Sunday 21st February 2016

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

Lent – a time to prepare. Rev. Ann spoke to the children of a letter from Paul. She commented that his letters were long and repetitious and today we might delete it as an email. She read the letter to the congregation in which Paul asked the people to “stick with him” and to cope with the difficulties which the society had. He asked them to wait for Jesus to be revealed. Sunday saw a service of welcoming to new members and also the commissioning and recommissioning of Elders and Committee members. This is a important part of our service to God and the congregation. In our Genesis reading Abram was feeling very frustrated and God strikes up a covenant which would bring children to him. Believing in something we cannot see is very difficult. The Lenten study last week looked at powerlessness and many could relate to the examples which people brought up. God would use the worship of the churches to glorify Jesus Christ and we know that death and evil will not triumph so even if we experience powerlessness we are always supported by God. Using our Bible readings and the messages there is the way for us to continue to get the Christian story of hope for us to hear. We are a pilgrim people journeying on our way. Individually we have our own journeys as we move along the road. Doubts and fears are often there but we have God’s promise that he is with us so we to continue.

Lenten Meditations: During the season of Lent, preparing for Easter 4 Lenten meditations will be held. They will be active in style and focus on four dimensions of the life of Jesus – powerlessness, denial, betrayal and abandonment. There will be time for personal and silent reflection. Held at the Uniting Church on Wednesday evenings 6.00 – 7.00 starting February 17^th. Afterwards a shared meal costing $6.00 will take place to continue conversation and reflection. Session Leader is Rev. Dr. Denham Grierson.

Readers alert as the first Otira book for 2016 is “Testing Tradition and Liberating Theology” by Val Webb. New readers are always welcome. Ask Eunice Smith about it. 59415940

St Andrews Uniting Church Berwick are holding a Pre-Easter Family Market. Saturday 19^th March 8.30am – 2.30pm Many stalls such as books, cakes, sweets, craft, fruit and veg and many more with some great bargains.

Day for Girls. A box is in the foyer to collect items (These include undies, soaps, face washers and zip lock bags) which can be used by the Salvation Army to make “supplies” for girls in third world countries who are disadvantaged as when they are menstruating they are not allowed at school or work. Pick up a pink explanation sheet and see what you can donate to help this excellent cause or see Pauline or Olive for details. Congratulations to the Salvation Army for this great initiative. This box will be there until the end of February.

Please make sure you collect and complete a “Membership Form” (Yellow). These forms will allow us to get our rolls correct so that when decisions are made we know that the results are legal in the terms of the Uniting Church. Regular services are held to confirm membership.

World Day of Prayer service at Pakenham Uniting Church Friday 4^th March. Morning Tea at 10.00am Worship service 10.30am. All welcome.

If you have egg cartons please bring them so they can be taken to 4Cs.

Pew sheet information can be left in the folder in the kitchen by Thursday pm or sent to missglynis@bigpond.com

This week:

Wednesday 24^th February 9.00 – 11.30am     Supporting Mums, Empowering Families.

Wednesday 24^th February 7.15pm      Presbytery meeting at Carrum.

Wednesday 24^th February 7.30pm      Lenten studies series. (4 weeks)

Friday 26^th February 10.00am             MECWA bus Pauline Grey and Ricky Volders.

Sunday 28th February 10.00am          Pakenham Service: Rev Ann Simons Welcome of new members and Office bearers.

Sunday 28th February 11.00am          Morning Tea: Bev Smith and Roma Warner. Washing up assistance always appreciated.

Coming events

Friday 4^th March 10.00am                   World Day of Prayer Service (Morning tea first)

Saturday 19^th March 8.30 – 2.30pm   St Andrew’s UC Family Market

Saturday 19^th March 5.00 – 7.00pm   The Wild Intergenerational Worship

Saturday 19^th -20^th March                   Faith and Fabric exhibition

Friday 3^rd June 7.30pm                       Opening of Synod at Wesley Church (148 Lonsdale St. Melb)

Saturday 4^th – 8^th June 9.00am             Synod meeting (Box Hill Town Hall)

“Worship the Lord your God and serve only him” Luke Ch9 V8