Kangaroo Flat: This Sunday, our 9.30am service will involve a Blessing of Pets and Thanksgiving for Creation. Weather permitting, it will take place under the oak tree in front of the church. All pets and their carers are welcome. 

Animals must be on a leash or in cages/baskets as appropriate. Donations will also be accepted of pet food and used blankets/towels for local animal shelters.

On Sunday, October 12, we are holding our annual Emergency Services and Community Personnel Thanksgiving Service at 9.30am. Members, volunteers and staff of Victoria Police, the CFA, SES, Ambulance Victoria, St John Ambulance, Neighbourhood Watch, etc are welcome and morning tea will follow.

From October 19, we are changing our service times. Traditional Worship with Holy Communion will be at 9am. “On the Way” contemporary all-age worship with Holy Communion will be at 11am.  When a fifth Sunday occurs, only the 11am service will be held so all parishioners can worship together, followed by lunch.

St Paul’s: This Sunday is the 17th after Pentecost. At all three services, we will welcome the Reverend Heather Marten to our parish as sub-dean and install her as a canon of the Cathedral.  We look forward to her time among us. 

At the 11am service, we celebrate Francis of Assisi and invite people to bring their pets to be blessed. All creatures great and small are welcome! 

For more information about St Paul’s, visit our website www.stpaulsbendigo.org.au or find us on Facebook.

South East: The Family Service at Strathfieldsaye Uniting Church, in Wellington Street, is on Saturdays at 5pm. 

Our Mission Focus this month is “ABM Go for Gold”. Gold coins will be collected for ABM projects across Australia and globally to help people in need. 

Operation Christmas Child is here again and the Christmas tree is in the foyer. Shoeboxes filled with appropriate materials for distribution by Samaritan’s Purse International Relief need to be returned by October 19.

After 126 years of worship and dedication in the Strathfieldsaye area, St Stephen’s will close due to structural issues. The deconsecration service will be conducted by Bishop Andrew Curnow at 2pm on October 19, followed by afternoon tea. RSVP by October 5 to the Parish Office on 5443 3482 or email office@south eastbendigo.com

BAPTIST

On Sunday, the Reverend Dave Lovell will speak on “The Song of the Shepherd” at Eaglehawk at 9.30am, and at Junortoun at 10.30am and 6pm. Pastor Morris Morris will speak at 10.30am at the Htoo Moo Plaw church at Junortoun. 

Shed Youth (year 11-12) meets on Fridays at Junortoun from 7.30-9.45pm.

Ladies’ Bible study at the Eaglehawk campus is on Fridays, with a cuppa at 9.30am and study from 10am. 

Life Essentials will hold a community breakfast next Tuesday, October 7.

On Thursday, October 9, Seniors Celebrate will hold a community hymn singing event at Junortoun from 1.30-3.30pm. It will be led by Stephen Higgs and features Lynda Gibbs as guest soloist. Afternoon tea provided. 

Girls’ Brigade has packed about 380 shoe boxes for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.

 Life Essentials is seeking donations of clothing and furniture. Drop them off in Hargreaves Street, use the purple bins at the church or call Life Essentials for pick-up of large items. 

The Bendigo Baptist Church Choir is rehearsing for Christmas cantata and welcomes anyone interested in joining. Rehearsals are Thursday, 7.30-9pm at Junortoun. For more information, see Alison Apostolou or Sandra Kroker. 

As part of the two-year Bible reading plan, the passages for this week are: Thu. Numbers 32, Psalm 49; Fri. Num. 33, Ps. 50; Sat. Num. 34, Ps. 51; Sun. Num. 35, Ps. 52; Mon. Num. 36, Ps. 53; Tue. Ephesians 1,2; Wed. Eph. 3,4.

CATHOLIC

Sacred Heart: This Sunday, people will gathering for the annual Marian Procession, starting with Mass at 11am and resuming at 1.45pm.

On Friday, October 17, we unveil and bless our new Statue of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Gather in the Cathedral at 10.45am. 

October 18 is our celebration of “All Nations”. We urge people to come dressed in their national costumes and help us bring together those from different backgrounds in peace and prayer.

October 25 sees the racing fraternity gather to give thanks and urge protection for those in the racing industry in central Victoria. The Bendigo and Marong cups will blessed during Mass. 

The Parish Social Group meets on Tuesday, October 7, at 1pm and the Liturgy Group gathers at 5pm.

Holy Rosary: Weekday masses will return to normal next week; 9am daily at White Hills and 5.45pm at St Francis.  Exposition will be held on Tuesday from after the 9am Mass until 5.30pm.

Our catch-up for parishioners and friends starts at 6.30 on Friday in the parish centre with a $5 barbecue meal.

St Mary’s: Weekend Mass times are 6pm Saturday at St Mary’s, Golden Square, and 9am Sunday at St Monica’s, Kangaroo Flat.  

Mass will be celebrated today at 9.15am at St Mary’s and at 11.30am at St John of God Hospital.

Mass will be celebrated tomorrow at 9.15am at St Monica’s. Mass is also celebrated on Tuesdays at St John of God Hospital at 11.30am, and at Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged at 11am on Wednesdays. 

The next Youth-led Mass is at 6pm on Saturday, October 18, at St Mary’s.

The parish Scripture group meets on Thursdays (except the third Thursday of the month) in the meeting room at St Mary’s from 1.30pm. A parish social lunch is held on the third Thursday - phone Carol on 5447 7992 for details.

Reconciliation is available on Saturdays from 10.30am until 11.30am at Sacred Heart Cathedral. 

St Liborius: First Friday Devotions are held tomorrow. Rosary at 8.45am,  Mass at 9.15, followed by Benediction, Reconciliation and Meditation.

CONNECT CHURCH

The ”Love and Other Bruises” seminar led by Jeff VanVonderen will be held at Connect Church October 11 from 10am til 2pm. Jeff is known in the US for his TV documentary series Intervention. Families and organisations have benefited from his skill and understanding in the areas of addiction, family systems and recovery. Cost is $60, including lunch. Concession $45.  For details, phone 5441 3133.

Due to Transformation residents attending their annual conference, there will be no SOAK meeting tonight.

Names are being taken for small groups in fourth term. Booklet and details available at church help desk or office.

Mission focus this month is Paul and Debby Hilton in Vietnam. A special offering will be received on Sunday to help support their many projects.

Seniors Celebrate afternoon, which is part of Bendigo Seniors Week Festival, is on Thursday, October 9, at Bendigo Baptist Church from 1.30pm. Our church is well represented with Lynda Gibbs providing musical entertainment and Steve Higgs leading community hymns. Volunteers still needed for ushering and bus assistants. Please place name on list at church help desk.

Our Sunday service is at 10am at 35 Solomon Street, Bendigo.

DAYBREAK

The Daybreak AGM will be held at 22 Lawson Street, Spring Gully, next Wednesday at 7.30pm. Guest speaker to follow the business part of the meeting is Dr Rod Blackhirst, who will share his wisdom on the importance of a multi-faith attitude in our community. All financial members are urged to attend and members of the public are very welcome.

Sister Nivedita Chaitanya is preparing a reflection day, when she will teach the art of illuminating manuscripts. Bookings for October 18 are being taken to determine the viability of that day.  

Visit www.daybreak.net.au, phone us on 5441 1814 or email daybreak@bendigo.net.au for more information.

OASIS CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Pastor John’s message last Sunday told a story about a father and son, wealthy art collectors whose mansion was filled with priceless works of art. A time came when the son was called up to go to war.  Then a letter came saying he had been killed in action.  

A soldier later visited the father to tell of the son’s heroic action in saving his life. Before he died, the son gave him a crumpled, blood covered piece of paper with a self portrait sketched on it and asked the soldier to take it to his father.  The father put this in a beautiful frame and hung it with all his other paintings.

When the father died and his estate was put to auction, the auctioneer held up the blood-stained portrait first to a scoffing crowd, except one man. The hammer came down: “SOLD £100”. The auctioneer finished and the angry crowd asked: “What about the rest?” He answered: “The will states whoever takes the son, takes all the father’s riches.”

Pastor John reminds us not to scoff at Jesus’ gift of Salvation, because He is the most treasured and whole package we can ever receive.

Home Fellowship will be held at Sue and Dave’s on Mondays at 7.15pm.

Thursday Bible Study is at 1.30pm at the High Street Christian Church Hall.

Our services are held on Sundays at 10am at the Long Gully Community Centre, 27 Havilah Road, Bendigo. Phone 5443 1468 or 0402 087 083.

PRESBYTERIAN

St John’s: Last Sunday, missionary Dennis Tranter preached on a summary of the life of Abraham from Genesis 12-22, highlighting the main challenges he faced in following the Lord’s command to him. By trials and difficult circumstances, Abraham’s faith grew to the point where he could trust God completely when told to kill his son Isaac. 

His faith was perfected through trials so that now we speak of Abraham as a “man of faith” and a “friend of God”. 

There are no Home Groups or Playgroup this week. Book Club meets on Saturday at 10.30am. 

On Sunday, the Reverend Philip Burns will preach on 1 Samuel 29 and morning tea will follow in the hall. For further information, phone 5443 6189 or visit http://bendigopc.org.au

Eaglehawk: “Meeting together for worship” (Hebrews 10:24-25) was Pastor Steven’s message last Sunday. We are created in the image of God, a complex people. The church - the people, not the building - is also complex as we become one as we join together to worship and praise our Creator. 

The physical world holds sway over our spiritual life in some way or another, some say they love the Lord but do not mix with other Christians. Jesus Christ died for all who believe in Him, and there are some who need our help to come to know Jesus Christ. Let us not tarry in telling all what He has done for us. 

The church is our meeting place for fellowship with other believers, building one another up in the faith, remembering we are all sinners before our Holy God. 

Worship is at 10am this Sunday. The weekly prayer meeting is at 9am on Wednesday, followed by Bible study at 10.30am. All enquiries to Pastor Steven on 0408 990 903. 

SOUTHERN GATEWAY

On Sunday, Pastor Colin Flitton shared on the experience of Martha and Mary being with Jesus. Are we like Mary or Martha? There is time to be a servant and a time to be a listener. 

We need to listen to what God is saying and do the servant tasks willingly and with the right heart attitude. Everything we do must honour Jesus. It is not how many times we have been through the Bible, it is important how many times the Bible has been through us. 

This Sunday, Pastor Peter returns from the state conference where ACC church leaders gathered to hear Pastor Benny Perez from Las Vegas inspire them.

Sunday is our Mission Day and a free lunch will be held after the service.

The men will meet at the Bendigo RSL for lunch on October 11. Our home group will now meet each first Thursday of the month. Lady Day is conducted on the last Wednesday of each month at 10am. 

Inquiries and prayer support from Pastor Peter Pritchard on 0413 682 999. 

UNITING

Weeroona: Arnold Street and White Hills congregations will have their church service at White Hills at 11am this Sunday, with the Reverend Jock McOrist. There will be two services at Neale Street: 9.15am and 11am, both led by the Reverend Ralph Clarke and including Holy Communion. 

Arnold Street Adult Fellowship meets on Thursday, October 9. Please bring readings, songs, etc relating to spring and a flower from your garden. There will be afternoon tea and a trading table.

Neale Street UCAF invites you to a garden party on October 18 at 2 Stringybark Court, Strathdale. The garden will be open from 10am-4pm and entry is by gold coin donation. There will be plant and produce stalls and morning and afternoon tea is available for $5. Proceeds to the Strath-Haven Special Equipment Appeal.

Central Bendigo Cluster:

Kennington Red Cross has arranged a Blume’s Fashion Show tomorrow at 10.30am in St Andrew’s Small Hall.  Proceeds to general funds. Contact Judith McCarthy on 5435 2099.

This Sunday is Combined Holy Communion Service at St Andrew’s at 9.30am and 2.30pm at Axedale. 

After worship and morning tea, the last discussions on “A New Conversation about Ageing “ will be in St Andrew’s Meeting Room, titled “Leaving: companioning those who are dying”.

Forest Street Evening Fellowship is holding a Central Bendigo Cluster social afternoon on Sunday from 2-4pm in Tom Glazebrook’s garden, 8 Nandina Court, Strathdale. Gold coin donation, to go to missionary programs. 

Weekly activities at St Andrew’s resume next week.

The Heart of Christianity Studies will resume on Thursday, October 9, at 7.30pm in the Forest Street Vestry and Monday, October 13, at 2pm at St Andrew’s.

Bendigo South Cluster:

Chum Street meets at 11.30am and the Reverend Adrian Pegler will lead the service and Holy Communion.

Kangaroo Flat  meets at 9.30am and the Reverend Pegler will lead the service and Holy Communion.

Lockwood meets at 9.30am and Bob Elliot will lead the service. 

Tillow Ladies Fashion comes to Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church next Monday at 1.30pm, with the Spring Summer Collection from Black Pepper, Lady Lyn,  Elegant, LD & Co, Eqqus, Cullen Design and KT. Admission is $5, including Devonshire tea and lucky door prize.

ELM Cluster:

Eaglehawk: This Sunday at the 10am service, Mark Nidenko from the Bible Society will be our guest speaker.  Morning tea will follow the service.

The Evening Service at 6.30pm will be led by the Reverend Cynthia Page.

On Saturday at 7pm, everyone is invited to a “Concert of Songs and Stories”. Entry is by donation with proceeds going to the Leprosy Mission work in Nepal.

The annual church garage sale will be held on Saturday, October 25, from 8am to noon. Donations of items for sale can be collected - please contact an elder.

Items for the Bendigo UnitingCare stall this month include breakfast cereals.

Long Gully: The service at 9.30am on Sunday will be led by the Reverend George Buckle. Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Marong: The Reverend Cynthia Page will conduct the 9.30am service on Sunday and Holy Communion will be celebrated. This will be a special occasion acknowledging 100 years of the church building in the Marong community.