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
What’s happening from next Sunday?
The survey of both congregations last week showed a clear preference for continuing combined worship; however, there were mixed results on the question of the time of commencing worship services. One congregation was strongly in favour of a 9.30am start, while the other preferred a 10am start. There were several people who indicated that it didn’t matter to them when services start (either 9.30 or 10am, but not at 11am).
Church Councils know that making a decision about times of worship will never satisfy everybody, so we have concluded that we should arrange services from 9.30am.
The Hoppers Crossing congregation has also confirmed that they do not intend to take up the offer of the use of the red brick manse, so the proposed leasing of 19 Duncans Road is likely to go ahead.
We acknowledge with gratitude the work of the negotiating team (Alan T, Ken S, Geoff G, Wendy B, Robert R) who have worked over several months to accommodate the Hoppers Crossing congregation as best as can be achieved.
News about our minister
At the time of completion of this newsletter we are yet unclear as to when Annetia Goldsmith will be able to return from sick leave and take up some work, although at this stage we expect perhaps a day a week of work.
Church Council
Church Council met on Wednesday evening this week by Zoom and dealt with a number of matters which will be reported in more detail next week. There are still important positions vacant—First Aid officer and Food Safety Supervisor—volunteers are also needed for the weekly rosters! We welcomed the transfer of membership to Crossroads of Stacey & Ciarna D, Audrey K, and Jillian & Lyle F.
Introducing Marie C
As our two City of Wyndham congregations of the Uniting Church share the same building and a future to be confirmed, our two newsletters have a part to play. Marie C (pictured) is administrative officer at Hoppers Crossing UC and is editor of Hoppers Crossing UC’s Crossfire newsletter.
She has a long history in Werribee; born Marie McI near Windsor Castle, she grew up in Abingdon UK and emigrated here with her family age 11.
Coming to Australia for a better life, Marie’s dad joined the RAAF on arrival. The family lived in RAAF accommodation in Werribee and Marie attended what was Glen Devon Primary School (now demolished) on Market Road.
Marie went on to Williamstown Girls High School up to Leaving Certificate.
On leaving school, Marie worked in the ANZ Bank; she married Bill in 1980 at the then St Luke’s Methodist Church in Synnot Street. Rev Ray Sholl was celebrant. Early on, they lived in Crawfords Road Werribee South.
Marie’s jobs over 36 years included Kraft Foods, Ready Mix Head Office, and Esanda. She then trained at Gordon TAFE College as an Enrolled Nurse and worked at Geelong Private Hospital and then at McKellar Centre, Geelong for 5 years.
Marie and Bill participated in Vision Australia’s Blind Cricket; Bill as a partially sighted player, and Marie as scorer. They were avid skiers; Marie regularly drove a mini bus for blind skiers staying in Vision Australia’s ski lodge at Mt Baw Baw.
Bill and Marie live in Werribee near the River, with their friendly greyhound dog.
“I’m pleased to meet with Crossroads folk, and to share our worship together. It’s great to see the full church,” says Marie: “I love the islander singing; it lifts my spirits!” (NT)
Our Islands, Our Home
We hope you will join us and Torres Strait 8 claimant Yessie M on February 7th for a special screening of a new documentary.
This short documentary follows Yessie and his son Genia in their fight for their island home. It includes powerful storytelling, beautiful footage and is a compelling case for everyone to step up in the fight for climate justice for the Torres Strait.
Following the film there will be a Q&A with Yessie about his work with the Torres Strait 8, including their historic victory at the United Nations in 2022.
What: Our Islands Our Home film screening and Q&A with Yessie Mosby
When: 6pm–8pm, February
Where: Auditorium, 75 Reid St, Fitzroy
Some light snacks will be provided.
Space is limited – please RSVP here – https://act.350.org/go/317208?t=4&utm_medium=email&utm_source=actionkit&akid=233544%2E3464769%2EThyuQ-
(Yessie M is a Zenadh Kes Masig man, living in the Kulkalgal tribe area in the Central Torres Strait Islands. He is a Traditional Owner from Masig Island, a father of seven, an artist and craftsman, and part of the Torres Strait 8, who in 2022 won a landmark case against the Australian Government at the United Nations Human Rights Committee.)
This is a special opportunity to hear from Yessie about Our Islands Our Home, a campaign led by Torres Strait Islanders to protect their island homes from climate change.
Uniting Church Adult Fellowship (UCAF)
The year will start at a meeting on Wednesday 1 February, commencing at 1pm in Crossroads. This is purely a fellowship gathering and all are welcome.
Crossroads and Hoppers Crossing Uniting congregations are invited to the 2023 Annual Harmony Week Inter Faith Breakfast. 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! Enquiries Neil T.
Environmental good news
Nine US cities now have the capacity to generate 3.5 gigawatts of solar power, more than the entire country did just a decade ago.. Floating solar farms produced 68 megawatts of green energy in 2015. Today they produce 5,000 megawatts — a number expected to quadruple by 2027.
What’s On This Week – 22 January
- 29 January: 10am Rev. Fa’amatu’a Leota
- 5 February: 9:30am HC Rev. Fa’amatu’a Leota
- Wednesday: 1pm UCAF fellowship meeting
- Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group (all welcome!)
Bible Readings
Micah 6:1–8; I Corinthians 1:18–31; Matthew 5:1–12; Psalm 15.
ROSTERS:
SUNDAY
Minister:
Greetings:
AV:
Morning Tea:
Flowers:
Music:
Reader:
Prayers:
29 January
Rev Faama
Dorothy R
Hoppers Crossing
Margaret F & Julie H
Jennie K
Wendy B
Hoppers Crossing
Hoppers Crossing
5 February
Rev Faama
Dorothy R
Hoppers Crossing
Jan B & Zelda
Rose G
Asanka P
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