WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU From the Parson’s Pen The Other Visitor An old man lay very ill, and the Rector of the Parish called to see him. As the Rector sat down on a chair near the bedside, he noticed on the other side of the bed, another chair placed at such an angle to suggest that a visitor had just left it. “I see that I am not your first visitor”, said the Rector. The old man looked up in surprise, and the Rector pointed to the chair. “Ah”, said the old man, “I’ll tell you about that chair. When I first became ill, I found it difficult to say my prayers. I always seemed to fall asleep. Then I read somewhere about someone who placed a chair opposite him and he imagined that Jesus was sitting in it, and would talk to Him as he would talk to a friend. I have been doing that myself and I find it is a great help. That is why you see the chair placed like that”. A week later, the old man’s daughter knocked at the Rectory door. When she saw the Rector she burst into tears. “Father died last night”, she sobbed. He died quite suddenly. I saw that he was sleeping peacefully, so I took the chance to lie down for an hour. When I came back, he had gone. He hadn’t moved, except his hand was out on the empty chair beside his bed. Do you understand?” “Yes, I understand” said the Rector. The old man, by an imagination which had become faith, had accepted the gift of friendship, and made the Master real. The reality of His Friendship is reached, not through argument, but through experience. From “Spotlight” January 1950. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church 41 Rifle St, Clarence Town Pastor: Rev Andrew Doohan Service Times: Every Sunday 8am Greetings and blessings from all at St. Patrick’s. The joy of the Easter season is still with us and we ask that those blessings continue and help all that are struggling in this difficult time in our world. The need is great, but we trust in our God and He will sustain us. It was wonderful to see our little church full on Easter Sunday. Our Good Friday Stations of the Cross were very moving and ‘thank you’ to all who help these services come to fruition. Once again, we ask for the gift of rain. Everything is very dry. There will be morning tea after Mass on May 3rd. Open invitation to Mass held every Sunday at 8am. All welcome. God bless all. Marilyn Amos Clarence Town Presbyterian Church 29 Marshall Street, Clarence Town (Opposite the School). Pastor: Rev Allan D. Welch Service Times: 10am Gathered Worship every Sunday, with morning tea provided. The new church is quickly taking shape. Floor, walls, concrete paths, plumbing, rafters and gutters all done! Next is the electrical & AV system followed by cladding and covered alfresco deck and old church renos. Thanking God for his amazing provision and we continue to pray for the ministries to follow upon completion! Watch this space for the official opening of the new church building. Sunday services, Mainly Music (every Wed), SRE (Scripture) at Clarence Town Public School (every Wed) Dungog Public School (every 2nd Wed), Craft & Chat (1st Sat of Month 10am2pm) continue as usual during construction. Growth Groups (Bible study) are in recess and will recommence Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th May – where we’ll be taking a close look at 2 Corinthians ‘The Gospel in all of life’. From the pulpit we are mid-way through our series on the letter to the Hebrew Christians, where we hear why Christ is the anchor for our souls. Next celebration of the Lord’s Supper is on 31st May followed by fellowship lunch. All welcome! “And what does the LORD require of you? To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 In Christ, Rev Allan D. Welch 0402 387 690
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