11th August 2019

Church Luncheon: We will have a congregational lunch after church on Sunday, August 25 ^th .  Please plan to stay as it will be good for us to spend time together and foster a deeper sense of community. The Open Table team will oversee the catering. More details to come next week.

Funeral of Fred Mitchell: Long-time member and former Elder of EPC, Fred Mitchell, went to heaven last week. His funeral will here, this Tuesday, at 11:00 a.m.  Fred had not been able to attend church for many years, but through various pains and trials, he focussed his life on the words, For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Congregational Meeting: We will hold a short congregational meeting following morning tea on  Sunday, August 18 ^th to discuss signing up to the National Redress Scheme  which compensates those who have been sexually abused in the church. By signing up under the Presbyterian denominational banner, individual congregations would not have to pay compensation from its own funds. The main aims of the scheme are to provide care, relief and a measure of justice for those who have been abused, without the requirement of a lengthy and painful court proceeding.

1144 Car Park: It would be good resume the practice of having the last person leaving the car park on Sundays putting the chain back up.  If the only other car left is the one in the car port, you are the last one out. Thank you for your help with this.

Special Event: Wednesday, August 21 ^st , 7:30-9:30 p.m . —  Why we need Jesus’ help with our sexualities.   Ed Shaw will speak about why Jesus is just the man we need to help us with the sexual confusion in today’s culture.

Ed Shaw, Pastor of Emmanuel City Centre, Bristol, experiences same-sex attraction and is committed to the biblical teaching of fidelity in heterosexual marriage and celibacy in singleness. He is one of the founders of www.livingout.org and author of The Plausibility Problem.

We will live stream this talk from Moore Theological College, Sydney, as we did with the excellent Sam Allberry webinar conference in 2017.  If you are planning on attending, please register online: elthampc.com.au/event/livestream-event/

Today, next Sunday, and Wednesday 21st we have a bookstall running with a range of titles on the issues of same-sex attraction, biblical sexuality & gender identity. These are some great resources to help us respond to these issues in an way that is compassionate and biblically faithful – as a church, as family members, or as friends. Authors include Sam Allberry, Jackie Hill Perry, Glynn Harrison, & Ed Shaw. Please see Marie van Ravesteyn regarding payment.

Youth Group: Friday, August 16 ^th , will be a small groups night, starting with dinner. 7:00-9:30 p.m. at Bundy. Please see Andy if you need a lift.

Young Adults: This growth group is for anyone in year 12 and older and meets Thursday evenings at 7:45 p.m. at Andy & Taimi’s.

Religion in the Public Square 2019:   The PCV’s Church and Nation Committee will run this major event November 15 ^th –16 ^th .  Local and international speakers will address the theme:  Faithfulness to Christ in a Hostile Culture.  Flyers are now available. religioninthepublicsquare.org