All our plans are “God willing”.

Big specials for Mother’s Day

Mothers are special, so we have arranged for some special offers for gifts you can give your mother this Mother’s Day! Whether your mother likes watching DVDs, listening to CDs, reading or cooking, we have a special offer to suit! All these specials are available for the month of May.

1. “A collection of love gifts” by Helen Steiner Rice, was $3.95—Now $2.50
2. “More recipes for living” spiral bound cookbook, 50% off—Now $2.98
3. CD “Recounting his praise”, 25% off—Now $15
4. “Understand the Bible” (p/b), 10% off—Now $9.85
5. DVD “God’s land of promises for you” 50% off—Now $5.50
6. “Coffee Shop Conversations” (p/b), 50% off—Now $3.98
7. “Stories for the Heart” (p/b), 50% off—Now $8.98
8. “Crazy about my wife” (h/b), 10% off—Now $5.35

In addition to these super specials, we have a range of inspirational mugs, Bible plaques, intriguing plant pots and other interesting gifts at reasonable prices.

What’s on?

• Each Sunday 11:30–12:30
  God and you through Jesus
  Bible Explorers
• Each Monday 10am–2pm
  Bring your Bible questions
• Each Monday 7–9pm
  Learn English using the Bible
• Wednesday 10:00–11:30am
  Happy Faces Playgroup
  May 1, 15 & 29
• Wednesday 8:00–9:30pm
  Advanced Bible Study
  May 8 & 22
• Thursday 10:30am–12:00 noon
  Ladies’ Bible Study
  Moses and the Exodus
• Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 12:45pm
  Bible readings
• See us at the Dandenong Market on Saturday May 11

God and you through Jesus

(11:30am—12:30pm each Sunday)

The “God and you through Jesus” course is running at present and new people are welcome to join us. Learn how you can fit into God’s wonderful plan for this earth. The course is run as a workshop, using the Bible to find out the answers to a variety of important questions.

Advanced Bible Study

(8:00pm—9:30pm every second Wednesday)

Our advanced Bible study class runs every second Wednesday evening.

May 8: Character study: Nehemiah
May 22: Why repentance is important

Food for thought: The Stranger

A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer—and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on. As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche.

My parents were complementary instructors: Mum taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger... he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, myster- ies and comedies.

If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, the stranger always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind. Sometimes, Mum would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)

Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honour them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home - not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our long time visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my Dad squirm and my Mother blush.

My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol but the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.

I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked ... and NEVER asked to leave.

More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name ?....

We just call him ‘TV’.

He has a wife now

....we call her ‘computer’.

Their first child is

‘mobile phone’.

Second child is

‘iPod’.

And just born a while ago was a grandchild... ‘iPad’!

Author unknown

See us at the Dandenong Market on May 11!

Sometimes it is easier to do all your shopping in one place. We come to you at the Dandenong market, so that you can see what we have for sale while you are out shopping. Our attractive stall each month displays a variety of goods such as DVDs, books, Bibles and gifts. Balloons and showbags are usually a hit with the kids.

Even if you don’t want to buy, you can come and talk to one of the friendly staff for as long as you like! Why not visit us at our stall? We hope to see you there.

All our plans are “God willing”.

Special meal

Join us for a special meal and evening together at the Dandenong Bible Education Centre.

Date: Wednesday 24th April

Time: 6:30pm

During the evening there will be two short talks, which can introduce some discussion during the meal.

Topic 1. ANZAC Day: What does it represent? Why is it important to us in Australia?

Topic 2. Who would we give our life for? How do we respond to the sacrifice of Jesus?

Anzac day bike ride

On Anzac Day, enjoy an invigorating bike ride with a group of others.

Date: Thursday 25th April

Time: Meet at 10:30am for an 11am start

Location: Dandenong Park at the BBQs and Sound Shell

We plan to ride along the Dandenong creek trail to Carrum and Port Philip Bay.

Distance: 14km each way (Generally flat)

We will stop in Carrum, on the beautiful Patterson River, and enjoy a delicious lunch that will be provided (gold coin donation).

We aim to start the return ride by 1:30pm, arriving back in Dandenong by 3pm.

What’s on?

• Each Sunday 11:30–12:30
  God and you through Jesus
  Bible Explorers (term 2)
• Each Monday 10am–2pm
  Bring your Bible questions
• Each Monday 7–9pm
  Learn English using the Bible
• Tuesdays 11am–12 noon
  The Story of the Bible
  April 9 & 23
• Wednesday 10:00–11:30am
  Happy Faces Playgroup
  April 17, May 1, 15, 29
• Wednesday 8:00–9:30pm
  Advanced Bible Study
  April 10 & 24
• Thursday 10:30am–12:00 noon
  Ladies’ Bible Study
  Moses and the Exodus
  (not April 25)
• Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 12:45pm
  Bible readings
• See us at the Dandenong Market on Saturday April 13

Sunday Morning Bible Study

(11:30am—12:30pm each Sunday)

A new Bible course is starting on April 7. “God and you through Jesus” is the title and the course covers topics such as who is God and what is his purpose, what is God’s plan for people, and how does Jesus fit into this plan. There will be plenty of time to discuss together and learn how you can fit into God’s wonderful plan for this earth.

Praise and worship morning

April 21, 11:30am.

See us at the Dandenong Market on April 13!

Sometimes it is easier to do all your shopping in one place. We come to you at the Dandenong market, so that you can see what we have for sale while you are out shopping. Our attractive stall each month displays a variety of goods such as DVDs, books, Bibles and gifts. Balloons and showbags are usually a hit with the kids.

Even if you don’t want to buy, you can come and talk to one of the friendly staff for as long as you like! Why not visit us at our stall? We hope to see you there.

Certainty

The ruler of the Synagogue
Heard Jesus was in town.
His little girl was nearing death,
Christ did not let him down.

Twelve years of suffering would end
If I could touch his gown.
The woman felt an instant cure,
Christ did not let her down.

Brave Peter stepped out of the boat
He soon began to drown.
The Lord’s strong hand was there to save
Christ did not let him down.

His life in love He gave for us,
Thorns were his only crown.
We wait His coming as our King
Christ will not let us down.

© Heather Bourke.

Gossip

Now, have you heard the story?
Do you really think it’s true?
We all know it’s a secret,
Well, that’s what she said to you.

I love to hear the gossip
Though I know that it’s not right.
It’s fun to pass the news on.
People listen with delight.

My tongue can be a weapon,
When I say what isn’t true.
I pray that I’ll speak wisely,
Follow Christ in all I do.

© Heather Bourke.