UNITING
GOOD news this week for the Swan Hill UCA congregation, with the opportunity to gather as one at 10am.
All those attending will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID or have a medical exemption.
It is a government requirement to show your vaccination certificate to the COVID marshal at the door, so please come prepared.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone!
The last few weeks have been ones of anticipation as we have waited to see how we navigate the way forward.
There have been opportunities to learn about resilience, reflect on what we have taken for granted in the past, and to consider how we might live differently as we ‘step out again’
Gratitude is something we need to be mindful of each day.
It helps us to focus on what is possible and to see new opportunities as they arise.
Many of us have people who have kept in touch, helped with shopping, assisted with our technology and used creative ways to let us know we are part of a caring community.
Light shines brightest in the dark.
There is much good in us, there is much to find hope and joy within the human spirit.
So let us be thankful:
For people being playful, whatever their age, for the joy of holding hands, for smiles from strangers, for friendship and comradery, for connection and enrichment, for compassion and understanding,
For story and meaning, for creativity and ingenuity, for moments of kindness given and shared.
For the caring act of someone who stops to help another in need.
For great philanthropy and acts of altruism and for small acts of benevolence,
For all who give of themselves to make the world a better place.
Let us look beyond the sad and lamentable, the dark and depressing, the negative and deflating, and instead envision who we can be and find our better selves.
Thus, we pray.
Amen.
ANGLICAN
THERE is good news in the parish this weekend as we are now able to extend the numbers permitted from twenty to thirty people.
Due to these numbers encompassing those involved in the actual service – clergy, musicians, sound desk, etc. – there are still not many extra places on Sunday.
However the option to attend midweek at 10am is available, again offering 20 places.
Peter may arrange for any who want to have the Eucharist weekly rather than alternate fortnights, if this is requested.
While some have chosen to use televised services, there have been busy volunteers and tradespeople maintaining the buildings.
There also needs to be consideration about how our spiritual maintenance has been maintained.
It’s important to remember that although the church building is certainly a place to gather for worship, the Church body is the people of the Christian faith.
The building has been made ready for all to return, but are all the members of the body of Christ ready to join together in love and service to one another?
This Sunday, All Saints Day will be celebrated, and all those who made the faith a living body for two millennia will be remembered and honoured.
“For all the Saints, who from their labours rest” will be one of the hymns offered on Sunday.
Give thanks for all the saints who continue to serve wherever needed, and ask how and where you may be able to contribute.
Pray for the clergy who have the burden of all the logistics needed to manage restrictions while ministering to the community.
GRAIN SHED
HOW lovely it has been for families and friends to reconnect with the opening of Victoria, especially with a long weekend thrown in.
For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, “May peace be within you.” Psalm 122:8.
Tonight our Grain Shed Youth meet at 7pm with their growth groups, learning more about Jesus and having lots of fun together.
For more information contact Liz at youth@thegrainshed.org.au
All are welcome to join us at one of our church services however numbers are limited so book now for Friday’s recording at 5pm or one of Sunday’s services 9.30am or 11am.
Alternatively our online service is broadcast from 10am Sunday on our Grain Shed Church Facebook page and Youtube channel.
On Thursday at 10am our craft ladies are back and in stitches a lot of the time.
Have you dropped off your Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoebox?
A reminder that they are due now.
Christmas is coming and so is our Christmas hamper appeal.
Donations of non-perishable food goods can be left at the Grain Shed in our office hours 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
For any further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 5032 9449.
