ANGLICAN

St Paul’s: This Sunday is the 18th after Pentecost. There is a great danger in claiming that God is on your own side, but the Psalmist is claiming it in retrospect, having seen the hand of God in the events of Israelite history. Services are 8am – said Eucharist, 9.30 – choral Eucharist, 11am  - celebration Eucharist with children’s church. At 6pm there will be a taize service of quiet contemplation. Keep in mind Sunday October 4th and have your pets primed to come to the Blessing of the Pets service.

For more about St Paul’s please visit www.stpaulsbendigo.org.au or find us on facebook.

Kangaroo Flat: A very successful Parish Trivia Night was held last Saturday and we would like to thank the traders and others who supported the occasion with donated goods. The funds raised help fund our Church’s outreach ministry.

St. Mary’s Church reaches out into the community in different ways. Recently we set aside part of our church garden for children from Good Start Pre School and the children tend their vegetables and flowers with a weekly visit.  On Sunday 4th October we will be celebrating St. Francis Day with a Blessing of the Animals service being held at 10.45 am between our two morning services – all pets and carers are welcome. Between the two morning services on the day we are having a “bring and share” morning tea at which we will be thanking our Locum Rector, Bishop Ron, who has been leading our parish for the past three months.

The Spring edition of our quality parish magazine, “Salt,” is available. If you would like to receive a copy please call our parish office on 5447 7427. St Mary’s offers both traditional and contemporary Anglican worship each Sunday and has a wide range of group activities for all ages. Please check our website www.stmaryskangarooflat.com for further details, latest news and photographs.

BAPTIST

On Sunday Pastor Dave Gillett spoke at Eaglehawk and Junortoun in the morning. Pastor Hae Bo spoke at the Htoo Moo Plaw Church at Junortoun.

In the evening there was a Worship Event where the music teams put on a great night of original and current songs.

This Sunday,  Michelle Cook will speak at Eaglehawk at 9.30 am and Gaelle Broad at Junortoun at 10.30 am. At the 6 pm service, Kristen Else will be the speaker.  Pastor Hae Bo will speak at the Htoo Moo Plaw Church at 10.30 am at Junortoun.

There will be a Community Games Night at Eaglehawk tonight (Thursday, September 24). Soup provided.

The Quarterly Love Offering for our Mission Partners will be taken up during all services on Sunday, September 27.

There will be a 'Together Lunch' after the service at Eaglehawk on Sunday. Please bring a plate of finger food to share.

A Baptism Service is planned for Sunday, October 4 at the 6 pm service. If you would like to know more about baptism or would like to be baptised, please speak to one of the pastors.

As a fundraiser Life Essentials is holding a Fashion Parade at 7.30 pm on Friday, October 9. Tickets are $25 and include desserts, tea and coffee. There will be in-store shopping after the parade. For enquiries contact 5441-4747.

The 'Upper Room' Men's Ministry meet on Friday nights from 7.30-9 pm on the top floor of Life Essentials.

Serving Christ Together meet on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of each month. They next meet on Tuesday (September 29) for a coffee morning at the Eaglehawk Campus.

Offering envelopes are now available at the Connect Desks.

The Christmas Shoe Box Project run by Girls' Brigade has packed an amazing 340 boxes to be sent off. If you can help with any donations towards freight please see any Girl's Brigade leader.

Internships are now being offered in a number of different areas: Children and Youth Ministry; Church Life; Local Impact; Communications and Media; Worship and Creative Arts. These can be done as a one-year Cert. IV in Christian Ministry and Theology or a two-year Diploma in Christian Ministry and Theology. If you are interested please contact one of the pastors or call 5449-3033.

Life Essentials is currently looking for donations of saleable furniture. You can call Life Essentials and get them to pick up larger items.

Life Essentials is also looking for donations of dry and tinned food for their FoodShare program, to help those in our community who are struggling.

As part of the two-year Bible reading plan, these are the passages for this week: Thu. Jeremiah 47,48; Fri. Jeremiah 49,50; Sat. Jeremiah 51,52; Sun. Psalm 111; Mon. Psalm 112; Tue. Psalm 113; Wed. Psalm 114.

CONNECT CHURCH

During the school holidays Kids Connect leaders are holding a special time on Thursday 1st October in the hall from 5.30 to 9.30 pm.  Children aged 3+ can come along for an evening of games, activities, fun and a movie.  Pizza tea included.  $5 per child with cap of $15 per family.  Parents have a child free evening.  Bookings are essential.  Phone Dave Annison at the church office 5441 3133.

Our church will be involved in Seniors Celebrate afternoon October 8th at Bendigo Baptist Church 1.30 pm.  Stephen Higgs will lead community hymn singing, and musical entertainment is by popular local performer, Jessie Austin.  Volunteers are needed as ushers and also to help people on and off buses.  Please place name on list at Help Desk or contact Frank Kinsman 5447 8161.

Young Adults and Young Families have organised a special outing this Sunday 27 th September.  Phone church office for more details.

Commencing Thursday October 8th will be a weekly play group at the church  on Thursdays from 10 am to 11.30 am.   Bring a hat, sunscreen, drink bottle and fruit or morning tea to share.

Most programs are now in recess during school holidays.  Contact office for more information regarding all programs including weekly small groups.

Sunday service 10 am, 35 Solomon Street, Bendigo.  Visitors welcome, especially over school holidays.

OASIS OF LOVE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Pastor John’s message last Sunday spoke about the many crowns and the different meanings they signify.  He started with the crown of thorns, described in Matthew 27:29 representing the mockery of Jesus.  If the people knew God’s plan of redemption, they would never have crucified Jesus.  Therefore, because of Jesus Christ suffering and victory at the cross He has many crowns and blessed shall be His followers who are steadfast for Christ’s sake, for they are given the crown of life and the crown of righteousness.  There are other crowns such as crowns of Wisdom, Prudence, Knowledge giving believer’s richness of life, good health, merry hearts and prosperity in Christ’s victory of salvation.    In1 Peter 5:4, the Chief Shepherd is Jesus and when He returns He will give rewards to His faithful followers.  The crown of Glory that will never fade away pictures the glory believers shall receive that will be eternal and unchanging.  What better motivation for selfless service!  What better motivation for keeping such Faith in the face of suffering and temptation!  Isaiah 60 tells God’s people to “Arise, shine, for His Light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon them.”

All are warmly welcome at our regular Sunday Services where you will find hope, encouragement and encounter God, held on Sundays at 10.00 am at the Long Gully Community Centre, 27 Havilah Road, Bendigo. Enquiries: Phone 5443 1468;  Mob:  0402 087 083  

PRESBYTERIAN

St John’s: Last Sunday at St John's, Steve Blyth preached from Luke 24. This passage, which speaks about the great news of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, has a strong theme of 'open things'. For one thing, the tomb was open and Jesus was no longer dead inside it! This is the strong hope that believers share and sets Christianity apart from other religions.

Our founder is still alive and death could not hold Him! Then it speaks of 'open minds' as it tells us how Jesus opened the understanding of the disciples with regard to the purpose and message of the Scriptures. Then also it speaks of an 'open heaven' into which Jesus returned, but before doing so, challenged his disciples to go out into the world proclaiming the wonderful message of forgiveness of sins in His name. Home Groups and Playgroup are in recess for the school holidays.

Next Sunday, Rev Peter Hastie, Principal of the Presbyterian Theological College will preach. A retiring offering and a shared lunch in the hall will follow as well as a workshop of 'Sharing life, sharing the gospel'. Dr John Anderson of Creation Ministries International will speak at a public meeting at St John's on Friday October 2nd at 7:30pm on 'The theory that evolved'. All are welcome. For further information or to hear this week's message, visit http://bendigopc.org.au

Eaglehawk: Last Sunday Pastor Steven commenced preaching from the Gospel of Luke1 V1-12. “The preparation for the Messiah”

Zacharias was serving as priest in the temple, when suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared. Zacharias was deeply troubled by this but the angel assured him it was good news he was bearing. Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were advanced in years and were childless. The angel told them that Elizabeth was going to have a child and they were to call him John. Later in life he would be known as John the Baptist who paved the way for the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

Zacharias and Elizabeth were both faithful God fearing people who believed God’s word and His promises. Today many churchs are watering down the Gospel, eroding what the true meaning is, in unbelief or doubting we will feel the full force of God’s wrath.

We all experience problems and trials in life but we must always focus on God who will strengthen us in our hour of need. God never sleeps, He wants us to trust Him fully  as the people in the bible did. Angels spoke to Abraham, to Mary and many others, how would we behave if an angel appeared to us? Would we feel as Zacharias did, fearful of what was going to happen, feel unworthy as Isaiah did? Thanks be to God that He sent John to preach the message of repentance (which is still relevant today) which was “The preparation for the coming Messiah”

Sunday 27th 10-00am Worship service. As this is the last Sunday in the month our luncheon and afternoon service will be held.

Wednesday 30th 9-00am Weekly prayer meeting followed by bible study at 10-30am.

All enquiries to Pastor Steven 0408990903.

SOUTHERN GATEWAY

Our Sunday service at Church was highlighted by lengthy praise and worship led by Bob Yam. As usual we blessed our offering to the Lord as we honoured his greatness. Pamela Yam then led us in a reflection for Communion where she shared on the great need to have love one for another as shown in 1Cor 13.

Pastor Peter led us on the mighty healing power of God the Father and his son Jesus. Jesus said we would greater things in his name when he went to the Father. This extraordinary Word tells us what authority we have as Born-again, Spirit-filled Christians when we witness and pray over others in Jesus name. Jesus preached and healed.

Ps 62:11 says the Power comes from God. When we pray , witness and testify the power is from God . When we pray healing over another person . Jesus heals. If people reach out are we prepared as Christians to share the healing power of Jesus.

Next Wednesday there will be the start of an Hour of Power when we pray intensely for an hour at Pastor Peter.'s home at 11am. There will be other venues added in future.

Next Sunday Richard Tatti will lead the praise and worship. All are welcome to honour God in worship , share communion and hear the Word preached at our church in the Y community hall opposite Aldi in Kangaroo Flat at 10 am.

Prayer support and inquiries to Pastor Peter Pritchard on 9413682999.

UNITING

ELM Cluster: 

Eaglehawk: Everyone is welcome to come along to our Services this Sunday at 10 am for Cornerstone ( Sunday School) and the Service in the Church which will be led by the Rev Cynthia Page. Holy Communion will be celebrated and  Morning Tea will follow the Service.

The Evening Service will be at 6.30 pm and Holy Communion will be celebrated by the Rev Cynthia Page.

The Monthly Pub Lunch will be held after the morning Service on Sunday at the Bridge Hotel.

Men's Coffee and Conversation will be held on Friday from 10am at the Thomas's home.

On Saturday everyone is invited to the High Tea at the Old Shire hall at Marong from 2.30pm. Cost is $10 per person and half of the proceeds will be donated to Hamlin Obstetric Fistula Appeal.

Women's Get Together will be held next Tuesday from 10am at the Lets Get Saucys Cafe.

The Church Council Executive will meet on Wednesday at 5.15pm followed by the JAMM Session for musicians and multi media people.

On Saturday October 3rd the Grand Final Breakfast will be held from 7.45am to 9am approx. Entry is by a Gold Coin donation.

Long Gully: The Service on Sunday will be at 9.30 am and led by the Rev Dale Pascall.

Marong:  The 9am  Service on Sunday will be led by Merrill Cole. On Sunday October  10th, the ELM Cluster BBQ in aid of Frontier Services will be held from 12 noon.

This will include Congregations from Eaglehawk, Long Gully and Marong as well as any others who may wish to come along.

Weeroona Uniting Church Bendigo:  Faith on Film will be will happening tomorrow night at 7.00pm at Neale Street. The September Film, “What We Did On Our Holiday”, is a heart-warming, uplifting comedy for all the family. All are welcome and invited to come along to share popcorn, fellowship and a movie in a safe, friendly space. Together we explore the intersecting of our lives in the world with our faith through the issues raised in the film. Following the movie, we will share in discussion and you are invited to bring a plate of supper to share. All are welcome.

This Sunday there will be two Weeroona Uniting Church Services, at 9.15am and 11.00am at Neale Street. Both services will be led by Rev. Kate Fraser. The 9.15am service is a family service which includes a Sunday School program for children from crèche to grade 6. The 11.00am is more traditional in its presentation, and also includes activities for the children.

Our next Weeroona Kid’s Club get-together will be held on Tuesday 6th October from 4.00pm – 5.30pm at Neale Street. All kids aged from Grade 2 – 5 are invited to come along! Fun is promised!!

Bendigo Central: Many thanks to those who helped with our Neighbourhood Breakfast last Tuesday morning – it was a great experience to greet our Forest Street Neighbours and share a meal with them.

Don’t forget Messy Church at St. Andrew’s Hall on Friday from 4.30 – 6.30pm in the small Hall.  There will be lots of things to do on this special day.

Next Sunday at Forest Street Social Justice Sunday will be celebrated with a Combined Worship at 9.30am led by Rev Di Esbensen.  Ms Denisse Sandoval of the Uniting Church Justice Group will be the Speaker.  After Church there will be Morning Tea and then we will have a Community Organising Training Time with Denisse, beginning at 12 noon.  Denisse has worked with congregations and faith based community groups both in Australia and the US, contributing to community empowerment and motivation.   There will be lunch provided.   Please RSVP for catering purposes to Denisse.sandoval@victas.uca.org.au.  Sponsored by the Bendigo Uniting Church’s Social Justice Group.

On Sunday October 11th at 11.45am at Forest Street Hall a Video ‘Stormy Waters’  will be shown.  This Video is a play about refugees and was filmed at Wesley Uniting Church Melbourne, earlier this year.  The DVD takes about 40 minutes, and will be followed by conversation over a “bring and share” lunch.  Come and share in the discussion of this very topical issue.