ANGLICAN
WHILE recognising the First Nations people of “Terra Australis”, we can also reflect on the name given this continent by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand de Quiros – The Great South Land of the Holy Spirit.
Whichever name we give to this amazing multicultural land we all share, it indeed seems in 2022 AD that this land is surely blessed among all nations during the current pandemic.
Reading the ever decreasing numbers of professing Christians in the last Census, we need to reflect on the tiny number of Christians who first carried the Gospel to the then known world.
Early settlers here in Swan Hill district built churches, schools and hospitals, and in June one of our Anglican churches, All Saints Nyah West, will celebrate its centenary.
Peter has asked for old photos, especially of the old Rectory, to be collated into a display to be on loan or digital copy to anglicansh@bigpond.com.
The date of the celebration will be finalised with Bishop Matt of Bendigo.
Meanwhile, (apologising for an incorrect date last week), the Parish will have its “Fifth Sunday Service” at Ultima Hall this Sunday at 11am.
People are asked to bring their own lunch and stay for a rare time of COVID-Safe gathering. There will not be a 9.30am service that day.
Please mark the date of the 2022 World Day of Payer (Friday, March 4) in the diary, an ecumenical gathering at 10am to be hosted in Swan Hill by the Anglican Christ Church on Splatt Street.
GRAIN SHED
“TEACH us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
“Relent, Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. “Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.
“May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendour to their children.
“May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.”
With summer/school holidays coming to an end, let’s be encouraged, reflect and pray on these verses in Psalm 90:12-7 helping keep a good perspective on who we are in God’s eyes, and directing focus every day on God’s unfailing love expressed in Jesus.
Mindfully remembering and sharing what God has done in our lives.
Pray for God’s blessings over our work as we serve God in this ministry.
This Sunday our doors are open to all at 10am with Pastor La’Mont back on the platform.
The Grainshed kids’ desk is ready to greet and also welcome back all the families who have been away this month.
Our craft ladies are starting their 2022 back this Thursday 10am. Sure to be some coffee and chatting being done.
Mainly music will be starting back on Monday, February 7, 9.30- 11am. Our check-in desk opens from 9.15am in the foyer for families to register for this new year.
$5 per family. This is an interactive music activity for mums/carers/grandparents with their bubs/toddlers/preschool children.
A shared morning tea followed by playtime.
Lots of fun shared by all, meeting and connecting with others in a supervised play space.
Contact Robyn on 5032 9449 for more information.
UNITING
WE are coming to the end of the first month of our new year. How has it been for you so far?
Somehow, we have come to think of a new year bringing fresh beginnings and an opportunity to leave behind concerns or worries, as though turning the page of the calendar will change the pattern of life. If only it was so simple!
Perhaps a new year needs to be about reflecting on what we have learnt and what we are thankful for from the year before.
By doing this, we may be better able to implement changes or strengthen our growth in the new year.
What have we learnt about ourselves, what new skills or strengths have surprised us?
What if we reflected on life in shorter increments, months, weeks or daily?
How might this help us to step into each day with hope?
Sometimes we can be so focussed on getting to the next day, month or year that we don’t take time to sit and consider what has been.
Reflecting can help us put things in perspective.
Have you ever wondered what God did on his day off? What day off you may ask.
The one that he took to reflect on all he had created.
God made time to reflect on what he had been doing. There is a pattern here worth adopting. God called the seventh day holy and he rested from being active.
In her book, Happy Now, Courtney Ellis writes: “Stress, trauma, and hardship easily fool us into thinking rest is a luxury, something we can finally get to when all the other work is done.”
A pattern of rest and reflection restores our energy and capacity.
It helps us to manage change, reduces anxiety and allows joy to surface. How often do you have a day of rest and reflection?
The Swan Hill Uniting Church congregation meet every Sunday at 10am in the Beveridge Street building.
You are always welcome.
