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
Christmas Bowl—sharing God’s love
Our Christmas Bowl sits at the back of the chapel for your donations if you wish to give. Cash or Christmas Bowl envelopes may be placed in it. Other options for donating are to visit Crossroads’ Christmas Bowl page at https://christmasbowl.actforpeace.org.au/45154, scan the QR code on the posters in the foyer, or call 1800 025 101.
Last Sunday we learnt about the Christmas Bowl helping communities in Zimbabwe with farming supplies and techniques. This week we will hear about how the Christmas Bowl supports Sri Lankan refugees who need to wait in India until it is safe to return to their homeland with medical and other care.
Started in 1949 by Rev. Frank Byatt of Williamstown, to assist the refugees from World War 2, The Christmas Bowl Appeal is now supported by thousands of churches across Australia, and continues to meet the needs of today’s refugees.
Last Sunday we learnt about how Ukrainian refugees will be supported by your donations, and this week we will look at the plight of Syrian refugees in Jordan. (SS)
God’s blessings to you and yours for a happy Christmas and a better year in 2023!
Lessons and Carols service
The M1 Freeway and side roads were closed to traffic on Sunday evening, (due to an incident) just as the faithful were setting out on pilgrimage to the Service of Lessons and Carols at Crossroads Uniting Church. Many people were delayed for up to two hours; however “the show must go on,” and congregation members were treated to a musical gift by the Samoan Choir of Hoppers Crossing UC (pictured).
Gina L and her daughter Erica accompanied the augmented Crossroads Choir, conducted by Judy V. The evening was organized by Wendy B. Lessons were read by Rev Fa’amata’u Leota and Pastoral Worker Audrey K. (NT)
World Council of Churches
WCC Acting General Secretary Dr Ioan Sauca says: “As people in Bethlehem prepare for Christmas, the effects of military occupation are obvious. Bethlehem is sealed off from Jerusalem by a concrete wall 8-9 metres high, sealing off access to normal daily traffic. In spite of this, the love of God in Christ is meant indeed for all people, for the whole of creation.”
Picture supplied by World Council of Churches media. (NT)
A Voice that is needed
Australia is approaching a crisis in its 230 year history of white-black relations. Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney was interviewed recently by Lisa V of the Melbourne Age (22/11).
She said: “The referendum to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the Constitution could be held as soon as late 2023. It will be an absolutely defining moment for this country.”
Burney will criss-cross the country over the coming months in the lead-up to the referendum. “The Voice has the capacity to deliver real, practical change to the lives of First Nations people,” she says.
The Voice to Parliament was agreed upon by Indigenous leaders in the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart. Its proponents argue that it is to be a purely advisory body to parliament and the executive arm of government.
“It will enable Indigenous people to have a say on the policy and legislation that affect their communities. Enshrined in the Constitution, it cannot be dismantled by future governments,” says Minister Burney.
On May 30 this year the Uniting Church in Australia signed a historic Joint Resolution of Australian religious leaders calling for immediate action to hold a referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
UCiA President the Rev. Sharon Hollis signing the Joint Resolution, said “As the Uniting Church we are committed to heeding the voices of First Peoples, over 30 years of our Covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Congress.”
“There has been much work completed (in the Uluru Statement from the Heart). The one thing left to do is let the Australian people have their say,” reads the Joint Resolution. (NT)
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
What’s On This Week – 18 December
- 18 December: 10am Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
- Christmas Eve: 11.30pm Audrey Kateena
- Christmas Day: 9.30am Audrey Kateena
- 1 January 2023 Communion Rev Fa’amata’u Leota
- Monday: 9.30am Playgroup
Bible Readings
Isaiah 10:7–16; Romans 1:1–7; Matthew 1:18–25; Psalm 80: 1–7, 17–19).
ROSTERS:
SUNDAY
Minister:
Greetings:
AV:
Morning Tea:
Flowers:
Music:
Reader:
Prayers:
18 December
Rev Fa’ama Leota
Margaret G
Paul K
Sandra S & Margaret G
Margaret F
Angela M
Hoppers Crossing
Margaret B
25 December
Audrey K
Liz B
Roland G
NA
Jennie K
Asanka P
Wendy B
Rose G
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 – On Leave at present (9741 1084 minister@crossroadsunitingchurch.org.au)
- 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@crossroadsunitingchurch.org.au