Services for Sunday 29th December (First Sunday After Christmas)

Warrnambool       9:00am        Service of the Word
Hawkesdale         9:00am        Service of the Word
Ayrford                11:30am       Service of the Word

Readings:  Isaiah 63:7-9
                  Hebrews 2:10-18
                  Matthew 2:13-23

New Year's Day Service (1st January)
Warrnambool       9:00am        Service of the Word

Readings:   Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
                   Revelation 21:1-6
                   Matthew 25:31-46

As we welcome in the New Year, may we seek God's Blessings and Guidance for each new day, so that we may work more closely together in the work God has given us to do.  May God bless us all.

Services for Sunday 22nd December (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

Warrnambool      9:00am       Service of the Word 
Hawkesdale        9:00am       Service of the Word

Readings:    Isaiah 7:10-16
                    Romans 1:1-7
                    Matthew 1:18-25

Other services being held over the Christmas period:

Saturday (21st) - 8:00pm    Ayrford Children's Christmas Service, led by the Sunday School children.  Supper will follow the service.  All are very welcome to join us.

Tuesday (24th) - 7:00pm    Hawkesdale Children's Christmas Service.  All are very welcome to join us for our Christmas celebration, which will be led by the Sunday School children.

Tuesday (24th) - 10:00pm     Carols by Candlelight (Parish Service), held at Trinity, Warrnambool.  A service of readings and carols, and worship at the manger scene.  Led by Pastor David Borgas.  

Wednesday (25th) - 9:00am    Christmas Day Parish Service with Holy Communion at Trinity, Warrnambool, led by Pastor David Borgas.

Readings:   Isaiah 62:6-12      "Your Saviour comes"
                   Titus 3:4-7           "Saved by God's love"
                   Luke 2:1-20         "Today the Saviour is born"

We would like to wish everyone God's Blessings for Christmas.  May it be a special time for each of us, as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

Services for Sunday 15th December (Third Sunday of Advent)

Warrnambool     9:00am       Service of the Word

Readings:  Isaiah 35:1-10        God himself will come to save us
                  James 5:7-10          Do not lose heart
                  Matthew 11:2-11     Jesus and John the Baptist


Hawkesdale       9:00am       Service with Holy Communion (Pastor Colin Huf)
Ayrford              11:30am      Service with Holy Communion (Pastor Colin Huf)

Sermon for Hawkesdale & Ayrford: The Reason for the Season  Is 11:1-10

Upcoming events:

Saturday (14th) - The Walking Fellowship - will be meeting at 8:00am at the Surf Lifesaving Club car park.  We will walk a loop along Pertobe Rd towards the Breakwater, then back along the foreshore promenade.  Afterwards, we will enjoy a breakfast meal at Pud's Pantry in Kepler St.  Non-walkers are welcome to join us there for breakfast or coffee at about 9:00am.  Everyone is welcome.   

Trinity Sunday School children additional rehearsals scheduled for the Children's Christmas Service in the church:  

Sunday 15th - 3:00pm       Extra Rehearsal in the church

Thursday 19th - 4:00pm    Final Dress Rehearsal

Friday (20th) - 7:30pm     Children's Christmas Service and Nativity Play.  

All children are asked to be at Sunday School rooms by 7:10pm.  Supper will follow the service.  All welcome.  

Saturday (21st) - 8:00pm    Ayrford Children's Christmas Service.  Supper will follow the service. All are very welcome to join us.  

Services for Sunday 8th December (Second Sunday of Advent)

Hawkesdale         9:00am        Service of the Word

Warrnambool      11:00am      Service with Holy Communion (Pastor David Borgas)
Service to mark the 60th Anniversary of the dedication of the church building.  A community lunch and items will follow the service.  All interested persons are welcome to join us for this special day of thanksgiving.  

Readings: 1 Kings 8:22-30      Solomon's prayer of dedication
                 1 Peter 2:1-10         A living stone and a chosen people
                 John 10:22-30        Jesus at the Feast of Dedication

Warrnambool Trinity Church, Dedication service, 1953.

Outside Trinity, December 1953.

Other upcoming events:

Friday (6th) - Trinity Ladies Guild/Men's Fellowship are combining for a Christmas breakup tea which begins at 6:30pm.  Each person is invited to bring a gift for the Dutch auction, with the proceeds going to the Lutheran World Service.  Everyone is welcome.

Saturday (7th) - The Singing Group is meeting at the church at 2pm for a final rehearsal for Sunday's celebrations.

Tuesday (10th) - Young Adult Small Group has their final get-together for the year at the Croft household for a BBQ evening, starting at 6:30pm.    Please bring food to share.

Friday (13th) - Parish Youth have their final meeting/Christmas breakup at Trinity church from 7pm.  A BBQ and games have been planned, and everyone and their friends are welcome.

Saturday (14th) - The Walking Fellowship - will be meeting at 8:00am at the Surf Lifesaving Club car park.  They will walk a loop along Pertobe Rd towards the Breakwater, then back along the foreshore promenade.  Afterwards, we will enjoy a breakfast meal at Pud's Pantry in Kepler St.  Non-walkers are welcome to join us there for breakfast or coffee at about 9:00am.  Everyone is welcome.   

Services for Sunday 10th November (Twenty Fifth Sunday After Pentecost)

Hawkesdale        9:00am        Service with Holy Communion
Warrnambool      11:00am       Service with Holy Communion

Both services will be led by Pastor Kevin Bell.

Readings:    Job 19:23-27a                              I know that my Redeemer lives
                    2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17      Stand firm as you wait for the coming
                                                                                  of the Lord
                    Luke 20:27-38                            The question about rising from the death

Upcoming events:

Tuesday (5th) - Parish Men's Fellowship is meeting at the Warrnambool Church Hall.  All men are most welcome.

Wednesday (6th) - Warrnambool Ladies Guild is meeting at 6:30pm for a finger food tea.  There will be a guest speaker, who will be speaking about native plants.  All ladies are very welcome to attend.

Saturday (9th) - The Walking Fellowship has scheduled an outing for 5:00pm, beginning at McGennan Car Park and walking to Granny's Grave and back.  A takeaway tea at the church hall will follow.  BYO cool drink.  Tea, coffee, and ice-cream for dessert will be provided.  Parents and children are especially welcome.  Non-walkers are welcome to join us at about 6:15pm.  

Sunday (10th) - Terang Fellowship Group will be meeting at 5:30pm.  All are welcome.

Services for Sunday 3rd November (Twenty Fourth Sunday After Pentecost)

Warrnambool       9:00am        Service of the Word
Hawkesdale         9:00am        Service of the Word 
Ayrford                11:30am       Service of the Word

Events for the week:

Sunday (3rd) - The Singing Group will be meeting immediately following the 9am service in Warrnambool, to begin rehearsals for the 60th anniversary of the dedication of the church, which is to be celebrated on 8th December.  Anyone who may be interested in joining The Singing Group for this special occasion, please speak to Lynne or Sonia.      

Reformation Sunday

Pastor Bell had a wonderful glass icon of the Luther Rose with him at service on Sunday, which he used in the children's address.  It was a wonderful reminder to all of us older Christians about our faith.  His explanation went like this.

Martin Luther wanted to tell other people what he believed about God. He taught them using this picture. Can you spot a cross, a heart, a rose, a blue background, and a gold ring? Here’s a simple way to understand what Martin Luther wanted people to understand….

The Cross First, there is a black cross in the middle of a red heart. This reminds me that I believe with my heart that Jesus loves me!

The Heart Even though there is a black cross on the heart and I know that Jesus died on a cross for me, the heart stays colorful and alive. God is the creator and care-taker of all life.

The Rose The heart lies on a white rose like a soft blanket reminding me that my faith gives me joy, peace and comfort. The rose should be white because white is the color of angels.

The Blue Background Blue is the color of the sky and reminds me of heaven. It is also the color of hope all the wonderful things God has promised me.

The Gold Ring Gold is one of the most precious metals in all the earth. God loves each one of us as if we were the most precious thing in all the world. When I look at the ring I don’t see a beginning or an end to it. This is just like God’s love for the world that will last forever and will never end.

By Christine Sawyer

Young Adults Small Group

The Young Adults Small Group began meeting regularly in the last couple of weeks, with an average attendance of about 10 people, including members from Warrnambool, Hawkesdale, Tarrington and Warrayure, as well as a few originating from distant countries.  In the past week we started looking into the importance of baptism and its relationship to original sin, salvation and forgiveness of sins, and how Lutherans and other denominations view baptism.  In the coming week we hope to continue discussing what occurs during baptism, and the important role that faith has in the life of a baptised Christian.

If you would like to join the Young Adults Small Group, or even just visit for a night to see what all the fuss is about, all are welcome to contact Sonia or Ben for further details.  They would both also be willing to assist others who may be thinking of starting their own small group, and would strongly encourage them to do so, as it is a very effective form of building faith and community within the church.

Services for Sunday 27th October (Twenty Third Sunday After Pentecost)

Warrnambool     11:00am      Parish Reformation Day Service

This service will be led by Pastor Kevin Bell to mark the anniversary of Reformation.

A community lunch will follow the service.  All parish members, guests, and visitors are warmly invited to this special time of worship, and we look forward to the sharing of fellowship and friendship together.      

Other upcoming events:

Thursday (24th October) - Ayrford Ladies Guild is meeting at the Ayrford hall.  All ladies are welcome to attend.

Friday (25th October) - The Parish Youth are meeting at the Peterings, Dixie, for a Bonfire Evening beginning at 7pm.  All Parish Youth are warmly welcome.

Services for Sunday 20th October (Twenty Second Sunday After Pentecost)

Warrnambool    11:00am     Service with Holy Communion (Pastor David Borgas)
Hawkesdale      9:00am       Service with Holy Communion (Pastor Colin Huf)
Ayrford             11:30am     Service with Holy Communion (Pastor Colin Huf)

Upcoming Events:

Sunday 20th October - The 50th anniversary of the ordination of Pastor Peter Koehne will be celebrated at St John's Church Geelong at 10am.  All are cordially invited to attend.

Friday 25th October - The Parish Youth are meeting at the Peterings, Dixie, for a Bonfire Evening beginning at 7pm.  All Parish Youth are warmly welcome.

History of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hawkesdale, by Bruce Mirtschin

Pastors (clockwise from top left): J. Juers (65-76), T. Koch (43-45), P. Koehne (90-00), T. Wiebusch (45-64), B. Fry (83-90), K. Zwar (76-81), D. Borgas (01-13, centre).

HISTORY OF IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH 

• Records show German settlers owning land in 1869, near Hawkesdale: W. Ubergang, C. Ubergang & J. Grauer. However they may have moved on as their names did not appear after 1872. 
• 1906 the Nagorcka family from Tarrington purchased land in Minhamite, but still attended church at Tabor 
• After the First World War more Lutheran families moved to the Hawkesdale area but still attended church services at Tabor & Tarrington. ( Jim Uebergang & S. Williams) 
• The families of W. Hausler, A. Noske, W. Kriewaldt, H. Rentsch purchased land in the Minhamite area in 1929 to early 1930’s 
• The families of G.Habel (1932) & B. Mirtschin (1939) purchased land in the Woolsthorpe area 
• The first service was held in the Hawkesdale hall in 1939 with Pastor G. Minge of Tabor. He continued services on a regular basis. 
• Dec.1942 a meeting was called at which a decision was made “to organize ourselves and form a congregation”. Pastor Minge led the meeting with all the above families present. It was also decided to form a congregation and link up with the newly formed Warrnambool Parish with the first resident minister, Pastor T.W.Koch, (1943-1945). 
• Pastor T Wiebusch became minister on 6th May 1945 (Ministered for 19 years until 1964) 
• Services were held on a fortnightly basis from the beginning of 1943 in the Presbyterian Church. (Church hire 6 shillings per service) 
• Funds were collected for a new church building. A sum of 200 pounds was bequested from Mr. August Mibus from Tabor for this purpose. 
• In March 1947, it was decided to purchase a block of land. Acting on behalf of the congregation, Mr. W. Hausler purchased the block on which the hall partly sits for 84 pounds ($168). 
• In Feb 1949, a building committee was appointed and plans drawn up by Mr. Walters, an architect from Warrnambool (a double brick building, capable of seating over 200 people). 
• May 1952 the corner block on which the church now is situated was purchased for 185 pounds ($370). 
• Feb.1954 a tender was accepted to build at 8853 pounds ($17,706) 
• Foundation stone was laid 26th September 1954 after a service held at the Hawkesdale Hall at which Pastor H. F. Quast was the guest preacher. 

Church foundation stone, September 1954

Church dedication, July 1955

Altar on dedication day

• Building completed and dedication service held on 3rd July 1955. Pastor W. H. Paech gave the dedicatory address with assisting ministers, Pastors G. Minge, B Schwarz, E. Wiebusch and resident minister T. Wiebusch. There were 450 people present. Offerings were 400 pounds ($800). 
• 1960 a decision was made to look at building or acquiring a hall. 
• 1961 A Doherty reed organ was purchased. A small pedal organ from the Noske family had been used until then. The Doherty was replaced in 1964 with an Estey reed organ.
• 7th Feb 1965 Pastor J. Juers was installed as minister of the parish and served 12 years. 
• A tender of $22,157 was accepted to build a new hall & the foundation stone was laid in October 1966. 
• Hall dedicated on 4th June 1967. Pastor T Wiebusch was guest preacher, with 400 people present. Mr. I. Smith (MLA) unveiled the memorial plaque 
• Pastor Kevin Zwar became our next minister in December 1976 and served for 5 years 
• After Pastor Zwar’s departure, Pastor E. Kempe conducted services until the appointment of Pastor Bill Fry in January 1983.

Laying of the foundation stone, October 1966

Dedication of Hall, July 1967

Pipe organ

Woodcutting 1985

• Since the new church was built several reed organs had been purchased and used. In 1982 an organ fund commenced. In 1983, a pipe organ was purchased from the Uniting Church, Castlemaine for $6000. Building alterations were made to the church for $11500. The organ was installed for $2000 and dedicated on August 25th 1985.
• Woodcutting began in 1983 with the proceeds going towards the building and organ fund, church work and special needs. 
• Up to the 1970’s a continual growth in numbers was in evidence, with good numbers attending Sunday School, Ladies Guild, Mens Fellowship & Youth Group. 
• The 1980’s saw a gradual decline, with members retiring to Warrnambool and younger people attending educational institutions and choosing jobs in the cities. 
• Pastor Peter Koehne was installed on 20 July 1990 and remained until his retirement. 
• Pastor David Borgas was installed April 2001 and is still serving our congregation. (May 2013)

Pastor David Borgas 2005

Immanuel Church

Services for Sunday 13th October (Twenty First Sunday After Pentecost)

Hawkesdale        9:00am        Service with Holy Communion
Warrnambool     11:00am       Service with Holy Communion

Both services will be led by Pastor David Borgas.

Events for the coming week:

Sunday (13th)
Terang Fellowship Group will be meeting at the Nuske's at 5:30pm.  All welcome.

Upcoming Events:

Sunday 20th October - The 50th anniversary of the ordination of Pastor Peter Koehne will be celebrated at St John's Church Geelong at 9am.  All are cordially invited to attend.

Friday 25th October - The Parish Youth are meeting at the Peterings, Dixie, for a Bonfire Evening beginning at 7pm.  All Parish Youth are warmly welcome.

Walking Fellowship

The walking fellowship had a great time last Sunday; the weather was pretty good for walking and eating and sharing. About 20 adults and 6 children participated; there was enough food and seating for all.  The whole event was a blessing to everyone.

Coming Soon... Young Adult Small Group!

A small group is being set up for the young adults of the Warrnambool (and District) parish to connect over a scrumptious meal, riveting discussion, service opportunities and prayer. The group will have the opportunity to meet weekly in the comfort of each other's homes and is aimed at young adults between the ages of 18-30(ish!). 

To kick start the venture all those interested are invited to share a lamb roast at the home of Sonia Gellert on Monday the 14th of October, from 6:30pm, where we'll have the chance to share ideas about the small group. Please RSVP to Sonia or Ben Croft and bring a salad/dessert. If you cannot make the dinner but would like to join the small group, please talk to one of us! 

Services for Sunday 6th October (Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost)

Warrnambool      9am              Service of the Word 
Hawkesdale        9am              Service of the Word
Ayrford               11:30am        Service of the Word

A Parish Call Meeting will be held at 2pm at Warrnambool on Sunday 6th, at which it is hoped a call may be extended to a Pastor to fill our current vacancy.  All voting members are encouraged to attend.

Events for the coming week:

Tuesday (1st October)
The Parish Men's Fellowship will be meeting in the Church Hall at 7:30pm.  All men are cordially invited to attend.

Wednesday (2nd October)
The Warrnambool Ladies Guild is meeting in the Church Hall at 1:30pm.  All ladies are warmly welcome to attend.

Saturday (5th October)
A Manse Garden Working Bee is planned for 9am at the Manse.  A good attendance of willing workers would be very much appreciated.  Morning Tea and Lunch will be provided.

Sunday (6th October)
Trinity Ark Book Corner is having a sale after the church service, and also before and after the call meeting.  All books will be greatly reduced.
 

Services for Sunday 29th September (Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost)

Warrnambool      9:00am         Service of the Word
Hawkesdale        9:00am         Service of the Word
Ayrford               11:30am       Service of the Word

Readings:  Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15     Jeremiah buys some land
                  1 Timothy 6:6-19             Pastoral advice to Timothy
                  Luke 16:19-31                 Parable of the rich man and Lazarus

Events for the coming week:

Sunday (29th)
The Walking Fellowship has scheduled an outing, beginning at 11:30am.  It will start at the Granny's Grave entry to the foreshore promenade on Hickford Parade, and continue to the other side of the Hopkins River Mouth.  A "wrap-it-up" lunch will follow at the Sawyer household.  BYO cool drinks.  Non-walkers can join us for lunch at about 12:30pm.  Everyone, young and older, are welcome.

Sunday (29th)
Warrnambool Bible Study Evening will be held in the Church Hall at 7:30pm.  Please bring along your bible.  All are welcome to attend.

Services for Sunday 22nd September (Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost)

Warrnambool      9:00am        Service with Holy Communion
Hawkesdale        11:00am      Service with Holy Communion

Both services will be led by Pastor Colin Huf.

Events for the coming week:

Tuesday (17th)
Call Committee will be meeting at 7:30pm at SHB's offices to discuss Pastor nominations, and includes a link-up with Pastor Greg Pietsch.

Sunday (22nd)
Warrnambool Bible Study Evening will be conducted in the Church Hall at 7:30pm.  Please bring along your bible.  All are welcome to attend.



 

Services for Sunday 15th September (Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost)

Hawkesdale         9:00am        Service of the Word
Warrnambool       9:00am        Service with Holy Communion
Ayrford                11:30am      Service with Holy Communion

The services in Warrnambool and Ayrford will be led by Pastor Ray Schulz.

Events for the coming week:

Thursday (12th)
Education & Evangelism Committee will be meeting at the Church Hall
in Warrnambool at 7:30pm.
                         
Sunday (15th)
Ayrford half yearly meeting will be held following the service.
Warrnambool Bible Study Evening will be conducted in the Church Hall
at 7:30pm.  Please bring along your bible.  All are welcome to attend.

Services for Sunday 8th September (Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost)

Hawkesdale        9:00am        Service with Holy Communion
Warrnambool      11:00am      Service with Holy Communion

Both services will be led by Pastor Colin Huf.

Readings:   Jeremiah 18:1-11     At the Potter's House
                   Philemon 1-21         A personal appeal to Philemon
                   Luke 14:25-33         The Cost of Being a Disciple

Sermon:   Jeremiah 18:1-11        "Clay and turning wheels!"

Events for the coming week:

Tuesday - Parish Men's Fellowship is meeting at 7:30pm at Warrnambool church hall, where arrangements will be finalised for the upcoming Combined Churches Men's Breakfast to be held on Saturday morning.

Wednesday - Warrnambool Ladies Guild will be meeting in the hall from 1:30pm.

Friday - The Parish Youth are meeting at 577 Wangoom Road, Wangoom, from 6:30pm for  an adventure evening of Laser Strike.  The evening is expected to finish by 9:30pm.  All youth of the parish are encouraged to attend.

Saturday - The Parish Men's Fellowship is hosting the Combined Churches Men's Breakfast at the church hall this Saturday morning at 8:00am.  We will have guests from all other churches in Warrnambool, and we would like to have a strong representation from all three congregations for some men's fellowship together.  Peter Lapthorne, from the Mission Aviation Fellowship, will be the guest speaker.

Sunday (8th) - Terang Fellowship Group will be meeting at the Nuske's at 5:30pm.

Services for Sunday 1st September (Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost)

Warrnambool    9am            Service of the Word    
Hawkesdale      9am            Service of the Word
Ayrford            11:30am      Service of the Word

Services for Sunday 25th August (Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost)

Warrnambool     9:00am        Service with Holy Communion
Hawkesdale       11:00am      Service with Holy Communion

Both services will be led by Pastor Ray Schulz.


Events for the coming week:

Saturday - Our final day for the fundraising stall will be this Saturday 24th August, at the front of the church office from 10am to 1pm.  We are looking for another big effort this week, so that our fundraising target can be met.

Sunday - Trinity Congregation will be holding its Half Yearly AGM in the church hall this Sunday 25th August, at 2:00pm.  All voting members are encouraged to attend.

Services for Sunday 18th August

Warrnambool    9:00am     Service of the Word
Hawkesdale      9:00am     Service with Holy Communion
Ayrford             11:30am   Service with Holy Communion

The services in Hawkesdale and Ayrford will be led by Pastor Colin Huf.

Readings:
Hawkesdale & Ayrford
Jeremiah 23: 23-29        The word of the living God is active
Hebrews 11: 29 – 12:2  The great cloud of witnesses
Luke 12: 49 -56             Jesus the cause of division

Warrnambool
Isaiah 5:1-7                    The Song of the Vineyard
Hebrews 11: 29 – 12:2  The great cloud of witnesses
Luke 12: 49-56              Jesus the cause of division

Services for Sunday 11th August (Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost)

Hawkesdale     9:00am      Service with Holy Communion
Warrnambool   11:00am    Service with Holy Communion

Both services will be led by Pastor Kevin Bell.

Events for the week:

Tuesday - Parish Men's Fellowship is meeting at 7:30pm on the 6th August at Trinity Church hall.

Wednesday - Ladies' Guild is meeting on 7th August at 1:30pm in the church hall.

Saturday - The fundraising stall continues this Saturday, 10th August, at the front of the church office from 10am to 1pm.  Last Saturday's effort was very successful, and we want to keep up the good work for the next few weeks.

Services for Sunday 4th August (Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost)

Warrnambool  9:00am      Service with Holy Communion
Hawkesdale    9:00am      Service of the Word
Ayrford           11:30am    Service of the Word

Pastor Colin Huf will be leading the service in Warrnambool.

Events for the coming week:

A fundraising stall will be conducted from the front of the church office over the coming weeks, beginning this Saturday, 3rd August, between 10:00am and 1:00pm.  Daffodils, produce and various baked goods will be available for sale, as well as a sausage sizzle.

Services for Sunday July 28th

Warrnambool   9:00    Service with Holy Communion
Hawkesdale     11:00  Service with Holy Communion

Both services will be led by Pastor Ray Schulz.

Wednesday 24th July: Western Zone Ladies Fellowship Rally.

The 47th Annual Rally will be held at Hawkesdale from 9:30am - 3:30pm.  All are welcome to join us for a day of study, speakers, food and fun.

Services for Sunday 21st July (Ninth Sunday after Pentacost)

Warrnambool   9:00am     Service of the Word
Hawkesdale     9:00am     Service with Holy Communion
Ayrford            11:30am   Service with Holy Communion

Services at Hawkesdale and Ayrford will be led by Pastor Colin Huf.

Readings:  Amos 8:1-12
                  Colossians 1:15-28
                  Luke 10:38-42

Sermon:    Amos Ch 7-8
                 "The visions of Amos"

Services for Sunday 14th July (Eighth Sunday after Pentecost)

Hawkesdale     9:00am     Service of the Word
Warrnambool  11:00am    Service of the Word

Services for Sunday 7th July (Seventh Sunday after Pentecost)

Warrnambool 9.00am                     Service with Holy Communion

Hawkesdale 9.00am                         Service of the Word

Ayrford 11.30am                               Service with Holy Communion

Services at Warrnambool and Ayrford will be led by Pastor Bill Fry.

Services for Sunday the 30th June, The 6th Sunday after Pentecost

Warrnambool 9.00am                     Service of the Word

Hawkesdale 11.00am                      Service with Holy Communion

Ayrford 11.30am                              Service of the Word

Readings:            II Kings 2:1,2,6-14 “Elijah taken to heaven”

                                Galatians 5:1,13-25 “Freedom in Christ to live by the Spirit”

                                Luke 9:51-62 “The cost of following Jesus”

Services at Warrnambool and Hawkesdale will be led by Pastor Ray Schulz

Service for Sunday the 23rd June, The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Service times:  Warrnambool 11am, Parish Service

Readings:           I Kings 19:1-15

                               Galatians 3:23-29

                               Luke 8:26-39

The Service will be led by the District President, Pastor Greg Pietsch.  After the service there will be a lunch at 12.30.  At 1.30, President Pietsch will lead the congregation in a meeting at which it is hoped to be able to extend a call to a pastor to succeed Pastor Borgas, who has retired.

Services for June 16th 2013, The fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Warrnambool:     Word and Prayer  (Lay Reading Service)  9.00am

Hawkesdale:         Word and Prayer  (Lay Reading Service)  9.00am

Ayrford:                  Word and Prayer  (Lay Reading Service)   11.30am

Readings:              II Samuel 11:26-12:10

                                  Galatians 2:15-21

                                  Luke 7:36-8:3

Members of the Parish are reminded of the one and only service in the Parish next Sunday, the 23^rd June, at 11.00am.  The president of the Victoria District, Pastor Greg Pietsch, will be leading this service, which will be with Holy Communion.  After the service, there will be a lunch and then, at 1.30pm, the Parish will conduct a meeting at which it is hoped a call can be extended to a pastor to succeed Pastor Borgas, who has recently retired.

Completion of organ relocation

(click on photos to enlarge)

Services for June 9th, the third Sunday after Pentecost

HAWKESDALE 9.00AM (WITH HOLY COMMUNION)

WARRNAMBOOL 11.00AM (WITH HOLY COMMUNION)

Readings:                                           I Kings 17:17-24

Galatians 1:11-24                                         

Luke 7:11-17

Services this week will be led by Pastor Colin Huf from Tarrington.

Organ re-location

The work was completed last week.  The project took less time than anticipated.  That everything proceeded  smoothly was due, in large measure, to the fact that all preparatory work required had been completed in good time, and that, where necessary, people from the congregation were on hand to assist as the process was underway.  A special word of acknowledgement and appreciation must go to Ross Roll, who, as well as attending to the minor matters requiring attention beforehand, also put down carpet in the area where the organ had previously stood (we fortunately still had sufficient carpet left over after the original laying).  Steve Coveny was also heavily involved in sorting out all the electrical work required.  We thank God for these gentlemen, and for all the others who made themselves available to lend a hand during the entire project.  Acoustically, initial impressions sound very good.

Organ relocation progress

(click on photos to enlarge)

Services for the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, June 2nd 2013

Warrnambool 9.00 Sunday Word and Prayer

Hawkesdale 9.00 Sunday Word and Prayer

Ayrford 11.30 Sunday Word and Prayer

Tandara (Halls Gap) Parish Camp 9.00 Service with Holy Communion

Readings

I Kings 18:20-39      God’s triumph over the priests at Baal

Galatians 1:1-12      No other Gospel

Luke 7:1-10              The Roman officer’s faith

Sermon:

I Kings 18:20-39

I guess we all at some time or another wish that those who scoff at the Christian faith might experience something of God’s judgment, as here on Mount Carmel, which compels them to get down on their knees and say “The Lord, He is God!”  While God does not grant us such favours, He has nevertheless already spoken a final and decisive word of judgment, which reminds us of the reality of our faith, which unfolds itself in a concrete way during our lives as well.  Come and hear more this Sunday.

Word of Thanks

Pastor David and Barbara would like to thank the parish for the wonderful farewells, from the congregations, parish, guild and men’s fellowship, bestowed recently upon Pastor David and Barbara. The generosity of the gifts, both financial and in kind, was overwhelming. We deeply appreciate these expressions of love.  We will keep people informed of what has been purchased with the money.  Thank you, also, to those who attended last Sunday’s farewell service and lunch.

THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (TRINITY)

SERVICE IN THE WARRNAMBOOL LUTHERAN PARISH ON THE 26^TH MAY

WARRNAMBOOL 11.00AM (WITH HOLY COMMUNION)

(this is the only service in the parish this Sunday, and will be Pastor David’s final service in the parish)

Readings:                                           Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31

Romans 5:1-5                                                            

John 16:5-15

Sermon:                                             John 16:5-15

We begin this week’s sermon discussing Asterix and Obelix, the cartoon characters. “The year is 50BC.  The country of Gaul is entirely occupied by the Romans.  Well, not entirely...one small village of indomitable Gauls still holds out against the invaders.”  These words you will find at the beginning of every Asterix and Obelix cartoon story.  The Roman Emperor, Caesar, and his soldiers, try repeatedly, and in vain, to conquer this nameless Gallic village. 

What is portrayed in these cartoons can help us understand what this Trinity Sunday is about. What made the inhabitants of that village invincible, beginning with Asterix and Obelix, was the magic potion concocted by the druid, whose name was Miraculix.  Drinking the potion made the villagers so strong, that not even the Roman soldiers could defeat them.  The only important thing was to make use of this incomparable source of power and strength that was always available to them.  Then nothing, but nothing, could happen to them.  We do not, of course, have such a magic potion in our church, and pastors, to be sure, are not druids!  But we do have a source of unconquerable strength, which makes us invincible when we draw from it and unbeatable when we make use of it. It is this source of strength that we are celebrating today, on this Festival of the Holy Trinity, and we are not talking here about the funny, clever idea of some cartoonist.  We are talking about the reality that enables the Church to live and to conquer.  The source of power lies in the work of the Triune God.  How the three persons of the Trinity work together is made clear for us here in this Gospel reading and sermon text for today.

Come along on Sunday to find out more.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday

A special lunch will be held after the service in Warrnambool.  At this lunch, the farewell celebrations will continue.

FRIDAY (31^st)

The parish camp  at “Tandara” in the Grampians town of Halls Gap, begins on Friday afternoon.  Those participating can turn up at any time from mid-afternoon onwards.  Full details of what to bring and of the final programme will be distributed on Sunday the 26^th May.

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY THE 19TH MAY 2013 (THE FESTIVAL OF PENTECOST)

OUR SERVICES THIS WEEK ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Hawkesdale, 9.00am       Service of the Word
Warrnambool 10.30am    Service with Holy Communion
Ayrford 11.30am             Service of the Word

Readings:
Genesis 11:1-9  "The tower of Babel and the confusion of tongues"
Acts 2:1-21       "The coming of the Holy Spirit"
John 14:8-17     "Jesus promises the Holy Spirit"

During the service at Warrnambool, four young people will be confirmed.


BACKGROUND OF PENTECOST

(the following material is provided by the Worship Commission of the Lutheran Church of Australia)

The Jewish festival 'Pentecost' came fifty days after the Passover. According to the Acts account, this was the day that the Holy Spirit was given to the church. In the earliest period of the church, Pentecost was a double celebration of both the ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit. It was only late in the fourth century that the ascension came to be celebrated separately on its chronological date 40 days after Easter. At the same time, the term 'Pentecost' often referred to the whole 50 day period, not just the final Sunday. Despite the fact that the Acts chronology has received a liturgical imprimatur, Luke's gospel seems to place Jesus' ascension on the same day as his resurrection, and John's gospel also places the giving of the Holy Spirit on Easter day. So it can be seen that the themes of Christ's resurrection and ascension, together with the coming of the Holy Spirit, form not separate celebrations, but one celebration in the church.