Bendigo church notices and events

Catholic Charismatic Renewal is celebrating it's Golden Jubilee world wide. In Victoria we have a Jubilee Cross traveling to many parishes as part of this celebration. The Cross, a symbol of God' love for all people, will be in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo on Wednesday 8th March for 8am Mass and during the normal time of Eucharistic Adoration concluding at 2pm. Prayer requests may be placed in the base of the cross and these will be offered at a Mass in Melbourne at a later date.

In the evening an Ecumenical gathering will be held at St. Joseph's Church Hall, 44 Russell St., Quarry Hill commencing at 7.30pm for praise, worship, prayer and fellowship. Contacts: Denise Ilott 03 544 11 087. Elaine McGrath 0400 820 239.

St Killian’s

You are invited to join a Lenten Prayer Group. There are three groups: Tuesdays, 10.30am and 5pm, and Thursday at 7am. If you would like to participate, please contact Helen on 5441 6244. Theme is Up From the Waters: Reflecting, Sharing and Living the Gospel.

Week 1:  My Son, the Beloved.

Ministers of Communion and readers

St. Kilian's Parish Liturgy Group have organised a training session for new and existing Ministers of the Word and new and existing Ministers of Communion. The training will take place in the Church this Saturday, March 4.

Program: 10am,  Ministers of Communion; 10.30am, Question Time and 11am, readers only.

A special thank you to Denise Braddon who will conduct the training morning.

If you are new to either of these ministries or would like a refresher, please contact Helen at the office 5441 6244 prior to March 4 so we can anticipate the number attending.    

World Day Of Prayer  will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Myers Street, Bendigo, tomorrow Friday, March 3, at 10.30am. This year the service has been prepared by the World Day of Prayer committee from the Philippines and they invite us to pray and explore the theme: “Am I being unfair to you?” All welcome - wheelchair access available. For more information phone 5441 4071.

St Paul’s

This Sunday is the first Sunday in Lent. The gospel reading records the temptation of Jesus that took place in the wilderness whilst Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights. He needed food and so the devil enters at that time but he was defeated by the quote of the scripture. The devil took him to the holy city and tempted him there to show that even in our spiritual progress we should beware of the enemy. The tempter took Jesus to a high mountain and showed him the splendour of the world, promising to give him all if he worshipped him. Jesus defeats the tempter by categorically quoting that our worship should be to God and him alone. It is beneficial for us Christians to be rooted in the Word of God for guidance when the enemy tries to tempt us. Services this Sunday are 8am – said Eucharist, 9.30am – choral Eucharist, 11am – celebration Eucharist. For more about St Paul’s please visit www.stpaulsbendigo.org.au  or find us on facebook.

St Mary’s Kangaroo Flat

In his last service at St Mary’s, Rev Roger Rich spoke on the transfiguration of Jesus up on the mountain. He challenged us to see how we see Jesus and that we each should have a glow that others notice. The congregation thanked Roger and Regina for leading us over the past year.

Rev Heather Vander Reest commenced as locum this week and we wish her well in her time with us.

Merry Music runs each Thursday from 10-11am for preschool children in the church hall and they all love coming. Enquiries June Prior 5435 3372

For more details about our services and what is happening at St Mary’s visit our website at www.stmaryskangarooflat.com or call the parish office on 54474 7427.

This week in the Bendigo Lutheran parish we will be celebrating with Holy Communion at both our worship centres at 9am, 97 Spring Gully Road, Spring Gully, and 11am in Castlemaine at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, on the corner of Bakers and Doveton Streets.

Our Sunday school will meet at approximately 9.45am at our Bendigo centre.

The season of Lent has started during this week. Lent is the season of preparation for Easter. It is a time for repentance and renewal, discipleship and walking the way of the cross. The season has a sombre character, marked by austerity and restraint. Traditional emphases have been prayer, fasting, and giving for the needs of others. Lent has also included study and meditation in preparation for Baptism.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 40 days before Easter. The 40 days are a reminder of the 40 days of fasting of our Lord after his Baptism at the beginning of his ministry. (Moses also remained 40 days on the mountain at the giving of God's law; Elijah spent 40 days on Mount Horeb; and the children of Israel spent 40 years wandering in the desert before entering the promised land).

Hymns Alive will have an international flavour this afternoon when Leeann McDowell, a visiting young person from America, will be guest speaker. New people who enjoy singing the old favourite hymns are most welcome to join in today at 1.30pm in the hall. Afternoon tea provided. Free bus transport may be arranged – phone Allan 5442 2774.

Parents with preschool children are reminded of playgroup today in the portables from 10-11.30am. Please bring a plate of food to share. No charge.

Collective Youth, for youth year 6 and above, is getting together in the hall tomorrow from 7 – 9.30 pm.  Come along to join in the growing numbers, and bring your friends. For more information phone Dave at the church office.

Connect small groups meet together weekly throughout Bendigo. This is an opportunity to make new friends, and have a chat over a cuppa. If you would like to part of a group, then contact the church office.

Sunday church services 10am and 4pm, 35 Solomon Street, Bendigo.  Prayer at 9.20am precedes the morning service.

Kids are involved in their own service in the hall from 10am. If you would like your child to be involved, phone Ro at the church office.

For all details of weekly programs, contact the church office on 5441 3133.

Spirituality by the Lake is happening next Sunday, 1.30pm-4pm, at the boathouse, Lake Weeroona. All are invited to hear readings on the subject of "peace" from several faith traditions and then to explore ways of finding inner peace through art, music, meditation and walking a labyrinth. The Daybreak Centre of Spirituality and the Bendigo Interfaith Council are pleased to provide this opportunity for the Bendigo community.   

The annual Interfaith dinner and forum will be held in conjunction with the Bendigo Festival of Cultures on Thursday, March 23, at The Conservatory, McIvor Rd. The keynote speaker, Jenny McGuirk, will speak on the topic: "Community Harmony Through Times of Crisis". Guest performer will be Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa - a spoken word artist. Tickets are $50, $45 concession or $380 for a table of eight.

Bookings can be made through www.bendigofestivalofcultures.org.au/bookings, or call Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services, 5441 6644, or All Seasons, 5443 8166.

Last Sunday, Lynette’s message was a continuation of Abram’s story in Genesis.  God had made an unbreakable covenant with Abram to bless him with vast amounts of land and many descendants, but 10 years after God first called Abram, and promised that he would be the father of many nations; Sarai his wife had still not produced a child.  Sarai knew of this promise and in anticipation she waited for another 10 long years for its fulfilment, but remained childless.  So Sarai thought she could build her family through her maid servant Hagar.  Sadly though, Hagar, rather than showing compassion for her mistress, flaunted her pregnancy and chose to use it to treat Sarai with disrespect.  How different it would have been if Abram had taken some responsibility, after he agreed to this proposal; and being the head of the family he had the authority to speak to Hagar and encourage her to treat her mistress respectfully.  Sarai in her grief and sadness displayed harsh treatment of Hagar so she ran away.  Sometimes running away seems like the best solution, but it solves nothing and usually leads to a much bigger problem.  Thankfully for Hagar, God did not abandoned her when she ran away and sent an angel to minister to her and encourage her. God gave Hagar a promise of innumerable descendants and told her to name her child Ishmael. In Genesis 17 God changes Abram and Sarai’s names to Abraham and Sarah and a few months later, Sarah finally found herself expecting a child.  The son of the Promise was born at last, the delight of his father and mother’s hearts.  Hagar served Sarah for more than 20 years, and yet Sarah demanded that she be dismissed and sent away.  The story of Sarah and Hagar, Ishmael and Isaac, is a story of broken relationships.  Learning to forgive and move on, to put in effort to restore what has broken down; this is how as Christians we are meant to live.

All are warmly welcome at our regular Sunday services where you will find hope, encouragement and encounter God, held on Sundays at 10am at the Long Gully Community Centre, 27 Havilah Road, Bendigo. Enquiries: phone 5443 1468 or mobile 0402 087 083  

Eaglehawk

Preaching his final sermon before his retirement last Sunday Pastor Steven told of:  “The state of man” Luke 9 V37-45.

Jesus is focusing on the cross, He knows that the time is near for Him to die, He is wondering where His disciples stand before God, He is worried because not long ago He gave His disciples power to heal the sick etc and to cast out demons. As Jesus, James and John came down from the mountain after the transfiguration, Jesus is confronted by a man who has a demon possessed son, the disciples, who had the power, were unable to drive out this demon. Jesus took the boy and healed him, he told the disciples that it was through their unbelief that they could not cure the boy.

Today’s passage reveals the sorry state of man, how many are in the churches worshipping God compared to the number of unbelievers rejecting God. The believer can lose his first love, when first converted he is a powerhouse proclaiming the gospel to all he meets, then slowly without noticing, he falls away just like the disciples. When we realise that we have lost that zeal we must call out to God, just like the demon possessed boy’s father did, and ask that the flame that burned brightly will be alight once more.

We believers were once in a fallen state until God sent His Son to die on the cross to save us. We believe in Jesus Christ and must be aware that there is no unbelief mixed with it. We must be able to say with certainty that we are going to heaven not we hope we are going to heaven.

This world is changing its thinking, going with the times, accepting anything thrown up that goes against God’s word, it is facing destruction. All must remember God will not be mocked. Continuing with the sinful way of the world, not accepting Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, the Great White Throne judgement awaits.

Sunday, March 5: 10am,  worship service. This will be our quarterly Communion service, it will be conducted by Reverent Len Pearce.

Wednesday, March 8: 9am, weekly prayer meeting followed by bible study at 10.30am. All enquiries to 5446 8086.

St John’s

Last Sunday at St John's, Rev Philip Burns preached from 1 Timothy 1:18-20. After Paul had shared with Timothy something of the nature of the task he had sent him to complete in Ephesus and something of his testimony about the grace of God, Paul sought to reinforce something of the importance of the task that Timothy had before him. To prove faithful, Timothy would need to faithfully discharge his own commission, which Paul had given him and the prophecies that had been made concerning him. Timothy would also need to hang on to faith and keeping a good conscience, as well as avoiding the mistakes of others like Hymenaeus and Alexander who had made a 'shipwreck' of their faith. The Titanic was laid low by icebergs that were unseen. Timothy should watch out for them both large and small, as must God's people in every generation. There are many 'icebergs' of many kinds that will seek to trip up even the most wary. SMILE Playgroup meets on Mondays at 10am. Ladies' Home Group meets Wednesdays at 1:30pm. Evening Home Groups meet Thursday at 7:30pm. Playgroup meets Fridays at 10am. Quarterly Prayer Gathering on Saturday from 10am. Next Sunday, Rev Philip Burns will continue the series on 1 Timothy, the Lord's Supper will be shared and morning tea follows in the hall. Sunday school also meets. For further information or to hear this week's message, visit bendigopc.org.au.

Reforming

The Law: what is it good for? People are often confused about the Law in the Old Testament. We have questions as to what its place is in the life of a Christian today, since we have the New Testament and all that might mean for us. Our society seems so modern and beyond an old collection of books with it’s old fashioned laws - so if I’m not a believer what difference does it make to me? Moreover, there just seem so many, 613 of them, and who has the time to pay close attention to every single one of the hundreds of laws we see in the Old Testament? That number again, 613, makes our eyes glaze over and we feel like having a lie-down. What's the Law, all the laws, for? Does it have anything for me anymore? Should I even care? The short answer is: yes! For a full and satisfying answer to that question, come along this Sunday where you’ll meet people with the same questions you have, and meet the God who has all the answers in His word the Bible. We are currently in an Old Testament overview series, where “Every Page Points to Jesus”. Find us at Bendigo South East College on Sundays, 10.30am, in the Theatre Auditorium on Ellis Street, all are welcome. We're online at reforming.org.au

Our Sunday was blessed by a powerful teaching from Stella Johns on how we are joint heirs with Christ. God says we are perfect in Him, that we are a new creation and we are to take what He has given us and use it for His Kingdom. If Christ lives in you then you are His perfect child....then you live in perfection.

When we are seated with God..that is at rest with Him...then we can do wondrous things. In fact our battles are His battles. So often we do the fighting in spiritual ways, emotional ways and physical ways. The battle is the Lord's.

In Christ we are a new creation. The old self is dead and buried since Jesus died on the Cross for us ALL. Nobody has to miss out on this redemption and cleansing by the Blood of the Lamb.

Let us claim our inheritance … the joy of holiness in Christ. Break free from religious ways and walk victoriously with Him,  he has invited us to be with Him on this earth. We don't have to wait until heaven as some would have us think.

No! Jesus is alive. He is alive in everyone who turns to Him and gives their life to Him.

Jesus loves each one of us.

When we are born again it is instantaneous...not like being carried in the womb for nine months. Be refreshed, cleansed and full of the everlasting presence of Jesus in your life.

The Communion reflection was presented by Kaye Garvin .

Praise and worship led by our Spirit filled team of Linda Fraser and Karolyn Webster brought joy into the service.

Next Sunday is our first Sunday service followed by the shared luncheon. Bring a friend to encounter Jesus and Holy Spirit anointing through the Word of God.

We invite you to come to our 10am service in the Y Community Hall, opposite Aldi, in Kangaroo Flat each Sunday.

Hour of Power prayer will be in Rosalind Park this week on Wednesday.

Prayer support and information from Pastor Peter Pritchard on 0413 682 999.

Central Cluster

Today, March 2, Coffee and Catch up,  Axedale Tavern – all welcome.

World Day of Prayer - Philippines, Friday, theme “Am I being unfair?”. March 3,  10.30am, St. Paul’s  and 7.30 pm at the Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church, guest speaker Emilita Purkiss.  All welcome.

Sunday at St. Andrew’s, Myers St, combined Holy Communion led by Rev. Di Esbensen who will lead a Communion service at St.Andrew’s, Axedale, commencing 2.30pm.

The Central Cluster will celebrate Pancake Day on Sunday, March 5, at St.Andrew’s, Myer’s St  after the Holy Communion service. This project is being organised by the two Cluster UCAF Groups to raise funds for the Annual SHARE Appeal. All profit and donations will be given to UnitingCare Bendigo for its emergency relief work.

This year’s ‘Spirituality by the Lake” will take place on March 5, 1.30-4 pm.  This is an opportunity to contemplate expressions of peace from different perspectives. Included will be Baha’i, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Christian.

Living with the Newspapers and the Gospel – a weekly Ecumenical Conversation for Lent commencing Tuesday, March 7, 1- 1.40pm,  Forest St Uniting Church, then St.Pauls Cathedral, Sacred Heart Cathedral and St Andrews Uniting Church. Possible themes include Greed, Power, Peace, Redemption, 21st century Faith. Each Sunday there will be resources with a theme, Scripture reading and lead article for the next Tuesday’s conversation. You are asked, as you read your newspaper, to choose an article that connects to the theme of the week for you.

Janet Rogers’ Christmas Pudding project resulted in $630 being raised and will be put towards the purchase of a Defibrillator to be available within the St Andrew’s complex.   

ELM Cluster

Eaglehawk: Everyone is invited to our services this Sunday, firstly at 10am, for the all age FOCUS Service which is Harvest Thanksgiving. The congregation is asked to bring along food items for emergency relief.

Morning tea will follow the service. The evening service will be at 6.30pm and will include the first Lenten study led by the Rev Cynthia Page.

On Sunday at the Star Cinema at 3.30pm, the movie Notes of Blindness will be shown. The Congregation is invited to attend, as it is about the late Professor John Hull, whose father was a former minister at Eaglehawk.

The World Day of Prayer will be held tomorrow, Friday, at 11am at the Eaglehawk Baptist Church.

On Friday at 6.30pm the informal worship service, A Place to Start, will be held.  Please bring some food to share.

On Monday the op shop working bee will be held at the church from 10am.

The Little Explorers Playgroup will meet on Wednesday from 9.30am.

On Thursday, at 1pm, there will be a working bee at the church for the Dahlia and Arts Float.

Long Gully: The service next Sunday will be at 9.30am and Holy Communion will be celebrated by the Rev George Buckle.

Marong: Rev Cynthia Page will celebrate Holy Communion at the 9am Service this Sunday.

Bendigo South Cluster

Sunday, March 5 services

Kangaroo Flat: Sunday’s 9.30am service of Holy Communion will be led by Rev. Ian Stewart, cuppa to follow.

Lockwood: Sunday’s service at 9.30am will be led by Rev. Dale Pascall

Chum Street:  Sunday’s service at 11am will be led by  Rev. Ian Stewart and Holy Communion will be celebrated  (cuppa from 10am and lunch following the service).

Friday, March 3:  7.30pm, World Day of Prayer at Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church.  This year’s WDP Worship Service: “Am I Being Unfair to You?” has been prepared by the Philippines. Supper to follow.

Mondays, playgroup at Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church from 9.30-11am. Playgroup is a welcoming place for parents and grandparents to bring children under five years – everyone is welcome. Cost is a gold coin donation. Contact Anne 5447 8430.

Tuesdays, March 7: 10-11.30am, KYB Bible Study, 22 magellan Crescent, Kangaroo Flat. Contact Marj 5447 7970.

Tuesday and Friday: UnitingCare emergency relief from 10am - 1pm at Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church. Phone 5443 5458.

Tuesday, March 7: noon, fellowship lunch, Golden Brew cafe, 429 High Street, Golden Square. Please book with Mary Raymond 5442 0161 prior to the day.

Wednesdays: Craft group from 9am to noon, Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church. Everyone is welcome. Contact Lois on 5444 3020 for further information.

Wednesday, March 8: A dinner fundraiser for our team will be held on Wednesday,  March 8, at Bendigo Stadium from 6pm onwards.  Please RSVP to the team captain by March 3 if you would like to come.

Wednesday, March 8: 7.30pm, Kangaroo Flat UCAF will meet. Guest speaker Rachel Mason, manager of the Otis Foundation. Everyone is welcome.

Thursdays: Indoor (non-bias) bowls,1:30-3:30pm, The Old Church on the Hill (cnr

Harkness and Russell Sts, Quarry Hill).  People of all ages and bowling abilities are welcome. Afternoon tea is provided and two games of bowls assured. Cost $2.  Contact Anne 5447 8430.

Friday, March 10: 6.30pm, Bendigo Cross Cultural Ministry (CCM) Gathering at Chum Street Uniting Church. A time of sharing and fellowship for people from different backgrounds and cultures. BYO food to share. Enquiries: James Lerk 5443 1717.

March 24 and 25: Bendigo Relay for Life 2017. If you are interested in joining our “Bendigo Uniting Churches” team, you can register online at www.relayforlife.org.au.  All inquiries to Anne Villiers (Team Captain) on 54478430

UnitingCare Prayer Point:

This week, we ask you to pray for those who are struggling to overcome the addictions that have been affecting their relationships and limiting their capacity to enjoy fullness of life. Please pray that they will have the courage they need to overcome the temptation to give in to their cravings and that they will have the support they need to get them through each challenge.

Weeroona

Tomorrow morning (Friday, March 3), Weeroona Uniting Church will host a service for the World Day of Prayer at 10am at the Neale Street location. People from all denominations are welcome to share in worship and morning tea. Each year a different nation is given special attention, and this year the focus is the Philippines. Our special guest speaker is Liwa Aroas, and we look forward to hearing her stories from her home country.

Faith on Film will be held tomorrow evening at 7pm at Neale Street. We will be watching “Miracles from Heaven”. All are welcome 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.

This Sunday there will be three Weeroona Uniting Church Services. Morning services will be held at 9.15am at Neale Street, and 11am at White Hills. Both services will be led by Rev. Susan Malthouse-Law, and will include Holy Communion and activities for the children.

On Sunday evening you are invited to come along to Song Story Supper at 5pm at the Neale Street church and experience worship in a different way. This service is ideal for families, singles, couples, old, young, and those in between. The service will be followed by a bring and share tea. Hope to see you there.

The Philippines will be the country of focus at this year’s World Day of Prayer this Friday, March 3. A number of Filipino women will be sharing their experiences of their ‘homeland’ as they join with other men and women from around the Bendigo region.  In turn, they will be part of the international celebration as millions come together on this day.

The Weeroona Uniting Church service will commence at 10am at Neale Street, with the gathering at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral commencing at 10.30am and at the Eaglehawk Baptist at 11am. In the evening, the Epsom Community Church is the venue at 7pm, with the celebration at Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church commencing at 7.30pm.

Around the world people’s thoughts will turn to the theme “Am I Being Unfair to You?”  In the tropical nation of the Philippines of over 100 million people, despite having a Constitution guaranteeing equal rights, many Filipino women are still treated as subordinates in the home, church and society.  Poverty, particularly in rural areas, aggravates the vulnerability of women and families to violence and exploitation.

Men and women from around Bendigo are invited to this ‘wave’ of prayer. Further inquiries:  Jenny Rainsford 5448 3912.