by the Interfaith Network. Following the service inside the church we moved to the front where Lyn Stephenson spoke of her family’s connection with the church, including the Presbyterian Church prior to Uniting formation. She and Nancy Matthews unveiled the mural. Following this morning tea was served in the lounge.
Messy Church (formerly The Wild) met on Saturday July 16th 5.00 – 7.00pm Future dates are August 27th, September 24th, October 22nd and November 19th.
Main Street Playgroup (that’s us) is holding an open day on Tuesday 26th July 10.00am – Noon. Please take a postcard and pop it in a letterbox or nearby business.
Uniting World. On Sunday 31st July Rev. Paul Bartlett, Donor Relationship Manager, Uniting World will present the latest news. This will be followed by a shared meal. Please note this is instead of the regular 4th Sunday lunch.
Julie Waters is supporting Pastoral Care call her on 0401073685. Julie is keen to start a prayer time to pray for the work and workers in the Officer Pakenham Mission Area. Watch for the time and place or talk to Julie.
SHARE Winter Appeal has started. This is a way of assisting local families and children who are hungry, homeless or in crisis. Every donation goes directly to help with no administration costs taken. Brochures are available in the foyer.
In the foyer is a box for items for Operation Christmas Child who provide shoe boxes to children in undeveloped countries. There is a list on the box of the type of items to place in the box. You can also donate money as each box costs $9 to pack and send. Take a brochure which explains the program. To assist with funding the boxes a “Special Project Dollar Box” will be available to take any spare coins you may have.
Don’t forget the donation jars in the foyer for “Fellowship of the Least Coin”, “4Cs Combined Christian Churches” who support people locally and “Lexi Waters”. Also a tin for Asylum Seekers. If you have spare coins please consider these containers.
Pew sheet information can be left in the folder in the kitchen by Thursday pm, phoned to her 0407506662 or missglynis@bigpond.com
This week:
Wednesday 20th July 1.30pm Millhaven service (Baptist)
Wednesday 20th July 2.00pm Discussion of Otira book at Eunice Smith’s
Friday 22nd July 10.00am MECWA Drop In lunch Olive Elston
Sunday 24th July 10.00am Pakenham Service: Rev. Ann Simons Communion.
Sunday 24th July 11.00am Morning Tea: Doreen Stitt and Enid Bell. Washing up assistance always appreciated
Sunday 24th July 3.00pm Ordination Service for Nathaniel Atem at Springvale
Tuesday 26th July 10.00 – Noon Beehive Craft
Tuesday 26th July 10.00 – Noon Playgroup Open Day
Coming events
Sunday 31st July Uniting World presentation and shared lunch
Saturday 27th August 5.00 – 7.00 Messy Church
“Love your neighbour as you love yourself.” Luke 10 V27