Distinguished Service Award

"Mrs Areti Stylianou was awarded a Distinguished Service Award for her loyalty and service to two churches on the Southern District, Enmore and Thornbury for over 35 years. Her task was always made much more difficult as she would translate all the information and readings in Greek, but always with enthusiasm and a smile. Mrs. Areti Stylianou is now in a Nursing Home in Altona, Victoria, where her daughter Dora and Pastor Milton Kalogeropoulos presented her with the Award. Thank you Areti and God Bless you always."

Breaking the Drought

Musical items were presented by Ian Mills and Peter Webb.

Breaking the Drought

The Pinery Community church of the Nazarene in South Australia held a stop the drought meeting in the Pinery Community Hall Sunday evening April 5th with reported 80 people in attendance. Mr Colin Blacket was the convener and M.C. Musical items were presented by Ian Mills and Peter Webb.
The Hon. Neil Andrews, O.A. former federal member for the Riverland seat of Wakefield explained the low flows in the Murray Darling System as the result of low rainfall in the catchment which has happened several times in the past century. There was also a panel of advisers including Neil Andrews to answer questions on the drought its effects and how to work with it. Rev. Ian Davidson spoke on 2 Chronicles 7:14. Highlighting God's desire for "His people" the Church to be in a right relationship with him and one another in order to be able to partner with God to bring about his purposes in the world. The meeting closed with the entire meeting standing in solidarity to commit themselves to God and his purposes in prayer.

Julie McDowell Commissioned

Last weekend the Wantirna/Melbourne church commission one of their members, Julie McDowell, a Critical Incident Chaplain with Access Ministries, an inter-church body which provides Christian Education and Chaplaincy in State Schools in Victoria. McDowell, a qualified school teacher, and chaplain in local Bayswater North and Boronia Heights primary schools, will work with the children of Flowerdale community. Miraculously, their school was spared.

Thornbury volunteers help bushfire victims.

Thornbury volunteers help bushfire victims.

It was a blessing for 10 volunteers from Thornbury Church who went to serve in the volunteer centre in Rowville sorting donated clothing and all sorts of items with other volunteers.

District Assembly Highlights

The theme for the recent District Assembly was empowering passionate leadership.
The concept being that frequently our God given gifts and passions are complimentary and when encouraged can be used for God's glory. We empower others by giving recognition, encouragement and opportunity to them to use and develop their gifts for ministry and the glory of God.

District Assembly Highlights

The Gawler Church was well attended with over 200 in attendance on the Sunday morning service when they hosted the annual Assembly for the Australia Southern District Jan 7-11, 2009.
The District Superintendent Ian Davidson reported a 14% growth in membership across the District. Special speaker Rev. Tim Hein of the Forge Network spoke about ministering to Gen-Xers.

A distinguished award was presented to David Rodda by Jenny Karmas for his service as NMI. treasurer over the past 27 years. Jenny Karmas was elected District NMI president. Rev.Judy Stanley was elected District DSMI chairperson.
The other guest speakers who were well received were host pastor Rev. Douglas Carolisen, NTC Principal and Field Strategy coordinator Rev Doctor Bruce Allder, NZ District Superintendent Rev. Doctor Neville Bartle who chaired the Assembly business session. and Distirct Superintendent Rev. Ian Davidson
The enthusiastic hosting and catering by the Gawler church team helped make the Assembly one of the best yet, Thanks Gawler, your Awsome!