Church News 

EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP

Everyone is welcome to attend the worship service held in the Church each Sunday at 9.30am.

PALM SUNDAY 

Palm Sunday occurs on the Sunday before Easter; this year Palm Sunday falls during the school holidays on 13 April. Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphant Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem, where he entered the city knowing that he would be tried and put to death on a cross, but also that he would rise from the grave and save all of humankind from their sin.  Jesus came to show that had not come to establish an earthly kingdom, and so did not ride in on a horse or chariot as expected, but on a donkey: a sign of humility and peace.

The name Palm Sunday came from the crowds of people in Jerusalem laying down palm branches and joyfully celebrating the arrival of their King.  The people also shouted ‘Hosanna’, which means ‘please save us.’  In many churches, the building is decorated with palm leaves, either inside or out, to commemorate that we celebrate Jesus as our King and as a reminder that we welcome Jesus into our hearts and therefore our willingness to follow him. 

This is how the Church was decorated for last year’s Palm Sunday.

PLAYGROUP @ ST PAUL

Held every Tuesday during term time from 9-10.30am, Playgroup @ St Paul is for children aged 0-5 and a parent/caregiver. School families are more than welcome to come across after you have done the school drop-off.  We won’t be completely set up, but you are still welcome to hang out with us.

 Cost is $2 per family. And as a new feature, you can now pay by card.  No more turning the house upside down looking for coins.

Come and check out the play space, make a craft, play with playdough, explore the sensory play space, and join in with story and song time.

This week, we made horses at the craft table and played with the Australian animals in the sand tray to go with the book ‘Noni the Pony’ by Alison Lester.  Next week, we will be celebrating Easter with Easter Crafts, an Easter book and an Easter Egg hunt.

For more information about anything playgroup related, contact Kylie Koelman in the Church Office on 8262 4690 or email at office@stpaul-church.org.au

SPY - ST PAUL YOUTH 

SPY is our gathering for young people in Year 6/7/8, and the last date for the term is this Friday 4 April.

Join us in the St Paul Lutheran Church Hall, 44 Audrey Ave, Blair Athol at 7pm until 9pm. This week we will be celebrating Easter with some Easter themed games and devotion.

A reminder that all parents are required to come inside and register your attendance. Cost is $3 and cold drinks are available for $2 a can. 

Girls - please bring supper to share.

SPY will return in Term 2 on the following dates:

• Friday 2 May
• Friday 16 May
• Friday 6 June
• Friday 20 June

For further information, contact Thomas Hall - 0401 475 718 or the St Paul Church Office 8262 4690 Tu, Th, F.

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

The Bible verse this week comes from the Palm Sunday reading where Jesus enters Jerusalem as a King, ready to save humankind so that one day people can live with him forever in heaven.

They shouted, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory to God.” (Luke 19:38). 

PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Lord Jesus, enter into our hearts. Come to rule as our King. Amen.

BLESSING OF THE WEEK

(Name) May the Lord Jesus rule in your heart as King, and fill your life with his peace. Amen.

LUTHERAN MEDIA – EASTER RESOURCES

Lutheran Media have been using the media of the day to bring the love of God to people in need of hope for over 80 years. In 2008, Lutheran Media launched Happyland as a resource for children.  Today, Happyland has been revamped with the launch of ‘Hope for kids’ under the Messages of Hope website: www.messagesofhope.org.au/ministries/hope-for-kids

Easter Resource: Just in time for Easter, check out the Easter calendar. Take your children on a journey through Easter from Palm Sunday to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. With reflections, bible readings and activities, this is a great resource for parents and grandparents to discover Easter with their children.