ANGLICAN
SMALL steps easing towards “COVID normal” have started again, with the opening of the Nyah West Op Shop, selling bags of clothing for $5, some nearly new.
Mothers Union were able to meet this week to discuss the distribution of $300 among mission projects, and also beanies for the Mission to Seafarers, knitted rugs for people in need, and Tiny Teddies.
The Boot and Cottage Craft monthly sale is still in recess, so Winnie the Pooh is still missing the honey seller among other regular traders.
At present, the Wednesday 10am and Sunday 9.30am services have resumed under restricted conditions.
Peter is keeping a roster for groups limited to twenty people, in addition to clergy and music group.
People with email addresses will receive updates and can reply to confirm numbers, so we can stay within safe and legal limits.
Please pray for our clergy and Parish Council as they deal with all these administrative issues, so we can have nearly normal worship in church.
A far cry from Mary Poppins’ claim of being ‘practically perfect’, but to God, every prayer from anywhere will always be perfect in his sight.
We still must sign in before entering the church or function centre, and follow all health and safety protocols.
Wherever we are we must continue to pray for the safety and relief of all people affected by manmade and natural disasters.
Christian biographies contain countless illustrations of the truth, that suffering can be translated into sympathy and service.
Continue to be thankful that we live in the most precious country, named by Ferdinand De Quiros, the Portuguese explorer- sailor, as “The Great South Land of the Holy Spirit.”
May we all prove worthy of the privilege.
UNITING
THIS week recent events in Afghanistan have brought renewed grief and sorrow to our Afghan friends.
It has stirred within the community a sense of urgency for things to change.
It has stirred a common compassion, seeking action.
Being compassionate is not just an emotional feeling, it is a motivation, a way of being and is therefore not fleeting or transitional.
Compassion is a concern for someone that is motivated towards helping and assisting someone, especially if that person is in pain or discomfort, and to see that pain or discomfort relieved.
Compassion is also having a high regard for the other and often means that we will sacrifice our own needs and agendas so that the other person is safe and well.
We might call this humility.
Being compassionate is also a motivation that drives us to make the world a better place, a place where people can thrive and do well.
Compassion is also a desire to see all people as equal, where power is used to assist us to create a society where all flourish and grow.
Compassion or being compassionate is key to us as a society and our culture.
It can be difficult to know how to respond but the UCA has offered the following information as one way that we can support our Afghan friends.
Christians United for Afghanistan – Uniting Church Support:
As the crisis in Afghanistan unfolds, Christians and followers of Jesus from across Australia, alongside a wider public movement, are being moved to speak boldly to our national leaders to provide urgent action for the well-being of Afghan refugees.
The Uniting Church has joined other Christians in Australia calling for urgent action by signing on to the call for Christians United for Afghanistan.
This call asks our Australian Government to follow the lead of Canada, in offering 20,000 additional resettlement places for refugees fleeing Afghanistan, to provide security for Afghans in Australia on temporary protection visas or in detention, and to increase our humanitarian aid for refugees and asylum seekers in the region.
To learn more and sign the petition please visit the website: www.unitedforafghanistan.com
GRAIN SHED
AS the school holidays begin, our thoughts go out to all the families with school-aged children, whether on-site or homeschooling, as the term ends today.
You did it!
May these holidays be restorative and relaxing.
‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up’ Galatians 6:9 NIV.
Please be encouraged to pray for these children, their parents, teachers, support people, family, and friends, who have been in the midst with their constant encouragement, listening ears, ability to provide comfort, solve problems, and just be there.
This Sunday our church service will only be online, so please tune in and be blessed watching Pastor La’Mont with his message at 10am on our Grain Shed Church Facebook page and Youtube channel.
And if you haven’t already, come along and pick up some shoeboxes here at the Grain Shed.
By filling these with gifts many less fortunate children around the world will feel loved and have hope by the generosity shown through The Samaritans Operation Christmas Child Shoebox appeal.
Looking for daily encouragement follow our Grain Shed Instagram, and prayer requests can be emailed through to prayer@thegrainshed.org.au
