LENT 3

COMMUNITY NEWS FOR TODAY & THE COMING WEEK

Crossroads Congregational Meeting Elections

As the Crossroads Annual General Meeting will be held after church next week Sunday 19 March, it is also time for the election and/or re-election of Church Councillors and the Chairperson and Secretary of the Congregation. Today members of Crossroads congregation will receive nomination papers for the election. Three current Church Councillors are retiring and are available for re-election—Kur Mag, Wendy Barnes and Margaret Bull.

Hoppers Crossing Congregational Meeting

The next congregational meeting is on 19 March after the worship service. Please do your best to attend as we will be sharing some important updates. We will meet in the hall.

Relay for Life

Relay For Life is a fun and moving experience that raises vital funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services.
Relay is a chance for the Wyndham community and Crossroads UC to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, those going through a cancer experience and their carers to honour and remember loved ones lost and to raise money to help save more lives.
Crossroads UC has been involved in Relay since 2011, and we welcome Hoppers Crossing UC to come along and join the Crossroads people. The Wyndham Relay is on Saturday 25th March 2023 and starts at 11am through to 11pm at the Victoria University Sporting Complex in Hoppers Lane, Werribee. You can join the team and/or sponsor us via our Relay web page –
https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/CrossroadsUnitingChurch1343/wyndham-2023
or just come along on the day to urge us on. Contact Roland G or Lauren D.
As part of our fundraising efforts, we are planning a gold coin donation morning tea and cake stall as part of our Sunday 19th March service. If you would like to donate a cake or slice please speak to Rose.

Bible study on Tuesday 14th

Bible Discussion Lectionary Text 11.30 am–1.00 pm Gospel of John 9:1–41 Fellowship BYO lunch afterwards.

Beach Patrol

Sunday 12 March: Beach Patrol clean up litter at Campbells Cove Beach, 11.30 -12.30 Meet at Cunninghams Road. Wear gloves, hat and bring water bottle. Contact Rob 0431 964 544.

Introducing Node M

After completing Year 12 in Wewak, East Sepik Province, Node studied Bachelor of Dentistry in the Medical Faculty of the University of PNG in Port Moresby.  For many years Node worked in dentistry in his home country.

“I came to Australia for Master of Dental Science at The University of Melbourne in 1988–92, and for further training at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, treating facial deformities—cleft lip and palate—in 1996,” says Node.

He was appointed as Deputy Director of the Medical Board of PNG in 1997 and Acting Deputy Director of Medical Services of Port Moresby General Hospital 1998–99.

“In 2001 I came to work at the Austin Hospital Heidelberg as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon; I have continued there for 22 years; I practised for 5 years to 2015 at Western Private Hospital, Footscray,” he says.

Node and his wife Leiah with their four children (now adults) were members of Heidelberg Uniting congregation, until they moved to Tarneit in 2004 and joined Hoppers Crossing UC.  Sadly Leiah died from heart disease two years ago. Node says: “I’m encouraged by our two congregations combining. It’s been great to worship together; God expects us to work together in love for one another, according to the greatest commandment. In God’s eyes there are not two congregations, but one.” (NT)

Earthquake victims need help

Please donate to the Act for Peace Earthquake Appeal. After 2 devastating earthquakes struck Turkiye and Syria, which have claimed thousands of lives destruction. The survivors are in urgent need of support and aid. Please donate if you are able on the link below. https://actforpeace.org.au/syria-turkiye-earthquake/

Sacred Edge Festival Queenscliff Uniting Church

Wadawarrung Country is on May 5–7, 2023. Arts, music, stories and sharing – concerning First Nations, Refugees, LGBTIQ, Earth and Ocean and Wellbeing. Information and booking www.unitingqueenscliff.org.au

Boys’ Brigade

Invite a Friend Night this Tuesday: Juniors (age 8–11)—7:00–8:30pm; Seniors (age 12–18)—7:00–9:00pm. (Drop off and pick up at the Altona Meadows Uniting Church, 61 Central Ave). Boy, wear BB uniform; Friend, wear sports clothes. We are encouraging each Boy to invite at least one of their friends, family or neighbours to join in a night of fun, games and excitement. There may even be something special for the Boy and their friend, so get your friends to come and check out our Boy’s Brigade program. Contact Lt Seth D.

Occasional Sunday Lunch Out (OSLO)

Sunday 26 March we have booked for 12md lunch at the Lara Hotel 10 Hicks Road Lara. Everyone is welcome. Please contact for numbers by Thursday 23 March to Elaine or Lorna.

Palm Sunday rally

The 2023 Annual Palm Sunday rally Justice for Refugees will be at 2 pm April 2 outside the State Library of Victoria, Swanston Street, City. Refugees to Australia from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are raising awareness here of the latter country’s humanitarian disaster. A key speaker will be Bishop Mykola Bychock, Eparch for Ukrainian Catholics in Australia.

LATE NOTICE: Men’s Breakfast Group

Change of location Saturday 11th March 8am at Werribee Crossroads. Contact: Site or Seth

Worship services

• 12 March: 9.30am Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
• 19 March: 9.30am Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota

What’s On This Week

• Monday: 7.30pm Card Making
• Tuesday: 10–11am Prayer; 11.30–1pm Bible Study (BYO morning tea/lunch) Contact Minister.
• Wednesday: 9.30am Crossroads Property C’tee
• Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group (Contact Geoff G — all welcome to help!)
• Friday: 1pm Sew ‘n’ Sow (Crossroads)

Bible Readings –12 & 19 March

• 12 March: Exodus 17:1–7; Romans 5:1–11; John 4:5–42; Psalm 95
• 19 March: I Samuel 16:1–13; Ephesians 5:8–14; John 9:1–41; Psalm 23

Rosters for 12 March & (19 March)

• Greetings: Margaret B (Christine M)
• AV: Paul C (Christian R-K)
• Morning Tea: Judy O’K & Dorothy R (Margaret F & Julie H)
• Flowers: Elaine B (Mary D)
• Music: Gina L (HX)
• Prayers: Rose G (Lauina L)
• Reader: Deb C (Jaylen and Agnes L-M)

Pastoral Care

Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota (0404 592 359)

Audrey Kateena & Annetia Goldsmith are on leave.