Author Archives: Jan Harper

 With great support from our M.U. ladies a Variety Concert was held in the church, donations earmarked for Chaplaincy n Swan Hill schools. We raised $365 dollars and thoroughly enjoyed the program, aimed at encouraging and supporting the district’s young music students. Two delightful inclusions in the program was firstly a young trumpet player who joined with his sister, a trombonist, to present an impromptu duet. Then a  pre-schooler emerged from the audience wanting to sing , so our lovely compere did her best to introduce his “ item” to the great delight of all present. The church was decorated with red for Pentecost , so in conclusion reference was made to the lengthy sermon at the Royal wedding the previous day. “All you need is Love “  was  Jesus ’ message 2000 years ago and  condensed it to simply these FIVE words, and still today it would certainly cure all the ills of God’s creation. It is recognised that music is great therapy at any age to calm and soothe troubled souls, and it was appropriate that the afternoon benefited chaplaincy in schools . The ladies had produced a great afternoon tea, the men took care of the set up and sound system in the church and even helped with the washing up. Christ Church Swan Hill is indeed blessed with its people.

At 2.00pm today the Boot Sale team will welcome any first time volunteers to set up for tomorrow morning.  The third Saturday of the month seems almost fortnightly at the rate it comes around.  Likewise, Café Church, which this Sunday will be a special event, with a 3.00 pm gathering at the Bakers ’home, Lake Boga. The group will visit the rotating Dairy at milking time, certainly a new experience for most, then back to Bakers for a BBQ tea. People should bring a chair and something to drink.

For those staying in town, at 2.00pm there will be a variety concert in the Anglican Church next to Swan Hill District Hospital, then afternoon tea in the Function Centre. Admission is $5.00 for adults, children free. The money will be passed to a representative of the District Chaplaincy group for their much needed ministry in our local schools. Last week it was stated that the donations were going to the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia, but that will happen at the Scholarship Awards concert in November. There will be some former award winners performing this Sunday, also some new music students among the adults who will be bringing their musical entertainment to , it is hoped, a large supportive audience.

The church music group would like to expand its number, currently at four people with two “emergencies.”  Our ‘brass man’ has been in hospital so we will miss his lead  and wish him a good recovery.

On the third Sunday the Op shop at Nyah West is open from 2.30 to 4.30 pm for weekend browsers, so this weekend there is something for everybody no matter what the weather

It was great to have our recently retired Bishop Andrew and his wife  Jan back at Christ Church last Sunday.  This was Andrew’s first call out on the list of ‘clergy supply’ to churches without a Rector since his three months leave.  His closing prayer on Sunday was that a permanent priest would respond to the call to come to the Parish of Swan Hill.  His message was the timeless “ Love one another as I have loved you.”  Meanwhile we are blessed to have Rev Denis’s faithful ministry to all the areas of our parish.

Coming events: As usual there will be a Boot and Cottage Crafts Sale on May 19^th kicking off the busy weekend.  Cuppa and scones plus the BBQ always worth stopping in for. All welcome.

Café Church on the third Sunday, May 20^th, will be a different experience this month.

Families will travel to Lake Boga to visit a dairy to see the routine of daily milking time, then share a BBQ tea at the Lake.

Details will be in Sunday’s pew bulletin, so make sure to pick up a copy this weekend.

On the same day there is to be a Charity Concert in the church from 2.00 to 3.30pm with afternoon tea.  The date was chosen to accommodate music teachers and students who will be participating.

The program will feature an eclectic mix of guest items, playing piano, organ, guitar and brass instruments, plus the ukulele group.  Admission by donation to the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia, and now including Uganda.

Also on the third Sunday the Nyah West Op Shop will be open between 2.30 and 4.30 pm.

Having three choices at once may pose a problem, but each will have its own area of appeal.

Blessings to all Mothers this weekend.

Possibly a record turnout last Sunday at Nyah West, for the 5^th Sunday service and shared lunch.  Sadly we were informed of the sudden death of Jenny Mitchell, and pray for comfort for Jim and the family. Although many Swan Hill regulars were unable to attend, there were still thirty in the congregation at the Nyah West Senior Citizens’ Club-rooms. The singing from the “Max Bowers Songbook” was much enjoyed, also the sumptuous country style midday feast.  After lunch Sylvia opened the Op Shop across the street for people to visit this great community asset and appreciate the wonderful work of the volunteer staff, who also serve cuppas in the Men’s Shed next door.

Rev’d Denis had clergy conference this week so the Wednesday service was conducted by two of our lay readers, who are happy to roster each month while we wait and pray for a full time Rector for the Parish of Swan Hill and its central Christ Church. Our parish family is well known in the Diocese of Bendigo for stepping up to help in all manner of tasks to keep our lovely place of worship open for all seeking the Way of Jesus.

Tonight at 7.30 pm Rev Denis will celebrate the Eucharist at the Pryor’s home in Ultima, all welcome.

Next Sunday Bishop Andrew will be our visiting priest, so there will be no Nyah West service. All welcome .

From the pew bulletin:    Adam’s tombstone,  “ At least my wife could not complain that I never listened to her.” Eve’s reads : “  I married what used to be the perfect man.”  Still blaming each other !

A couple of myths continue about “teachers have long holidays and short working hours” and   “ priests only work on Sundays.” Spending a week in either workplace would exhaust many people with the dedication required to do the multi- tasking well. Both vocations usually involve a great deal of community work outside of working hours, and this as volunteers. The community is also enriched by all the wonderful citizens who give many hours in voluntary jobs.

Today some may join the team in setting up the Boot, Trash and Treasure Sale ready for 9.00 am Saturday.

Last Sunday it was good to welcome some new faces at Café Church, where the program featured an animated film.  Some very interesting reflections were shared before we had our meal. At the morning service we had sung Happy Birthday to Leone for her ‘milestone fifty’, and as usual the Baker family together with Denis, kept the evening gathering moving along.  Café Church is open to everyone, but especially for families who perhaps have other commitments on Sunday mornings, also for families or singles who feel more comfortable with the informality of the gathering.

A wonderful service of thanksgiving for the life of Thora Brown was held on Tuesday, led by Rev’d Denis, with many visitors coming back to celebrate Thora’s almost 98 years of a life well lived. Husband Lindsay was also remembered, and Thora lived to see their first great grandchild, a boy born on Lindsay’s birthday. Fr Max Bowers added his reflections to those of the family, meeting many old friends at the luncheon following, and remarking that Thora had been the initiator of what is now a professional standard Catering Group for the Anglican Function Centre.