St John’s is hosting the Greenwood Street Pantry on our church building. It is firmly fixed to our outside wall. We made available our building for this Greenwood community venture.

The idea is to take what you need or leave what you can. Everything in the pantry is freely available to everyone in Greenwood and surrounding areas, not just St John’s people. There is no charge. If you think you need something then take it. When you can, put something back.

Please remember that only items in good condition should be shared with others – whole packets and tins, no dents or tears thanks.

Only tins and jars remain on the shelves and packets or items that vermin or birds can get to, go in the cupboard below.

The street pantry has over 200 people in the Greenwood area and beyond interested.

For more details follow the conversation on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/351179199048237/

A few of us sang Christmas Carols at the Greenwood shops last night. Some of the singers were out doing shopping and wanted to join in. We sang Carols that added to the ambience of many others doing Christmas shopping and several of the shop holders appreciated the singing and the songs we brought.

Brian Haig has published yet another Sunday Journal. Be sure to get yours. These journals are for prayer and reflection and follow the revised common lectionary.

Brian notes “A major purpose of this publication is to encourage you to reflect upon the devotional pathway you may, or may not be currently following.”

It is Maureen’s 80th birthday today. Maureen continues to be a member of our congregation and has been so for over 40 years.  George is at her side. The day is full of family celebrations for her.

Photographs from St Francis – Blessing of the Animals’ service.

Revd. Josie and Jennifer conducting the Saint Francis Day service outside. (note Revd. Josie’s stole after the West Coast Eagles won the AFL Premiership)

The food tents

Paul cooking and Josie and Bobbie eating

More conversation

Enjoying the meal

Shoe Boxes for Operation Christmas Child

Every year, many of us at St John’s get involved to make up Christmas presents for children who are so poor they are never likely to receive a present. The difficulty for us is that each present must fit inside a standard size shoe-box. There are many presents inside each box including clothes, drawing equipment and toiletries. I am not sure how they fit it all in. These boxes are being unstacked after being blessed near the alter.

The picture is of Keith (left) and Wally helping to move some of the 101 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.