We acknowledge the original custodians, the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin alliance, of the land on which our buildings of worship stand and on which we gather.
COMMUNITY NEWS FOR TODAY & THE COMING WEEK
World Council of Churches to meet soon
This is an exciting year! The World Council of Churches Central Committee meeting on June 17 appointed the new (ninth) General Secretary the Rev. Professor Dr Jerry Pillay, of the Uniting Presbyterian Church of South Africa. Dr Pillay has a long-standing passion for ecumenism. Accepting his appointment, says: ”If we learn to trust the work of the Holy Spirit, we can find each other even through difficulties.”
Dr Pillay will assist the moderators of the forthcoming Eleventh General Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, 2022. The Assembly brings together more than 4000 people from the churches of the world.
You are invited to pray for the delegates, read the WCC weekly news, and to subscribe by email.
Closer to home, the Uniting Church in Australia is a member of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA). Eighteen Christian churches are members, sharing a common faith and confessing Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
The Victorian Council of Churches (VCC) has 21 member churches, including the UCA. The Rev. Sandy Boyce, a minister of the Uniting Church, is the newly-appointed Executive Officer. You can subscribe to the regular VCC newsletter, sent by email, and Sandy says: “Join our Facebook page!”
Sandy sends greetings to Crossroads Uniting Church Werribee members. She says: “The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released today the first round of results from 2021 census. Rather than be discouraged by newspaper headlines, it’s an opportunity to focus again on following the Jesus way in a complex world. Please pray for the VCC and the many affiliated groups engaged in mission and ministry in their local context.” (NT)
Jess F : Environment Worker
I met Jess on the monthly walk alongside the Werribee River, called “Generations in Gaia,” organized by the Werribee River Association. Jess is a newly-appointed project worker, on the team with John, Maryanne, Lisa, Charlotte and Fatima bringing together people who have a concern for conserving the natural world around us.
Next get-together will be inter-generational, on Tuesday July 12 at 9.30 am, at Werribee Park Orchard and Farm. (enter at Gate 5 on K Road.) “We will explore the river ecosystem, through sit down activities and gentle walks,” says Jess. “Youngsters, senior and in-between are welcome to come.”
On completing an honours degree in International Development at Latrobe University, Jess lived in Argentina for 2 years, learning Spanish and moving around South America.
“I came back to Australia to work at Multicultural Arts Victoria, helping migrant musicians to find mentors and networks and develop their talents. That’s where I met my partner, Ethiopian Nhatty M, a composer and performer, and now we have two children,” says Jess.
Also, Jess has been a producer and presenter on PBS radio shows, making podcasts for ABC Radio National “Earshot”, whilst completing a Masters of Environment on line. “Now my work with Werribee River Association complements my passion for helping people to be involved in local and national sustainability awareness and activism,” she says.
“I believe we can move our mind-set from being consumers to citizens. Even in small ways, adding veggie peels to compost, we contribute to world-wide care for nature.” says Jess. “To members of Crossroads Uniting congregation, I invite you to explore the Werribee River in wonder and in silence.” (NT)
Book review: Finding the heart of the Nation
It is a book about hope and the future. It shows in a warm and inviting way what is the problem with Indigenous Australians, and mainly, what is the road to build a country where everybody is included, and all cultures are appreciated and respected. The photos and drawings make the reading more enjoyable. After reading a few chapters I felt like I wanted to listen to the new voice—as each chapter is written by a different participant on the Uluru Statement. The diversity of voices and the energy that comes out of the book will lift your spirits and change your vision on how to walk together. (Armando A)
Uniting Church Adult Fellowship (UCAF)
Our July meeting will be held next Wednesday July 6 at 1.00pm at Crossroads. All are welcome. Come along!
NAIDOC WEEK in Wyndham
Get up! Stand up! Show up!
The week runs from 3 to 10 July. You can access more information at https://www.naidoc.org.au.
Crossroads Uniting congregation has received an invitation to NAIDOC week from Wyndham City Council.
All our members are invited to attend the flag raising ceremony and morning tea on Tuesday 5 July from 10 am to 12 noon, at Wyndham City Offices, Princes Highway Werribee. “Come along and join us to celebrate NAIDOC week at Wyndham Civic Centre”.
The event will feature Jessie Lloyd, an award winning musician, composer and entrepreneur. Jessie will be performing moving melodies, sharing stories and much more. Catering will be provided. (NT)
NATURE’S HELICOPTER – THE DRAGONFLY
Hither and thither,
To and fro,
Up and down,
I go.
Flit off again,
To a sudden stop,
Hover still,
Dart off,
Trace the figure eight
In the air,
Above the garden grass.
Rainbow colours
Shimmer on each wing:
Harbinger of the summer season,
In my heart I sing.
(Ian Higgins, June 2022)
What’s On This Week
- Monday: 9.30am Playgroup
- Tuesday: 11am Church Council Executive (XRds)
- Wednesday: 1pm UCAF (Crossroads)
- Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group (Crossroads)
- Sunday 10/7/22: 12noon Beach Patrol
Bible Readings – 3 July 2022
2 Kings 5:1–14; Galatians 6:1–16; Luke 10:1–11, 16–20; Psalm 30.
ROSTERS:
SUNDAY
Minister
Greetings:
AV:
Morning Tea:
Flowers:
Music:
Reader:
Prayers:
3 July
Rev Annetia G
Rowie G
Jacob
Sandra S & Margaret G
Margaret F
Wendy B
Neil T
Rose G
10 July
Rev Annetia G
Margaret B
Roland
Nancy Mc & Margaret D
Salote
Gina L
Wendy B
Elizabeth B
Housekeeping & Help
Pastoral care will be maintained during these difficult days but it is subject to the rules regarding access to hospitals and aged care homes.
Please contact:
- Rev. Annetia Goldsmith (9741 1084 minister@catts.it)
- Audrey Kateena (0435 064 088 pastoral.carer@gmail.com)
Audrey will be the primary contact on Mondays and Thursdays and Annetia at other times.
CHURCH OFFICE INFORMATION
The Church Office is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 12.00pm.
Telephone 03 9741 1084. Postal address is PO Box 2156 Werribee 3030.
Email office@catts.it