During my time in Springwood, in 2013, our community was affected by a very significant bushfire which destroyed hundreds of houses and damaged many more. Almost as soon as the fire had taken place, our parish started receiving financial donations from Anglicans around the Diocese. Eventually these totalled well over $200,000. This enabled me and the other ministry staff to be able to visit those affected by the fire and offer them gifts to help them through the crisis. It was a great experience of God’s church in action.
As a result of the Tathra bushfires on 18th March, we have an opportunity to help in a similar way. The Archbishop of Sydney has set up an appeal for aid to those affected in Tathra, with the funds to be distributed through the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn. I have personally made a gift to this appeal and I’d like to encourage you to do so as well, using the slip you should find in your bulletin.
I am very excited to announce that we are going to be starting a Sunday afternoon youth group from next school term. Marty has been energetically connecting with our families, as well as recruiting leaders, and is ready to kick off the group at 4.00 pm on Sunday 6th May. This afternoon’s youth social is a taster of what is planned.
Preparations for our Hymn Fest on Sat 5th May are also underway. Please put in a vote for your favourite hymn!