Sunday 28th August 2016

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

Sunday’s service was very busy with Refugee and Migrant Sunday leading to Riak Kiir’s Commissioning as our Community Development Worker. As you can see by the articles in the Gazette over the last 2 weeks Riak is making in impact on the community. Rev. Ann also had 4^th Sunday lunch at her house. Glenda George Cultural Diversity Facilitator from the Shire of Cardinia spoke to us about her work. She assists new people who move to the Shire. Cardinia Shire is a Refugee Welcome Zone recognising the refugees who have moved to our community over many years. This promotes harmony in the community and fosters mutual respect. This year Harmony Day was held at the Living and Learning Centre. Glenda’s work continues as our community now have asylum seekers in the area. Mohammed from Lentara also spoke to us. He was very pleased to attend. He manages the Asylum Seeker project funded by the Uniting Church. Main focus is to provide housing as those seeking asylum are not eligible to work, obtain Medicare, study or any benefits. The buildings used are former manses which Lentara maintains. 118 people are currently supported. People get a small allowance which provides necessities only. Language programs and other support are also provided. Rakele, a business woman from the local community, also spoke to us. She came to Australia in 2002 – mother of 7 – and went to Tasmania. She now has a shop in Pakenham with African products and goods. Rev. Ann spoke about barriers in our lives, many of which we deliberately put up. Riak’s commissioning was a very moving and positive part of the service and we wish him well in the future.

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.

We are ordering new Uniting Church name tags. Please see Wendy if you would like one. Cost $11.

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 Sunday 28th August. Please speak with Rev Ann or Julie if you would like to come. (These are fortnightly)

Messy Church meets on Saturdays from 5.00 – 7.00pm. Future dates are September 24^th, October 22^nd and November 19^th. Last Saturday 8 kids and 8 big kids joined together for craft and the kids were seate3d in the “Cannibal bus” made by John Stitt. Why a cannibal bus? – because someone had taken out the s from the sign where it said how many could be s/eated in the bus. Everyone enjoyed the party pies, sausage rolls and chips and gobbled up the gingerbread men.

Thank you to the wonderful people who contributed to the box for items for Operation Christmas Child who provide shoe boxes to children in undeveloped countries.

Friendship Group are packing boxes on Wednesday September 7^th.

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:

Friday 2^nd September 10.00am                       MECWA Drop In lunch Robyn Eastwood and Marie Harding

Sunday 4^th September 8.45am                        Officer Service: Rev Ann Simons Father’s Day

Sunday 4^th September10.00am                       Pakenham Service: Rev Ann Simons Father’s Day

Sunday 4^th September 11.00am                      Morning Tea: Lyn Stephenson and Betty Young. Washing up assistance always appreciated

Tuesday 6^th September 10.00 – Noon             Beehive Craft

Tuesday 6^th September 10.00 – Noon Playgroup

Coming events

Wednesday 7^th September 1.30pm                 Friendship Group

Wednesday 7^th September 2.00pm                 Otira book readers discussion.

Thursday 8^th September 9.30 – 10.30am        Church prayer group followed by coffee. Contact Julie 0401073685

Sunday 11^th September 11.00am                    Congregational Annual meeting

Sunday 11^th September 2.00pm                      Cardinia Civic Concert Band See Lyn Stephenson for tickets.

Sunday 11^th September 5.00 – 7.00pm           Confirmation classes

Saturday 10^th September 7.30pm                    Legends Showcase.

“Incline your ear and answer me for I am poor and needy”. Psalm 86 V1