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
Welcome, Hoppers Crossing readers
Welcome to Hoppers Crossing readers of this newsletter. Contact details for your information are:
• Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
• Tupu L
• Serena L
• Bank account: BSB 013 915 Account Number: 3544 39707 Reference: Your Surname
Opening of Narana 15 December 1996
On the 26th anniversary of the opening of Narana Creations this writer spoke with Vince R about his recall of the events leading up to that occasion.
Vince said: ”It was a time when I wondered ‘How is this going to go?’ There was real excitement at the opportunity to serve and make positive links in the community. We had a very good team.
After Walda B’s retirement I became State Director of Congress.
“There were good people in Synod who wanted to see the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) make a difference.
“We looked around for a location for a shop, café and interpretive centre on the main route to the Great Ocean Road. We found 5 acres of farmland on the Torquay Road, Grovedale, costing $160,000. A woman heard about us, and came into Synod with a $100,000 donation, and someone else made up the balance, so all the property was paid for without any real cost to the Uniting Church.” Vince said.
I asked Vince: “In what ways has Narana fulfilled your dream?” He says: “People’s lives have been touched. It’s opened doors for people to work together, and it’s still doing that. You look for the positive; it’s busy all the time. We are giving young people the opportunity to achieve.”
Vince sums up: “Narana was about Christian enterprise in action. Translated on the ground. That’s where the rubber hits the road. It’s good to see the Church fair dinkum about stuff.” (NT)
Tupu L: Church Council chair for Hoppers Crossing Congregation
Tupu was born in Samoa; she lived an idyllic village life there, growing up with her mother and her grandparents, surrounded by the love of her extended family. Tupu says: “My grandfather lived to 100 years and died in 2013. I loved him dearly.”
At age 15 Tupu moved to Auckland to attend High School. She commenced University studies and switched to working at Westpac bank. In 1995 Tupu met her future husband Ron; Samoan, Methodist, a policeman.
Tupu says: “All four of our children were born in New Zealand: Sophia is now 24, Anina is 18 starting a Science degree at Melbourne University on a scholarship, Rayan 16 in Year 11 and Roina 13 at Thomas Carr College.
Tupu worked for many years for Air New Zealand and later Qantas. Now she handles claims for a large private health insurance company. Ron arrived in Australia, followed by Tupu. On a Sunday morning, Tupu said: “Let’s find a church like the Samoan Methodist church.”
“On Derrimut Road, near the Plaza shopping centre, we found the Hoppers Crossing Uniting Church with the white cross; the Rev. Paul Blacker was minister at that time. We were welcomed there and began to attend regularly, with our children,” says Tupu.
“I was a teacher in the Samoan Methodist Sunday School,” says Tupu. “Now I am a teacher at the Hoppers Crossing Uniting Sunday School. I’ve been on the Hoppers Crossing Church Council for some years, as secretary, and now chairperson. I have helped to initiate annual Samoan language White Sunday.”
Tupu says: “My hope for Hoppers Crossing Uniting congregation is that we will be able to settle and find a sense of belonging; and that our people will continue to be fed spiritually.” (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 B.
Wyndham Inter Faith Network February 4 Breakfast
Wyndham Inter Faith Network chairperson Bhakta D invites members of Crossroads and Hoppers Crossing Uniting congregations to the 2023 Annual Harmony Week Inter Faith Breakfast. Venue is The Views Bistro, Werribee Golf Course on K Road, at 8.30 am on February 4. You are asked to bring a prayer for peace, to be shared! This is a good opportunity to meet friendly folk who belong to the great world faith communities in this municipality. Planning to go? Enquiries Neil T, Laurence G(NT)
Hoppers Crossing Congregational Meeting
On Sunday 22 January, following the worship service. Please let others know about the meeting.
What’s On This Week – 8 January
- 8 January: 10am Lay leaders & Robert Renton
- 15 January: 10am Raymond S
- Thursday 9.00am Gardening Group
Bible Readings
Isaiah 42:1–9; Acts 10:34–43; Matthew 3:13–17; Psalm 29
ROSTERS:
SUNDAY
Minister:
Greetings:
AV:
Morning Tea:
Flowers:
Music:
Reader:
Prayers:
8 January
Lay Leaders & Robert Renton
Margaret B
Noel S
Mary D & Asanka P
Mary D
Gina L
Elizabeth B
Sandra S
15 January
Raymond S
Margaret D
TBD
Judy K & Dorothy R
TBD
Wendy B
Hoppers Crossing
Hoppers Crossing
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