PALM SUNDAY

COMMUNITY NEWS FOR TODAY & THE COMING WEEK

Congregational Chairperson Crossroads

We need a new nomination for the position of chairperson of the congregation, and a fresh election will be held and nominations sought. To assist, here is a brief summary of the role of the chairperson.
“The chairperson’s role is to arrange and chair meetings of the congregation. At the annual meeting held at least once per year, the chairperson will work with the secretary of the congregation to arrange the meeting which elects church council members and at which the financial report and budget for the next year will be presented. Where necessary, there will be an election for the chairperson and secretary of the congregation. If a special meeting of the congregation is required, the chairperson and secretary will advertise and arrange that meeting.” (Bev L, Secretary)

Crossroads UC Relay Team result

The Crossroads UC Relay Team had a great day on Saturday for our 12th Relay for Life. Crossroads contributed $5,446 (to date) with 22 relayers. Overall, the Wyndham Relay raised over $77,000 for the Cancer Council, with 29 teams and 371 relayers taking part. There’s still time to add to our total with the fundraising officially closing in 2 weeks. If you have already donated thank you for your contribution and support. If you would like to donate please see Lauren, Rose or Roland or donate via our webpage https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/CrossroadsUnitingChurch1343/wyndham-2023
We would like to sincerely thank everyone of you who donated, participated and supported our team for this year’s Wyndham Relay for Life, we can’t do it without you. If you would like to get involved for our 2024 relay feel free to speak to Lauren D, or Roland G.

A Testimony of Witnesses (Pax Christi)

During the first two weeks of February, a delegation of 13 members of the international Catholic peace movement, Pax Christi, travelled to the Holy Land. We came from 6 countries with a united purpose to see first-hand the facts on the ground. We wanted to reaffirm our steadfast commitment and solidarity with our Palestinian sisters and brothers in their legitimate demands for freedom, justice and equality.
What we witnessed was nothing short of heart-breaking. Families living in daily fear that their homes could be demolished, at a moment’s notice, for lack of a building permit which is rarely approved by Israeli authorities. Farmers who must choose between tending their animals and crops or being violently attacked by settlers. Human rights activists and other civil society spokespersons threatened for speaking truth to power and advocating for children, women, prisoners or anyone whose rights are being violated. We listened to stories of grief, dispossession, land confiscation, and imprisonment. We heard voices filled with fear, anger, defiance, and hopelessness. Everywhere, individuals expressed their frustration with the ineffectiveness of the Palestinian Authority and their grave concerns for increased violence and repression in the future as the new Israel nationalist government took control.
What we witnessed was nothing short of an unfolding, deliberate plan to disenfranchise one group of people for the benefit of another. We saw the ever-expanding illegal Jewish settlements and the network of separate highways, bridges, and tunnels which support them. A modern infrastructure designed solely for the use and benefit of Israeli citizens. We stood at the foot of the monstrous thirty-foot-high Israeli wall which strategically weaves deep into the West Bank severing Palestinian families and communities from their land and each other….
(This is an extract from the report – want to know more? Contact Robert R and I will send you the full report.

Boys’ Brigade

Boys’ Brigade – Tuesday night – 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Altona Meadows UC, Central Ave, contact Scott W or boysbrigadewyndham@gmail.com for details

Good Friday Ecumenical Stations of the Cross

The annual Good Friday Ecumenical Stations of the Cross will start at 11am from the Werribee Piazza and travel to St Andrew’s Catholic church. All are welcome to join in.

Maundy Thursday Holy Communion service

There will be a Maundy Thursday service, 7–7.45pm, in the church (led by Raymond S & Rev. Neil T)

Lenten Gospel Discussion & shared lunch

Members of the Lenten Gospel Discussion Group will meet at 11.30 am – 1 pm on Tuesday April 4, in the Crossroads Uniting Church. Lectionary Topic is John 18:1-40 “Jesus is betrayed, arrested and tried.” BYO lunch to share. (NT)

Uniting Church Adult Fellowship (UCAF)

We’re meeting on Wednesday, 5 April, at 1pm in the foyer. All are very welcome – if you’ve not been before, please consider coming!

Operation Christmas Child update

Thank you to everyone who packed shoeboxes during 2022! God is doing remarkable things around the world through this amazing ministry.
Due to increasing costs of shipping and materials, the suggested donation per shoebox will increase from $10 to $12.50 for the 2023 shoebox season. This increase is necessary to maintain and expand the work of reaching children and their families around the world. I am aware that this is a big increase, so I wanted to let you know early so you can plan for this when shopping for your shoeboxes. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. (Rose G)

Worship services

• 2 April: 9.30am HC Rev. Angela T
• 9 April: 9.30am Easter Day: Mr Doug M

What’s On This Week

• Monday: 9.30am Playgroup
• Tuesday: 11.30-1pm Lenten Gospel Discussion & shared lunch
• Wednesday: 9.30am Crossroads Property C’tee; 1pm Uniting Church Adult Fellowship
• Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group; 7pm Maundy Thursday service
• Friday: 9.30am Good Friday service

Bible Readings –2 April & 9 April (Easter)

• 2 April: Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29; Matthew 21:1–11; Isaiah 50:4–9a; Philippians 2:5–11; Psalm 31:9–16
• 9 April: Jeremiah 31:1–6; Colossians 3:1–4; Acts 10:34–43; John 20:1–18.

Rosters for 2 April & (9 April – Easter)

• Greetings:  Margaret D (Margaret B)
• AV: Christian R (Roland G)
• Morning Tea: Jan B & ? (Sandra Savory & Marg G)
• Flowers: Elaine B (Lorna H)
• Music:  Tracey S & Elliott S (Gina L)
• Prayers: Ron L (Elizabeth B) Reader: Taituave K (Rose G)

Pastoral Care

Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota (0404 592 359)

Audrey Kateena & Annetia Goldsmith are on leave.