Merredin Uniting Church

You may have heard of the death of the little girl run over by a

tractor in Mumballup last Sunday. The sad news is that she

was Georgia Tilbrook, the granddaughter of Roy & Val

Tilbrook who worship at our congregation in Mukinbudin. She and her mum were in

the scoop of the tractor going to feed the pigs. Her mum got out and Georgia jumped

out a little later. Roy, who was driving the tractor didn’t see her and when he moved

forward she fell under the back wheel and died instantly. She was the daughter of

their son Mark and would have turned 4 years old in January. This is a very sad and

traumatic time for the family. Her funeral took place on the farm yesterday and most

of our congregation in Mukinbudin went down for the weekend. We have therefore

cancelled the Mukinbudin service this morning. Please keep them in your prayers. I

am reminded of Angus Buchan’s account of how God helped to restore his own

brokenness after his 4 year old nephew Alastair died in his arms after falling from the

tractor which Angus was driving. It is only in Christ that we can cope in situations like

this and it is prayer which brings us an awareness of His Presence with us.

I have been chatting with a few folk to gauge the response to the proposals for next

year which I outlined last week. By and large there is good acceptance and even a

stirring of excitement. One of the things which concerned me was how we would

physically be able to have discussion groups in the services after the Alpha Talks.

Normally Alpha is run in a meal setting with groups already sitting around tables.

Some folk have also indicated to me that they are uncomfortable in group discussion

settings, even if there is no requirement for them to be involved. So, on reflection,

and after some prayer, I think that we could dispense with the discussion groups

without detracting from the overall intention. We will, in any event, have opportunity

to chat over morning tea; and we do plan to have a responsive ministry time after the

service for those who would like it as well. I will provide a calendar of dates and

topics next week.

I have also been in discussion with the outlying congregations regarding the change

in services (which allow me to spend time with folk in each congregation). Bruce

Rock have requested that we change their services to every second week rather

than two consecutive weeks a month. They have also indicated that they might like

to have a go at doing one of the services themselves each month with help from

myself or one of the elders at the beginning. I will have a similar discussion with the

folk in Mukinbudin this week.

The Lentevent material for 2012 is now available for order at www.lentevent.com.

The theme for this year is “This one Life” and examines how we might live an

authentic Christian life, a life which is faithful to Jesus Christ. Although the study is

group based, it can be used as an individual study (which is the way we plan to use

it). It guides us into a daily pattern of personal prayer, meditation, worship and

study. The cost of the books has been increased to $12. I will provide details for

ordering next week.

If you didn’t get a chance to complete the NCLS survey form last Sunday, I am sure

that there will be opportunity today. Please take the time to do it – it provides

valuable information for church planning, particularly in the rural areas.

While we are filling in forms, I have again included a page for details of our

congregation members, adherents and others who would like to join us on our

journey of faith. The data is only for the use in the pastoral ministry of the church

and your privacy will be respected. Please complete it this morning, tear it out of the

Newsletter and hand it to me..

Next Sunday will be the baptism of Reze (Lisa with an “R”) Coetzee, the daughter of

Fanie & Suzette. We hope that you will join us as we welcome this child into the

family of God.

Shalom

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