Uniting Church,

REVEREND Dick started his sermon by telling a story about a worldwide email sent to world leaders inviting them to go to a world meeting. When they arrived a PowerPoint display was played with a mountain scene where a figure was sitting on a rock.
A dramatised version of the parable of the unfaithful servant was shown, the basis of which is grace and forgiveness. The participants were then asked to gather into groups and discuss what they had seen. How would you have reacted if you were part of this group? Some would leave, some would refuse to take part and some would wonder what others were thinking.
Living in 2005, even though things may be “tough” with high fuel prices and difficulties in the world, we still get by and are often still able to help others. How do we react in our society today?
“Come and Meet the Neighbours” a forum celebrating community diversity on Wednesday, 28 September from 7.30 to 9.30pm at Pakenham Uniting Church Hall.
This is a chance to get to know our neighbours from other faith communities. The program will include a short video of the Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong. This group is a group of diverse cultural and religious faiths who work in partnership with the City of Greater Dandenong to promote peace and harmony within the municipality. Speakers will come from Baha’i, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish and Sikh faiths.
Sherene Hassan from the Islamic Council of Victoria, recently invited by the Prime Minister to the meeting on Islam in Canberra, will also speak. There will be time for informal discussion. All welcome and admission is free. Contact Dick Johnston (5941 3495) or Eunice Smith (5941 5940)
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to fundraising for the different organisations supported by our congregation including Share Appeal, Simply Sharing Week, Safeway Vouchers, Hotham Asylum Seeker Project and Fellowship of the Least Coins. Over $3136 has been contributed.
Anyone able to assist our friend Paul and Julie find a two bedroom house or unit in Pakenham please contact John Goff on 5940 2194.
Don’t forget to try the Fair Trade tea and coffee when you have morning tea. Orders can be placed with Jean.
“Why Warriors Lie Down and Die” by Richard Turdgen is a book exploring the reasons behind the perception of our indigenous people. We suggest that people borrow a copy and read it so a discussion can take place in the future. These books are on loan from OTIRA. See Eunice Smith for a loan of one of these books.
This week:
Friday, 16 September: 10.30am 1.30pm: Community Drop in Centre.
Tuesday, 20 September: 10am: Bible Study.
Tuesday, 20 September: 10am to Noon: Beehive Craft Group.
Coming Events:
Wednesday, 28 September: 7.30pm 9.30pm: Come and Meet the Neighbours.
Sunday, 2 October: 2.30pm: Celebrate 50 years of Chaplaincy. New CRE Curriculum with guest speaker Rev Tim Costello AO at Swanston Street Church of Christ.
Saturday, 15 October: Church fete. (Start getting your plants and goodies ready now).
“So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvesttime, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6 V9.