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‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NRSV)
What was the Apostle Paul saying in his letter to the people of Thessalonica?
When we give thanks to God in spite of the way we feel, God gives us joy in spite of our circumstances. The more we give thanks to God the more we shall find ourselves rejoicing, and the more we shall live in an unceasing attitude of prayer. It is as if a light has been switched on, and we find ourselves not wanting to live any other way.
But let’s not become disheartened if, at first, we struggle to live as Paul exhorted the people of Thessalonica to live. With God’s help we grow, and as we grow, we experience more and more of his joy. When we practice thankfulness consistently, negative thought patterns grow weaker and weaker, and those dark days gradually disappear, supplanted by days of joy.
In this Advent Season may the light of the Christ Child shine brightly in our lives bringing to each of us the joy of Christmas, eternal joy.
Grace peace and love to all — Bill Rosier
So far we do not have any record of virus transmission related to our church service on Sunday.
One strategy we have used is cross ventilation.
And wear a mask, please
To this point in time, we have been very successful at Wesley in responding to the coronavirus pandemic that has been with us for more than three years.
The movement of air through a building substantially reduces the risk of cross-infection. By opening doors and windows around the church, we move air in and out of the building and reduce the risk of airborne transmission. Please wear warm clothing on cold days!
The other successful strategy is the wearing of a mask. This is no longer mandatory, but is highly recommended by NSW Health.
Bryan Mullan — Safe Church Team
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Parramatta Mission Christmas Appeal
Over the past months, we have taken collections of food and clothing to the Mission, and received some lovely messages of thanks for all those who have contributed.
We have also knitted or crocheted beanies and scarves for the homeless this winter.
The Christmas Appeal is open and runs until 17th December.
You can donate a Plate for Christmas lunch for $10, or contribute to a hamper by donating (non-perishable) food items. There are some bags available for donations, or use your own. Leave in the foyer. Thank you!
Give Blood at Wesley
The Red Cross Blood Collection🔗 unit will be back at Wesley Church, in early December.
Click What it means to give blood for 2 pages from the Red Cross (in a new window).
Market Day Cancelled
The Market Day and Concert planned for Saturday 9th December, has been cancelled because of the high forecast temperature (40°C forecast).
Apologies to all who were planning to come.
Wednesdays@Wesley Hymn Singing (Christmas Edition)
13th December, and the first Wednesday of each month (except January).
10am for an hour of singing our favourite hymns, followed by morning tea and a chat.
Christmas Festival and Carol Singing Lunch
Sunday 17th December, with Church Service at 9:30
Morning Tea
Lunch with Carols
More details to come.
AA Meeting Thursdays, at 12:30pm
Do you or someone you know have a Drinking problem?
AA can help
The Christian Life, Baptism and Confirmation
If you would like to learn more about the Christian faith, Rev. Carmel has been conducting classes over the past few months, and further classes will be available in future
Hindi Speaking Church at St Clair
Congratulations and abundant blessings from everyone at Wesley Castle Hill to Mike and Ann Kumar, who are leaders at the Hindi Speaking Church at St Clair.
The Church is active in supporting:
- young people – with a young leader responding to God’s call to ministry.
- Upskilling and supporting elders in bilingual lay ministry
- The vulnerable
- provision of over 1400 Eye Sights to the marginalised community in Fiji
- offering pastoral care
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Newscope
is being emailed to members, or recent issues can be downloaded here.
Printed copies will also be available in church, and mailed to those who are unable to attend.
Donations and Giving:
Wesley relies entirely on the generosity of its members and friends for financial support.
Many members now prefer to use regular online offerings.
• BSB Number 634-634, • Account Number 100027297, and
• Account Name Castle Hill Congregation,
• Reference: Offering (Surname optional)
Meet a Member short bio of members
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Members are invited to submit a short bio for Newscope in a 'Meet a Member' page. This is to help us know each other better, and make connections.
You can download a Word template to complete and email or give to Annette Smith.
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Newscope weekly newsletter is available for download here
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