Sunday 28th February 2016

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

Rev. Ann conducted Sunday’s service. She taught the children some actions to the Psalm 63. Ann’s service looked at “everything happens for a reason” A saying which is often heard. Will something good come out of difficult situation? This understanding operates on a reward and punishment system. Do people feel that God is there with a large book given ticks and crosses for actions? This reward and punishment system operates in our community also. How many people have demerit points on their licence due to traffic infringements? When harsh things happen in our lives we often question what we have done to deserve this. Jesus tells us to stop thinking like this and to stop putting God into our frame of reference. Luke’s gospel has the parable of the fig tree when the owner wanted the tree cut down but the gardener persuaded him to leave it for another year – fertilize and water it and it should bear fruit. If not it can be cut down. Life can be seen as unfair, particularly in the light of disaster such as the Fijian cyclone. Tragedy is not equated with punishment. Jesus does not promise freedom from calamity but tells people to use issues as an oppor4tunity to help others and show compassion. God is not in the business of reward and punishment and he challenges us to see how he thinks of us not what we think of him. Jesus is saying we have to bear the fruit which we have been created for. He does not expect us to become a whole new tree just use the skills and ideas we have been created with.

Fiji Cyclone Appeal. A retiring offering was collected on Feb 28^th but any further donations to this appeal can be given to Wendy.

Lenten Meditations: Week 3 subject is denial Wednesday 2^nd March 6 – 7pm 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.

“Be in the know before you go”. A seminar organised by Cardinia Shire talking about the end of life and the difficulties which arise. Guest speakers, discussion and morning tea. Wednesday March 23^rd 9.00 – Noon Pakenham Tennis Centre 11 Webster Way $10.00 Bookings essential as places are limited 1300887624

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

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

This week:

Wednesday 2^nd March 9.00 – 11.30am           Supporting Mums, Empowering Families.

Wednesday 2^nd March 1.30 – 3.00pm           Friendship Group Speaker Lexie Waters

Wednesday 2^nd March 7.30pm                       Lenten studies series.

Friday 4^th March 10.00am                               MECWA bus Maree Harding and Doreen Stitt.

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

Sunday 6^th March 8.45am                               Officer Service: Rev Ann Simons

Sunday 6th March 10.00am                            Pakenham Service: Rev Ann Simons.

Sunday 6^th March 11.00am                             Morning Tea: Jenny Theobald and Corrie Vandertak. Washing up assistance always appreciated.

Coming events

Thursday 10^th March                                       Mary Ds Citizenship ceremony

Sunday 13^th March 2.30pm                             Film On the Banks of the Tigris” Cardinia Cultural Centre $6.50

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

Wednesday 23^rd March 9.00 – Noon              Be in the know before you go.

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)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation” Psalm 27 V1