The Residents Committee exists to provide, promote and foster a Christ centred relaxed, stable, and peaceful atmosphere in the Ebenezer Christian Retirement Village for both Residents and Management.

March / April / May 2020

Ebenezer News

Sending you peace, love and

Easter Blessings And this is the promise which He Himself made to us - eternal life 1 John 2:25

The season of Autumn produces a display,

of awesome filled colour that only God could portray.

For in His presentation of hues in multicolour,

we see the glorious beauty He creates like no other.

Teressa C. Hawes

There is no artist quite like God

As long as Autumn lasts, I shall not have hands,

canvas and colours enough, to paint the beautiful things I see.

Vincent van Goch

Autumn is a second Spring, When every leaf is a flower

The Autumn of Life

Helen Steiner Rice

What a wonderful time is life’s autumn, when the leaves of the trees are all gold, When God fills each day as He sends it

with memories, priceless and old. What a treasure house filled with rare jewels

are the blessings of year upon year, When life has been lived as you’ve lived it in a home where God’s presence is near.

May the deep meaning surrounding this day, like a paintbrush of God up above,

Touch your life with wonderful blessings.

Easter Devotion The Gift of Joy

Whenever Easter approaches, we are reminded of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The purpose of Christ's life was to offer himself

as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. The Bible says that Jesus Christ became sin for us so that we could be forgiven and found righteous in God’s sight (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus was so certain of his purpose that he predicted when and how he would die (Matthew 26:2). As followers of Jesus we would say that our purpose is to love God. Others might say that it is to serve God. While considering these ideas, Hebrews 12:2 comes to mind: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (NIV) Jesus looked beyond the suffering, shame, punishment, and death. Christ knew the joy that was yet to come, so he focused on the future. The Bible says that there is great joy in heaven whenever a sinner repents (Luke 15:10). Likewise, the Lord rewards good works. There is joy in hearing him say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” This means Jesus anticipated the joy that would take place when each person would repent and be saved. He also looked forward to the joy that would result from each good work done by believers in obedience to God and motivated by love. The Bible says that we love God because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). Ephesians 2:1-10 tells us that by nature we are rebellious towards God and are born spiritually dead. It is by his love and grace that he brings us to faith and reconciliation. God has even planned our good works (Ephesians 2:10). So our purpose is to give God joy! . Our Father rejoices and experiences joy as we respond to him in repentance, love, and good works that bring him glory..

by Warren Mueller and Mary Fairchild

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John Blik led our celebration

with these words - We are all part of the Australian story and proud to be so. Each one of us will leave a footprint on this land. Many of us came from elsewhere in the world and even though we foster a soft spot for our country of birth, we are all Australians. Together we care for and about Australia. Emotions well when we are confronted, threatened or challenged by natural disasters like floods, cyclones or by the raging bush fires. But it is at times like this that we see the true resilience of the Australian people as they band together and dig deep into their pockets to aid those affected. Even though there is a movement of people who feel that the date or theme of the celebration should change, 72% of Australians still favour the 26th of January as Australia Day.

Coffee and cake was shared by all.

Diane Morello has 6 children - 3 boys and 3 girls who blessed her with 20 grandchildren with one on the way. She lived in Frankston for the past 12 odd years. Diane loves gardening, reading, walking and exercising.

Selma and Roelf Gort have 6 children who blessed them with 20 grand children and 9 and a half great grand children. Roelf is a keen gardener and Selma is an avid reader.

Kevin and Barbara Doughty have 2 daughters and a son who blessed them with 5 grandchildren. They have lived in Frankston for the past 36 years They love old movies, gardening, bush walking and the beach. They worship at St Judes.

Pastor Lourens Nel and family have transferred to a CRC community in Blaxland NSW. Thank you Lourens

for all your caring for residents in the village. Also thank you for your

regular message in our newsletters. This was always much appreciated.

Both Lourens and Alet served on the Ebenezer Committee of Management.

to the residents who have recently moved

into our village. Please get to meet them and

make them feel welcome.

TRIBUTE - Rieky Huigen Even though Rieky did not live in the village, as part of the Langwarrin CRC Pastoral Care Team, she played a vital role in caring for the elderly and vulnerable, the sick and lonely, the widowed and frail residents in the village. She was extremely passionate and sensitive to their needs and was a great listener. This in turn built unique, trusting and long lasting friendships. Rieky would also provide meals for those just out of hospital and transport for those needing to visit a doctor. She would not hesitate going to hospitals, rehab centers or aged care facilities and would conclude each visit with a comforting prayer.

Rieky was a very special and inspirational person. She will be sorely missed.

Alet Lourens

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HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the mothers in the village

10 May 2020

The Majestic Monarch Butterfly

The migration of the Monarch butterfly is one of nature’s most fascinating wonders. It is native to North America - spending summers in the US and Canada and overwintering in the warmer climate in Mexico - 3000 miles away. Monarchs cannot survive

cold temperatures. The Monarch butterfly arrived on our shores in 1871. One of the favourite foods of the monarch butterfly caterpillar is the milk-

weed. The sap of the milkweed plant contains poisonous glycosides. The butterfly's caterpillar is immune to these toxins and happily munches through the leaves of this plant and the glycosides it consumes makes the

caterpillar and the adult butterfly poisonous to its predators. The milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is native to North America. Its fluffy seed pods were commonly used by people as fillings for their pillows. It is believed that during the Australian Gold Rush in the 1850s American miners brought with them their milkweed seed stuffed pillows. When these pillows were eventually discarded the seeds germinated and the milkweed plant took root in Australia. Over time these plants thrived in their new Australian environment. Researchers describe the relationship between Monarch butterflies and milkweed as symbiotic. This relationship status stems from the fact that the butterflies are one of the primary pollinators of the milkweed. And, according to research conducted recently by the University of Iowa, the Monarch butterfly needs the native milkweed species not only as delicious nectar but also to host their eggs and larvae. Once the Monarch eggs hatch into caterpillars, they rely solely on milkweed for their nourishment. Therefore, the larvae will not survive without milkweed. No Milkweed - no Monarch butterflies The Monarch butterfly (also known as the Wanderer butterfly in Australia) is found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia today. Our Monarch butterflies are sedentary - they do not migrate to Mexico. Throughout summer, with one generation following another, the females lay single eggs under the leaves of milkweed. When the caterpillars hatch, they eat the leaves and the flowers of the plant. With their colourful racing stripes,

they look just as pretty as their parents, but in the animal world they are a clear warning signal. The caterpillars feed on the plant's milky sap, which makes them toxic and protects them from predators. The caterpillar's feeding frenzy lasts only two weeks before they pupate on the plant inside a green and golden

cocoon. Another three weeks later, a Monarch butterfly emerges to start the cycle all over again.

We can encourage the Monarch butterflies to visit our gardens if we plant brightly coloured flowers and create a puddle bath. Have you ever seen

butterflies flicking in and out of mud puddles, looking like they are having a blast !. This is called puddling. Monarchs and other more common butterflies instinctively perform this acrobatic dance to absorb the minerals from the mud.

They consume the nectar and reward you back by pollinating your garden.

Our hearts go out to the extraordinarily brave Firies and all those who lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods in Australia’s worst fires…..now the floods !

SCENE at our Christmas Dinner 2019

A delicious 3 course Christmas dinner was enjoyed by our residents just before Christmas. The party goers were entertained by a talented couple to which our residents danced the night away. A fantastic time was had by all who attended. Jean thought she was in the northern hemisphere for Christmas and chose to sit in front of a roaring fire with her sister Claudette.

A collection was taken for Theresia as acknowledgment for all the good that she does for our residents in the village. A cheque was presented to her together with a bouquet of flowers.

Wednesday 11 March We will depart at 9am … have morning

tea en route, lunch on the wharf followed by a tour of Geelong city.

We will return on the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento on our way home.

Cost is $30 per person. Please confirm your attendance by

inserting the money in an envelope with your name on it and put it into postbox 59 or 18 by 1 March Claudette Jean Coby Bep Theresia

Bep

Wishing you a blessed Easter

THANK YOU to those who answered the call

Dear fellow Residents Another year……..another decade. How time flies ! We would like to thank Neale Burgess, MP for Hastings for continuing to print our publication and Wael Hanna of

Langwarrin WHOLELIFE Pharmacy & Healthfoods for continuing to sponsor our newsletter. This is much appreciated as always. We wish Wael every success with his new business venture, You are encouraged to support those who support us. Remember, this is your newsletter and we invite you to share your stories

with your fellow residents. We all have a story to tell which will personalise our publication and make it all the more interesting. We are also happy to receive any funnies which you may have as well. You are able to share your village news with family and friends around the

world by simply getting them to log onto our website www.ebenezervillage.org.au The Residents Village AGM will be held on Friday 17 April 2020 at 2.30pm. Please diarise this meeting.

You are encouraged to make use of our library in the hall. Remember - the gold coin donation. Easter greetings.

From the Editor’s Desk HAPPY BIRTHDAY

March

4 John Blik 4 Helen Bakker 6 Nan Moynihan 6 Elle Reyke 12 Dick Keesman 17 Case Krins 19 Len Keble 21 Pat Webb 27 David Dawson 28 Marlene May

April 4 Christine Coyle 8 Gillian Grove 14 Jean Isaacs 21 Kevin Doughty 21 Tim Tiemens 25 Len Abee 26 Audrey Davids 28 Holke Dijkman 28 Wayne May 29 Verne Hall

May 8 Ruth Green 8 Arie Boer 9 Frank Bowman 16 Angela Talbot 17 Agnes Simmons 20 Hetty Krins 22 Libuse Jenkin 27 Brian Krull 30 John Deegan

TRIBUTE Josephine Woods

Josie, as she was known by her friends, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She dedicated her life to her family and friends and was very involved in her local community, helping others wherever needed. She was a kind and caring soul who touched the lives of all those that

had the privilege of knowing and sharing in her life’s journey. Josie and Don were residents of the Ebenezer Christian Village for the past 13 years and they would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this year. She was always full of fun and laughter, especially among friends and enjoyed many of the activities in the Village and especially the Friday evening get together ‘happy hour’. She will be sorely missed by all.

Thank you for leaving this world a better place …Forever in our

hearts from your friends in the Ebenezer Retirement Village.

Have you visited us lately? We have recently undergone an extension, had a name change and undertaken a very smart and vibrant shop-fit.

Although our pharmacy looks different, our commitment to exceptional customer service

remains unchanged. We will not waiver from the personable, reliable and friendly service you have

come to know and trust.

A little bit about our new identity: Wholelife Pharmacy and Healthfoods is Australia’s first pharmacy retailer to offer a true, holistic approach to health and well-being. We offer the pharmacy products and services Australians know and trust plus one of the countries widest ranges of natural and organic products across skincare, beauty, health foods and nutrition.

We care about the ‘wholelife’ of you and your family and want to make shopping in our store easy and

affordable which is why we scour the country for the best ranges and offer our products at the lowest

possible prices. We thank you for your ongoing support and we are proud sponsors of the Ebenezer News. It is a privilege to look after your health care needs. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Also, don’t forget we provide a free delivery service to Ebenezer residents.

From Wael, Niki & the team at Langwarrin WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods

(formerly Langwarrin Discount Drug Store) 2/117-119 Cranbourne-Frankston Rd, Langwarrin

Tel 9785 9188

Table Tennis - 7pm Mondays

Mahjong

Tuesday afternoons

4.30 - 6pm

Always keep an eye on our Noticeboards

Billiards 7pm

Mondays

Please remember to drop a gold coin in the Donations Box in the Hall each time you use the facility to cover expenses

Monday afternoons

Gentle exercise activities Mondays & Fridays

Morning Coffee - first Monday of

the the month

Carpet bowls

I went to a liquor store on my bicycle, bought a bottle of

Scotch and put it in the bicycle basket. As I was about to

leave, I thought to myself that if I fell off the bicycle, the

bottle would break. So I drank all the Scotch before I

cycled home. It turned out to be a very good decision,

because I fell off my bike seven times on my way home.

I was an Easter egg !