PEW SHEET 28th May 2017

MAY - a MONTH of PRAYER

True contemplation is not a psychological trick but a theological grace

Thomas Merton
In contemporary society our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry, and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in ‘muchness’ and ‘manyness,’ he will rest satisfied. Psychiatrist Carl Jung one remarked, Hurry is not of the Devil, it is the Devil.’If we hope to move beyond the superficialities of our culture, including our religious culture, we must be willing to go down into the recreating silences, into the inner world of contemplation Richard Foster: Celebration of Discipline, 1989.

During this month of prayer
the phone app. Pray as You Go is recommended

Please note there are Pocket Prayer Books of  A Prayer Book for Australia available for sale $25.00. See Rev Jo if you would like to purchase a copy.

As we continue to adopt new ways to work of the healing of the planet you are invited to assist in the preparation of Boomerang Bags Saturday 3^rd June 2.00pm – 4.00pm at Yarram Secondary College.

See www.iview.abc.net.au to watch War on Waste episode 2 which addresses the problem of plastic bags in Victoria and Australia. This program is highly recommended, it airs on ABC Tuesday nights at 8.30pm.

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

a place for fellowship around the Bible;

a place for prayer;

a place to ask questions

In Yarram – Coffee Connect, Mondays 3.45pm at the Coffee Palace,  studying The Gospel of Luke

In Port Albert – 3.30pm at St John’s Raglan Street, led by Rev. Jo currently studying The Gospel of John; Wednesday 31^st May. We meet at 3.30pm for about one hour.

In Won Wron – next meeting 27^th June more details to follow

You are welcome to join a group at any time or if you would like to start a group please talk to Rev. Jo.

Please note there are copies of the Bible Study – John; The Way to True Life by Douglas Connelly available for $10.00 you may purchase for private study or join the Port Albert Bible Study Group or start a new group.

No More Spiders in the church

No More Mice in the hall

Thank you to Derek Rothwell; member of our parish and a licenced pest controller who has just started his own business – South East Gippsland Pest Control

If you are having trouble with mice at present why not give Derek a call 0422 153 440

Pentecost Sunday, 4th June - 9.00am St John’s, Port Albert and 10.30am Holy Trinity, Yarram – please wear red.

A fellowship meal will be held at Holy Trinity Hall 12 noon. You are invited to bring simple finger food to share.

FIVE WAYS TO BE HUMBLE

1. Avoid taking credit                      
2. Praise and help others                  
3. Admit one’s mistakes
4. Go last
5. Learn from others

PEW SHEET 21st May 2017

MAY a MONTH of PRAYER

The Parish Council have set aside the Month of May for a special focus on prayer in the parish.

Christian Meditation - the second of our introductory sessions will held 27^th May, 4.30 – 5.30pm at The Rectory led by David Miller

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a universal spiritual wisdom and a practice found at the core of all the great religious traditions, leading from the mind to the heart. It is a way of simplicity, silence and stillness. It can be practised by anyone, wherever you are on your life’s journey. It is only necessary to be clear about the practice and then to begin – and to keep on beginning.

Christian Meditation is based on the writings of one of the Desert Fathers, John Cassian. He described a method of prayer that flowed out of the Gospel, which stills the heart and mind and allows the prayer to simply ‘be’ with God.

How to Meditate -

  Sit down. Sit still with your back straight. Close your eyes lightly. Then interiorly, silently begin to recite a single word – a prayer word or mantra. We recommend the ancient Christian prayer-word "Maranatha". Say it as four equal syllables. Breathe normally and give your full attention to the word as you say it, silently, gently, faithfully and - above all - simply. The essence of meditation is simplicity. Stay with the same word during the whole meditation and in each meditation day to day. Don't visualise but listen to the word, as you say it. Let go of all thoughts, images and other words. Don’t fight your distractions: let them go by saying your word faithfully, gently and attentively and returning to it as soon as you realise you have stopped saying it or when your attention wanders. It may take a time to develop a habit of meditation so we suggest you begin with as little as 5 minutes and work up gradually to 20 or 30 minutes. Rev. Jo notes that Maranatha is an Aramean word meaning; Our Lord is coming or Come Lord Jesus.

[extract from the Worldwide Community for Christian Meditation website ]

The Anam Cara website is highly recommended where you will find many resources to enhance your prayer life.

Please note there are Pocket Prayer Books of A Prayer Book for Australia available for sale $25.00 see Rev Jo if you would like to purchase a copy.

* a place for fellowship around the Bible

* a place for prayer

* a place to ask questions

In Yarram – Coffee Connect, Mondays 3.45pm at the Coffee Palace, led by Linda Bowden currently studying The Gospel of Luke

In Port Albert – 3.30pm at St John’s Raglan Street, led by Rev. Jo currently studying The Gospel of John; Wednesday 24^th We are now meeting at 3.30pm for about one hour.

In Won Wron – Recommences this month please contact Rev Jo for details

You are welcome to join a group at any time or if you would like to start a group please talk to Rev. Jo

Please note there are copies of the Bible Study – John; The Way to True Life by Douglas Connelly available for $10.00 you may purchase for private study or join the Port Albert Bible Study Group or start a new group

Pentecost group at Holy Trinity

NEWS FROM PARISH COUNCIL …

Pentecost Sunday 4^th June; 9.00am St John’s, Port Albert and 10.30am Holy Trinity, Yarram – please wear red. A fellowship meal will be held at Holy Trinity Hall 12 noon. You are invited to bring simple finger food to share.

PEW SHEET 14th May 2017

We pray for and give thanks for all mothers and those who act as mothers.

MAY a MONTH of PRAYER

The Parish Council have set aside the Month of May for a special focus on prayer in the parish.

Christian Meditation - the second of our introductory sessions will held 27^th May, 4.30pm at The Rectory led by David Miller see www.wccm.org

Please note there are Pocket Prayer Books of A Prayer Book for Australia available for sale $25.00 see Rev Jo if you would like to purchase a copy.

During this month of prayer try the phone app.

PRAY AS YOU GO

Grace before meals – Ken and I have recently returned from annual leave. While in Melbourne we often ate in restaurants or at the home of friends. It is our habit to say grace before meals no matter where that is. When we are in the home of friends we naturally respect their wishes but if we are dining in a restaurant or at home we give thanks for God’s blessings and for the food we are about to enjoy. Sometimes, when we do so in restaurants we feel a little bit embarrassed but we go ahead anyway even if it is in a low voice that only those at the table can hear. May I encourage you, in this month of prayer, to say grace at meal times even when in public. If it has not been your habit to say grace I offer the following to help get you started.

Suggested graces:

Bless those that sit at this table, the food that is on it, and those who prepared it. Amen.

May God bless this food to our use and ourselves in God’s service. Amen.

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS -

a place for fellowship around the Bible;

a place for prayer; a place to ask questions

In Yarram – Coffee Connect, Mondays 3.45pm at the Coffee Palace, led by Linda Bowden currently studying The Gospel of Luke

In Port Albert – 3.30pm at St John’s Raglan Street, led by Rev. Jo currently studying The Gospel of John; current dates - Thursday 18^th May, Wednesday 24^th We are now meeting at 3.30pm for about one hour.
In Won Wron - resumes 21st May please contact Rev Jo for details

You are welcome to join a group at any time or if you would like to start a group please talk to Rev. Jo

Please note there are copies of the Bible Study – John; The Way to True Life by Douglas Connelly available for $10.00 you may purchase for private study or join the Port Albert Bible Study Group or start a new group

PARISH COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday 17^th May 4.00pm at The Rectory

PEW SHEET 23rd April 2017

HAPPY St GEORGE’S DAY

Heavenly Father, give us the bravery of St George
 to stand up for the truth and the glory of God
 that we have seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
 Give us the strength to overcome
 in our lives and in the world,
 all that is contrary to your rule of justice and love.
 Help us to be good news to the poor,
 proclaim release to the captives
 and recovery of sight to the blind;
 let the oppressed go free, and
 proclaim the good news of God's favour and Jubilee. Amen

MAY a MONTH of PRAYER

The Parish Council have set aside the Month of May for a special focus on prayer in the parish.

We will offer:

The Anglican Prayer Book for Australia for private prayer Thursday 11^th May, 4.00pm at The Rectory

Christian Meditation (2 introductory sessions) Saturday 13^th May and 27^th May, 4.30pm at the Rectory

NEWS FROM PARISH COUNCIL

We are looking for two people who might like to coordinate the collection and distribution second-hand furniture currently undertaken by Twice Blessed Opportunity Shop. Please speak to Rev Jo or a Parish Councillor.

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

In Yarram – Coffee Connect, Mondays 3.45pm at the Coffee Palace, currently studying The Gospel of Luke

In Port Albert – Mondays 3.30pm at St John’s Raglan Street, led by Rev. Jo currently studying The Gospel of John; this group is having a short break and will recommence Monday 24^th April.

You are welcome to join a group at any time or if you would like to start another group please talk to Rev. Jo

DINNER CLUB this Monday 6.00pm at

The Commercial Hotel, Yarram

Anglicare Morwell provides food for people in need. As a parish we have agreed that this year our mission giving focus will be toward Anglicare.

Our PLUS ONE BOX is just one way we can help so please remember to add one or more items to your regular shopping list and then pop them in the Plus One Box at Holy Trinity.

Suitable items include:

cereal, UHT milk, tins of vegetables, tins of spaghetti or baked beans, 2 minute noodles, tinned fish. Anglicare says; ‘Often our clients have limitations on the kind of food that is appropriate for them. Many of our clients do not have the skills to bake.’

Please ensure that donations are well within their ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ date. Plus One Box items are delivered regularly to Morwell by a member of the parish who generously undertakes this task.

PEW SHEET 19th March 2017

The Harvest Festival

Sunday 19^th March  10.30am Holy Trinity Yarram The Right Reverend Kay Goldsworthy Bishop of Gippsland will preach and officiate followed by a barbeque in the grounds and hall. Please bring any home grown or homemade produce to decorate the church and for trading table to swap or purchase.

Refreshment Sunday 19th March 9.00am at St John’s

Bishop Kay will preside and bless our Traditional Simnel Cake. Morning Tea following the service.

LENT

5th April 2.30pm Making Palm Crosses with afternoon tea at The Rectory
9^th April Palm Sunday, 10.30am Holy Trinity, Yarram

HOLY WEEK
12th April Wednesday 7.30pm Stations of the Cross at Holy Trinity Hall, Yarram

13^th April Maundy Thursday, 6.00pm a commemoration of Jesus’ washing the disciple’s feet and a fellowship meal to include Holy Communion at Holy Trinity Hall, Yarram
14^th April Good Friday, 11.00am Combined Churches Ecumenical Service at Christ Church, Tarraville followed by morning tea at The Historic Tarraville School House
15^th April Holy Saturday, 8.00pm Lighting of the New Fire and Renewal of Baptismal Vows at St John’s, Port Albert
16^th April Easter Sunday, 9.00am St John’s, Port Albert and 10.30am Holy Trinity, Yarram

Lenten Studies Week 3 Living Water for the World– This year’s study will be Up from the Waters Reflections for Lent Year A by Fr Tony Chiera and Dr Jason McFarland. You may move between these two groups or pop in for an occasional session as both groups are keeping the same schedule of sessions.

The Port Albert Lenten Study Monday 4.00pm at St John’s led by Rev Jo

Yarram Lenten Study Wednesday 7.30pm at The Rectory led by Rev Jo

BIBLE STUDY

 ‘Coffee Connect’ at Coffee Palace, Yarram Monday 3.45pm currently studying Titus 

Soiree at St John’s featuring Affinity Collective Saturday 18th March 5.30pm for 6.00pm tickets $25.00 per person including Chicken and champagne prior to the concert. For tickets phone Barbara 0427 458 919

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