Rev Ann spoke of the prophet Nehemiah and connected this with story telly and dream time. Stories help us to grow and give us a sense of belonging. Some communities, both in the Bible and today have their stories destroyed and so that idea of belonging disappears. Nehemiah creates a sense of belonging for the people he spoke with. Jesus returns to Galilee and preaches and in the Gospel of Luke Jesus’ spirit and empowerment is expressed. Many people such as Zachariah and Elizabeth experience the spirit and like them Jesus is led by the spirit. Jesus quotes from the book of Isaiah and gives an interpretation. Jesus says today the scriptures have been fulfilled and this is good news for all the people. “Today the scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”, he said. This is a promise of God’s aid and presence. This spirit is available to address what is lacking in our lives and what is hard in our lives. Comfort and healing is available for us all. Jesus comes bringing good news to those in need today and probably those not wanting to know will not hear him. The Good News of Jesus heals our body and our soul.

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.

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

If you need to change your Emergency Information Sheet (Blue sheet) as addresses, medication of contacts have changed please see Olive. If you have not completed a sheet please get one from Olive.

Please note there will be no Pew sheets during January. Please forward any urgent notices to Rev. Ann for display on the screen.

This week:

Thursday 28^th January 7.30pm            Pakenham Church Council

Friday 29^th January 10.00                   MECWA bus John and Jannie Crow

Sunday 31st January 9.30am  Pakenham Service Rev. Denham Grierson and liturgist Bruce Chappell.

Sunday 31st January 10.30am            Morning Tea: Elizabeth Bradbury and Betty Young. Washing up assistance always appreciated.

Coming events

Please note the change in times for services starting February 7^th 2016. Officer services will start at 8.45am and Pakenham services at 10.00am. This will enable the same minister to conduct both services.

Tuesday 2^nd February 7.30pm Ordination of Rev Ray McCluskey at Monash UC 1939 Princes Hway Clayton. (Cnr Koonawarra St)

Wednesday 3^rd February 1.30pm        Church Fellowship in lounge, commences with a worship service.

Sunday 7^th February                            Welcoming service and blessing of Office Bearers.

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