Gazette
Sunday 30th October 2016
“Experiencing the love and life of Christ through vibrant and life changing communities and creative partnerships.”
Bruce Chappell conducted our service on Sunday with some of our best known hymns. We were also blessed with some lovely singing from Les Reader and the Singing Group. Bruce explained the background of each hymn. The Bible reading included Luke Chapter 19 – the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus – who was a tax collector and despised by everyone. He was very rich but had no friends. He reached out for the love of God. Jesus called Zacchaeus from the tree where he was hiding. Jesus came not to condemn but to save.
Julie Timewell from Koonang Uniting Church spoke to the congregation about the Uthando Doll Project which provides knitted dolls. Our craft group has been busy knitting dolls. Julie spoke of a psychiatrist working in South Africa who was concerned by the stress the children were suffering due to loss of family members due to aids. She knew that play was important for these children. Most are living with their grandparents who didn’t have time to play. So far 58,000 have been made. These are the first toys they have had. A group called TREE goes to the villages and works with the community members and families. Dolls are given to crèches and kindergartens. Dolls are used in counselling situations. Thank you Julie.
Next week is our confirmation service with candidates Akoi Ador Loi, Sarah Ador Loi, Bichog Tut Fanchoc (Bush), Mini Kerr, Deng Kerr, Nyawan Jok, Lysa Carabalona Hem, Achol Ayei, Julie Ayei, Bayley Harold Simons and Joshua Herman. In the Christian Church Confirmation is understood and known as the rite at which a baptised person, especially one baptised as an infant, affirms Christian belief and is equipped with a fuller understanding of membership of the Church. Our young people have attended 6 weeks of sharing the story of Jesus and how his story relates to their life story. It has been a joy to have these young people come forward. Thank you to their parents for faithfully bringing them on a Sunday evening and for those who provided the meals.
Thank you to those who offered help to Glynis with transport. Help is no longer needed but our grateful thanks to all who offered.
Come to our Wedding Breakfast on November 13th as a bride, groom or, guest. Do you still have your wedding dress or wedding photos which we can display. Come and have some fun with us at this late afternoon high tea event.
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.
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 2nd November 1.30pm Friendship Group – bring along an interesting story or poem to share. Win Macreadie will speak on “Women on farms”.
Wednesday 2nd November 2.00pm Book Club for Otira Readers at Eunice’s (Ph 59415940)
Friday 4th November 10.00am MECWA lunch Jannie and John Crow
Sunday 6th November 8.45am Officer Service: Joan Vogels
Sunday 6th November 10.00am Pakenham Service: Rev Ann Simons Confirmation Service
Sunday 6th November 11.00am Morning Tea: Doreen Stitt. Washing up assistance always appreciated
Tuesday 8th November 10.00 -Noon Beehive craft.
Tuesday 8th November 10.00 – Noon Main Street Playgroup
Tuesday 8th November 3.30 – 5.30pm Homework Hub
Tuesday 8th November 3.30 – 5.30pm Martha’s Mums Group
Coming events
Sunday 13th November All Saints Day
Sunday 13th November 5.00 – 8.00 Wedding High Tea Fundraiser
Saturday 19th November 9.30 – 3.30pm Tour of places of worship. Confirmed are a Hindu Temple, Islamic Centre and another to be planned. See Margaret McKay for details. Cost $10 per person, $15 family.
Saturday 19th & 20th November 10 – 4.00 Open Garden “Rose Vista” 315 Pakenham Road Pakenham. Devonshire tea and lunch available.
Saturday 26th November 5.00-7.00pm Messy Church
Sunday 4th December Noon Christmas Lunch Book on the notice board.
“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul.” Psalm 146 V1