LENT 4

COMMUNITY NEWS FOR TODAY & THE COMING WEEK

Congregational meetings today

Today’s congregational meetings will be held after the worship service. Hoppers Crossing will meet in the hall and Crossroads will meet in the church. Don’t forget that there’s a special gold coin donation morning tea and cake sale to follow in the foyer. It’s in aid of the Relay for Life.

Relay for Life

The Wyndham Relay is on next Saturday 25 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

The next generation of leaders take action

A hundred young people from 14 countries were brought together by Micah Australia and the Pacific Conference of Churches to build relationships and advocate for the issues that matter to them. Climate change, gender equality, self determination, youth empowerment and economic recovery were the key development issues that the delegates brought to the Summit
Two days were spent, sharing their own stories and their visions of ‘healthy environments, empowered young people, and flourishing communities across the Pacific region’ with 84 Members of Parliament. The conference was organised by Micah Australia and funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (CM)

Vanuatu support needed

Please give generously to the Vanuatu Cyclones and Earthquake Appeal with Uniting World — see https://unitingworld.org.au/vanuatu-2023-emergency.

Introducing Elliott S

From an early age, Elliott remembers standing with mum and dad playing in the Hoppers Crossing Uniting congregation worship team each Sunday. He says “My parents were always involved with the worship and other events at church and naturally, going along was my only option.” Church and music have been a constant presence throughout his life.
He was a student at Heathdale Christian College starting in Prep through to Year 12 (2012), and music was his most enjoyable subject. In 2005, he began lessons on the trumpet and then he played keyboard into his senior school years. He received a wealth of musical experience from his music teachers who encouraged him to further pursue his skills and talent in music. On completing year 12, Elliott was accepted to study music at Victoria University (VU) where he graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Music Performance.
As Elliott’s passion for music grew while at HCC and VU, so did his engagement in the life of the Hoppers Crossing congregation. He has served as a Sunday school assistant, Youth leader, Church Council and most recently as Worship Leader since 2017.
Asked about our two congregations worshipping together, Elliott says:” I pray our congregations continue to worship and actively engage with each other. Let’s define for our community what it means to love your neighbour.” (NT)

Boys’ Brigade

Boys’ Brigade – Tuesday night – 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Altona Meadows UC, Central Ave, contact Scott W

Occasional Sunday Lunch Out (OSLO)

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

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.

Aziz Aand WIN

He says: “I was introduced to WIN by my friend Shams.  Islamic faith teaches the great virtues of harmony, peace and love so I support WIN in its efforts to promote understanding among the people of different faiths. There’s a whole chapter in the holy Qur’an about Mary the mother of Jesus;  Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) and all Muslims recognise that Jesus is a prophet. According to the Islamic teachings, I try to respect and love everyone and help them especially my neighbours.”

Aziz says “I was born in Attock, an oil-producing region of Pakistan.”

On retirement, Aziz came to Melbourne with his wife to join their daughter;  his eldest son also joined them here. “I am living in Werribee, Victoria, Australia since 2016 and willing to contribute in any way to  help people to understand that Islam is a religion of peace, harmony, love and kindness, ” he says. (NT)

Worship services

• 19 March: 9.30am Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
• 26 March: 9.30am Mr Raymond Surijpal

What’s On This Week

• Monday: 9.30am Playgroup
• Wednesday: 9.30am Crossroads Property C’tee; 2pm Seniors Afternoon Tea
• Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group

Bible Readings –19 & 26 March

• 19 March: I Samuel 16:1–13; Ephesians 5:8–14; John 9:1–41; Psalm 23. 26 March: Ezekiel 37:1–14; Romans 8:6–11; John 11:1–16; Psalm 130

Rosters for 19 March & (26 March)

• Greetings: Christine M (Marie C/Virginia S)
• AV: Christian  (Noel S)
• Morning Tea: Margaret F & Rose (Jan S & Margaret D)
• Flowers: Mary D (Jennie K)
• Music: HX (Asanka)
• Prayers: Lauina L (Jan B)
• Reader: Jaylen and Agnes L  (Faye D)

Pastoral Care

Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota (0404 592 359)

Audrey Kateena & Annetia Goldsmith are on leave.