Sunday 17th January 2016

Sunday’s service was conducted by Rev. Ann Simons. As part of the service she acknowledged people in the congregation who have particular gifts which add to the church. It was interesting to see that everyone was involved in at least one activity and some in many. These are wonderful contributions to our church. Thank you. John’s Gospel was about the wedding at Cana and Ann explained to the congregation that the bridge and groom at a Jewish wedding stand under a canopy in the ceremony. This keeps the understanding of God in their lives forever. This wedding at Cana was the beginning of Jesus’ powers by turning the water at the wedding into wine. The reading from Corinthians Chapter 12 speaks about gifts which people have and how they use them to help each other. In churches who look at the gifts of others shows a remarkable spirituality with the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Unified divine action is so important according to Paul in Corinthians and the abundance and variety of gifts which people have but as Paul points out they are from the same Spirit. When we place too much emphasis on some gifts and little on others then we are not following what Paul said. Working together and building each other up means we are a body activated by one Spirit. Our gifts have one purpose and that is to make God known.

• 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 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.

This week:

Sunday 24th January 9.30am             Pakenham Service Rev. Ann Simons.

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.

Thursday 28^th January            7.30pm            Pakenham Church Council

Wednesday 3^rd February 1.00pm       Church Fellowship in lounge

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

Posted by Olive Elston