

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
Aboriginal Sunday

On Sunday January 22nd Crossroads Uniting and Hoppers Crossing Uniting congregations will observe the annual remembrance of the white invasion and seizure of the land of New Holland on 26 January 1788.
This is a solemn occasion for lament shared with our indigenous brothers and sisters of Australia.
We are taking up the call of Aboriginal Christian Leader William Cooper, for churches of all denominations to mark this day as Aboriginal Sunday, a day for Christians to act in solidarity with Aboriginal peoples and the injustices being experienced.

William Cooper’s legacy lives on in many ways. His initiative was eventually moved to the first Sunday in July and is now the start of NAIDOC Week when Aboriginal culture is celebrated nationally.
You can read the remarkable story of William Cooper at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Cooper_(Aboriginal_Australian).
Klaenna P 1938–2023 (94)

Klaenna was a valued member of the Crossroads congregation for decades. Remembered as a caring and quiet achiever, Klaenna was active in the beginnings of Seniors Afternoon Teas and secretary of the UCAF for many years. An exhibitor of roses, it is memories of her Lily of the Valley bouquets that are treasured by Crossroads folk, along with her wonderful calligraphy. (AK)
Introducing Site T

Site T (pictured) and this writer share a common hope for the future of our two congregations.
Site is an elder and member of the Hoppers Crossing Church Council. He says: ”The church is important to me. My hope is that the church will come together and find solutions that are best for everyone, in peace and harmony.”
Site says: “I grew up in the small village of Lepea, three miles inland from Apia, the capital of Samoa. On our farm we raised cows, pigs and chickens; we grew and ate taro and breadfruit. I have four sisters and four brothers. I loved sport—I played in the Samoan Hockey Team for the Oceania trophy in Fiji, in 1984.”
Site attended the nearby Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, taught by the Marist Brothers. “They expected us to work for excellence, and by example they taught us Christian values. I and my family attended the village church, founded by the London Missionary Society. My dad and my grandfather were elders of the church.”
On leaving school, Site worked in the government statistics office. At age 24 he like many young Samoans moved to Auckland, to find work and become a New Zealand citizen. After two years working there, he came to Australia in 1988. He worked with Kraft Foods, then with pharmaceutical companies and Toll, and now with Linfox in Laverton.
Site met and married Lynette his wife, a New Zealander, and they settled first in Yarraville. They have two adult sons—Elkanah (25) and Shiloh (24).
Site came to Hoppers Crossing UC during the time of the Rev. Paul Blacker. The Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota encouraged Site to be a leader of the Men’s Breakfast Group, elder and Council member.
May God bless the members of our two church councils, at this time of decision making. (NT)
Please keep on praying!

It’s been a special time here in Australia on home assignment for the L family and we have loved catching up with them. They are heading back to Galmi. Please keep on praying as they feel encouraged by our partnership with them in prayer. Please continue to pray for Andy, Cathy and the family over this coming transition, and for the people living in and around Galmi and in this section of West Africa. If you would like to receive more news from Galmi email: (contact office for details)
Armando and Luciana went to visit the family and shared a couple of “mates” with them. (LM)
Congregational Meetings
Today, following the worship service, both congregations are to hold separate congregational meetings.
Vale Carly Stiglich 23/12/83–12/1/23 (39)

It is with very sad and heavy hearts that the family write to let you know their precious Carly passed away on Thursday 12 January, at home, with her loving family supporting her. They are devastated at her loss and will miss her so much. Despite her 16 year health battle she was our shining light with her beautiful smile and sparkling eyes. She was such a blessing to us all—so many happy memories and blessings amidst the sadness and tears. Now in God’s care.
A Thanksgiving Service to honour Carly will be held at Crossroads Uniting Church on Friday 20 January at 1.30pm.
Single Use Plastics Ban effective 1 February
The Victorian Government’s ban on problematic single use plastics comes into effect on 1 February. From 1 February 2023, single-use plastics will be banned from sale or supply in Victoria. The ban applies to single-use plastic drinking straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, and cotton bud sticks made from conventional degradable and compostable plastics. The ban also applies to food service items and drink containers made from expanded polystyrene.
(From the Wesley Geelong Uniting/ Western Heights Uniting Sustainability Newsletter January 2023 – NT).
Environmental good news
- Tilos, a tiny Greek island, recycles up to 86% of its trash, a record high in Greece — and now its landfill is shut.
- 500 tons of compostable materials are collected from San Francisco each day, helping to divert some 80% of the city’s waste from landfills.
What’s On This Week – 22 January
- 22 January: 10am Audrey Kateena
- 29 January: 10am Rev. Fa’amatu’a Leota
- Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group
Bible Readings
Isaiah 99:1–4; I Corinthians 1:10–18; Matthew 4:12–23; Psalm 27:1, 4–9.
ROSTERS:
SUNDAY
Minister:
Greetings:
AV:
Morning Tea:
Flowers:
Music:
Reader:
Prayers:
22 January
Audrey K
Margaret D
Roland G
Margaret F & Elizabeth B
Mary B
Asanka P
Metua A
Luciana A
29 January
Rev Faama
Dorothy R
Hoppers Crossing
Jan S & Julie H
Jennie K
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