Gazette
Sunday 13th March 2016
“Experiencing the love and life of Christ through vibrant and life changing communities and creative partnerships.”
Sunday’s service was conducted by Rev. Ann Simons and Liturgist Bev Smith. Ann invited the young people in the congregation to go and make some bread rolls which produce a beautiful smell. She was hoping that this smell would make us hungry for the result. The reading from John’s Gospel looked at Mary washing Jesus’ feet with a beautiful and expensive perfume (nard). Jesus protected Mary when Judas complained that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. The beautiful smell from the perfume is the centre of the reading, an extravagant act. This was an event of a special meal being eaten by supporters. In this room was Lazarus (who a few days ago was dead) and Judas – known as a mean man. What do you think people would have remembered about that meal? Would it have been the food, Mary’s action towards Jesus, Lazarus, Judas. Ann asked us how often smell triggered memories. When we smell certain smells they remind us of a time or place. The smell of betrayal (Judas) was in the room and the beautiful smell of the expensive perfume covered this. Did Mary pour out this beautiful smell to overcome the smell of death which was approaching Jesus ( and also Lazarus) or the smell of betrayal with Judas. Approaching Lent we are caught between the smell of love and the cross of Jesus. We can’t separate death and life which exist together. However the death smell can be overpowered by the promise of the resurrection.
Dorothy Trigg has agreed to continue leading the Singers Group to help enhance our services. If you would like to join the group please speak to Dorothy or ring her 0427072242. Thank you Dorothy.
Fiji Cyclone Appeal. A retiring offering was collected on February 28th but any further donations to this appeal can be given to Wendy.
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 19th March 8.30am – 2.30pm Many stalls such as books, cakes, sweets, craft, fruit and veg and many more with some great bargains.
Cardinia Shire Harmony Day 21st March 11.00 – 1.00pm at Living and Learning INBC. Learn about other cultures which exist in our Shire
“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 23rd 9.00 – Noon Pakenham Tennis Centre 11 Webster Way $10.00 Bookings essential as places are limited 1300887624
Pew sheet information can be left in the folder in the kitchen by Tuesday pm or sent to missglynis@bigpond.com
This week:
Wednesday 16th March 9.00 – 11.30am Supporting Mums, Empowering Families.
Wednesday 16th March 1.30pm Millhaven Service: Rev. Ann Simons
Friday 18th March 10.00am MECWA bus Olive Elston
Saturday 19th -20th March Faith and Fabric exhibition
Saturday 19th March 8.30 – 2.30pm St Andrew’s UC Family Market
Saturday 19th March 5.00 – 6.30pm The Wild Intergenerational Worship…The Mystery. (Family Easter Service)
Sunday 20th March 8.45am Officer Service: Rev. Ann Simons
Sunday 20th March 10.00am Pakenham Service: Joan Vogels and Fabric Arts Sharing.
Sunday 20th March 11.00am Morning Tea: Margaret McKay and Bev Smith Washing up assistance always appreciated.
Sunday 20th March 2.20 – 4.40pm Beaconsfield Baptist a pleasant Autumn Sunday afternoon.
Sunday 20th March 2.00pm Palm Sunday Walk for Justice. (Meet at the State Library)
Monday 21st March 11.00 – 1.00pm Cardinia Shire Harmony Day
Coming events
Wednesday 23rd March 9.00 – Noon Be in the know before you go.
Friday 3rd June 7.30pm Opening of Synod at Wesley Church (148 Lonsdale St. Melb)
Saturday 4th – 8th June 9.00am Synod meeting (Box Hill Town Hall)
“Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord O my soul” Psalm 146 V1