COMMUNITY NEWS FOR TODAY & THE COMING WEEK

Welcome to our new arrangements

From today we’re trying out the combining of newsletters – and for want of a better name it’s the Uniting Church in Wyndham News (TUCIW News). How about some suggestions for a better name? Marie C is the editor from the Hoppers Crossing side (reception@hoppers.victas.uca.org.au) and Robert R (robert.renton@bigpond.com) and Neil T from the Crossroads side. Send Information to Robert by the Tuesday evening prior to the Sunday, please.

Beach Patrol Sunday Feb 12, 11.30 am, Wyndham Harbour

Volunteers at Wyndham Harbour will spend an hour picking rubbish along the beach near Crawfords Rd. Beach Patrol will supply bags for the rubbish and rubbish tongs. Wyndham Harbour will supply free coffee for volunteers after the clean-up. Please bring your own reusable coffee cup, water in a reusable bottle, (gardening/washing) gloves and sunhat. For more information, contact Rob B.

Prayer Meetings and Bible Studies

The Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota will be leading Prayer Meetings and Bible Studies on Tuesdays at Crossroads church, commencing this Tuesday 7th, for all members of both congregations. The draft program is as follows:

• 10am – 11.00am Prayer [for the world, the church, for others and for ourselves] 45 minutes prayer and 15 minutes BYO morning tea and cuppa and fellowship.
• 11.30 pm – 1.00pm Lectionary bible discussion. For an hour or so we look at the gospel lectionary reading for the upcoming Sunday.  We conclude with a BYO lunch and fellowship for the remainder of the time.

Not so great news In 2019-20

418,000 ha of brigalow and mulga forest habitat in Queensland was removed for pasture and cropping. Queensland University professor commented: “Rampant clearing of land as usual is no longer good enough. Government can work with farmers to end deforestation.” (From The Conversation 30/1/23 – NT)

Introducing Fatima M

Her early life was spent in the Philippines, where she completed a BA Degree in journalism, communication and media at Ateneo de Manila University.  As a member of Ateneo Student Catholic Action, she undertook apostolate work in underserved urban areas.

She says: “At University, I met brilliant theology and philosophy teachers, who gave me the tools to think critically.  My first job was assistant editor at a Jesuit institute, which was founded during the Marcos dictatorship. We published a magazine focusing on social policy from a Catholic perspective.”

After arriving in Australia, Fatima gained a graduate Dip Ed at RMIT University, and worked as freelance writer and editor for Jesuit publications, including the magazine “Eureka Street“.  

Fatima says: “I do a lot of nature writing, making sense of my place and duty on stolen land.  When I’m (at the Werribee River) there are pockets of deep magic.  You can feel transported just taking in the scent of gum leaves, listening to the birds and the water.” “Environmentalism is a universal human task. The Werribee River Association exists to connect people to nature, restore damaged habitats, and advocate for waterways.  My colleagues John, Lisa, Maryann, Charlotte and Jess all have a passion for conservation. We want to enable and empower people to convert that appreciation of nature into action. When you love something, what does that love look like?” says Fatima. She ended our conversation with a quote from American philosopher Dr Cornel West: “Justice is what love looks like in public.” (NT)

Our Islands, Our Home

We hope you will join us and Torres Strait 8 claimant Yessie Mosby  and his son Genia on Tuesday February 7th for a 30 minute film about their fight with the Australian Government in 2022  and won in a landmark case against the Australian Government at the United Nations Human Rights Committee for their island home. Following the film, there will be a Q&A with Yessie about his work with the Torres Strait 8.

When: 6pm–8pm, February Where: Auditorium, 75 Reid St, Fitzroy. Some light snacks will be provided.

Space is limited – please RSVP here.

With Love to the World: daily bible guide

Lyn O has four spare copies of the daily bible reading guide available for anyone who is interested to find out more about them.

Boys’ Brigade

Boys’ Brigade – Tuesday nights (during school terms) 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Altona Meadows/Laverton Uniting Church, 61 Central Avenue, Altona Meadows, contact Scott Wilkinson on 0409 793 993 or boysbrigadewyndham@gmail.com for details

Hoppers Crossing Office

Hoppers Crossing office is managed by Marie C on Wednesday and Thursday, 9 am–2 pm. Contact Marie via email at reception@hoppers.victas.uca.org.au. The Hoppers Crossing website address is currently being updated: https://hoppers.ucavictas.org.au.

Move beyond coal: ARRCC action

Corporate loans to coal companies is the concern we have.

The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) news reports: “The National Australia Bank has not yet ruled out financing Whitehaven Coal Ltd mine expansion plans. ARRCC spokesperson Thea Ormorod says: “ARRCC supporters will join those who are challenging NAB’s executives and board.” 

People of faith and First Nations communities concerned about Australia’s inadequate climate change policy are speaking up about the impact of fossil fuel extraction on Country. So called carbon offsets are a “smoke and mirrors” trick.  We have moved a long way since the days when coal and gas exploitation of this land was unquestioned.  Now is the time to make our views known. (NT)Profit before people and the future? Where do you stand?

Volunteers urgently needed

We need volunteers for the Greetings, Bible Readings, Prayers and Morning Tea rosters, please. For Hoppers Crossing, please speak to Faama or Serena.

What’s On This Week – 5 February

• 5 February: 9.30am HC Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
• 12 February: 9.30am Rev. Angela Tampiyappa
• Monday: Playgroup 9.30am
• Wednesday: 7.30pm CR Church Council (Zoom)
• Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group (Contact Geoff G — all welcome to help!)

Bible Readings

Isaiah 58:1–12; I Corinthians 2:1–16; Matthew 5:13–20; Psalm 112:1­–10.

ROSTERS:

Pastoral Care

Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota (0404 592 359)

Audrey Kateena & Annetia Goldsmith are on leave.