The Anglican Church in Tasmania                                                             Search
	a healthy church...transformingLIFE
	Home      About      Contact us      News      Issues      Parishes      Prayer      Calendar      Youth      Resources

	February 2004				Angels, wise men and shepherds around the crib with Mary Drama for nativity rehearsal
		God is faithful and orderly from Tricia Green
			The Parish of New Norfolk had a very busy Christmas with an accent on outreach to their wider community. The Nativity play during one morning service contained all the basic ingredients of shepherds, wise men, innkeeper, the Baby Jesus and his parents. But it also had a 'turbo star', driven by Henry on the best dressed wheelchair ever seen! 2003 was the Year of the Child and there has been great growth in the youth ministry of the New Norfolk Parish. Bible studies and regular fortnightly meetings and monthly youth services attract good attendance and are often ecumenical in nature. Several of the youth have been accredited in Safe Ministry and sometimes share leadership with other parishes. Faithful and orderly The Christmas Day Dinner was a wonderful opportunity to share God's love, the way Christ would do it, with a meal. Much prayer went into the planning of this and posters were placed around the town, including in the Information Centre and the bank. Eight people from Tamworth NSW had their tents pitched at the Esplanade camping ground and they really enjoyed sharing Christmas dinner with about fifty others. When food is being donated from various places, it could be a recipe for disaster, but God is faithful and orderly! The turkey was late, but made quite an entrance and there was no shortage of festive fare. The youngest guest was eighteen months old and the oldest was eighty, and everyone went home, well fed and in the knowledge that God's love had really been shared. Many are looking forward to next year's gathering!