ANGLICAN
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Kangaroo Flat: The two performances of The Fourth Wise Man on Friday and Saturday were well attended.
In his welcome, the Rector, Canon Bryn Jones, made reference to the irony of a Christmas tale being presented in the weeks leading up to Easter.
The appreciative audience certainly saw the strong link between the journey of Artaban and that of his Lord.
Proceeds in excess of $1200 were donated to Act For Peace in support of cyclone victims in Vanuatu. Jeff Wild, from Act for Peace, attended on the Saturday and thanked the cast and congregation for their generous support. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the newly built church being used for a performance of this nature. The parishioners are hoping for a similar opportunity in the not too distant future.
Easter services are as follows:
Palm Sunday, March 29 – 9am Procession of the Palms and traditional worship; 11am Procession of the Palms and all-age worship.
Maundy Thursday, April 2 – 7pm Remembering the Last Supper and Foot Washing.
Good Friday, April 3 – 9am Dramatised Passion reading.
Holy Saturday, April 4 – 8pm Easter Vigil.
Easter Day, April 5 – 6am dawn service; 10am combined worship.
For information on St Mary’s Church and the Anglican Parish of Kangaroo Flat, visit http://stmaryskangarooflat.com/ or find us on Facebook.
BAPTIST
Last Sunday Dave Lovell spoke at all three services. The congregation was introduced to the five trainees, who spoke about their journey and what they are currently doing.
Next Sunday there will be a children’s celebration service at Eaglehawk at 9am and Junortoun at 10.30am. At the 6pm service at Junortoun there will be baptisms.
At Easter, we meet at Junortoun on Good Friday at 9am. On Easter Sunday we meet at 10am at Junortoun. There is also a sunrise service at Lake Neangar at 7am.
There will be a Hymn-a-long at Eaglehawk on Palm Sunday, March 29, from 2.30pm to 4pm. Please bring a plate of afternoon tea to share. Contact Alison Apostolou for details.
Serving Christ Together will meet on March 31 for a coffee morning at the Eaglehawk campus.
A training morning on mental health will be held in the function room on Saturday, April 18, from 9am to noon. All welcome.
A Women’s Bible Study series by Beth Moore begins on April 20. Contact Ali Gillett for more details.
Shed Youth (years 11-12) meet on Friday nights at Junortoun from 7.30pm to 9.45pm. See Kevin Sourgen for more details or phone 5449 3033.
Life Essentials is looking for donations of clothing and furniture. Drop them off to Life Essentials in Hargreaves Street, use the purple bins at the church or call Life Essentials to pick up large items.
As part of the two-year Bible reading plan, this week’s passages are: Thu. Deuteronomy 21, John 6; Fri. Deut. 22, John 7; Sat. Deut. 23, John 8; Sun. Deut. 24, John 9; Mon. Deut. 25, John 10; Tue. Deut. 26, John 11; Wed. Deut. 27, John 12.
CATHOLIC
St Kilian’s: St Kilian’s Parish is this year making special efforts to celebrate the great moments of Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday.
Thursday evening celebrates the Last Supper including the Washing of Feet at 7.30pm. At noon on Friday, the parish continues the age-old tradition of “The Stations of the Cross” followed by the most solemn of moments, “The Passion of Jesus”, at 3pm.
And Saturday evening beginning at 7pm is the celebration of the greatest of all moments, “The Resurrection”.
Connect Church
Hymns Alive meets today in the hall at 1.30pm for a time of singing hymns, and fellowship. The guest speaker will be Jason Harrison, youth pastor at Life Centre. There will be afternoon tea and free bus transport may be arranged – Phone 5447 8161.
Transformations will hold their Soak meeting tonight at 8pm. All are welcome to come along and soak in a relaxed way to music and testimonies.
If you would like to be in a partnership to help Transformations’ finances, envelopes are available at the help desk that enable you to give a one-off donation or a regular weekly gift. Contact the church office for more information.
To help tidy up the church property, a working bee will be held tomorrow and Saturday from 8am to 1pm. There will be morning tea and barbecue lunch. Come along and enjoy plenty of laughs plus achieve a good result.
The Good Friday service on April 3 will be an outdoor event starting at 7am.
A special offering will be taken at Sunday’s service to help support the people of Vanuatu who have been devastated by the recent cyclone.
Robyn Harbour’s book Beyond the Palm Trees will also be on sale. This book contains real stories telling of the triumphs and tragedies faced by the inhabitants.
Sunday’s service at 10am is at 35 Solomon Street, Bendigo, preceded by prayer meeting at 9.30am.
For information on weekly programs, phone the church office on 5441 3133.
OASIS CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Last Sunday Pastor John’s message spoke about the “heart and heartbeat of God”.
David in the Old Testament had a heart after God.
In Psalm 112 he describes how God will bless the generations of the upright.
Jesus the Anointed One had a tender heart, a kind, soft, bleeding heart of compassion, but also a passion and conviction for the lost who He came to save.
Christ’s Spirit met the test, being saturated in the word of God and compliant to God’s requirements.
We, too, as the followers of Christ need to be unshakable in our faith in the word and promises of God. We are the living Gospel of Christ. Let people see it working through us. Believers have been commissioned to heal, bring good news to the broken-hearted and proclaim liberty to the captives.
Expect your Spirit-filled relationship with Jesus to help you speak boldly, with courage and spiritual understanding. Believers have been redeemed to make a difference.
All welcome at our Sunday services at 10am at the Long Gully Community Centre, 27 Havilah Road, Bendigo. Inquiries to 5443 1468 or 0402 087 083.
PRESBYTERIAN
St John’s: Last Sunday at St John’s, the Reverend Philip Burns continued his series on 1 Peter by preaching from 1 Peter 2.13-17.
In a day when governments and politicians are generally derided, Peter reminds his readers that the right response to the governing authorities is one of submission.
This response recognises that God has arranged human governments to promote the good and legislate against evil, and that this is one of the ways in which God exercises His will on earth.
However, there is a limit to this submission, and Peter reminds us of this too. Submission to God comes first and always takes priority, yet believers are called to be the best citizens we can be for the gospel’s sake.
Home Groups meet tonight but not next week. The last playgroup for term one is on Friday at 10am. The Good Friday service is at 9.30am.
On Sunday at 10.30am, the Reverend Burns will continue his series on 1st Peter. Morning tea will follow in the hall.
For more information or to hear this week’s message, visit http://bendigopc.org.au
Eaglehawk: “People of faith” was Pastor Steven’s address last Sunday.
Joshua followed God’s instructions to the letter. How much the heart of man has turned away from God’s word throughout the world today.
We see the faith the old testament saints had in God, the things unseen and the promises they received.
Faith gave them the strength to face their trials. Daniel went into the lions’ den, his three friends went into the fiery furnace, Elijah defeated the 850 prophets of Baal and so on.
No power on earth can match the power of faith in what God can do.
We have to ask, why has God done all this for us? It is through his love for all who will repent and believe on His Son, The Lord Jesus Christ.
We all have trials in this life, Every day Satan is tempting us. Trials strengthen our faith. In faith we trust in God and His promises. We are here to glorify God, offering ourselves to His service.
This Sunday at the 10am worship service, being the last Sunday of the month we will have our luncheon and afternoon service. A member of the congregation will give his testimony.
On Wednesday, April 1, there wil be no prayer meeting or Bible study.
All inquiries to Pastor Steven on 0408 990 903.
Reforming Church: Questions people ask: “What am I working for?” and “Is there something more to sex?”
At our recent Sunday services we heard what the Bible teaches, what Jesus says, on topics where there can be a lot of confusion.
On Sunday morning we considered that since we spend a majority of our life at work, what does the Bible have to say about it? What’s it all for in the end? What are we working for?
The Bible shows that God created us to be those who flourish and nourish in His Creation. So that, whatever you do, you participate in that project.
Yet that project has a deadline, a time when there comes God’s New Creation, and that is where He invites us to be part of something eternal. Because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can work in seeing the gospel spread. This involves the whole body of Christ’s people, not just “ministers”. So whatever you do in that body, abound in such work as it is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
On Sunday evening we looked at the hot topic of sex, and how Jesus makes things clear in a confused culture. You only have to stand in the supermarket line at the checkout and read the magazine covers to see how our society constantly seeks more pleasure, greater sex, yet seemingly doesn’t seem to find it. Is there something more to sex than a physical feeling?
Jesus says yes. When Jesus speaks about sex, he does so with the authority as the creator of all things, including sex. Sex is a good gift of God, and like any gift can be misused, but is good and to be enjoyed in the right way. Jesus shows how the gospel, His good news changes everything about how we understand good sex.
At Reforming Morning at 10.30am, there will be a couple of baptisms. Then at Reforming Night at 5pm, a Palm Sunday question for today: “What if Jesus turned up?”
Find us at Bendigo South East College, in Building B5 this week, in Ellis Street. All are welcome. We are online at reforming.org.au
SOUTHERN GATEWAY
On Sunday Pastor Peter taught on how Jesus called the Apostles to Him. Often the key word was “ Come!”. His call was so anointed they left what they were about. We are called the same way really. He speaks into our lives to “come follow him”. When we respond everything changes forever.
Jesus performed so many miracles for those who didn’t know Him. His apostles were being shown what they would do after Jesus ascended into heaven. The miracles taught the people about His power. After the Holy Spirit descended on those gathered in the Upper Room, they were emboldened to go and do the same.
We have been blessed after being “born again” to minister in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Karolyn Webster and Linda Fraser led us in powerful prayer and praise through the songs. Tracey Box shared powerfully a scriptural reflection on what Jesus died for and what he still does today in our lives.
Next Sunday Bob Yam will lead worship and Pam Yam will join the roster of members who share Communion reflections.
All are welcome at our Spirit-filled church where the Word is preached boldly in Jesus’s name.
Inquiries and prayer needs to Pastor Peter Pritchard on 0413 682 999.
UNITING
Weeroona Uniting Church Bendigo:
This Sunday there will be a combined Weeroona Uniting Church service at 11am at the White Hills Church, led by the Worship Commission and celebrating Palm Sunday.
Continuing the journey from Palm Sunday, all are welcome to join us for an interactive, reflective and engaging Journey to the Cross.
The space will be curated by the Faith Development Commission in the Neale Street Church over three days on Monday, March 30, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, Tuesday, March 31, from 2pm to 4pm and Wednesday, April 1, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. The space will encourage and provide an opportunity to explore Christ’s Journey to the Cross during Holy Week.
ELM Cluster:
Eaglehawk: This coming Palm Sunday, the 10am service will be led by the Reverend Cynthia Page. Morning tea will follow. The evening service at 6.30pm will also be led by the Reverend Page.
Volunteers are needed to make Palm crosses. Please contact the Reverend Cynthia as soon as possible.
On Friday and Wednesday, playgroups will be held from 9.30am.
The Men’s Coffee and Conversation will meet in the car park on Friday at 9.30am to go to Boort for a barbecue to meet and listen to stories from refugees.
The informal worship service “A Place to Start” will be held on Friday night at 6.30pm. Please bring some food to share.
The monthly pub lunch will be held on Sunday at the Farmers Arms Hotel, Junortoun. The Women’s Get Together will be held on Tuesday at Lets Get Saucys Cafe from 10am. Church Council will meet at 7pm on Wednesday.
Retiring Offerings are being held for donations to the Emergency Cyclone Appeal.
Services for Holy week will be: Thursday at 7pm, Good Friday at 9.30am and on Easter Day: 7am at Lake Neangar, 10am for 10.30am at the church and a fish meal at 6.30pm.
Long Gully: The service at 9.30am will be led by the Reverend Dale Pascall.
Marong: The aervice at 9am this Sunday will be led by Merrill Cole.
Central Bendigo Cluster:
Messy Church is tomorrow from 4.30pm to 6.30pm at St Andrew’s, Myers Street. This is a monthly ecumenical activity. All ages welcome. Craft activities, Bible story and food. The March theme is “Remember me”.
Palm Sunday services will be led by Geoff Scott at Forest Street where their Elders have arranged invitations to special morning tea. Special guests will be the children who have been baptised over the 12 months.
If any one can assist Geoff Scott to have some palm fronds for Palm Sunday and Forest Street’s family service, please contact Geoff on 5443 0505.
Also on Sunday, at the Forest Street Uniting Church will be the Annual Bendigo Symphony Orchestra’s Palm Sunday Concert, starting at 2pm.
Cluster Easter Services to be led by Reverend Julianne Parker are: Maundy Thursday, March 2, at 7.30pm St Andrew’s; Good Friday 9am at Forest Street; and Easter Sunday 9.30am at St Andrew’s.
The Ecumenical walk “The Way of the Cross “ will be held on Good Friday, starting at St Monica’s and finishing at St Mary’s, where you can have a cuppa and hot cross buns.
With our new minister being welcomed on May 1, congregation members are asked to wear their name badges. If you need a new one, advise Naomi Boyd at St Andrew’s office 5441 3100 or at Forest Street Judy McCarthy on 5435 2099.
Bendigo South Cluster:
This week’s services are as follows:
Chum Street: At 11am there will be a BYO service.
Kangaroo Flat: At 9.30am, led by Faye Fletcher.
Lockwood: At 9.30am, led by the Reverend Joe Wilson.
The Bendigo South Uniting Church Team is still looking for participants for Relay for Life on April 17 and 18 April. Please contact Heather or Elspeth if you are interested in joining the team.
Uniting Church Hospital Chaplain Miriam Darlow, visits both Bendigo and St John of God Hospitals. She welcomes hearing about any UC members who are in hospital. Contact her on 5443 2887.
To everyone who supports our Outreach Program, a big thank you. Through the generosity of many this program is able to support many families in our district.
Some things that are in need at the moment are sugar, tins of soup, small packs of cereal, small tins of fruit, small jars of Vegemite and dry and sweet biscuits. Thank you everyone.
On Mondays from 9.30am to 11am there is a playgroup for children under five years of age at the Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church. Please bring a gold coin donation and a piece of fruit to share.