St Cath's

This week's headlines may be found below.

The 25 days of prayer are over, but we’re just wanting to PRAISE GOD for the wonderful prayers answered and words given throughout the 25 Days of Prayer. Some of which will be shared at today’s services and also on our FB page.
#pray25

Thanksgiving for the life of Hazel Da Costa

Last week, Hazel Da Costa peacefully passed away after battling a stroke and some subsequent poor health earlier this year. A service of thanksgiving will be held this morning, Monday 5 September at 10 am at St Catharine’s. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

Community Group Meetings

The Meals Community Group will be meeting next on Tuesday 13 September for a social night and extend an invitation to everyone to join them. It will be held at Giardino’s Pizza (550 Glen Huntly Rd Elsternwick) at 6.30 pm.

The Youth Leaders group will not meet this month while the Cetrangolos are away.

Youth Ministry School - Spring 2016

The Spring Youth Ministry School is scheduled for 27-30 September 2016 which will be upon us soon. Adam & Heather will be on leave for part of September, so we would love to get an idea of who will be attending the next YMS. Please visit yms.app.rsvpify.com to confirm your (or your teen’s) attendance, no payment is required to RSVP. Click on the image for more details.

Cetrangolos on Leave

Adam, Heather and Mary will be heading on annual leave following services on Sunday 4 September and will return to work on Monday 26 September. We are delighted that Ben McMaster, who was on student placement last year, will be picking up some of Adam’s work while he is away. Ben will lead our services and do some of the preaching. Rev Carol Elfverson (from Oaktree Anglican, 11 Sept) and Rev Charlie Fletcher (from Ormond Anglican and Ridley, 18 & 25 Sept) will also be assisting.

The Catharine's Pastoral Team

According to recent reports by China Aid, China’s crackdown on house churches that are not registered with the official state church is growing and now represents the “greatest challenge” faced by Christians in the region.

Some unregistered churches are resisting the pressure to comply with government regulations, in spite of the risks of retribution.

China Aid, which works to support persecuted Christians in China, is reporting that one house church in central Henan province has rejected a government order to cease its religious activities and remove its signs, and worshippers intend to continue to defy the authorities.

Fang Guojian, a church attendee, told China Aid: “We are still gathering. We wrote a petition. After they saw it, they were afraid. In the letter, we wrote that we would go to Beijing; go to Beijing and appeal. Now, they are afraid, and they do not dare to provoke us.”
Once churches are registered with the official church they become subject to strict |government supervision. All services and other activities then have to be approved by the state.

Pray the Church in China as it faces growing pressure and control from the Government. Pray for wisdom for Church leaders to know how to respond to this pressure.
Pray for the Church in Henan province as it takes a stand against the government. Pray for protection for the Christians who worship there, and for the government to allow them to continue to meet together without intimidation.
Pray for the Chinese government at this time of increased crack down on religious activity. Pray for an opening of government officials’ Spiritual eyes to see the Truth of the Gospel and Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Church in China as it continues to grow at a very fast rate. Pray for good discipleship resources, training materials and access to Bible training for Church leaders.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to draw many to Christ across this vast nation.

St Cath's News: 5 September