Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The Uniting Church in
the Eastern Wheatbelt
CHRISTMAS DAY Monday 25 December 2017
The day we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived!
After four weeks of Advent; after four weeks of preparing ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus the day has finally dawned upon us and upon those we love. AND … We can finally sing “O Come All Ye Faithful” with ALL the verses.
Merry Christmas everyone.
From our family to yours: May you experience afresh and anew the very real presence of Emmanuel who brings you the gifts of Hope and Peace and Joy and Love this Christmas time. Enjoy today! Enjoy spending time with family, or friends. If you happen to be spending today alone remember that you are never truly alone for the One who was born this very morning has promised NEVER to leave you, nor to forsake you. So you are never truly alone.
With love from all of us: John, Bronwyn, Hannah and Jared.
The Rev. John McKane
2017 Christmas Messages from Leaders of Christian Churches in Australia
Can you imagine the love and reverence with which the angel said Jesus’ name, when
the angel spoke to Joseph?
“You are to name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
Can you imagine Joseph’s tone of voice when he told Mary the name given for their
child?
Can you imagine Mary, aware of the child growing in her, speaking Jesus’ name? First
with Joseph in the intimacy of their home, later to the shepherds and the Magi.
We can imagine them all looking at the baby, saying Jesus’ name with that same angelic
reverence and love.
It is always very beautiful for us to hear Jesus’ name spoken with adoration. Our spirit
soars, yes?
This is one gift we can all give, one form of evangelism we can all share this Christmas
and into 2018.
As we know, our Australia needs to hear Jesus’ name re-said with love and reverence. So
there can be salvation. So there can be healing and wholeness. May it be so. Amen.
Bishop Philip Huggins, President National Council of Churches in Australia
You can read 12 Christmas messages from heads of Australian Churches, including
one from Stuart McMillan, President of the Uniting Church Assembly, at
http://www.ncca.org.au/images/newsletters/2017-12-
1/2017_Christmas_Messages_from_Australian_Church_Leaders-
_media_release.pdf
TODAY IN MERREDIN
Preacher John McKane
Worship Debbie Tengvall
Musician Sal Marais
Elder Steve Higgins
Greeters Jolly family
Readers Debbie Tengvall, Steve Higgins, Hannah McKane
Louise French, Bob French, Bronwyn McKane
Kevin Tengvall, Tania Higgins, Val Tengvall
Sound Steve Higgins
Projection John McKane
ADVANCE NOTICE: SAFE CHURCHES TRAINING 24 FEBRUARY 2018
A Safe Church Training workshop will be held at the Merredin Uniting Church
on Saturday 24th February. It is Uniting
Church policy that everyone involved
in church leadership complete this
training. If you did it more than 3 years
ago you are due for a refresher.
Further details will be provided in
February
prayers
Lisa Arthur 9044 3256
Bob French 9041 1780
Louise French 9041 1780
Steve Higgins 9041 5080
Gordon Jones 9047 1073
Debbie Tengvall 9044 3269
Kevin Tengvall 9044 3269
ELDERS CONTACT DETAILS
Intercession Pray for …
Judy Doncon and Eric. People spending Christmas alone. People travelling during the holiday season. People trapped by addiction.. For the Prime Minister and members of the Australian Parliament,
the WA Premier and members of the State Parliament, and the Police Force.
From the Synod Prayer Calendar…
Dongara and Geraldton Lighthouse congregations and the
Northampton congregation. Please also pray for the National
Working Group on Doctrine.
Do you have a special need for prayer? Remember the Elders are always
available for one on one prayer following services at Merredin.
Items for Newsletter:
If there is anything you would like included in the next newsletter,
including prayer requests, please let Bob French know on 9041 1780
Services in Merredin during the holiday period
There will be no service at the Uniting Church next Sunday 31 December. Instead
we will join the Merredin Church of Christ at 10.00 am for the final service
with their Pastor Mac Clarke.
JANUARY SERVICES
Sunday 7th January Uniting Church 9.00 am
Sunday 14th January St Mary’s Catholic Church 10.30 am
Saturday 20th January Seventh-Day Adventist Church 11.00 am
Sunday 28th January All Saints Anglican Church 11.30 am
Services in February
Normal Uniting Church Services for 2018 will resume on
Sunday 4th February in Merredin and Southern Cross; and on
Sunday 11th February in Mukinbudin.
