ANGLICAN
AT the Bendigo Diocesan Synod last weekend, it was a joy to learn in detail about the broad work of the church in Australia, but especially in our own patch, in God’s name.
Apart from local ministry and church work, we have clergy for street people, hospitals and bike riders, trust funds and grants that provide scholarships and other resources, homework classes for Dinka South Sudanese students in Bendigo, practical and financial local and overseas support and ministries for the Karen people (Myanmar), drop-in centres and op shops.
Especially pleasing were the introduction of Rev Shannon Smith as our Diocesan Aboriginal communities officer and the naming of the new rural ministry centre in honour of Bishop Andrew Curnow, a strong and practical supporter of this ministry throughout Australia.
Tonight is the monthly 7.30pm service in the Ultima Hall, open to all so please join in this community service if you wish.
GRAIN SHED
THERE is no better time than now to look back over the last half of the year and reflect.
Where am I at? A bit like a car being serviced to keep it running correctly.
It is so easy to get caught up in things, distracted and lose sight of God’s plans for us.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
When we take the time to be intentional with God, giving Him opportunities to speak to us, helping us grow, meditating on His word, inciting us to forgive others and ourselves, praising and worshipping Him, developing patience, His unconditional love will fill us up and flow onwards to others.
“How great is our God!” and continue to guide us in His ways.
This Sunday at 10am, we welcome all as Pastor La’Mont speaks God’s word. Be encouraged to come along and hear the message and join in fellowship afterwards. Through the holidays there will be no Grainshed kids in house, however our online program can be found on our Grain Shed Church Facebook page.
For those on holidays, enjoy this time, stay safe and well.
If you or anybody you know is in need of assistance, contact reception on 5032 9449.
UNITING
AT Swan Hill, we celebrated Refugee Week at our Sunday service on June 26, with the national theme for this year being “healing”.
It was a wonderful opportunity to gather and acknowledge the people who have been faithful volunteers and workers in our community, supporting the refugee men, women and families over many years.
The Swan Hill Uniting Church seeks to be a place of friendship alongside the practical help that is given.
The relationships that have grown over the years are strong and trusted.
Much has been learnt about cultures, but perhaps the most powerful connection has been through listening to the many stories of the men and women who come for assistance each week.
There have been opportunities to host programs offered to new arrivals over the years, helping to understand the way of life in Swan Hill that most residents take for granted, such as the rubbish bin cycle.
A recent course run in our hall by Swan Hill police was about road rules and safety, which was very well attended and there are lessons in English run regularly.
Food is also a great way to share culture and the welcome dinners held provide a variety of tastes to be explored.
It is helpful for us all to reflect on what information would be helpful if we were to find ourselves in a new environment.
Sometimes moving to a new state within our own borders can be confusing, let alone moving to a new country with a different language.
The kindness, compassion and patience of all involved in this work is highly valued by many.
The service on Sunday celebrated the willingness of all who create space for deeper understanding, building of friendships and support.
Healing comes in many ways and community is an important element, with belonging and friendship helping to ease the difficulties faced in adapting to a new way of life.
The Swan Hill Uniting Church is in Beveridge Street. Our congregation meets every Sunday at 10am.
All are welcome to join in conversations about life with our small group on Wednesdays at 10am.
