22nd October 2017

Eltham Festival Outreach: We’ll meet tonight (October 22) at 7:30pm to pray, discuss the festival outreach arrangements (prayer/psalm reading, how we’ll deal with the bags, setup/pack up and do a ‘test run’ with the tents).

Statement on Domestic Violence: The Presbyterian Church of Victoria is firmly opposed to all forms of domestic and family violence. Husbands are specifically told “…Love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” ( Eph.5:25 ) and are warned, to love their “…wives and not be harsh with them…” and to live with them “…in an understanding way” ( Col. 3:19; 1Pet. 3:7 ). Therefore, any attempt to twist the biblical teaching to tacitly sanction domestic violence or abuse is a gross perversion of the Bible’s teaching. Domestic and family violence is repugnant to God and an anathema to the biblical model of sacrificial love and service.

For papers on this and other issues go to  www.churchandnation.org/statements

Kingdom Prayer Night: The Term 3 Prayer Night is October 30 , 8:00pm. With the Festival and the Carols coming up soon it is particularly important for us to commit these and other matters to the Lord in prayer. The regular evening Growth Groups are called off for the week so that we can all make the Prayer Night a priority.

Bibles for the Persecuted: We will officially start our 21 days of Prayer on October 30 , with Collection Sunday November 19. The prayer diaries are available to take home today, as are the ‘Bible boxes’ for you to put your donations in. The basic idea is to put aside $2 every day for the purchase of Bible. Christians under persecution say that Bibles are the thing they need and want above all else.

Open Table: Our next Open Table will be happening next Sunday, October 29 . This time we’re having Burgers! As usual, Gluten Free and Vegetarian options will be available. Please use the CONNECT Form to indicate you are coming, or email opentable@elthampc.com.au as soon as possible. If you are able to help in any way, including setting up and/or cleaning up afterwards, please include that in your response, or see Taimi.

Men’s Event: Our spit roast will be held at the church at 6pm on Saturday October 28 . Cost will be $10 per head. Please let Ian Courts know if you intend coming. Note that October 22  is the final date for acceptances.

Gingerbread House Workshop: Invite your friends and family to our annual gingerbread house-building workshop on Saturday December 2 at 10am . Price of each house this year is $25. Gluten-free and take-home options are available. Invitations and order forms available in the foyer. Money and orders due by Sunday November 5. Speak to Andrea Henderson for details.

Indoor Carols 2017 Saturday December 16:  Sausage Sizzle from 5:00pm with Indoor Carols at 6:30pm. Bring the family, friends, neighbours, and yourself!

EPC CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

Missions : Please pray for Colin and Shirley M’Bawa and their family this week.