You may have seen coverage in recent weeks of the difficult situation facing farmers in some parts of our state. The Bureau of Meteorology last week declared that the early months of this year have been the driest in five decades, with daytime temperatures in the first 7 months the hottest on record and rainfall the lowest since 1965. Recently this prompted the state government to declare NSW to be 100% in drought. Locally, while Singleton and surrounds recieved some relief with light showers last week, much more drenching is needed to improve conditions.
The effects of drought are much deeper than dry earth and reduced harvest though. Drought has a dramatic effect on the lives and mental health of farmers and their families, as well as on local communities across the region and state.
It is important that, as followers of Jesus, we raise up the difficulties of our farming communities in prayer. Scripture reminds us that God hears our prayers (1 John 5:15) and that he is a God who pours water on the thirsty and floods the dry ground (Isaiah 44:3). Prayer for relief for these communities allows us to stand in unity and love with them at this difficult time, and to seek God’s blessing on our land. In our prayer book there is a special prayer for times of drought which I encourage you to pray with me as we look to a God of wonders for soaking rains, healing and new life.
All things look to you, O Lord,
to give them their food in due season:
look in mercy on your people,
and hear our prayer for those whose lives and possessions
are threatened by drought.
In your mercy restore creation and heal our land.
So guide and bless your people,
that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth
and give you thanks with grateful hearts,
through our lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Every blessing for the week to come,
Mark
This bulletin was emailed to members of the parish on Friday 10 August 2018 – if you would like to join the Weekly Bulletin email list, please call the church office on 02 4927 5399 and we will happily arrange this.
Parish Survey Update
Archdeacon Arthur Copeman apologises that in question 9 of the survey it was not possible to put more than one response as to what the Parish needed in a new Rector.
If you would like to respond more fully to this question, we encourage you to email either Mark or Ken with your three selections and/or what you believe might be other requirements for a new Rector and these will be forwarded to Arthur Copeman, who will add them manually into the final survey results.
A Remider about Parish meeting with Arthur Copeman
Following on from the collation of the survey results, a meeting of parishioners will be held on Sunday afternoon, 19th August at 3pm in the Hall to discuss the results and formalise our position. It is important that you attend this meeting to hear an update on next steps in seeking a new Rector, to make your voice heard and to take part in our community of faith.
Confirmation
Anyone seeking confirmation this year should make Mark or Fr Ken aware of this desire. If there are candidates we plan to start a course of education in September.
Wednesday night bible study begins Wednesday 15th August
Our regular Wednesday night Bible study will begin their next study program this coming Wednesday the 15th of August beginning at 7pm. The study is based on the teaching resource “Transformed: How God changes us” by Rick Warren. The study takes it’s name from Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” and will explore what the bible has to say about every area of our lives: Spiritual, Physical, Mental, Emotional, Relational, Financial, and Vocational. We hope you can join us at 7pm next Wednesday to begin this exciting and engaging study!
Prayer School – Learn how to pray for others – Last Chance!
With our prayer weekend rapidly approaching this is a final reminder to come along to our prayer school! Please let Fr Ken know if you are coming for logistic purposes. The school will run in the evening on Friday 24th August and through Saturday 25th.
Supporting St John’s Church
We encourage members of St John’s to support the ministry of our parish by giving directly to the parish account, rather than bringing cash to church. If you can do this, our account details are:
BSB: 705-077
A/C: 00040401
Name: St John’s Anglican Church Newcastle
Thank you to all members of our parish who are able to support ministry in this way.
Rosters:
| 12 Aug. 2018 | 19 Aug. 2018 | |
| 9:00 am | ||
| Welcomer | Jenny K & Helen C | Penelope Y & Nona B |
| Leader | Thomas P | Matthew B |
| Preacher | Ken Y | Ken Y |
| Communion | Ken Y | Ken Y |
| Server | Isobel P | Josephine T |
| Candles | Josephine T & Amy D | Sebastian T & Amy D |
| Bible reading 1 | Niall J | Lance W |
| Bible reading 2 | Penny B | Cathy B |
| Prayers | David B | Howard B |
| Chalice | Helen W & Rob W | Jenny W & Jennifer B |
| Kids Church Leader | Rob W | Cathy B |
| Kids Church Helper | Kenna J | |
| Refreshments | Helen C & Jenny W | Lyndsey M |
| Counters | *Volunteer needed* & June W | Jason T & Lance W |
| Flower Arranger | Jennifer B | Dianne W |
| Brass Cleaner | ||
| 10:45 am | ||
| Welcomer | Helen P | *Volunteer needed* |
| Leader | Ken Y | Mark T |
| Preacher | Mark T | Ken Y |
| Communion | Ken Y | Ken Y |
| Music Leader | Mark T | Mark T |
| Music 2 | ||
| Drums | ||
| Prayers | Irini T | Bronwyn D |
| Refreshments | Robyn C & Ray C | *Volunteer needed* |
| 5:00 pm | ||
| Welcomer | *Volunteer needed* | *Volunteer needed* |
| Leader | Rob W | Ken Y |
| Preacher | Mark T | Ken Y |
| Communion | X X | Ken Y |
| Prayers | *Volunteer needed* | *Volunteer needed* |
| Music Leader | ||
| Music 2 | ||
| Kids Church Leader | Phil A | |
| Kids Church Helper | Gill S | |
| Creche Leader | Bec D | Fiona D |
| Creche Helper | Lauren P | Gavin D |
| Refreshments | *Volunteer needed* | *Volunteer needed* |
| Tidy after service | ||
| Activity 1 | ||
| Activity 2 | ||
| Activity 3 | ||
| Activity 4 | ||
| Activity 5 | ||
| Activity 6 | ||
| Activity 7 | ||
Upcoming at St John’s:
| Sunday, 12 August 2018 | |
| 9:00am | Sunday School: Spirit-Filled Church: Follow Christ’s Example |
| 9:00am | Traditional Communion service |
| 10:45am | Informal Communion |
| 12:30pm | Baptism of Charlee McCloy |
| 5:00pm | Kids Church: Spirit-Filled Church: Follow Christ’s Example |
| 5:00pm | Evening service |
| Tuesday, 14 August 2018 | |
| 9:30am | Morning Prayer |
| Wednesday, 15 August 2018 | |
| 10:00am | St John’s Playgroup |
| Thursday, 16 August 2018 | |
| 9:30am | Hall booking: Mini Sports 2018 sessions |
| 7:00pm | Parish Council meeting |
| Friday, 17 August 2018 | |
| 4:30pm | The Hub – KoG |
| 4:30pm | K.O.G youth group for School Years 2-6 |
| 6:00pm | The Hub – Dinner |
| 7:00pm | The Hub – WORSHIP: Your Way! |
| 7:00pm | High School Youth Group |
| 7:30pm | The Hub – Youth |
| Sunday, 19 August 2018 | |
| 9:00am | Traditional Communion service |
| 9:00am | Sunday School: Spirit-Filled Church: Wise Living |
| 10:45am | Informal Communion |
| 12:30pm | Baptism of Montgomery Jones |
| 5:00pm | Evening service |
| 5:00pm | Kids Church: Spirit-Filled Church: Wise Living |