Gazette
Sunday 21st August 2016
“Experiencing the love and life of Christ through vibrant and life changing communities and creative partnerships.”
Rev. Ann Simons conducted Sunday’s service. We have been looking at the letter to the Hebrews to a persecuted church. We have spoken of the things we know that faith is assured although we cannot see. We do not walk this journey alone but many before us who run the faith and passed on the faith. Our race is different from others in the race of life because of our connection with Jesus. The letter to the Hebrews is written to re-energize people who have a flagging faith. Placing your trust in things you cannot see is difficult. We see images on our televisions of awful situations like the little 5 year old boy in Aleppo who was bloodied and confused. These challenge our thinking. Ann comme3nted that when she is confronted by such images she resorts to music to comfort her. She played us some of her favourites in our service. Sunday’s reading presented a contrasted destination of Mt Sianai where we experience the wrath of God and Mount Zion (Jerusalem the heavenly city) This was the image of the wonderful end to a journey. Ann told us of last week’s confirmation class which was a glimpse of Mt Zion as 15 people came with a number committing themselves to learn more on their Christian journey. As we journey on our way we are aware of a God who is gracious and righteous.
Homework club is beginning on Tuesday. You are welcome to drop in and at any time to assist with the meal or do some reading with the children. Please remember you will need a Working With Children Check. See Olive for assistance with this.
A volunteer is required to be in charge of this year’s Christmas Bowl Appeal and the Target Christmas Appeal. Please see Rev. Ann.
Confirmation classes for older youth starting Sunday 14th August. Please speak with Rev Ann or Julie if you would like to come.
Messy Church meets on Saturdays from 5.00 – 7.00pm. Future dates are August 27th, September 24th, October 22nd and November 19th.
Calendars 2017 available in the foyer from Cardinia Interfaith Network. Please take one.
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.
Donation jars are 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 24th August 2.30pm Meadowvale service: Baptist church
Thursday 25th August 11.00am Shanagolden service: Rev Ann Simons
Friday 26th August 10.00am MECWA Drop In lunch Bev Smith and Elwyn Alexander
Saturday 27th August 5.00 – 7.00pm Messy Church
Sunday 28th August 10.00am Pakenham Service: Rev Ann Simons Refugee & Migrant Sunday. Riak’s commissioning
Sunday 28th August 11.00am Morning Tea: Jenny Theobald and Robyn Eastwood. Washing up assistance always appreciated
Sunday 28th August Noon Fourth Sunday lunch at Rev Ann’s 9 Stockman’s Circuit.
Sunday 28th August 5.00-7.00pm Confirmation Classes.
Tuesday 30th August 10.00 – Noon Beehive Craft
Tuesday 30th August 10.00 – Noon Playgroup
Coming events
Wednesday 7th September 1.30pm Friendship Group
Thursday 8th September 9.30 – 10.30am Church prayer group followed by coffee. Contact Julie 0401073685
Sunday 11th September 11.00am Congregational Annual meeting
Saturday 10th September 7.30pm Legends Showcase.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? Psalm 121 V1