Sunday 31st July 2016

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

Sunday’s service was conducted by Rev. Paul Bartlett, Donor Relations Manager of Uniting World. Uniting World is an agency of the National Assembly of the Uniting Church, changing lives in both Australia and internationally. Uniting World has 35 national partnerships. The Presbyterian Church in South Sudan being one. Peace building programs are important. This is to get people to talk together. Luke’s parable of “the rich fool” shows a man who is building huge barns to put his harvest. God said this is not the way to go as it is storing treasures for yourself and not for God. We should share what we have, making sure we look after ourselves as well as God. Generosity is at the heart of what it is to be Disciples to Jesus. In Hosea we are shown the land of Israel which was given everything. Even when the Israelites turn their backs on the Lord he does not forsake them. God is faithful and calls us to be so as well. Uniting World partnership have grown over the years with $2,600,000 fundraised each year. Emergency appeals also exist when cyclones, earthquakes and droughts occur. Clean water is most important. Funding the training and support of Midwives is part of the UW programs. At any time about 40 programs exist, including health clinics, HIV Aids clinics, education programs. Please keep this work in your prayers.

A card for Nathaniel Atem is available to sign. He begins in Orbost soon so he and his family are moving to Orbost to start the adventure of ministry. Please sign the card.

Playgroup had a very successful “Open Day” last Tuesday with lots of new families attending. In the near future a planning day will occur where Payal (Co-ordinator) and the mum will plan their program. This is a valuable ministry into the community so if you can spare some time to help (wiping down toys, chatting to parents and kids, packing up at the end of the day or helping on the planning day) please let Ann or Olive know.

Messy Church meets on Saturdays from 5.00 – 7.00pm. Future dates are August 27^th, September 24^th, October 22^nd and November 19^th.

Friendship Group will meet on Wednesday 3^rd August at 1.30pm with Rev Ann joining to tell of her trip to Spain where she walked the El Camino trail.

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 available in the foyer.

Calendars 2017 available in the foyer from Cardinia Interfaith Network. Please take ONE.

A Legends Showcase night starring Mark Andrews Saturday September 10^th 7.30pm This is a fundraiser for the John Mc Foundation, supporters of future projects at Pakenham Uniting.

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 3^rd August 1.30pm                      Singing Group Practice

Wednesday 3^rd August 1.30pm                     Friendship Group.

Friday 5th August 10.00am                            MECWA Drop In lunch Jannie and John Crowe

Sunday 7^th August 8.45am                             Officer Service: Rev Ann Simons

Sunday 7^th August 10.00am                           Pakenham Service: Rev Ann Simons Liturgist Don Rewell

Sunday 7^th August 11.00am                           Morning Tea: Ruth Chappell. Washing up assistance always appreciated

Tuesday 9^th August 10.00 – Noon                  Beehive Craft

Tuesday 9^th August 10.00 – Noon                 Playgroup

Coming events

Wednesday 17^th August 10.00am                   Chris Barnett attending Messy Church meeting

Saturday 27^th August 5.00 – 7.00pm              Messy Church

Saturday 10^th September 7.30pm                    Legends Showcase.

“Lord teach us to pray” Luke Ch11 V1