Gazette
Sunday 2nd October 2016
“Experiencing the love and life of Christ through vibrant and life changing communities and creative partnerships.”
Sunday’s service was introduced by Margaret Mc Kay who spoke about the Uniting Church Assembly of 1985 when the Uniting Church declared they were a multicultural church. She spoke of a book her father purchased when she was 5, many years ago, with maps and pictures from around the world. She showed us a plate of bananas which were all very different on the outside but similar on the inside – just like us. She introduced April Robinson from Synod’s “Uniting Through Faiths interfaith network”. Her role is interfaith network and research developer. (She also works at university) April is passionate about the Arts which she tries to incorporate in her work of creating relationships between groups, including collaboration with Multicultural Arts Victoria. Through Common Ground poetry people are able to express their ideas of being alike and different. April has worked with Muslim (also Indian) women who have been shown racism with targeted attacks. Obtaining funding through grants is also part of her work. Interfaith September is also part of April’s work. April also organises events including “I’ll dine with you” where a 60 metre long dining table with 60 different faiths and cultures came together. The dilemma is when people whose background is from other faiths or cultures but they are Australians by birth. We thank April for her insight into diversity and the church’s approach to it.
Sunday 9th October will be the joining together and sharing mealtime in table groups. Please bring a plate to share and wear your name tag. The Love Feast or Agape meal is a Christian fellowship meal recalling the meals Jesus shared with Disciples during his ministry and expressing the koinonia (community, sharing, fellowship) enjoyed by the family of Christ.
Stay tuned for the installation of the defibrillator.
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.
Do you have a favourite hymn? Let Bruce Chappell know for the Hymn service on October 30th.
Confirmation classes for older youth Sunday 9/10, 23/10. (Confirmation service 6th 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 22nd and November 19th.
Hear Gavin Chatelier and the Chatelier family singers who have been influenced by performers such as Elton John and Tom Jones. Music for all ages. Sunday 23rd October at Beaconsfield Baptist Church.
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 5th October1.30pm Friendship Group
Friday 7thOctober 10.00am MECWA Drop In lunch Ruth and Bruce Chappell
Sunday 9th October 10.00am Combined Officer / Pakenham Agape Service with Rev Ann Simons
Sunday 9th October 11.00am Morning Tea: Joan Vogels and Olive Elston. Washing up assistance always appreciated
Tuesday 11th October 10.00 -Noon Beehive craft.
Tuesday 11th October 10.00 – Noon Main Street Playgroup
Tuesday 11th October 3.30 – 5.30pm Homework Hub
Tuesday 11th October 3.30 – 5.30pm Martha’s Mums Group
Coming events
Thursday 13th October 9.30am Prayer group at the church.
Thursday 13th October 7.30pm OPMA meeting
Saturday 22nd October 5.00 – 7.00pm Messy Church
Sunday 23rd October 2.20pm Pleasant Spring afternoon at Beaconsfield Baptist Church
Thursday 27th October 7.30pm Pakenham Church Committee.
Sunday 30th October Hymn Service: Bruce Chappell and Bev Smith.
Sunday 13th November 5.00 – 8.00 Wedding High Tea Fundraiser (Save the date)
Sunday 4th December Noon Christmas Lunch Book on the notice board.
“O Lord you have searched me and known me.” Psalm 139 V1