August 2009
Hi, Andrew here!
In the two months or so since we arrived, Cecily and I are realising more and more just how fortunate we are to live in this great community.
I’ve enjoyed saying g’day to many of you on my doorknock around the Valley.
I hope to meet everyone, so if you haven’t seen me already at your front door, I’ll hope to catch up with you soon.
I’m delivering a letter that introduces myself and gives some info on what the Church of the Good Shepherd can offer you.
Many of you will know Neil and Jane Gripper and their kids Audrey, Angus and Jemima.
We said goodbye to the Grippers at an informal service in our church centre a few weeks ago.
As you may know, the Grippers are working in the US for a couple of years. From the heartfelt and sincere words that were spoken about them, it was clear they will be greatly missed.
Jane and Neil would be the first to say that their motivation for life and the love they have shown to so many comes from their relationship with Jesus Christ, and the forgiveness and grace that God has shown them.
We were sorry not to have been able to spend more time with them, but we trust they’ll return to the Valley when they are finished in Indiana.
Sunday school took a break over the school holidays, but is back now, taught by our great team led by Jeanette Dumbrell with Gary Thomas.
Children and their noise (my kids make the most) are very welcome at our services - with or without their parents - at 10 am. The service starts in the church with children moving to the hall after ten minutes.
Looking forward to getting to know you soon.
July has also been a sad month in our church with two funerals being conducted. On Wednesday 15 July Rev. Alan Neate lead a service of thanksgiving for the life Mary Kelly, the mother of Esther Barger and grandmother of Edward Barger, who went to be with her Lord at the age of 94. Our thoughts and prayers go to all those who mourn her loss and in particular for Esther, Bryan, Edward and Victoria.
On Friday 24 myself and Andrew lead the funeral service for David Smith, the husband of Alana, and father of Mikaela, Belinda and Simon.
David at the age of 66 lost his battle for life, following an operation eight weeks ago.
We along with David know that he will be spending eternity with God through his faith in Jesus.
We will continue to pray that Alana, Mikaela, Simon, Belinda and her husband Len will be given the strength to cope with their grief.
The message at both services was based on the promise of Jesus, in John’s Gospel chapter 14, that he has prepared a place in heaven for all those who have faith in Him.