CityServe at Kotara High School
A group comprising members of local churches adjoining Kotara High School, including Church of the Good Shepherd, participated in a project to paint the canteen at the school – kitchen and serving area. The impact of a coat of paint was quite spectacular. We are sure that the helpers and the students will appreciate the transformation. God’s people, who are blessed, passing on that blessing to the community is at the heart of the concept of CityServe. More information on the variety of projects and the involvement of local people is available on the CityServe website. In addition to the help given by churches across the denominations, CityServe is greatly appreciative of the support of local authorities, businesses, trades and other volunteers. For our project, we are grateful to the School Principal, Mark Sneddon, and the staff for their encouragement and support.
BTAC Farewell Year 12 Students
At the end of Term 3 Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College farewelled their Year 12 students at a Valedictory Assembly and Formal. “We would like to wish them good luck with their preparation for their upcoming HSC exams and thank them for their contribution to the College.”
Christmas on a Budget
Every year we get to January, we look at our credit card bill, the stress we are feeling and say “next year we will be organised”. The ROSE Women’s ministry at Wyong, hosted a Christmas on a budget event, where we had a retired chef and catering expert give advise on how to make Christmas enjoyable and the centre is Jesus not the kitchen.
Gosford Parish Gives a Voice to Refugees
The Parish of Gosford, in partnership with Central Coast for Social Justice, pleaded with Prime Minister Scott Morrison for the lives of the children on Nauru when he visited the region on 10 October. Synods throughout the country, along with Mothers Union, are raising voices to plead for the lives of these children who are now so damaged by the policy of indefinite detention. “The scriptures are clear,” said Fr Rod Bower. “We must not oppress the refugee.”
Supporting Drought-Affected Regions
In September, Joan and Colin Williams from St Columba’s at Karuah travelled to Broken Hill for their annual ” Golden Oldies ” reunion of Broken Hill High School. On the journey, they passed through Merriwa, Dunedoo and Dubbo. This area has been badly affected by drought, with Dunedoo and Coolah having also suffered dreadfully from lightning-started bushfires in February 2017.
The congregation at Karuah agreed that Joan and Colin might take a load from our Op Shop to Dunedoo. The Rector of Mudgee, Dunedoo and Coolah, the Reverend David Craig, (who had earlier in his ministry served in the Newcastle Diocese) was contacted and ascertained which things were most needed. The Op Shop goods were supplemented by citizens from both Karuah and North Arm Cove.
Joan is also one of five ladies at North Arm Cove who have formed YESS. (Youth Encouragement Sport Support) which raises money and donates $100 to each child from North Arm Cove as they progress from primary to high school to be used for their sport. YESS donated$1000 to Dunedoo Central School to be used at their discretion for sporting activities. This was presented to Donna, the headmistress at Dunedoo, on the trip. YESS further donated $200 which was used to purchase “women’s items” at a very reduced price from Wilson, the proprietor of Karuah Pharmacy. The North Arm Cove ladies made special bags to house these products which were added to the large trailer of goods taken to Dunedoo.
When drought and bushfires badly affected areas, it is not only the farmers that suffer, but the whole community is affected. This action by the Karuah and North Arm Cove people was to demonstrate that we care, and do this in order to lift their spirits.
Scone Grammar School take steps to great confidence in young girls
As a Scone Grammar School Pastoral Care initiative, Year 4 girls commenced a 4-week programme called 7 Steps to Greater Confidence. The aim of this workshop, run externally by Sally Comerford, is to help build confidence, self-belief and motivation among the group. “We hope the girls find these sessions beneficial as they prepare to head into Stage 3 of their educational journey.”
Blessing our pets at Stroud
The Parish of Stroud held a Pet Service this week… check out the pawesome photos!
On 9 September The Wallamba Manning Valley Family History Group (located in Taree), held a cemetery tour at St Marks Church and Cemetery on Mitchell’s Island. The tour was organised by Jeanne Roberts from the History Group and volunteers from St Marks Church. There were about 40 people in attendance. Many of those in attendance had family history in the cemetery and could share lots of stories about the history of St Marks and the local area. Afternoon tea was enjoyed by all after the tour. Many thanks to Colin and Margrete Booth for the afternoon tea and Moira Bloomfield for doing the flowers.
Disco Fever
The Lakes Anglican parish channelled their inner John Travoltas at their kid’s disco recently.
An Evening with Willie Denley – a wonderfully encouraging prayer journey shared
An eclectic group of over 50 people gathered at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Kotara, on 9 October to hear Willie Denley share her story that had led to the publication of her book When His Whispers Flow. There was a group from Stockton where Willie and her husband, David, had ministered, who enjoyed the opportunity of renewing old friendships. A large contingent from Belmont MU was present as part of their annual exchange visit with MU at Kotara, both evening and day groups. Cursillo members from across parishes, friends from Hunter Prayer Connection, friends from other parishes and of course, parishioners from Kotara.
Willie traced her story of her personal journey of prayer. The impact of praying with others, especially her prayer partner over many years, was outlined. An important point in her story was her dependence on God’s leading. Her intimacy with Scripture was reflected in her talk and in her records of her understanding of God’s leading in all things. Her contention is that no matter what the situation God was able to speak to her through His Word. (A recording of the talk has been posted on the Kotara website.)
The book is a reflection of her understandings, written in a style where God speaks personally and directly, gathered together over the years. Those present would thoroughly recommend it. We were greatly blessed having her with us.
Belmont Parish support for farmers continues
The Parish of Belmont has shared photos of some of the knitted jumpers for newborn lambs being fed and cared for by farmers. Their mothers are unable to do so because of effects from drought. These and more will be sent to CWA for distribution.
