Sunday 18th September 2016

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

Sunday’s theme was “money, money, money”. The parable from the service was somewhat difficult. The Parable of the Dishonest Manager. It is one of challenge. There is a three tiered economy described with the manager, the owners and the workers, plus the Pharisees and Scribes. When Jesus was presenting this parable there would have been comments from each of the groups included. The people would have gone from the place with a different prospective of each other’s lives. We are challenged how we operate in our own economic system and we are told we must take into account the overall system of God – how we use our time, talents and what we do in our world. Many people are challenged by the thoughts of whether we have enough money for retirement or to do what we want in life. Jesus is not condemning anyone but asking people to look at the overall picture.

Great news that we now have enough money to purchase and install the defibrillator. Thanks to Pakenham Op Shop, Cardinia Racing Club, Bendigo Bank and Win Macreadie. We also have some money from our raffle held on election day. Thank you to John Stitt for his work towards this project.

Homework Hub is held each Tuesday 3.30 – 5.30pm. You are welcome to drop in at any time to assist with the meal or do some reading with the children. Kirsty Simons is organising this and really could do with some help. Please remember you will need a Working With Children Check. See Olive for assistance with this. The Safe Mothers, Safe Children program is also operating with Martha Mai leading this. Please note these groups are on school holidays.

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

Confirmation classes for older youth Sunday 25th September. (Also 9/10, 23/10. Confirmation service 6^th November) Please speak with Rev Ann or Julie if you would like to come. The response to these Confirmation Classes has been fabulous. Julie Waters and Tony (a parent) are preparing a “jam” session for each session. A generous donation from a parishioner means we are able to purchase some musical equipment. A meal is shared at the end of these sessions.

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

Wednesday 21^st September 10.00am              Messy Church meeting

Wednesday 21^st September 1.30pm               Mc Gregor Gardens service.

Friday 23rd September 10.00am                    MECWA Drop In lunch John and Jannie Crow

Saturday 24^th September 5.00 – 7.00pm         Messy Church

Sunday 25^th September 8.45am                      Officer Service: Rev. Ann Simons

Sunday 25th September10.00am                    Pakenham Service: Rev Denham Grierson

Sunday 25^th September 11.00am                    Morning Tea: Margaret Mc Kay. Washing up assistance always appreciated

Sunday 25thSeptember Noon                         4^th Sunday lunch at John and Mary’s 11 Riddell Grove Pakenham. Bring a plate to share. All welcome.

Tuesday 27^th September 10.00-Noon             Beehive craft.

Coming events

Thursday 13^th October 9.30am                       Prayer group at the church.

“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord O my soul” Psalm 145 V1