Anglican
A VERY successful boot sale was held last weekend – customers went away with furniture, books, household items, scones and cakes, plants, barbecue, etc.
Thank you to all those who work or visit this monthly event.
This Sunday is a Parish Service, held in Swan Hill, but note the change of time, 9.30am, followed by morning tea rather than a shared lunch.
Thank you to all the parishioners who regularly support others. Whether it is a phone call, a visit, transport or an outing, the care and concern is very much appreciated by all.
If a need arises please contact the office on 5032 2506 or a known parish member.
Grain Shed
AS the school holiday draws to a close and families prepare for school and studies, be encouraged to pray for all students, teachers and parents/carers as this new school year begins.
This can be a time where uncertainty creeps in, change of class, school, teachers, kids heading off for the first time …
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10
At the end of the day, you are loved. The worries of the day can be lifted from your shoulders up to the heavens.
Start fresh each day, knowing your firm foundation and resurrected life Christ gives you.
This Sunday our Grainshed Kids’ program is reopening and caters for children from three years old to Grade 6 (children turning three by April 30, 2023). All eligible children must be registered in order to attend and registration forms can be found at the Grainshed kids’ desk, Sunday.
The Sunday service starts at 10am and is open to all with Pastor La’Mont on the platform sharing another message sure to be reflected on.
Monday, February 6, mainly music is back from 10 to 11.30am. Check in desk is open from 9.45am. A wonderful half-hour interactive musical program for babies, toddlers and children not of school age with their parent/grandparent or carer followed by morning tea (this is provided for children and adults) and ends with 30 minutes play time.
Cost is $5 per family. A great way to connect with others in a warm and safe environment. Contact Robyn at reception on 5032 9449, or email robyn.carson@thegrainshed.org.au.
More information on other in-house activities happening around the Grain Shed will be coming next week.
Uniting
“Grey skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face” – so the song goes.
Well, I don’t know about you but the grey skies and drop in temperature were a welcome relief this week. The garden appreciated it.
Audrey Hepburn once said: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow!”
That is true on so many levels. A few years ago we had a similar feeling to the person in the parable of the unfruitful fig tree in Luke 13:6-9 when we came to our fruitful apricot tree but couldn’t eat any as they were all riddled with fruit fly larvae!
We just wanted to cut it down.
However we gave it another chance and with the help of some spare poly pipe and old net curtains we protected the next crop and the next.
So picking our bounteous crop of tasty apricots this week from our one protected tree we rejoiced again and happily shared our crop with our neighbours.
It reminded us that God is merciful and gives us a second chance too.
At the Wednesday 10am study group this week we discussed this topic of God’s abundant mercy to those who are willing to ask for it.
The Bible says, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23; or perhaps in today’s language, “All have stuffed up at some stage and haven’t lived up to their own or God’s expectations.”
So if you feel you might have stuffed up last year (or even last century) ask God for another chance as this year is still quite young for a new beginning.
Be prepared to put in some “gardening” to care for and protect yourself from harmful things, so that you might have abundant life and be fruitful enough to share.
It won’t be stone fruit, “but the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control,” Galatians 5:22. We could all do with such a harvest.
Our worship service is at 10am each week.
Zoom links are available and at-home printed services can be delivered if for any reason you are unable to attend.
Study group is at 10am each Wednesday in the hall.
Why not give it a try, all welcome!
Saturday, February 11, from 10am-3pm at Barham will be a leadership day for the regional team any group leaders or aspiring leaders welcome.
The Rotating Lunch has sadly been postponed from February 12 but a new date will be announced soon so look out for the new date and sign up to join in a fun fellowship meal.
May the Lord bless your coming week.
