Sunday 14^th February 2016

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

Rev. Ann Simons spoke to the congregation about ancient times where people gave up food to concentrate on their humanity. A short sketch looking at Jesus’ power showed ideas on God’s power which wasn’t to be used for frivolous means. People tried to get Jesus to use his power, not in the way of God. Quin Pawson, CEO from Prahran Mission spoke to us on Sunday. He has been in that positon for many years. In 1946 Methodists came together to reach out to the community to assist. Enormous amount of work was done over the years, taking wood to the elderly and food to many. The Prahran Mission still has meals through a small café called Hartley. In the 80’s the focus became wider and people with a mental disability were helped, as were children who had been disregarded. The focus shifted to a paid work force, rather than a volunteer workforce. Quin told some of the stories of people he had met. Paula suffered from bi-polar and had a number of suicide attempts which meant she was hospitalized. Paula’s sister came to see her and told her that she did not have to live. Paula then started to work weekly at the Op Shop and also to work in the Art Group. Slowly she built up a friendship group and has since worked in hospitality. Other stories included Brad and the 1000 people they work with. Quin’s stories were inspirational and we thank him for them.

The Wild. Join Pastor Belinda Clear and young families at the first Intergenerational Faith Service 5.00 – 7.00pm Saturday 20^th February. Explore faith through stories, activities and community building. BYO Picnic Dinner.

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.

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

Thank you to Marie Harding and Joan Vogels who will be our Presbytery representatives for the next year.

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. This 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 on 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:

Wednesday 17^th February 9.00 – 11.30am       Supporting Mums, Empowering Families.

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

Friday 19^th February 10.00am              MECWA bus Roma Warner and Doreen Stitt

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

Sunday 21^st February 8.45am               Officer Service: Rev. Ann Simons

Sunday 21st February 10.00am            Pakenham Service: Rev Ann Simons Welcome of new members and Office bearers.

Sunday 21st February 11.00am            Morning Tea: Betty Young. Washing up assistance always appreciated.

Coming events

Wednesday 24^th February 7.15pm        Presbytery meeting at Carrum.

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

Saturday 19^th -20^th March                    Faith and Fabric exhibition

Friday 3^rd June 7.30pm             Opening of Synod at Wesley Church (148 Lonsdale St. Melb)

Saturday 4^th – 8^th June 9.00am Synod meeting (Box Hill Town Hall)

“This is my Son, my Chosen, listen to him” Luke Ch9 V35