1st July 2018

Welcome to St Jude’s for our special Dedication Sunday combined service.  Today we have invited all our members, from our three regular Sunday services, to join together in one gathering at 10.30 am, followed by lunch together.  Sunday School and Morning Youth are on today: the children and youth join us at the start of church and will head off to their programs after the children’s talk.  Afternoon Youth is on today at 4.00 pm, with dinner afterwards (5.30-6.30 pm) for the end of the term

Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously to our annual Restoration Appeal.  The appeal has so far raised just on $93,000, which is almost exactly the same amount as was raised last year.  This is wonderfully helpful and ensures the ongoing progress of the restoration program, whose next tasks include restoring fireplaces in our historic buildings, and the repointing of the columbarium wall.  And of course, even though the financial year is over, there is still time to contribute to this year’s appeal.

I’d like to let you know about this year’s Annual Parish Lunch on Sunday 12th August.  Yes, we’re going to have a lunch this year instead of a dinner, and it will be held in our very own Parish Room, with caterers preparing a delicious meal for us.  Rev. Dr Greg Clarke from the Bible Society will be our speaker.  Please save the date, and watch this space for more details.

Next week we have a very special event at the 9.30 am service, with the baptism of Levi Robinson.  While we commonly hold baptisms at a special time, it is in many ways more fitting to welcome a new member into the church at a regular gathering of God’s people.  I am looking forward to this very special day for Levi, and to welcoming Emma and Martin’s family and friends for the occasion.

We’re also moving into the school holiday period, which means that some of our ministries have a well-earned rest!  Sunday School and Youth are on a break for the next three weeks (returning Sunday 29 July).  My Wednesday Bible study group meets this week but then has a break until 1 August.

But, we are full steam ahead for the CRU Edge day camp, the week after next.  Please let me know if you can help with billetting or in the kitchen.  I would also really value your prayers that God will use the camp for his wonderful purposes.