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