Anglican
LAST Sunday, a crowd of parishioners, family and friends welcomed young Kobe through baptism into membership of God’s church.
This was a joyous occasion.
Tomorrow is the monthly boot sale at the church function centre and over the road behind Anglicare.
A working bee in the latter storage has made it orderly, and easier to inspect furniture there.
Come, grab a bargain, sausage or cuppa and have a chat.
Grain Shed
AS we near the end of November, our thoughts turn to the season of Advent and Christmas.
The dictionary definition of advent is: The coming or arrival of something or someone that is important or worthy of note.
Jesus certainly is just that.
“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called wonderful counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!” Isaiah 9:6.
On December 4, we will start our Christmas celebrations with our Grain Shed Kids presenting “Jingle Jam” at 10am followed by a family fun day.
Preparations are also under way for our Christmas Eve service. More details to come.
Uniting
IN light of the circumstances that surround us, we offer the following prayer for reflection:
Creator God,
We pray for all those in farms, small towns, and cities in Australia whose lives have been disrupted and whose dreams have been dashed by the floods that have devastated the country.
We pray for those who have lost their homes, their cars, their treasured possessions, their crops, their animals, and their livelihoods.
It is a terrible thing to be homeless and helpless.
Be with and sustain those whose entire world has been torn apart and washed away.
Calm their fears and be patient with their anger.
Grant them patience and hope that eventually they can rebuild their lives and start afresh.
And help us to be a part of the rebuilding and the recovery work and where possible and help us to offer supportive words.
Where grief is occurring, help us to show understanding and comfort.
And where possible help us to use our resources to assist in the rebuilding.
We are grateful to the emergency flood workers and all those who were heroes in helping those in distress during the floods.
May they continue their missions of mercy.
Be with those who are caring for flood victims that their compassion and presence will be life-sustaining.
May they continue their missions of mercy.
We are thankful for those who serve others and provide us all with the inspiration to do the same.
We are sending love, peace, strength, and courage to all our brothers and sisters in Australia.
May this nightmare end shortly.
May healing begin swiftly.
Amen.
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.
