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

Rev Ann Simons conducted Sunday’s service. She spoke to the children about having a party. She asked how to invite the people to a party and some suggestions were send an invitation, put it on Facebook. The children then went about organising a party and inviting members from the congregation to share the party food. The reading today was the parable of the prodigal son Ann had a Rembrandt print which depicts the parable. Ann had also downloaded images about this parable. At different times we may position ourselves as different people in this story – the father, the son who returns, the son who stayed home and felt he was not valued. Who are we and how do we feel. Jesus was at a meal at the time he told this parable. Things begin to get a little strained as the Pharisees accused Jesus of eating with sinners. What was the most shocking thing they viewed? Jesus went to the home as he had been invited. The Pharisees and Scribes were upset as his acceptance of the people was unconditional. Other parables – the lost sheep and the lost coin both end with a “party” to celebrate gaining the lost one was the most important. The coin and the sheep cannot repent, but the prodigal son can and so he is able to show his regret for his bad choices. The son who is lost is found. The father invites the neighbour to share in his joy. The older son dishonours both his father and his brother. We do not know how this story ends – whether the older brother joins the party. Like many of Jesus’ parables we do not have the answer but shows us how to prepare ourselves to come to the party. Can we accept God’s grace when it is offered?

Thank you to Lexie Waters who spoke to the Friendship Group last week. A quarterly retiring offering will be collected for the missionary work she performs.

You are invited to a presentation by Chris Barnett, UCA’s Children and Family Ministry at 7.30pm – 8.30pm Thursday 10^th March. All OPMA and PCC members are asked to attend but this is open to all members of the congregation.

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

Lenten Meditations: Week 4 subject is “abandonment” Wednesday 9th 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

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

This week:

Wednesday 9th March 9.00 – 11.30am            Supporting Mums, Empowering Families.

Wednesday 9th March 7.30pm             Lenten studies series.

Thursday 10^th March    6.30pm            Mary Ds Citizenship ceremony

Friday 11^th March 10.00am                              MECWA bus Ruth and Bruce Chappell.

Sunday 13th March 10.00am                            Pakenham Service: Rev Ann Simons.

Sunday 13^th March 11.00am                            Morning Tea: Rieky Volders andWilma Coleman. Washing up assistance always appreciated.

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

Coming events

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…The Mystery.

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)

“O God you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you” Psalm 63 V1