Our Life Together: 5th - 12th December 2010

Sunday 5th
Thursday 9th
10:00am Communion Service
7:30pm Music Practice
Speaker John Enjoying God, Blessing Others
(plus Sunday School inc. Gr. 5 & 6)
Friday 10th
11:30am Morning Tea
2:00-9:00pm Monthly Prayer Day Sunday 5th December 2010
2:00pm Seaview House Service
at Church House
5:00pm FUEL Study at the Youth Shed
5:30pm FUEL Youth - Prayer, Pizza
Monday 6th and Christmas Party Welcome to our service.
6:00pm Pizza before Tree Deco (RSVP) 6:30pm Junior Youth - Prayer, Pizza
We are so glad you are with us.
7:00pm Christmas Tree Decorating and Christmas Party
at the Church
We are a company of ordinary people who love Jesus
7:30pm Deacons meet at Church House Sunday 12th and want to share his love and care with everybody.
Tuesday 7th
10:00am Worship Service It is our prayer that God will speak
10:30am Church House Prayer Meeting
Speaker John with you today.
Special Sunday School Celebration
7:00pm Table Tennis at the Hall
11:30am Morning Tea
Wednesday 8th December 5:00pm FUEL Study at the Youth Shed Our Upcoming Highlights
7:30pm Home Group at Oakley’s 6:30pm Community Carols Service
7:30pm Home Group at Dallistons’ Seaview House Service: This Afternoon - 2:00pm
at the Bentinck St. lawns Decorate the Christmas Tree: Tomorrow in the church - 6:00 or 7:00pm
8:00pm Young Adults’ Home Group
Deacons’ Meeting at Church House: Tomorrow - 7:30pm
FUEL & Junior Youth - Prayer, Pizza & Party: next Friday 10th
BULLETIN NOTICES: To place Roster: 12th December 2010 Sunday School Christmas Celebration: Next Sunday 12th December
notices in the bulletin, please contact
Door Greeting: Lee Caddick Special Church Business Meeting: Next Sunday 12th after the Service
Wilma Crouch on 5523 3595 or email
crouchcastle@hotkey.net.au by 10am Community Carols Service on Bentinck St Lawns: Sunday 12th - 6:30pm
Door & Offering: Len Caddick Girls’ Craft Night: Monday week, 13th - 7:00pm
Thursdays. Thank you.
Downstairs D&O: Roger Mibus Seniors’ Christmas Afternoon in the Hall: Tuesday 14th - 2:00pm
Children’s Talk: Sunday School Annual Christmas BBQ at Drik Drik: Sunday 19th - 5:00pm
Loaves Celebration! Cable Tram Carols: Thursday 23rd - departs 7:00pm
& Fishes Media Desk: Dallas, Roger, Pastor: Associate Pastor: Secretary:
Thank you to everyone for your Roy Rev John Simpson Rev Michael Drennan Jim Blake
faithful support. Items most Morning Tea: Caddick, Crouch 13 Browning Street 11 Webb Court 39 Patrick Street
needed include: canned
Offering Counting: M Atwell, Portland Portland Portland
vegetables; pasta; shampoo;
P: 5523 2257 P: 5523 4893 P: 5523 2347
conditioner; jam; tissues; soup; R Crouch
M: 0428 780 421 M: 0408 568 887 M: 0425 714 633
tea; coffee; sugar; toiletries; Lawns & Garden: B Honeybun simmoj@datafast.net.au mdrennan@eftel.net.au jim.blake@bigpond.com.au
biscuits. Place donations in the Church Cleaning: Caddick
foyer trolley or in the marked box Our website: www.portlandbaptist.org.au
on the piano downstairs . Hall/Kitchen Clean: Mibus
 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being
We welcome this special season… watchful and thankful.” Col. 4:2 OUR FINANCES
Most of us are asking: where has 2010 gone? This year  Gillian Karlberg– still at Donvale Total November Offering:$15,227
seems to have slipped by almost without noticing. No Rehab Centre (9841 1433 direct line) Monthly Budget: $16,250
matter what our age, we all notice how quickly time goes by – and here  Stuart Oakley – radiation, chemo Weekly Target: $ 3,750
we are again approaching the time of Advent, this precious occasion treatment concludes this week. Weekly Average $ 3,204
when our minds return to the most famous stable in history. Stuart and Terese will be returning to (avg. from 1st July 2010)
Portland Friday.
 George Mackley – in hospital this Week 31 October $ 2,792
We do well to preserve the wonder and the significance of the birth of Week 07 November $ 3,299
Jesus. We have to deal with some enemies of this sacred time though: week
Week 14 November $ 2,767
 Our friends with special needs –
 Most of us arrive at the end of the year very weary. This has been Matthew Harris, Lionel Atwell, Keith Week 21 November $ 3,812
(and continues to be for many) a tough year in all sorts of ways. Whitbourn, Stevie King Direct Debit Payments for offerings
Our business people and farmers have had to face genuinely  Drennan family – enjoying family and donations can be made
difficult times which still persist for numbers. Tired people find it times with Michael’s family electronically. Details are as follows:
hard to celebrate with enthusiasm and joy. Sometimes we simply  Rosie – on the road in Africa
Acc Name: Portland Baptist
want to “get over” Christmas in order to have a real break.  Our Mayor – pray for our new Church Direct Offering
 We have to battle the burden of busyness. The majority of us are Mayor Cr Bruce Cross & Councillors BSB 704 922
not looking for things to do! We have plenty to keep us going  Victoria – pray for Premier Baillieu Account No. 100 006 869
without seeking more. And, if we are not careful, Christmas can and Government, for wise leadership
become just one more “thing” we have to factor into our diaries.  Our world – for peace between North
Instead of being a time which we meet with anticipation, we run and South Korea, for the easing of Building Fund
the risk of turning it into one more burden. pain in New Zealand following the
mine disaster there. Total Building Fund raised to
 Commercialism is another enemy of Christmas. While the wise end of November: $508,176
men from the east brought gifts to Jesus – and we follow their Monday
example in the giving of gifts – we need to be sensible. Christmas Bob & Janne Morrison November Donations: $1,700
is not a time to “splash the cash” in excessive and foolish ways. B/F available balance: $112,491
Tuesday
To run up debts which cannot be serviced is not the stuff of Peter & Jo Moyle All gifts to the building fund are
Christmas. Be wise. Wednesday fully tax deductible. Please take
 Keep on top of your priorities – we may have great plans for Peter & Fiona Musson, Jake, Jessica, the information sheets (blue &
Christmas Day with special meals and events, places to go, Harry, Isabelle yellow) and envelopes are
people to see. But don’t lose out on the sacredness of the day. available in the porch. You can
Thursday
Priorities which omit the opportunity for worship and celebration Claire Oakley deposit straight into the building
with the family of Jesus need to be tinkered with. fund via internet banking using
Friday the following information:
Lyndon & Debbie Oakley,
Let’s be alert to these enemies of Christmas and stop them in their Shivaun, Llewellyn, Nikolaus Acc Name: Portland Baptist
tracks. The Christmas story invites us to participate again in giving Church Direct Building Fund
Saturday
thanks for God’s personal entry into His world – and we should BSB 704 922
Ken & Lois Roberts
certainly be celebrating this! Account No 100 007 044
Sunday
John & Judith Mark Robinson, Alex, Mark Jnr, Jane “Let’s press on in faith!”
 Read the Bible DATES TO
in 2010
 Dec 05 Acts 27:1-44
 Dec 06 Acts 28:1-31
Ephesians 1:1-2:22
 Dec 07 Ephesians 3:1-5:14
 Dec 08 Ephesians 5:15-6:23
Colossians 1:1-23
 Dec 09 Colossians 1:24-4:18
 Dec 10 Philemon 1:1-25
Philippians 1:1-2:11
 Dec 11 Philippians 2:12-4:23
 Dec 12 James 1:1-3:18
Weekly Prayer Group
Please join us at 10.30am on
Tuesdays at Church House. Given
that our Friday morning
prayer meetings are in
recess for a period, those
who used to attend
Fridays are welcomed to
join the Tuesday group.
Our Monthly Prayer Day
Next Friday 2:00-9:00pm
This is the last monthly
prayer day for the year,
the most important day in
our monthly calendar.
Come and share time in
prayer together. Just
come when you can and
leave when you must.
REMEMBER
Seaview House Service: This
Afternoon - 2:00pm
Portland Brass Band Christmas
Concert: TODAY - 2:30pm
FUEL Youth - Study Group at
the Youth Shed: Sunday
evenings - 5:00pm
Deacons’ Meeting: Tomorrow at
Church House - 7:30pm
Table Tennis for all at the Hall:
Tuesday evenings - 7:00pm
Decorate the Christmas Tree:
Tomorrow in the church -
6:00pm for pizza, 7:00pm Tree
Sunday School Christmas
Celebration: Plus visit to Lewis
Court - Next Sunday 12th
Special Church Business
Meeting: Sunday 12th after the
Service - see separate notice
Community Carols Service:
Next Sunday 12th from 6:30pm
Girls’ Craft Night: See Steph for
details. Monday 13th - 7:00pm
Seniors’ Christmas Afternoon:
Tuesday 14th in the hall, 2:00pm
Christmas BBQ at Drik Drik:
Sunday 19th - 5:00pm
SUFM - Summer Beach Mission
Program: Wednesday 29th
December - Friday 7th Jan. 2011
A few Christmas Dates ...
“Christmas Activities” leaflets still available -note
the following highlights happening soon!
 Help decorate the Christmas tree! Tomorrow
Monday 6th commencing at 6:00pm with pizzas.
RSVP to Judith today.
 FUEL & Junior Youth - Prayer, Pizza & Party!
Next Friday 10th - see separate notice.
 Sunday School Christmas Celebration! - Next Sunday 12th
All Sunday School children ages 1-4 years, grades 1-4 and
grades 5-6 will be involved in a Christmas Celebration
during the Church Service NEXT Sunday 12th December.
Afterwards we are going to Lewis Court to present our Sunday School
Christmas Celebration and share morning tea with the residents.
Parents - Please Note: Children need to arrive at 9.30 so as to be well
organised. Please bring morning tea to share with the residents at
Lewis Court. Children will be back at church by 11.30.
 Community Carols – Next Sunday 12th at the Bentinck St. lawns
from 6:30pm - wet weather venue St John’s School.
 Girls’ Craft Night - Monday week 13th - 7:00pm. A great evening
for the ladies of all ages! Cost $10. See Steph for more details.
 Seniors’ Christmas Afternoon - Christmas Carols, readings, items,
afternoon tea on Tuesday 14th in the Hall. RSVP or enquiries to Judith.
 Annual Christmas BBQ at Drik Drik - Once again this year we will
be the guests of Peter and Punay at their home at Drik Drik. This will be
on Sunday evening 19th December, arrival time from 5.00pm onwards.
Please note that you need to bring your own drinks, a dessert to share
and a chair. This is always a special evening so do plan to participate!
T hank you! To Roger Mibus for his ongoing care of our
Learmonth Street site. Thanks too for the recent
slashing of the block. This is a big responsibility and we
appreciate your efforts, Roger!
T hanks! To the blokes who attended yesterday morning’s Blokes’ Brekkie.
A good time and thanks for coming. Thanks to Judith and helpers too.
Christmas Special
Church
FUEL & Junior Youth
Concert! Business Prayer, Pizza & Party!
Portland Brass Band's Annual Touch Meeting
Next Friday 10th December
of Christmas Concert is being held There will be a brief Church FUEL - 5:30 ... Junior Youth - 6:00pm
TODAY at CEMA (Portland Arts Business Meeting immediately after Prayer starts at Church House. THEN Pizza in the Hall and Celebrating
Centre) at 2:30pm. Entry by the service next Sunday 12th Christmas with a Break-up Party plus “Chinese Auction” of gifts. Please bring
donation. This will be a great December to elect a Pastoral Search a wrapped gift (limit $5). NB: Possibility of plans changing - all youth please
afternoon of Brass Music so come Team. For any queries, please see keep your eyes and ears open!
along and bring a friend! Secretary Jim Blake.
Harbourside Lodge
THANK YOU SUFM
Christmas Service
Thank You! Mission Dates:
Marie Wilson would like THANK YOU for 29 Dec. - 7 Jan
Wednesday 15th supporting our
at 1:30pm
to thank everyone for Team Pastor: Richard Schwedes
their prayers and support KIDS HOPE AUS. program this from the Lutheran Church,
during the past year. It’s school year. Because of your love for Team Parents: Phil & Lara Simpson,
Please note the Harbourside Lodge
been a tough battle starting when Jim children, we were able to give Seven Cooks: Neil & Linda Wilson,
Service will be held early this month
was flown by helicopter to Geelong children at Bundarra Primary School Parents’ Program: John Simpson
only. Also from this month on,
services (at Harbourside Lodge only) after his aneurism in July. Thanks to two very special gifts - a mentor, who Prayer:
will start at 1:30pm. Everyone is John & Michael for their constant faithfully showed up each week to ~ The health and energy of the
welcome to join our senior friends in prayers, phone calls and wonderful help a child learn and remind the childleaders, especially Renee, Michael
worship and fellowship. support. We thank God for the that they are special AND a behind– and the core team. All the forms and
medical people – the chiropractor, the-scenes prayer partner. applications to be completed before
Mr Das, the hospital – who moved so the program can run.
Missions News swiftly in the emergency. The surgeon
One child ~ Continued financial support.
has given Jim a good report now – Currently the program looks like
The latest newsletter from Nathan and Marie has also recovered well One hour running at a deficit due to the
Billing is now available on the after all the trauma. Thank you for One church program being longer than usual.
Missions table downstairs. ~ Pre-planning and self preparation
your prayer and care for them both. One school
of team members: 110% focused on
We are grateful for the mentors and the mission and sharing God's love.
~ All council, churches & community
Project: Christmas Hampers prayer partners who ministered to
who help & support the program.
the children this year. God continues
Loaves and Fishes is running a Christmas Hamper ~ Each and every one of the leaders,
to transform lives through simple, one team parents, pastors, cooks who
drive to assist those in need during the festive season.
hour meetings between KIDS HOPE will be participating in the mission.
Any donations would be welcome but more particularly what about some
AUS. mentors and children. ~ Every Portlander that might come
Christmas goodies? Christmas cakes, puddings, shortbread, the special along to the program and hear the
Christmas traditional foods would be very gratefully accepted. Thank you And when you change a life, it’s no
Good News and be open to learning
to everyone for your generous support throughout the year. small change. and finding out more about it.