As the above delightful picture shows, Christmas is about reaching out to one another. This is perhaps easier with children, but there are those in our community today who are lonely and feel deserted. I hope we can all be sensitive to opportunities that allow us to just say 'G'day and happy Christmas' to those who need this.The week before Christmas was a busy one and for us began with the Christmas break-up party for the Meet & Make group that meets in our Church:
A warm invitation to everyone:
This group meets weekly, inviting folk to come along and meet others and have an opportunity to 'make', whether creative things or friendships. It is good to see a link between the Hobart Baptist Church and Lifeline and both groups obviously enjoy sharing time with one another:
The above show the creators with their creations and indicate their enjoyment of doing things together and sharing their successes.And a close up look of the variety:
Entertainment was provided with the singing led by Carol
Graham, as always, loved challenging everyone with such things as QUESTIONS - TEASERS:
While Pastor Steve provided a moment of reflections about what Christmas means:
As you can see, there was an attentive audience:
But....then the attention shifted to that other important business leading up to Christmas. Yep, the feeding frenzy is really no different between children and adults. Have a look at this:
The above shows Jorge in full flight!The other delight for us was to share graduations of our grandchildren, starting at the University of Tasmania. We were just so happy that Karina (Brenda & Graeme's number three) and Andrew (Ann & Dale's number two) would have their degrees conferred on the same morning, both with Bachelor of Science (B.Sc), Andrew specialising in Biotechnology. I have circled them both as they waited with fellow graduands for the citation from the Chancellor.
One could be forgiven to think that Andrew looks rather pleased with himself!The Chancellor (Damien Bugg) waits
to congratulate Andrew
....and, it would seem, with great delight awaited Karina who seems to be saying, "I am coming Chancellor!"
But, Karina Sally was justifiably thrilled with her degree and both deserved this very special moment in their lives:
For this occasion, the Occasional Speaker was the Hon Dr. Barry Jones, who is well known in Australia for many reasons, including Pick a Box, Government Minister, and being a 'smarty pants'.Then of course to the photo take and here is just a small sample:
Andrew Herbert, B.Sc & Karina Holt, B.Sc.Andrew with Carol and me:
Karina with Carol & me (forgive us if we look too proud)
Then of course, the four of us:
I had photos of Ann & Dale as well as Brenda & Graeme, but sadly - and I don't understand why, Ann & Dale's was very much out of focus - sorry guys. But here are a couple from the Holts. Proud Brenda & Graeme with Karina:
And with sister Gemma - whose turn is still to come!
That same evening we attended Nigel's High School Celebration - another graduation. He delighted us with playing the saxophone in the senior school band - that's him on the far right:
And the receiving of a special merit award. Well done Nigel. Next.....years 11 and 12.
And finally, yet another 'graduation' the following day with grandson Luke graduating from Kinder to Infant School!
Great to see him do well and enjoying himself. The children entertained us with singing Santa songs - no emphasis on what Christmas is really all about. Sort of the world going somewhat to the extreme with what it feels is political correctness.
Then, as at all good graduations, the eats are on the table. It was our cue to quietly leave them to their celebrations.
All I can say, looking again at the above, "Isn't God good!" His blessings are overwhelming as so clearly expressed in Psalm 103. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits!" (Note for Natasha - here is a story you can pick up on for the blessings of the Scriptures)
Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas, wherever you are and don't forget to look for an opportunity to say hi to someone who is lonely.
2 comments:
is it just me, or does "meet and make" followed by "break-up" sound bad? ;-).
The graduations look like they were quite a bit of fun :)
The Petrusma family appear to have taken over Tasmania! (or the best part). Congratulations to all concerned - there appears no need to be worried about Australia's future.......best wishes for the New Year....Great Stuff!!!
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