Gazette
Sunday 4th September 2016
“Experiencing the love and life of Christ through vibrant and life changing communities and creative partnerships.”
Sunday as Father’s Day and Riak commented on the different customs in different countries at this time. We make a fuss of fathers whereas Sudan gives gifts when people marry. Rev. Ann spoke of the people on the road with Jesus. He said that it is now time to take into account all things. Be prepared for the journey. Ann told us about her father who would also be super-prepared for any journey. Jesus said to the Disciples “Stop and be prepared” before taking up the cross and following him. The symbol of the cross – what does it mean to us individually? This can be very varied – Christianity, sign of hope, way of life, sacrifice, Christ’s death to take away our sins. What does Luke say about carrying a cross – carrying burdens for those Jesus has released from burdens. Carrying the ministry forward, favouring and regarding the marginalised. Luke says that the cross is not the only means of salvation. Carrying the cross cannot only be located in suffering and sacrifice – the cost of discipleship. Faith is not only about cost, as life itself is costly – full of choices – counting costs. The cross we are asked to pick up is a commitment to a way of life to bring Jesus into Pakenham.
The Cross-Cultural Network met at Pakenham UC. Riak and Martha spoke about their experiences entering in the worship space in Pakenham, Glynis shared her experiences of Koornang UC, Margaret and John spoke of welcoming a young Ethiopian family. Rev. Hoon shared information of the Assembly’s Cross Cultural network where the emphasis is to remain at the table to discuss our differences. Rev. Ray Mc Cluskey from Monash UC shared snippets of the different cultures he works with. On October 10th they are hosting an International Dinner. Rev. Ann commented that our congregation is becoming very multi-cultural which she views weekly from the pulpit.
Homework club is held each 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.
Confirmation classes for older youth Sunday 11th September. (Also 25/09, 9/10, 23/10. Confirmation service 6th November) 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 September 24th, October 22nd and November 19th.
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 7th.
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 7th September 1.30pm Friendship Group
Wednesday 7th September 2.00pm Otira book readers discussion.
Thursday 8th September 9.30 – 10.30am Church prayer group followed by coffee. Contact Julie 0401073685
Friday 9th September 10.00am MECWA Drop In lunch John and Doreen Stitt
Saturday 10th September Messy Church Training Day. Contact Rev. Ann 59417768
Sunday 11th September10.00am Pakenham Service: Rev Ann Simons
Sunday 11th September 11.00am Morning Tea: Adrienne Cathcart and Rosemary Furse. Washing up assistance always appreciated
Sunday 11th September 11am Pakenham Uniting Church AGM
Sunday 11th September 2.00pm Cardinia Civic Concert Band See Lyn Stephenson for tickets.
Sunday 11th September 5.00 – 7.00pm Confirmation classes
Tuesday 13th September 10.00 – Noon Beehive Craft
Tuesday 13th September 10.00 – Noon Playgroup
Tuesday 13th September 4.00 – 6.00pm Homework Club
Tuesday 13th September 4.00 – 6.00pm Making Changes Parents Group
Coming events
Wednesday 21st September 10.00am Messy Church meeting
“The Lord is King. He is clothed with majesty and strength” Psalm 93 V1