Sunday 3^rd January 2016 

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

Pastor Belinda Clear conducted Sunday’s service. She asked members of the congregation to write messages of thanks and post them on a notice board she had at the front of the church. She also asked them to write things they would confess as wrongs and come and shred them in the shredder available. Belinda read the Mem Fox story “Whoever you are” demonstrating the physical differences between people whose hearts are the same world over. This matched Paul’s sentiments in Ephesians. Belinda followed up with information about God walking among us as flesh and blood with the frailties which we have with our bodies. With the New Year we are left with a blank canvas with new possibilities. What does the story of the Epiphany have for us – three kings’ day and the arrival of the “3 Wise Men” on January 6^th. The arrival of the Magi and their consequent going to talk to others about the birth of the Christ child. These Magi had been watching the stars and saw the bright star which announced the birth of the baby Jesus. Herod was probably not aware of the star but the news of Jesus’ birth soon spread and Herod went to see the new born. Mary and Joseph consequently fled to Egypt to protect their new born son. The wise men and Mary and Joseph trusted God’s word not the word of King Herod. Belinda asked us to reflect on the fact that God found his home in human flesh of Jesus. Does this make a difference?

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:

Sunday 10^th January 9.30am               Pakenham Service Rev. Ann Simons.

Sunday 10^th January 10.30am             Morning Tea: Marie Corkhill and Lyn Stephenson. Washing up assistance always appreciated.