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
At a time when Christian kindness is needed more than ever, your support will help Act for Peace’s local partners provide practical care to uprooted people in urgent need around the world.
In a world that often feels divided, you’ve come together with churches across Australia to stand alongside those uprooted by conflict and disaster.
Thank you for standing with Act for Peace’s local partners to bring practical care – as well as hope, peace, joy, love, and light – to people in urgent need around the world.
Your generosity is giving hope back to families around the world.
Ocean Grove UC members initiate $200K Oxfam fundraising
Many Melbourne people have weekenders or holiday homes in Ocean Grove. There’s a deep connection with Oxfam Australia. Oxfam Australia began as “Food for Peace” in the 1940s envisioned by Fr Kennedy Tucker founder of the Brotherhood of St Laurence; then transitioned to Community Aid Abroad in 1962.
Lyn M, a member of Ocean Grove UC, recalls the germ of an idea for fundraising. In 1992 she talked with the literary editor of a Melbourne newspaper about disposal of the hundreds of new books supplied to that paper for review. He agreed to donate these books to Ocean Grove Oxfam group, so they could be sold at discount and the proceeds donated to Oxfam international development projects in third world countries.
Oxfam’s philosophy is “not a hand-out, but a leg up!” Ocean Grove church council agreed to provide the church hall rent free twice a year for a book sale.
Along with Lyn M, key members of Ocean Grove Justice and International Mission group: Joan and Barry C, David and Patricia R, Geoff and Carol N, Yvonne H and Lesley P along with many other folk in the local community have steered this venture through the years.
During the summer vacation weekends, the Oxfam book stall operates at the Barwon Heads community market. Income from the yearly and weekend book sales has averaged $10,000 per year; up to 2022 the overall total money raised is more than $200,000 for Oxfam international and indigenous Australian projects.
You can support the Oxfam bookstall at the Barwon Heads community market in the Barwon Heads Uniting Church car park 9am–1pm on the first three Saturdays in January 2023. You’ll find new books on almost every topic imaginable. (NT)
Booking at Crossroads
From now on ALL BOOKINGS for the use of any of the Church’s facilities will be done via email to bookings@crossroadsunitingchurch.org.au detailing the request or booking online via the website – crossroadsunitingchurch.org.au
If any member of Crossroads or Hoppers Crossing Congregations comes to the office to make a booking they will be asked to complete a booking form, send an email request, book online via the website, or at least to speak to Elizabeth Barnes.
Climate Champion wanted!
Do you feel an urgency to join the movement of Christians who resist planet earth’s global warming?
Eleven Uniting Church members of eleven congregations in the Presbytery of Port Phillip West (PPPW) have so far volunteered to be Climate Champions.
These good people are taking an advocacy role. They are doing simple actions such as promotion of: renewable energy, car-pooling, learning about single-use plastics, appreciating nature, and local “Love our Street” clean-ups. Is this you?
The PPPW Climate Champions group needs a person at Crossroads Werribee UC congregation to step up and be our local champion. Interested? Talk to Neil T. (NT)
A blessing from Vince Ross
Vince Ross was the founder of Narana and at one stage the President of the Uniting Aboriginal & Islander Christian Congress. He has been a good friend to Crossroads over many years.
May the God of Creation warm your heart like the camp fires of old
Bring wisdom and peace as shown to the first peoples of this land
Shake off the dust from the desert plains by the refreshing rains
Followed by the glow and warmth of the sun
Let the light of God show us the right path to take and stand tall
Like the big river gums drawing life from the ever-flowing waters.
(December 2022 transcribed by Neil Tolliday)
Congratulations to Geoff G
Geoff was honoured at the MCG on Wednesday, by Cricket Victoria, for over 50 years of voluntary service to cricket. He has, In fact, spent 65 of his 75 years involved in Cricket. The Western suburbs churches and Community Cricket Association are indeed very appreciative of his ongoing service.
What’s On This Week – 1 January
- 1 January: 10am Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota (HC)
- 8 January: 10am Lay leaders & Robert Renton
Bible Readings
Jeremiah 31:7–14; Ephesians 1:3–14; John 1:1–18; Psalm 147:12–20
ROSTERS:
SUNDAY
Minister:
Greetings:
AV:
Morning Tea:
Flowers:
Music:
Reader:
Prayers:
1 January
Rev Fa’ama Leota
Hoppers Crossing
Hoppers Crossing
Elaine B & Julie R
TBC
Hoppers Crossing
Hoppers Crossing
Hoppers Crossing
8 January
Lay Leaders & Robert Renton
Margaret B
Noel S
Mary D & Asanka P
Mary D
Gina L
Elizabeth B
Sandra S
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
During the Christmas Break (till the end of January) the Church Office is open on Thursday from 9.30am to 12.00pm only.
Telephone 03 9741 1084. Postal address is PO Box 2156 Werribee 3030.
Email office@crossroadsunitingchurch.org.au