PEW SHEET 26th February 2017

BLESSING OF THE FLEET

TODAY
Sunday 26^th February 11.30am at The Slip Jetty, Port Albert

• Morwell Caledonian Pipe Band
• Lions Barbeque

Sponsored by: Wellington Shire;

Customs House Inn, Wharf Fish & Chips,

Wildfish Restaurant, Port Albert Café & Wine Bar.

Due to the timing of this event there will be a shortened service of Holy Communion at Holy Trinity commencing at the usual time of 10.30am on Sunday 26^th February.

LENT –

28^th February Shrove Tuesday 6.00pm: you are invited the Rectory for a pancake dinner, burning of last year’s palm crosses and preparation of incense nails. Please add your name to the list at church or let Rev Jo know by phone or email

1^st March Ash Wednesday: Imposition of Ashes at 10.30am and 7.30pm at Holy Trinity, Yarram

Sunday 19^th March Harvest Festival (Mothering/Refreshment Sunday) 10.30am at Holy Trinity Yarram - special guest preacher and celebrant The Right Reverend Kay Goldsworthy Bishop of Gippsland

HOLY WEEK
Palm Sunday April 9th 10.30am at Holy Trinity Yarram
Maundy Thursday 13th April 6.00pm Foot washing and meal at Holy Trinity Hall, Yarram
Good Friday 14th April 11.00am at Christ Church, Tarraville Ecumenical Service followed by morning tea at the Tarraville School House
Holy Saturday 15th April 8.00pm at St John's Port Albert Lighting of the New Fire and renewal of baptismal vows

Easter Sunday 16^th April 9.00am St John's Port Albert, 10.30am Holy Trinity Yarram

Lenten Studies – This year’s study will be Up from the Waters Reflections for Lent Year A by Fr Tony Chiera and Dr Jason McFarland $10.00 for study booklets from your Bible Study Leader or purchase a book to study privately.

Please order you book and indicate your preferred group for study using the forms at church.

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS 

Studying the Bible with others is a great way to develop our faith and our fellowship. In 2017 Bible Study groups will be continuing across the parish –

·         The Yarram Group ‘Coffee Connect’ Monday 3.45pm at the Coffee Place, Commercial Road Yarram
 

·         The Port Albert Group Monday 20th February 4.00pm at St John's led by Rev Jo

• The Rectory Group Wednesday 7.30pm at The Rectory, Yarram led by Rev. Jo (for Lenten Studies only) 

Soiree at St John’s featuring
Affinity Collective
Saturday 18^th
March 5.30pm for 6.00pm tickets $25.00 per person including Chicken and champagne prior to the concert. For tickets contact Rev Jo

Working Bee at St John’s Port Albert 9.30am Saturday 4^th March,

including a meeting of The Friends of St John’s Inc.

HELPING OUT at HOLY TRINITY

Serving God with Glad Hearts – There a number of tasks that get done week by week by our guilds including: reading the Scriptures, assisting with the power point presentation, providing hospitality after worship, welcoming, flowers and cleaning

If you would like to join one of these groups please speak to Reverend Jo.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS THIS MONTH
Holy Trinity: 12^th March following 10.30am service
St John’s: 5^th March following 9.00am service

PEW SHEET 1st January 2017

EPIPHANY – Christmas begins on Christmas Day 25^th December and the feast continues for twelve days until Epiphany on 6^th January. Because Epiphany falls on a Friday in 2017 the church has moved its celebration to Sunday 1^st January; it’s not until Epiphany that our nativity scene is joined by the figures of the wise men. The Gospel of Matthew’s account of the visit of The Magi speaks simply of ‘wise men from the east’; later the number has become fixed at three probably because of the three gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh. These wise men have also been named – Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.

In Western churches, the Epiphany (manifestation) became an occasion to celebrate the visit of the wise men that travelled from the East, following a star to visit Jesus. The importance of their visit is that the Messiah was manifest to the Gentiles. The longed for saviour is not a saviour for the people of Israel alone but for the entire world.

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS  
Studying the Bible with others is a great way to develop our faith and our fellowship. In 2017 Bible Study groups will be continuing across the parish –

• The Yarram Group ‘Coffee Connect’ led by Linda Bowden
• The Won Wron Group led by Elaine Wright
• The Port Albert Group to be led by Rev Jo

The Gospel of John – The Way to True Life a Life Guide Bible Study by Douglas Connelly; there are a number of these booklets available for group or personal study $10 per copy. If you are interested please speak to a Bible Study Leader or Rev. Jo


Crossley House Holy Communion resumes Monday 11.00am, 23^rd January
St Elmo's House Holy Communion resumes Monday 11.15am, 30^th January
Midweek Holy Communion will resume Wednesday 10.30am, 1^st February

PEW SHEET 18th December 2016

ADVENT FOUR -

Immanuel; Hebrew for “God is with us”, the name of a child whose birth is symbolic of God’s guiding and protecting presence. (Isaiah 7:14; 8:8 and Matthew 1:23) In ancient times people believed that knowing someone’s name gave you power over them. but it had to be the person’s true name, the name that expressed who they really were. Emmanuel or Immanuel (both spellings are found in Holy Scripture) conveys the truth of God’s promise to us that God will never leave us, through good times and bad God is always closer to us than breathing. God shares our struggles, our loneliness as well as our joy and delight.

Traditional Nine Lessons and Carols

Sunday 18^th December  7.30pm at Holy Trinity

This Traditional evening of readings and carols was first begun by the Dean of Kings College in Cambridge, Eric Milner-White, to involve the people of Cambridge in the great sweep of salvation history. The Nine Lessons begin with the story of Adam’s fall, moving through the prophet Isaiah to the annunciation and birth of Jesus. The church always looks fabulous for this event with candles and festive lights. The evening will conclude with sparkling refreshments. We hope you will join us for this very special night.

Celebrate Christmas with us:

CHRISTMAS EVE - 

7.30pm CHRISTINGLE at St John’s, Port Albert
Members of the Port Albert Community have been busy decorating the windows at St John’s for this special family friendly service.
11.30pm MIDNIGHT MASS at Holy Trinity, Yarram
A delightful service of light followed by a bit of Christmas Cheer

CHRISTMAS DAY - 

9.00am Holy Communion as Holy Trinity, Yarram

PEW SHEET 4th December 2016

ADVENT WEEK TWO

THE JESSE TREE – a Jesse Tree was originally a two dimensional representation of the family tree of Jesus tracing his ancestry from Jesse of Bethlehem, the father of King David. Its origins date back to the Medieval Period when many people were illiterate. The Jesse Tree was a kind of teaching aid to help people understand that Jesus was the fulfilment of the prophesy suggested by the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. ‘A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.’ (Isaiah 11:1) The Jesse Tree can also be used as a type of Advent Calendar to which a new symbol is added either day by day or week by week. Each symbol helps tell the story of salvation history from creation until the birth of Jesus. We have assembled some 25 Jesse Tree symbols on the tree in the foyer at Holy Trinity. You are invited to turn them over to discover their meaning. For example: Joseph and his coat; A tent and camel; A lamb with a pennant. Each card includes a commentary on the Bible reading, questions for reflection and a short prayer.

DURING ADVENT -

Rev. Jo will host PRAY AS YOU GO at The Black Ram Agar Room on Wednesdays 11.30am PAYG is a simple time of reflection using the daily readings.

EVENING PRAYER DURING ADVENT – you are invited to join Rev. Jo for Evening Prayer 6.00pm each night at Holy Trinity, Yarram.

Yarram Combined Churches Community Christmas Carols – Regent Theatre Sunday 11^th December 7.30pm please make plans to attend. If you would like to offer assistance with taking up the offering, giving out programs, or reading the scripture please speak to Rev. Jo

Parish Council Meeting 7^th December 4.00pm at the Rectory

TODAY St John’s Congregational Meeting following our 9.00am service

Nine Lessons and Carols Sunday 18^th December  

7.30pm at Holy Trinity

This Traditional evening of readings and carols was first begun by the Dean of Kings College in Cambridge, Eric Milner-White, to involve the people of Cambridge in the great sweep of salvation history. The Nine Lessons begin with the story of Adam’s fall, moving through the prophet Isaiah to the annunciation and birth of Jesus. The church always looks fabulous for this event with candles and festive lights. The evening will conclude with sparkling refreshments. We hope you will join us for this very special night.

Christmas is Coming – there are number of Christmas Catalogues from various mission agencies on the Mission Table including: Tear Australia, Christian Blind Mission, Bible League International, and Anglicare Victoria.

Koorong Christmas Catalogue includes lots of good ideas for family and friends

Anglicare invites us to purchase gifts for their annual Toy Appeal. You might consider the following: Lego blocks, arts and crafts materials, board games, baby blankets, educational DVD’s, books, clothing, sports equipment, jewellery, gift vouchers, 2017 diaries.

Anglicare asks that all items donated are new and unwrapped. Most gifts given are for younger children so please do not forget to consider gifts for teenagers.

Please place your gifts under the tree today until Sunday 18^th December.

PEW SHEET 27th November 2016

Advent Wreath at Holy Trinity

ADVENT begins this Sunday Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming of Christ in his incarnation, and also looks ahead to his final advent as judge at the end of time.

Recently heard in the shops were these comments as two women were buying a few Christmas Decorations; ‘Each year I am finding it harder and harder to get that Christmassy feeling.’ ‘These decorations are so cute.’ said her friend as she chose a glass decoration with a sparkly little church inside. This Advent we would like to help you to prepare for Christmas; to invite you to share Advent with us; to join us for The Nine Lessons and Carols or The Community Christmas Carols or Christingle, Midnight Mass or Christmas Day. The Church is the place to get that Christmassy feeling. Each week during Advent we will be lighting another candle on the Advent Wreath, a kind of count-down to Christmas. Do come and share all the joy of anticipation with us.

Yarram Combined Churches Community Christmas Carols – Regent Theatre Sunday 11^th December 7.30pm please make plans to attend. If you would like to offer assistance with taking up the offering, giving out programs, or reading the scripture please speak to Rev. Jo

Nine Lessons and Carols Sunday 18^th December  7.30pm at Holy Trinity

This Traditional evening of readings and carols was first begun by the Dean of Kings College in Cambridge, Eric Milner-White, to involve the people of Cambridge in the great sweep of salvation history. The Nine Lessons begin with the story of Adam’s fall, moving through the prophet Isaiah to the annunciation and birth of Jesus. The church, Holy Trinity Yarram, always looks fabulous for this event with candles and festive lights. The evening will conclude with sparkling refreshments. We hope you will join us for this very special night!

Christmas is Coming – there are number of Christmas Catalogues from various mission agencies on the Mission Table at church including: Tear Australia, Christian Blind Mission, Bible League International, and Anglicare Victoria.

Koorong Christmas Catalogue also has lots of gift ideas for family and friends

Anglicare invites us to purchase gifts for their annual Toy Appeal. You might consider the following: Lego blocks, arts and crafts materials, board games, baby blankets, educational DVD’s, books, clothing, sports equipment, jewellery, gift vouchers, 2017 diaries.
Anglicare asks that all items donated are new and unwrapped. Most gifts given are for younger children so please do not forget to consider gifts for teenagers. Please place your gifts under the tree today until Sunday 18^th December.

Christingle Service - St John's Port Albert 7.30pm Christmas Eve family service including; carols, the Christmas Story and making Christingles to take home.

Midnight Mass - Holy Trinity Yarram 11.30pm Christmas Eve followed by sparkling refreshments and Christmas Cake.

Christmas Day - Holy Trinity Yarram 9.00am including Holy Communion

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS  

Yarram Group Monday 3.45pm Coffee Palace Yarram

Won Wron Group 2^nd/4^th Tuesdays 6pm (meal); 7pm for study

The Gospel of John – The Way to True Life a Life Guide Bible Study by Douglas Connelly; there are a number of these booklets available for group or personal study $10 per copy. If you are interested please speak to a Bible Study Leader or Rev. Jo.

Parish Council Meeting 7^th December 4.00pm at the Rectory

St John’s Congregational Meeting - Sunday 4^th December following a shorter service of Holy Communion

PEW SHEET 6th November

Christ Church Tarraville 160th 

Come and celebrate

Sunday 20^th November 2016 – Christ the King

• From 2.00pm Exhibition of Memorabilia with afternoon tea served throughout the afternoon at the historic Tarraville School House.
• 2.30pm Civic Reception at the church Christ Church Tarraville
• 5.00pm Evensong with guest preacher The Right Reverend Kay Goldsworthy 12th Bishop of Gippsland at the church Christ Church Tarraville

HELP IS BEING OFFERED BY Bunning Warehouse Sale, Wellington Shire, Diocesan Archivist Tim Gibson, and Yarram Men’s Shed

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED –

We are all hosts for this occasion – hospitality costs include afternoon tea at the School House and sparkling refreshments following Evensong. Please place your donations in the box provided at church.

Planting a tree – as part of these celebrations a tree is to be planted in the grounds. If you would like to donate the tree please contact Rev Jo.

CHOIR REHEARSALS COMMENCE THIS TUESDAY

Special choir for Nine Lessons and Carols commences this Tuesday 8th November 7.00pm

You are invited to join the choir that will perform two items and support community singing of well-known Christmas Carols at the annual Nine Lessons and Carols to be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Sunday 18^th December 7.30pm.

Rehearsals commence Tuesday 8^th November 7.00pm at Holy Trinity,Yarram. Your leader is Mr Ken White. Your commitment will be six weeks of rehearsals and the performance. There will also be a rehearsal prior to the performance.

If you would like to join in (no audition required) please contact Rev. Jo - 5182 5117 or pop your name on the list at church.

Parish Annual General Meeting – Sunday November 13^th following 10.30am service at Holy Trinity please plan to attend. (The service of worship on this occasion will be shortened to allow more time for the meeting.)  Mrs Catherine Muston - Anglicare will be our guest speaker. A short Congregational Meeting of Holy Trinity to follow this meeting.

The Annual Reports of the Parish of Yarram are available from Sunday 6th November. Please collect your copy in preparation for next week’s AGM.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETS (meeting a week earlier) – Wednesday 9^th November 4.00pm at the Rectory.

What's on in the Parish

Sunday 6th November	St John’s Holy Trinity	9.00am 10.30am	All Saints
Sunday 13th November	Holy Trinity	11.30am	AGM of Parish and Congregational Meeting Holy Trinity
Sunday 20th November	Christ Church	2.00pm onward	160th anniversary of founding of the church visit of Bishop Kay
Sunday 11th Dec.	Holy Trinity Regent Theatre	10.30am 7.30pm	Third Sunday in Advent Combined Churches Community Christmas Carols
Sunday 18th Dec.	St John’s Holy Trinity Holy Trinity	9.00am 10.30am 7.30pm	Fourth Sunday in Advent Nine Lessons and Carols
Saturday 24th December	St John’s Holy Trinity	7.30pm 11.30pm	Christmas Eve Christingle Midnight Mass
Sunday 25th December	Holy Trinity	9.00am	Christmas Day

PEW SHEET 25th September 2016

SEPTEMBER MONTH OF HOSPITALITY

FELLOWSHIP LUNCH

You are invited to join us for lunch on Sunday 25th September at Holy Trinity following the 10.30am service.

THE BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

2.00pm Sunday 2^nd October at St John’s Port Albert;

Afternoon tea will be served in the church yard following the service.

We welcome all animals; great and small to our simple service of blessing in honour of St Francis of Assisi.

Cats and chooks in cages, dogs on leads and other small animals are invited to be blessed in the church. (Yes, snails and worms will be blessed.) Larger animals including pigs, cows, horses and working dogs will be blessed in the church yard or truck.

Christ Church Tarraville turns 160 this year.

Come and celebrate Sunday 20^th November 2016 – Christ the King

From 2.00pm Exhibition of Memorabilia with afternoon tea served throughout the afternoon.

2.30pm Civic Reception Christ Church Tarraville

5.00pm Evensong with guest preacher The Right Reverend Kay Goldsworthy Bishop of Gippsland Christ Church Tarraville

Archive Group meets Tuesdays 3.30 – 4.30pm in the vestry of Holy Trinity.

HELP IS BEING OFFERED BY Bunning Warehouse Sale, Wellington Shire, Diocesan Archivist Tim Gibson, and Yarram Men’s Shed

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED –

Do you know of any past parishioners or interested members of the community that might like an invitation to the 160^th anniversary of Christ Church Tarraville? Please get in touch with our invitation secretary, Elaine Wright or add their name and contact details to the list in the foyer.

We are all hosts for this occasion – please consider how you might provide hospitality to our guest either financially or in kind.

NEWS FROM PARISH COUNCIL

A tentative date has been chosen for the Parish AGM – Sunday November 13^th

Anyone who has responsibilities for groups or Parish Council related activities should begin preparing their reports. We would like these submitted using a word document to jowhite.7@bigpond.com no later than 28^th October.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Sunday 6th November	St John’s Holy Trinity	9.00am 10.30am	All Saints
Sunday 20th November	Christ Church	2.00pm onward	160th anniversary of founding of the church visit of Bishop Kay
Sunday 11th Dec.	Holy Trinity Regent Theatre	10.30am 7.30pm	Third Sunday in Advent Combined Churches Community Christmas Carols
Sunday 18th Dec.	St John’s Holy Trinity Holy Trinity	9.00am 10.30am 7.30pm	Fourth Sunday in Advent Nine Lessons and Carols
Saturday 24th December	St John’s Holy Trinity	7.30pm 11.30pm	Christmas Eve Christingle Midnight Mass
Sunday 25th December	Holy Trinity	9.00am	Christmas Day

Christians caring for our environment – on bin day, look at the size of your rubbish and commit to a smaller amount next week. One of the ways to do this is to avoid single-use items such as tissues and paper towel.