Anglican
Holy Week is upon us and why not join us on Maundy Thursday evening for a Sedar Meal based on the Passover. It starts at 6pm but bookings are essential. Please contact the Rector or leave a message at the church office to register. The cost is $15 and any profits will go to missions.
As we have journeyed through Lent we have been moving towards this great climax in the Christian calendar. On Palm Sunday Christians greet their Lord as King but we know that his crown is thorns and his throne a cross. This Great Week takes up all that is dark and wrong and even death itself and leads up to true hope, forgiveness, resurrection and an empowered new life.
To get the building and grounds in a ship-shape state we are having a working bee tomorrow morning (Saturday 9th) starting at 9am.
The final sessions of the Lenten studies are on this week, Sunday evening and Wednesday, as we take a look at 1 Peter chapter five and the message that Christians are called to be eager to care.
Please check the classifieds for our Good Friday and Easter service details.
Uniting
The Reason for Easter.
Many people look forward to Easter as a long weekend. The Christian faith centres around the events of Easter and services are held in varying ways over this time. There are usually three times of gathering that are observed and each offers significant time for reflection on the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the son of God.
Maundy Thursday is usually held in the evening. Sometimes the service begins with foot washing. The Bible tells us of Christ washing his disciples’ feet as an act of service to them before sharing the meal known as the Passover. This is often called the Last Supper and is the origin of Holy Communion within the Christian faith.
Good Friday services focus on the way in which Jesus died, being hung on a cross. This was the common practice of the time and was essentially used to end the life of criminals. Though wrongly accused, Jesus offered forgiveness to his accusers, even in his suffering.
Easter Sunday is a day to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Easter eggs are the symbol of this resurrected life. Christians believe that just as Christ was resurrected from death, when people chose to follow his teachings and believe in him as God’s son, life begins in a new way for each person.
At Swan Hill we will have services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday both beginning at 10am. Our usual services are at 10am every Sunday and new faces are always welcome.
Grain Shed
Tonight, our Grain Shed Youth end term one with a game night, from 7pm. Many thanks to Liz, Tom and the team for everything they do with the kids and all the fun they have.
Monday, April 11, is the cut off date for biscuits to be dropped off for our Easter Hope Challenge so if you enjoy baking, get the apron on and start baking. Help us touch those out in the community in need with hope when they receive these biscuits.
Sunday 10am our doors are open and we welcome regulars, non-regulars and visitors. On this Palm Sunday we are also holding a baby dedication in the service and Pastor La’Mont will be preaching in his discipleship series. The Grain Shed kids’ desk is open and awaits all over 3 to end of primary school children for lots of fun and games.
Like many of our inhouse activities, mainly music held its last session last Monday for the term with lots of mothers, grandparents and children enjoying our Easter special session.
Activities resume when term 2 starts up.
Save the date:
Lord’s supper – Thursday, April 14, at 6.30pm – BYO finger food supper
Good Friday Service – Friday, April 15, at 10am
Easter Sunday Service – Sunday, April 17, at 10am
