Leopold Uniting Church 1 st October 2017 WELCOME TO THIS NEWS-SHEET OF EVENTS AND GENERAL INFORMATION St Francis of Assisi was renowned for his deep connection with animals. He preached to birds and, according to legend, famously tamed a wolf. He demonstrated remarkable compassion for the vulnerable, the poor and the animals that roamed the Earth. It is fitting that his feast day coincides with World Animal Day. We have been tasked with the responsibility of protecting and nurturing this beautiful world God has entrusted to us. But we have not always been wise or kind stewards. Pets are sadly sometimes discarded like toys and abandoned on the streets. Animals are hunted as trophies. Humans can treat animals – and each other – with great love, but also with great cruelty. So what can we do to help protect God’s creation? We can volunteer at our local animal shelter. We can adopt a pet. We can show loving kindness for all of God’s creation – humans and animals alike. The therapeutic effects of animals are well documented. Some nursing homes receive visits from playful pooches or farm animals. A number of churches hold ‘blessing of the animal’ services. Household pets give much joy to children, adults and the elderly. Animals are a reflection of God’s beauty, but they also offer companionship. How great will it be if we could also offer companionship to people who are lonely, marginalised and isolated? Reflection: May we be inspired by the words of St Francis of Assisi – “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” Brian Lee www.victas.uca.org.au/givingisliving The Uniting Church in Australia
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Leopold Uniting Church
1st October 2017 WELCOME TO THIS NEWS-SHEET OF EVENTS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
St Francis of Assisi was renowned for his deep connection with animals. He preached to birds and, according to legend, famously tamed a wolf. He demonstrated remarkable compassion for the vulnerable, the poor and the animals that roamed the Earth. It is fitting that his feast day coincides with World Animal Day. We have been tasked with the responsibility of protecting and nurturing this beautiful world God has entrusted to us. But we have not always been wise or kind stewards. Pets are sadly sometimes discarded like toys and abandoned on the streets. Animals are hunted as trophies. Humans can treat animals – and each other – with great love, but also with great cruelty. So what can we do to help protect God’s creation? We can volunteer at our local
animal shelter. We can adopt a pet. We can show loving kindness for all of God’s creation – humans and animals alike. The therapeutic effects of animals are well documented. Some nursing homes receive visits from playful pooches or farm animals. A number of churches hold ‘blessing of the animal’ services. Household pets give much joy to children, adults and the elderly. Animals are a reflection of God’s beauty, but they also offer companionship. How great will it be if we could also offer companionship to people who are lonely, marginalised and isolated? Reflection: May we be inspired by the words of St Francis of Assisi – “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”
Prayer: Minister Bible Reader: Ken Flavell Steward: Ron Wilson Greeting: Heather Lochhead Cleaning: Contract Cleaning Services
Sunday 8th October, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Worship Service led by Victor Buhagiar
LECTIONARY: Pentecost 18 Your word O Lord is a lamp to our feet “A light to our path”
Exodus 20: 1 – 4, 7 – 9, 12 - 20 (p 80/81) Psalm 19: (p 547) Philippians 3: 4b – 14 (p 247) Matthew 21: 33 – 46 (p 32) Lord, may your word live in us “And bear much fruit to your glory”
DUTY PERSONS:
Worship Assistant: Tom Gawith Prayer: Don Barber Bible Reader: Jon Harvie Steward: R. Cummings Greeting: Dot Drayton Cleaning: R. & D. Mitchell
Sunday 15th October, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Worship Service led by Rev Bob Thomas
Worship Assistant: Ken Flavell Prayer: Minister Bible Reader: Rob Cummings Steward: Ken Flavell Greeting: Mary Dawson Cleaning: Contract Cleaning Services
Sunday 22nd October, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Worship Service led by Victor Buhagiar
Worship Assistant: Elsie Stokie Prayer: K. Flavell Bible Reader: Beryl Lewis Steward: Ron Wilson Greeting: Dianne Twigg Cleaning: K. Mitchell & B Lewis
Combined Churches Men’s Breakfast This coming Saturday 7th October 7:30 a.m.
Guest Speaker: Rev Allan Harman OAM theologian
FRIENDSHIP GROUP Thursday 5th October at 1:30 p.m.
FELLOWSHIP ROOM at the CHURCH INVITE FRIENDS - THEY ARE MOST WELCOME
For transport, please call Ruth Mitchell 5250 2120
Nursing Home Services: Estia: Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Kensington Grange: Every second Friday of the month at 11:00 a.m.
CHURCH CONTACTS for the next while…
Ministers: Victor Buhagiar 0427 475 009
Rev Bob Thomas 0414 266 645 Worship & Times: Ron Wilson Welfare: Ruth Mitchell Church Council: Kathleen Cummings Op-Shop: Liz Smith Church Property: Dennis Mitchell Newsletter: K. Flavell
Op-Shop Plant & Garden Sale Friday 17th and Saturday 18th November
I hope those plants are growing nicely and you
have found some interesting items for the Op-Shop Plant and Garden Sale
I look forward to catching up with you after the service. Marie-Louise
CHURCH WEB-SITE Web Address http://leopold.unitingchurch.org.au
Our Newsletter (under the heading “Pew Sheets”) is being added each week – Check it out sometime!
October is the Geelong Seniors Festival - a whole month of activities, exhibitions and offers - something to suit most tastes. A few that may be of interest are:
Thursday 5th October, “Much Loved Music from the Shows” Coryule Chorus at St James Church Hall, 45 Collins St. Drysdale 2:00 p.m. – 3:45p.m. Afternoon Tea to follow…
Wednesday 25th October, “Leopold Rail Trail Friendship Walk” Leopold Probus Club – Registration 10:30 a.m. at Leopold Sportsmans Club, Barbeque lunch to follow the walk…
Sunday 29th October, “Hymns We Love to Sing” at East Geelong Uniting Church 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Des Camm’s Jazz Band)
Details of these and many more events may be found in the Geelong Seniors Festival Program of Events
