Author Archives: Jan Harper

Encouraging to realise that nine families were represented at Café Church last Sunday from 5.00 to 7.00 pm. Using the Flood story from the Book of Genesis, much laughter resulted from the enactment of the relief of Noah and his three sons when they finally set foot on land  after forty days and nights of rain. The rainbow was affirmed as God’s promise to the survivors that never again would the whole earth be flooded. The craft activity was the creation of “rainbow reflectors” for the garden, and for tea: pizzas with salad, and ice cream

Ron’s team for the Boot Sale and Garage Sale again excelled themselves on Saturday by achieving the legendary four figure target. Well done, also for the deserved recognition of Helen Gell, nominated by BPW as one of the team to run with the torch for the Commonwealth Games, for her strong presence in community projects, and for similar dedication to the Anglican parish of Swan Hill.

Next Friday’s calendar will shock with the arrival of March, the season of Autumn, and the annual World Day of Prayer. The service has been prepared by the women of the South American state of Suriname, and in Swan Hill this year it will be celebrated in the Anglican Church at 10.00 am with the theme : “All God’s Creation is Very Good.” The offering will follow a short video of the 2018 project, “ Kids at Risk”, showing the diverse programs being undertaken for the children in this small multicultural country. The readers will be members of the Uniting, Catholic, Anglican and Churches of Christ.

Following long tradition, the Parish family celebrated “ Pancake Night” on Shrove Tuesday to bring in the season of Lent.  This is a reminder of the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness being tempted to change his mission on earth.  Our thanks to Kylie Gardner and her students for the preparation and serving of our meal on Tuesday.  About 60 people attended and friends circulated happily between courses.

On Wednesday there were two services where the imposition of ashes from burnt palm crosses was used as a sign of preparing to follow Jesus example of self- denial until the celebration of his resurrection at Easter.  The discipline of self denial  doesn’t necessarily mean giving up something, rather might it be a prompt  to ‘go the extra mile’ to do something to meet the need of others.

We also pray for Rev. Matt Brain, who is to be inducted as the 10^th Bishop of Bendigo this month.

The Boot Sale is back tomorrow, sausage sizzle, tea and scones available, great fresh produce and plants on sale,  and plenty of treasure hunting opportunities. 46 Splatt Street, Swan Hill.

This Sunday there will be no service at Nyah West, but two in Swan Hill. The ‘all age service’ at 9.30am in the church, and Café Church at 5.00 pm in the foyer.  The planning group met last week and have drafted out the ten programs for this year.  People are taking turns to organise the simple 6.00 pm meal, there will be music and a prayer to open,  then a series of great activities for all ages under the enthusiastic leadership of the Baker family.  For the families who enjoyed “Pancake Night”, make the third Sunday of each month a regular family occasion at the Café Church.  For more information phone 5032 2506

This year the Anglican church will host the World Day of Prayer on Friday 2^nd  March at 10.00 am.  There will be a preliminary meeting in St Mary’s parish hall on Tuesday 13th  February at 1.30 pm. Three representatives from each of the four churches involved:  Anglican, Catholic, Uniting and Church of Christ, will be allocated parts to read in the prepared service, so attendance is important.

On Friday February 23^rd at 10.00 am  there will be a rehearsal in the Anglican Church to ensure that the half hour service runs smoothly on the following Friday, 2^nd March. A simple morning tea will follow as Lent is being observed.

Annual reports are now overdue as all need to be assembled ready for distribution a week before the Parish AGM ………….

Please return them as soon as possible. The music group report has already been filed, and any who wish to join in the weekly practices; please note that during the extremely hot weather, practice will be changed from Thursdays at 4.00pm to Saturdays at 11.00 am. Extra musicians and singers always warmly welcome at this time.

This Sunday we will welcome Rev’d John Worrell from Kerang to celebrate the Eucharist and lead our worship.  There will be no service at All Saints Nyah West this Sunday.

We give thanks for the refreshing rain during the week bringing respite from the run of extreme high temperatures.

Despite air conditioning there may have been a big meltdown of bunnies of the chocolate variety out of season.  Possibly Easter weekend would have been more appropriate for their arrival in the stores.  The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 14^th February, along with the Lenten study based on the booklet  “ Make a Difference” by Bp Bill Ray, Bishop of Northern  Queensland.  Study groups will be on Mondays and Wednesdays, add names to the list when choosing a time.

Once again we give thanks for Kylie Gardner and her College students who will provide the catering for our annual celebration of “Pancake Night” on Tuesday 13^th February at 6.00 pm.  Please book places on the list in the porch, $8 single, $20 for families, a great night always.

A chance to “Have your Say” regarding Café Church for 2018 will be at the planning meeting after church on Sunday 11^th February.  This for many is an undiscovered delight for families who may not be able to come to traditional church on Sunday mornings.  Thanks to the Baker family, this get-together between 5.00 and 6.30 pm has happened on the 3^rd Sunday of each month, with planned activities around a theme, and an evening meal (all offers of help accepted).  Those who enjoy Pancake Night each year might think of Café Church as a scaled down version of this family night and make a decision to attend and support this parish venture

May God continue to bless this beautiful continent named long ago by the Portuguese explorer

Ferdinand de Quiros,  “The Great South Land of the Holy Spirit”.  Perhaps it was because he saw the sign of the ( Southern ) Cross in the night sky.  Whatever the reason, all who live here should give thanks today for the privilege of calling Australia our home.

Despite the heat on Saturday, the Boot Sale was again successful.  Again on Sunday there was still a good gathering of the faithful, and it was a joy to congratulate two of the younger couples of the Parish family, the Bakers and the Gells, celebrating their wedding anniversaries.  For another milestone, all are invited to open house tomorrow at the Dillon’s home from 2.00 to 6.00 pm to help celebrate John’s 90th birthday !. No gifts please, but slices would be appreciated.

Tomorrow at 10.30 am there will be a service at Alcheringa, all visitors welcome.  On Sunday the Eucharists are at 9.30 am in Swan Hill and 11.15 am in Nyah West.  A reminder that reports from all groups are needed to be in by 3^rd February to be included in the AGM report book.

Wednesday 10.00 am services will resume in February, the week before Ash Wednesday on February 14^th.

On Tuesday 13th the traditional Pancake Night will be held in the Function Centre, heralding the season of Lent.