Moving to the other side of the world, knowing very little about where you are going, what it will be like or how to communicate with the people who live there, must be very challenging! This has been the experience of many of the newly arrived Migrants in Lobethal.

A local network of service providers has been formed to assist recently arrived migrants to make a smooth transition to their new home. The group is chaired by the Adelaide Hills Regional Development Board and includes representation from local and state government, schools and direct service providers.

Since 1990 when the first Christmas Tree Festival was held in Lobethal, to raise money for the Bible Society, a lot of money has been raised for this purpose.

Not only has the committee donated to the Bible Society but many local charities have benefited as well.

Last Sunday the Birdwood United Church kicked off their 40 Days of Purpose Program with a national simulcast introduction where Rick Warren, author of the international best seller ‘The Purpose Driven Life’ spoke to the congregation on the topic of “What on earth am I here for?”

Over the course of 40 days, starting on the 6th of August, the Birdwood United Church will be exploring this topic with weekly themed Sunday messages, weekly small groups held in homes and short daily readings from “The Purpose Driven Life.”