Sunday 25th September 2016

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

Rev. Denham Grierson conducted Sunday’s service. He spoke to us about finding God and escaping God. The pretence of God is inescapable. Where would we expect to find God? The pursuit of perfection is an attempt to find God. The temptation of piety is outgrowing the need of God. A particular form of atheism is bent in this way. Many feel the burden of life being too heavy. We are given the statistics on suicide. Even in the depths of despair God is there. Escape into hell is not an escape from God as he is there. Our attempt to go to outer space still has God. We cannot flee from God.

Don’t forget daylight saving starts next Saturday October 1^st so turn your clocks forward 1 hour at 2am.

Next week April Robinson from the Synod “Uniting Through Faiths interfaith network” will be our guest speaker. To celebrate our multiculturalism everyone is invited to bring something for display that represents their cultural heritage. Also bring something for morning tea (Please put your name and the country on each article for display.

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.

Thanks to those who moved furniture when we had the carpets cleaned. A great effort.

On Wednesday 5^th October the Friendship Group are looking at aprons and their history. Come along and find out the history of the apron.

Do you have a favourite hymn? Let Bruce Chappell know for the Hymn service on October 30^th.

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

Confirmation classes for older youth Sunday 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 meeting. 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 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:

Thursday 29^th September 2.30pm                     Meadowvale Service Rev Eunice Smith

Friday 30th September 10.00am                       MECWA Drop In lunch Roma Warner and Joan Johnstone (No Outlook)

Sunday 2nd October 8.45am                            Officer Service: Rev. Ann Simons

Sunday 2^nd October 10.00am                           Pakenham Service: April Robinson (Uniting Through Faith)

Sunday 2^nd October 11.00am                           Morning Tea: Pauline Grey. Washing up assistance always appreciated

Tuesday 4^th October 10.00 -Noon                   Beehive craft.

Tuesday 4^th October 10.00 – Noon                  Main Street Playgroup

Tuesday 4^th October 3.30 – 5.30pm                 Homework Hub

Tuesday 4^th October 3.30 – 5.30pm                 Martha’s Mums Group

Coming events

Wednesday 5^th October1.30pm                        Friendship Group

Sunday 9^th October                                          Combined Officer / Pakenham Agape Service

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

Sat 22^nd October 5.00 – 7.00pm                      Messy Church

Sunday 30^th October                                        Hymn Service: Bruce Chappell and Bev Smith.

Sunday 13^th November 5.00 – 8.00                  High Tea Fundraiser (Save the date)

Sunday 4^th December Noon                             Christmas Lunch Book on the notice board.

“O Lord my God in you I take refuge.” Psalm 7 V1