Harvest  Thanksgiving  

On Sunday 16^th September, the Congregation celebrated its annual Harvest Thanksgiving, with a Service followed by a fete in the Church Hall. Harvest Thanksgiving is one of two annual fund raising events for the congregation, and has always been a popular event in the Congregation’s calendar.

The Church Service was well attended. Pastor Colvin spoke on the need to always be thankful to God, even when things do not turn out as we would like, because after all, God is in control. During the Service the Congregation was treated to three songs performed by the Congregation’s vocal ensemble.

After the Harvest Thanksgiving Service the Church Hall  quickly filled with parishioners eager to taste the fine food prepared by the Ladies Auxiliary. The cake stall, as always proved popular, tempting those with a sweet tooth. Likewise, raffles were popular, especially for the smoked salmon, smoked trout and orchids.

Having enjoyed the fine food and fellowship, people went home, having spent another enjoyable Sunday at their Church. Proceeds from the day were in line with expectations, so all in all a great day. To view photos click here.

Birthday Greetings

On Sunday 29^th July, Pastor Colvin received a pleasant surprise when just before the service, he was told that that the Church Ensemble was going to participate in the service with a new song from their repertoire , to celebrate his birthday.

I.Gedgovds,K.Baumanis,Pastor,I.Gedgovs,I.Liepins,T.Koskins

At coffee after the service,  Mr Eigits Timermanis ,Church Council  Vice-President passed on the congregations best wishes to pastor , and presented him with some beautiful  orchids. Greetings , best wishes, and beautiful orchids, were also extended to Mrs Irma Bertrand former President of the Ladies Auxiliary , who shares her birthday with Pastor Colvin.

Our South coast neighbours

            About 80 kms south of Sydney is the coastal city of Wollongong. The Wollongong Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation has a membership of about 30 and latvian services are held on a quaterly basis. Dean Colvin MacPherson is the congregations pastor. Services are held at the St.John’s Lutheran Church, Wollongong.   

At the Sunday 29th July service Dean Colvin MacPherson spoke about Jesus likening the Kingdom of Heaven, to some leaven which was mixed into three measures of flour, which subsequently leavened the whole mixture. He explained that the dough was the world and that the leaven was The Word of God. When God’s Word is sown in the world, it infiltrates people’s hearts and minds, and achieves the purposes that God has forordained.

Secondly, Dean Colvin spoke of the Apostle Paul’s usage of leaven in a negative sense, that a little leaven leavens the whole lump. In the case of the Corinthian Church, the bad leaven was pride. One ill intentioned word can ruin a person’s relationship with another. We should always be on guard as to our words and actions. Dean Colvin then stressed that the positive leaven is love. People should strive to sow God’s love in their words and actions. One loving word or loving action can have a great effect for good.

At the conclusion of each  worship service light refreshments are served in the Church hall, and this Sunday was no exception. The tables as always  had been beautifully decorated with flowers  from Mrs Balodis garden, and were filled with lovely homemade sandwiches and cakes. The Chairman of the congregation, welcomed everyone and also took the opportunity on behalf of the congragation to wish Dean Colvin MacPherson a happy birthday  for the day before.       

The trip down to Wollongong is always a pleasant experience, as the people are warm and friendly and are a fine example of true christian fellowship.

Winter Lunch

On Sunday, 15th July the Congregation had it's annual "Winter Lunch" celebration. After the service, parishioners gathered in the hall for a lunch of Latvian style rissoles, veges, mash potatoes, and the ever popular dessert "Heavenly Manna". Having enjoyed a nice lunch and a glass of wine, it was time for a traditional sing along accompanied by Imants Licis on electric piano.

This was followed by the feature event: A presentation by Lauma and Juris Reinfelds about their life in New Mexico. Lauma gave a very interesting talk about their experiences over 17 years in New Mexico accompanied by a pictorial presentation by Juris. Despite a hearty lunch, the audience remained alert and the accolades at the conclusion spoke for themselves.

The day concluded with some more singing, and the lucky door prize raffle .

Having spent a pleasant day at the Latvian Church, most went home for a well earned nap! Thanks to Lauma and Juris, and of course our ladies for another great day.

Services at Bankstown Aged Care Facility

Over the last few years, a number of Latvian people have taken up residence at Bankstown Aged Care Facility . The facility has both hostel and nursing home accomodation. Pastor Colvin regularly visits Latvian residents on an individual basis, providing them with spiritual care and administering Holy Communion.

As of June this year, Pastor Colvin commenced a regular monthly Communion Service at Bankstown Aged Care . Services are held on the second Monday of the month. Residents, along with family members, gather in the small Chapel for a time of singing, Bible reading, prayer, reflection and Holy Communion.

Though the group is small, the atmosphere is very pleasant, and testifies to the promise given by Jesus, that where two or three gather together in His name, He is in the midst of them.

Pastor Colvin, and residents alike, look forward to this monthly gathering, as it brings blessings to all.

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