Weekly News 25/4/2024
This Week’s Messages from Rev Allison
Today is Anzac Day – like many of you I have been reflecting on the meaning of this National Day of Remembrance. It’s a bittersweet day, when I remember my dad, and some extended family members, who served in wartime. Thankfully each one of my family returned to civilian life, although each one also returned with scars that did not fade easily.
Whatever Anzac Day means to you, I pray that it brings the opportunity to pray for peace and healing, for those places and people right now undergoing the torment of armed conflict, and to look for ways to speak and live out the peace of Christ.
Here is a short reflection and prayer led by defence chaplains of the Uniting Church for Anzac Day this year.
* Sunday 28th April
I will be away from church this Sunday, as I’m taking a short break away. Thank you to the Care’n’Share Team, who are leading worship.
Worship Information for Sunday
Prayer for Peace
Please see the Blog on this website
Presbytery Prayer for this Week – Each week we have been asked to pray for a particular church in The Hunter Presbytery area. This week we pray for: –
28th April 2024 Cessnock – Bellbird Uniting Church
Cessnock Bellbird Congregation meets every Sunday at 9:30am followed by fellowship over morning tea. We have two worship centres (Cessnock and Bellbird) although services are held only at the Cessnock building.
Reach up… reach out…. Reach in…. is our catch phrase. Our Innovations team meets to think up, plan and then carry out (with the help of congregation members) a whole bunch of energetic, innovative outreach ideas! (e.g., Christmas tree festival, Carols in the Bush,
Seniors’ Showcase).
We have linked with Hunter Food Relief, Cessnock Rotary and Cessnock Lions clubs to offer meals and other help to homeless and vulnerable members of the local community.
Our congregation numbers about 40 people, mainly over 70 years old. We are a happy and welcoming group, very encouraging of new members.
Prayer: Please pray for our new minister as she leads us into the future; for our innovations team and all congregation members as we venture more into the community; and for the groups working from our church hall to help the vulnerable and needy of the area. Amen.
Notices for the Coming Weeks
A Message from Russel
Please see Coming Events on this website
Uniting Church Tshirts for Sale
Black with UCA logo and Uniting for the common good in the Hunter on the front
Keeping Faith Doing Justice Building Community
on the back
sizes still available: medium, 3X large, 4Xlarge
$25.00 each check out on Sunday – Contact Gwenda if you’re interested
Workshop on being a Welcoming Church on 27th April 2024 (Please note that there are a number of people interested in going to this workshop so please see Rev Allison if you are interested.)
Please see Coming Events on this website
Workshop for Thriving as a Small Church Saturday May 11th
Please see Coming Events on this website
Dates for your Diary
Safe Church Team – Tomorrow, Friday April 26th at 9.30am
Singing Practice – Friday April 26th at 10am
Christian Meditation – Friday April 26th at 11am
World Vision Lunch – Saturday April 27th at Warners Bay Bowling Club
Sunday Worship Service –Sunday April 28th at 9am – Led by Care’n Share
Prayer for Peace – Sunday April 28th – in your own home
Men’s Coffee Morning – Monday April 29th at 10am at Jules by the Lake, Rathmines
Jan’s Thought for the Week
“Today we pay tribute to the courageous men and women who served our country. May their bravery inspire hope in our lives.”
Prayers for the Week
Sunday
Thank you, Lord, for being with us today and every day.
Monday
From the TUC weekly email find which of our groups are meeting this week. Pray for their work and the group’s people.
Tuesday
Some years ago, when we thought of homeless people, the term “couch surfing” came into use. Did we have enough couches? Not nearly! For all sorts of different reasons so many people, world-wide, had no home.
Do our prayers need updating? Plead with our Lord for all the ideas people have been putting into action to be a wonderful start and that the ideas for housing will continue to be forthcoming and that everyone will be listening and acting.
Wednesday
Strength and insight to continue on the way of our calling. May we be willing to encourage others as they walk with you, Christ Jesus.
Thursday
The people of Toronto Uniting Church and the other churches around us, preparing for worship this weekend.
Friday
Think of the musicians practising today. Can’t rehearse with them? Sing anyway – car or home. For instance, I loved hearing my brother singing in the shower. God would love to hear you too.
Saturday
All who work with children – may they find the skill, enjoyment and stamina they need.