“G’day, Everyone! I won’t beat about the bush. After church this Sunday, come to the Open Table Lunch at the manse! We can talk about the three ships – fellowship, partnership and sportsmanship! Go ‘Relay for Life’!”
That is my homage to John Clark’s wonderful children’s talk on Sunday – brilliantly executed by Kerstin Wallace and Stephen Gee! It was a wonderful service, so thankyou to John and to John! Captain’s calls don’t have the greatest reputation, but this was a good one!
And – very genuinely – this Sunday (3rd April) after church you are all warmly invited to come to the Open Table Lunch! We’ll be gathering in the back yard – so please use the back gate on this occasion. Bring some food or a drink to share and please join in the Relay for Life fundraising activities that our youth group will be running. Note: You need to bring some gold coins with you for the fundraising activities (and your phone!)
Relay for Life is a one day event this year. It will be held at the AIS Athletics Track from 10:30am to 7:30pm this Sunday.
Our youth group decided not to enter a Relay for Life team this year, but to organise the fundraiser at the church for Penny Jackson’s team – Donut Stop! If you didn’t see the article on Penny in the Canberra Weekly a few weeks ago – or in our church bulletin – read it here – https://canberraweekly.com.au/the-relay-of-positive-pennys-life/ Donut Stop is currently the 2nd highest team in the fundraising ranks and Penny is the 4th highest individual, but maybe we can change that on Sunday! To donate directly to Penny’s team click here.
Penny will also be speaking at the ‘Survivor and Carer Morning Tea’ at Relay for Life on Sunday and Belinda will be speaking at the ‘Candlelight Ceremony’ at 6pm.
According to the Relay for Life website:
Relay for Life began in the USA in May 1985 when colorectal surgeon, Dr. Gordy Klatt, wanted to raise awareness of cancer and boost the income of his local cancer charity. He spent a gruelling twenty-four hours circling a track in Tacoma, Washington, and raised over US$27,000. Since then, Relay For Life has become the largest fundraising event for cancer in the world – held in over 20 countries with more than 4 million people participants. Relay For Life Australia began in 1999 hen Murrumbeena, Victoria, raised over $75,000 for the Cancer Council. Relays are now held in every Australian state and territory, with more than 134,000 participants raising over $14 million each year which goes towards funding Cancer Council research and prevention and support programs, many of which help people in your community every day.
We give thanks for this work as we are very aware of family and friends who have had or continue to have cancer treatment. This Sunday’s Relay is an opportunity for us to pray and to support them and so many others.
Go, Relay for Life!
Belinda