ADELAIDE

The Adelaide Church has recently helped to finance the medical expenses of a young lad, Zachary, who had to have lifesaving treatment in Sydney. He has now been declared cancer-free following a bone biopsy on 22nd March and is back home in Adelaide. He cannot return to school yet but the outlook is positive.

Michael Delbridge continues to support the African soccer teams that play in the Adelaide region. Michael is first aid officer and O.H.&S. person for a team.

We who attended the Assembly congratulate Kevin and his team for a superbly run event that was enhanced by the local members who helped with accommodation and transport. The meals were excellent and the rooms were warm during the cold Canberra nights. June had to fly home immediately but Randall and Pauline had a cruise to Fiji before going home.

New Church day falls on a Sunday this year so we hope for a good turnout.

Randall Rabone

 

BRISBANE AND SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND

Over the last few months Brisbane Society Members have been undergoing some trying periods. Our Minister’s father Noel Russell Brunne passed away suddenly on the 14th April 2016 and the Society’s condolences were extended to Darren, Renee, their children and his extended family.

Several of our members have spent several days in hospital for surgery procedures and are all recovering well and will soon be back to their active selves.

In an announcement Ken and Julie Barnes tendered their immediate resignations, Ken as Secretary and both Ken and Julie as Sunday School co-ordinators. The Society thanks them for their invaluable input of the last year, particularly as Sunday School co-ordinators. Ken took up the Secretary position at the A.G.M. last October. The new Secretary for Brisbane is Mrs Francis Fitzgerald 49 Vale St Wilston Qld 4051.

Our services continue at the Trinity College Chapel on the 1st 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month whilst still looking for new permanent premises for the Society. Some viewings, whilst within budget have not been suitable and those premises with potential currently available, are well outside our budget.

Rev. Brunne also holds a North-side Swedenborg Reading Group on the second Thursday of the month at the Braken Ridge Library to discuss ‘Divine Providence’.

We are aiming for a family picnic at the Daisy Hill Conservation Park (if weather permits) for New Church Day June 19th.

Brisbane extends to our sister Societies good wishes for a joyous, wonderful, reflective and solemn New Church Day.

Diane Thompson

 

PERTH

Greetings from the Perth Society.

We have had a relatively quiet time so far this year. In March we had a social evening at the home of Chad and Fleur Pisani. The meal consisted of some very tasty pizzas which Chad prepared in his home wood-fired pizza oven. Later in the evening the weather cleared and we were able participate in some star-gazing, courtesy of a gentleman who provided a number of astronomical telescopes and guidance on how to use them. Overall it was a very successful and informative evening.

In April we had the first of our retreats for the year. It was conducted over a three-day week-end and was attended by about a dozen members and friends. The venue was at Busselton, a town about 220km south of Perth. We were in a holiday site close to the beach. Trevor presented a number of talks and these gave everyone the opportunity to engage in meaningful and stimulating discussion. We also had time for social and recreational activities too of course. Beach walks and coffee time were high on the list. All in all it was as usual a very pleasant time.

Trevor has continued to conduct services on the first Sunday of each month while I take them on the third Sunday. We had our AGM recently, a little later than usual as a number of us were off on cruise followed by a short stay in Singapore.

We have also decided to hold regular doctrinal classes. So far we have had only one due to absences, illnesses and various other commitments. Hopefully we will be able to resume these on a more regular basis.

Last week we received a report on the Canberra Conference (Assembly) from those who attended. It sounded very positive and forward looking so with the Lord’s help, we can all move forward with confidence.

June 19 is fast approaching, at the time of writing, so on behalf of us all here in Perth, I would like to wish everyone a very happy New Church Day. Some of us are looking to attend the summer school at the end of the year, so those who do will enjoy catching up with friends from the various church groups around the country.

Love and best wishes to all,

David Walker

 

VICTORIA

Our new regime of services on the 1st and 3rd Sundays began in May and our first 2 services were well attended. Whilst there was no service on Mothers’ Day, mention was made the previous Sunday of the importance of mothers in our lives.

We were delighted to have Rev. Trevor Moffat with us during the last weekend in April. His visit began with an address to the Swedenborg Association group on Friday evening and then a small discussion group at the Church on Saturday afternoon. The Sunday morning service was very special with the adult baptism of John Cook and also the Sacrament of the Holy Supper, the two most holy acts of worship in the one service. Following that Trevor went on to Ballarat to take the late afternoon service there.

During his time with us Trevor was also able to visit Margaret Parker who continues to make good progress after she fell and broke her ankle in March. She is now able to put some weight on her foot and has begun some gentle rehabilitating exercise.

Recently Klaus Dreverman fell 3 metres from a ladder at his home and has broken both his left wrist and ankle. This has required several days in hospital and it will be a number of weeks before he is fully recovered and mobile again. Sadly the accident occurred just 6 days before Klaus & Elke’s 50th wedding anniversary.
We now look forward to a visit from Rev. David Moffat in June. David will address the Swedenborg Association group on the Friday evening and will conduct our New Church Day service on the Sunday (19th June) including, of course, the Sacrament of the Holy Supper. There will also be a visit to Ballarat in the afternoon.

Looking further forward, we are happy to report that Rev. John Teed will be leading worship on the 3rd Sunday in July.

We send New Church Day greetings to all our sister societies.

Alexis Jarvis