Eastern Hills Community Church

For details on all diary dates this term please open http://www.ehillschurch.com/events/

SURRENDER:10 is on 5-8 March at Belgrave Heights Convention Centre

Register now online at www.surrender.org.au/register/

EASTER GIFT MAKING MORNING Sat March 27

Festive fun for all Ages. Details out soon!

Lent is always a very special time of the year. It’s the season when together we allow the Spirit to rework our hearts and lives closer to Jesus’ way. It is a time of preparing for the wonderful celebration of Easter. And so we join Jesus’ followers through his ministry and on towards Jerusalem, being challenged by him (even disciplined by him!), learning from him, thanking God for him, opening our lives to him.  This year we are going to focus on Jesus’ parables for Sunday Services. These revolutionary stories confront us and create new possibilities of taking up ones cross and joining in Jesus’ movement.

Please be at Yarrunga at 10am – 10:15am to get your fairtrade cuppa and have a chat before our beautiful opening meditations on Easter symbols at 10:30am.

Two Lenten Challenges from this Series:

The Lenten Fast

Reflect on your general lifestyle and the many things that fill your time. Are there any fairly superficial (though no doubt fun!) activities that tend to take up great chunks of your spare time? Why not decide to cut right back or even go cold turkey over Lent for one or two of these extras. Then use the time you have found to spend with God.
You could read through a gospel, start to pray more regularly (learn some different ways to pray), get into the practice of sharing your spiritual yearnings and struggles with your friends/house mates/spouse. Maybe you could get back into journalling too. This simple change in your lifestyle is just the thing needed to help you open your life to God’s Spirit working in you.

The Hospitality Challenge

Just as Lent is about opening your life to God’s Spirit working in you and renewing you from within, it is also a valuable time to put more time into others. Sit down and think about how you can bless the people God has placed around you. Maybe you could invite those neighbours you’ve been getting to know over for a meal, maybe you know someone that is going through a lonely time and you know they would love a visit. Perhaps you have other gifts and resources at your fingertips that can be a real blessing to those around you in ways i can’t even imagine. Just do it! Get out there and give it a go. And once you get a taste for it, I’m sure it will quickly turn from a discipline into a passion.

Matt J

There are so many great events in Croydon this Christmas! Here are just a few in order of date.

Incredible Edibles – Sunday 6th December

All sorts of edible Christmas goods like cakes, puddings, jams and relishes for sale plus a sausage sizzle!
When: 9:00am – 2pm
Where: St Johns. 5 Toorak Ave, Croydon. Opposite Croydon Station.

Maroondah Carols by Candlelight – Sunday Dec 13

You are invited to pack a picnic rug, wear your most outrageous Christmas fashion and bring along your best singing voice for this community event. Christmas is fast approaching, which means it’s time for another entertainment packed Carols by Candlelight, including a brilliant fireworks display and a visit from Santa.

A range of food and drinks is available for purchase, or bring along your own picnic hamper. Enjoy the carols experiences with candles, children’s entertainment and live music performances fior the whole family. FREE Event

When: Sunday December 13 – 7:30pm
Where: Ainslie Park, Croydon. Entrance and parking via Brentnall Road

Croydon Farmer’s Market – Sat 12 & Twilight Market Dec 23

When: 8am – 1pm
Where: Croydon Park, Hewish Road – Croydon
Twilight Market details on posters around Croydon.

LMC Light and Sound Show – Dec 11-24

The LMC light and sound show is a computer controlled show that runs to music.
“At LMC we believe in blessing the community in which we live. The light display is one way we can do this by providing a safe, pleasant environment for families to come and enjoy a unique display during the special season of Christmas. The other reason we do the display is because we want to acknowledge the true meaning behind Christmas, which is so often lost in the modern day commercialism of the Christmas season.”

When: 9pm-11pm each night from Dec 11-24.
The show runs for about 20 minutes and repeats for the 2 hours the display is on each night.
Where: Life Ministry Centre is located in Chirnside Park. There is ample car parking on site, and a large grass viewing area where families can sit and watch the light show. MELWAYS REF 37 F6

Carols on The Lawn – Dec 20

Presented by St John’s Anglican Church in Croydon, is an annual event where you’re invited to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with others. With people of many races and backgrounds, St John’s Anglican Church welcomes all to share the glory of their musical tradition. FREE.

When: Sunday December 20 – 7pm. Sausage sizzle from 6pm . Carols from 7-8pm
Where: St Johns. 5 Toorak Ave, Croydon. Opposite Croydon Station.

Eastern Hills Christmas Day Celebration – Dec 25
‘The Sound of Bells – Lifting our ears to a new sound!’
Join us for a short and wonderful celebration of Jesus’ birth! Relax on hay bales, enter the story, listen to live jazz, sing beautiful songs and be inspired by a message of peace.
when: 10 – 11am.
Where: Yarrunga Community Centre. 76-86 Croydon Hills Drive, Croydon Hills.