UNITING
LAST weekend we had a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the life of Jill Pattenden.
We heard from many diverse parts of the Swan Hill community as we shared memories and paid tribute to a person whose influence will be felt for years to come.
One of the things that stood out was spiritual diversity offered in honouring her life.
We gathered as one, and recognised Jill’s ability to see people as worthy no matter their story.
Her life linked us, and it was a wonderful to witness the coming together of cultures and spiritual traditions.
Spirituality is present in all our lives, and we recognise it in differing ways.
Hearing the stories of others helps us to realise that we all seek to belong and be accepted.
As we shared under the sun and saw the balloons dance in the breeze, our feet on the grass, our differences were less obvious.
We came because of the love shown by a faithful servant.
In the scriptures this week, we read of two disciples who ask Jesus to save them the best seats next to him in his glory.
In Jesus’ reply he says: “Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.”
How true this is.
We had the privilege of being reminded of this as we shared this experience together.
Jill’s life linked us to people we had not met until we came together.
We were connected in a way that was easy and sincere and opened the way for conversation that may not have been available before.
Our lives matter, not because of the accolades or trophies we collect, but because we connect with one another.
Through a lifetime we may influence more people than we will ever be aware.
We remember who makes us feel seen, accepted, heard and loved and we are remembered when we do the same.
This is how we know life.
In our Christian faith, there is no greater servant than Christ.
In him, we know life in all fullness.
GRAIN SHED
AFTER a couple of weeks of no Grain Shed news, we are back with some interesting things happening here while we wait for Freedom Day.
As church gathering numbers are limited to 20, Pastor La’Mont has started holding a chapel service on Wednesdays from 11am in the auditorium.
Sunday services will be online this Sunday and then from Sunday October 24 there will be two services held at 9.30am and 11am.
Bookings will be essential: reception@thegrainshed.org.au or call reception on 5032 9449.
Grain Shed youth meet tonight 7pm, contact Liz at youth@thegrainshed.org.au for more information.
Craft ladies are on Thursday at 10am.
Shoeboxes are still available to be filled, blessing children in need, through the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox appeal, with a cut off return date at the end of October.
We are starting to look at Christmas and this year’s Christmas Hamper operation, and would appreciate any donation: monetary, food or goods.
These hampers will be distributed to those in need in the community for Christmas.
Contact reception for more details: 5032 9449.
Remember: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
ANGLICAN
SOME great news with the return of the Car Boot and Cottage Craft Sale, setting up today, ready for tomorrow’s bargain hunters from 9am until midday.
And there’s more: At 3pm on Sunday, Café Church is re-opening somewhat modified, with a welcome cuppa, some bright music, and an activity for all the family, including the ‘young at heart.’
Our Rector has chosen a theme based on the parables of Jesus, providing plenty of ‘episodes’ to unpack.
Please phone the Parish Office on 50322506 between 9am and 12pm today to book in, as numbers are still limited to 20 wearing masks.
When Jesus called the first disciples, they weren’t sure of where he would lead them when he said, “Follow me.”
When Nathaniel later asked Phillip “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Phillip answered, “Come and see!” (John, Chapter 1:43-48.).
You are invited to come and see what the contemporary church can bring into your family’s life this weekend.
Sunday worshippers will be kept updated online or at the letterbox as spring moves into summer, and Advent into Christmas.
As before, people can still choose to attend the midweek H.C. services, Wednesdays at 10am.
Please be mindful that the maximum of 20 attendees remains for at least the next two weeks.
We are all so blessed to have freedom to worship, and good people to care for and support us when life is difficult.
Last Sunday, Emma, recently baptised by Rev. Denis and confirmed by Bishop Matt of Bendigo, was called forward by Peter for a delayed gift.
It was Eugene Peterson’s contemporary adaptation of the Bible, ‘The Message’.
Emma responded with a warm word of thanks, especially for the new friendships among the parishioners of ‘The Family to Belong To’.
