Blessing of Our Land
August 26 saw members of the Parish of Mt Vincent and Weston join in the Blessing of Our Land at Pokolbin, in conjunction with clergy and parishioners from the Anglican Parish of Cessnock and the Roman Catholic Parishes of Cessnock and Kurri Kurri. The proceedings commenced with a smoking ceremony before a themed liturgy which concluded with a blessing by the assembled clergy. Preacher of the occasion was Bishop Sonia Roulston who reflected on her links with the local district and the significance of the land in our lives. On display were dioramas reflecting the indigenous history of the area and the richness of produce, along with an exhibition of Aboriginal art from local artists.
MVAC @ Saint Matt’s
Sunday 12th August marked a special day for the Manning Valley Anglican College (MVAC) community as a number of its members were confirmed at Saint Matthew’s Anglican Church in Wingham. Year 12 students Faith Hauser and Gordon Rose, music teacher Todd Saunders and MVAC graduate Justin Rose joined fellow Saint Matthew’s parishioner Katrina Greenaway in confirming their desire to follow the Lord Jesus and received the ancient sacramental rite of the laying on of hands from Bishop Charlie Murry. Bishop Charlie presided at the celebratory Eucharist assisted by Wingham parish rector the Rev’d Brian Ford. Following the service, the congregation enjoyed a sumptuous country style morning tea, including a special “Confirmation Cake” that was specially prepared for the occasion. There are now over 16 MVAC families who are connected to the Wingham Anglican Parish.
Fr Rod Bower to release his book, Outspoken
Fr Rod Bower of Gosford Parish is releasing a book on September 3, 2018. Outspoken tells of Fr Rod’s childhood growing up in an adopted family, coping with the sudden loss of his father, leaving school at sixteen, his search for his birth mother and his journey to becoming a priest. You can pre-order the book here.
Gloucester Kids
The Kids Church kids at Gloucester have been busy in the kitchen recently baking yummy choc-chip biscuits to show their love and appreciation for those who visit the Op Shop. The first 12 customers who visited the Op Shop received a complimentary bag of biscuits. The kids are learning that because ‘God loves us so we can love others’.
Cathedral Singers lead the singing
Saint Peter’s Church, East Maitland, was delighted to welcome the Cathedral Singers to lead the singing at the 9.30 am Mass on 19th August. The Sydney based Cathedral Singers was formed in 1989 consisting of around 20 people dedicated to excellence in church music. The Cathedral Singers bring cathedral music to the liturgy in the many churches where they assist the service. The wonderful acoustics at Saint Peter’s Church ensured that the church resounded to the sound of their wonderful voices as the Singers led the singing at our Sunday morning Mass.
Singleton Messy Church
The team at All Saints Singleton had a great time at Messy Church learning about families and how God wants us to become part of God’s family.
Bishop Peter visits Wollombi Valley
Bishop Peter the Parish of Wollombi Valley recently for the Confirmation service. Five people were received into communicant membership of the Anglican Church. It was a celebratory morning.
Book Week at Scone Grammar School
The Yellow Cottage Preschool at Scone Grammar School embraced Book Week by dressing up in their favourite book character costumes. The Library welcomed Georgi’s class today to show off their costumes but more importantly to enjoy story time and surround themselves with wonderful picture books and further nurture their love for books!
Mothers Union 100 Year Celebration
All Saints, Nelson Bay celebrated 100 Years of Mothers Union in the parish recently.
Trivia Night at BTAC
Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College recently hosted a Charity Trivia Night. View the gallery below.
Mainly Music at Stockton
St Paul’s Stockton had a great time with the children at Mainly Music this week.
Book Week at MVAC
Manning Valley Anglican College had their Book Parade recently… congratulations to all the students, parents and teachers on their wonderful costumes.
Celebrating Birthdays at New Lambton
All Saints, New Lambton celebrated their August birthdays this week… happy birthday to all!
Singleton Prays for Rain
The Parish of Singleton held an excellent Prayer meeting at Warkworth last Sunday – they prayed for rain, for our farmers for their physical and mental wellbeing, communities, businesses, those who are helping – volunteers, agencies, organisations. They also prayed for those who minister in rural and drought-affected areas. There was opportunity for personal prayer and reflection, lighting candles and listening to songs. Everyone joined in with the discussion and reflection – this was quite enlightening to some. People were very pleased with the morning and expressed the desire to continue until the drought and its effects have passed. So, this prayer meeting will be held each month at St Philip’s Warkworth.
Prayer and Encouragement
The Parish of Denman held an uplifting night of prayer and encouragement at St Marks Wybong recently. They also held a fantastic Aussie retro dinner and trivia night. Thank you to everyone who came and helped support Buy a Bale.
Drumming Worship
The kids at the Parish of Forster Tuncurry enjoyed worshipping God through drumming this week.
St Alban’s Anglican Church’s Spring Fair bigger and better than ever
St Alban’s Muswellbrook is hosted its annual Spring Fair this month and the Church is put on more of a spectacle than it ever has before, with Reverend Scott Dulley saying they upped the entertainment across all age groups. The fair included market stalls, vintage cars, taekwondo and music performances, arts and crafts displays, pony rides, a jumping castle, a petting zoo and plenty of food and drinks including barista-made coffee. The funds are set to go to a good cause, too, with multiple community-based organisations receiving a share of profits.
Youth Church at The Camden Haven
Lots of fun at the youth church group at the Parish of Camden Haven recently…
Youth Fun at Maitland Gaol
There was lots of fun had by the young and young at heart as Apis Te youth and friends from the parishes of Cessnock, Beresfield/Thornton and Mount Vincent/Weston came together for laser skirmish at Maitland Gaol.
Local Parishioner Receives Award
Telarah Rutherford parishioner, Kerrie Duffey, was recognised last month by the Rutherford Learning Community at Rutherford High School for her tireless welfare role at St Christopher’s for the needy in the community (with the assistance of her husband Brian). She was nominated by Telarah Public School for a Community Award for going above and beyond in her supporting of at-risk students and their families; working alongside the school to meet the needs of students & their families.
Men’s Monthly Dinner at St Johns
Fr Phil Doyal, a semi-retired priest at St Brigid’s Catholic Church in Raymond Terrace, was a guest speaker at the monthly men’s dinner at St John’s. Fr Phil spoke if his many years of ministry ranging from South America, Europe and amongst Aboriginal communities in WA. His dry Irish wit and obvious love of God’s people ensured a great evening of fellowship between our men and the 10 who joined us from St Brigid’s.
