THE UNITING CHURCH IN WYNDHAM
CONNECTION
EASTER 4
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
The Kitchen Maid with the Supper at Emmaus
Diego Valazquez, 1620
She listens, listens, holding her breath.
Surely that voice is his — the one who had looked at her, once, across the crowd, as no one ever had looked?
Had seen her?
Had spoken as if to her?
Surely those hands were his, taking the platter of bread from hers just now?
Hands he’d laid on the dying and made them well?
Surely that face — ?
The man they’d crucified for sedition and blasphemy.
The man whose body disappeared from its tomb.
The man it was rumoured now some women had seen this morning, alive?
Those who had brought this stranger to their table don’t recognise yet with whom they sit.
But she in the kitchen, absently touching the wine jug she’s to take in, a young Black servant intently listening, swings round and sees the light around him and is sure.
(Denise Leverton, “The Servant Girl at Emmaus”, quoted by Diana B. B, The Cottage, 23 April 2023)
When does resurrection show up in our lives? How do we practise resurrection? The importance of seeing to faith is indicated by this poem. If we don’t really see that God is present with us in the most unexpected places, we can’t practise resurrection. (Diana B. B.)
AUKUS and Anzackery
Another Anzac Day this year calls for our loyalty as Australians. Where do Christians stand?
The Rev. Harry Kerr’s comment in Uniting Church in Wyndham News 26/3 “…people of faith are…through AUKUS being drawn into the imperial war machine” resonated with me as I read The Honest History Book, a collection of essays edited by David Stephens and Alison Broinowski (NewSouth 2017).
Most of The Honest History Book is concerned with analysing the deliberate, bellicose manipulation of “Anzackery.” This term was coined by Geoffrey Serle, historian in 1967 to apply to the sentimental, jingoistic remembrance of Anzac. The Australian National Dictionary in 2016 defined it as “the promotion of the Anzac legend in ways that are perceived to be excessive or misguided.”
I don’t criticise Anzac itself, but I will fight for the freedom to have dissenting views about Anzac and against the claim that exercising this freedom is unpatriotic or “un-Australian.”
I declare my conflicts of interest. My primary school room—Meeniyan PS 1937-1944—was dominated by a banner “Remember Villers Bretonneux” the French village site of a bloody World War I battle, donated to the school by the Consul-General of France. My father Eric, RSL president, organised the annual Anzac Day gathering in the Meeniyan Mechanics Institute. We sang Kipling’s Recessional – “God of our fathers…”
I served as an RAAF “Nasho” trainee during 1954. I questioned the militarism of Holt’s “all the way with LBJ” (1967–74 Vietnam War), and I joined the nationwide resistance to Howard’s rush to join the “coalition of the willing” Gulf War in 2003. Now I resist unquestioning acceptance of AUKUS.
Broinowski analyses four factors driving our increasing militarism; each creating fear: (1) Australian governments enter foreign wars controlled by the USA, wanting to bolster friendship with our powerful ally (2) the dominant Murdoch mainstream media encourage war and support American policy (3) our obsession with national security demands massive expenditure on weaponry, and (4) Anzackery aggrandizes war as elevating the spirit of the nation.
Against powerful forces, Australia struggles to develop an independent foreign policy. (NT)
Boys’ Brigade
Boys’ Brigade – Tuesday night—7:00pm to 9:00pm at Altona Meadows UC, Central Ave, contact Scott Wilkinson on 0409 793 993 or boysbrigadewyndham@gmail.com for details
Prayer Group – Tuesdays 10.00 am – 10.45am.
We meet every Tuesday except on school and public holidays from 10 to 10.45am (followed by the Gospel Discussion at 11.30am). We gather to pray for the world, the church, for others, and for ourselves. Followed by BYO morning tea and fellowship. Contact the Rev. Faama 0401 592 359
Gospel discussion resumes this week
“Jesus the Way to the Father.” Lectionary Gospel discussion resumes in Crossroads Werribee Uniting Church on Tuesday 2 May 11.30 am to 1 pm. Topic is John’s Gospel Chapter 14 verses 1-14. Bring your Bible and share lunch together afterwards. We meet every Tuesday except on school and public holidays. We explore the lectionary reading for the upcoming Sunday. We conclude with a BYO lunch and fellowship. Contact the Rev. Faama 0401 592 359 or call Neil Tolliday on 0402 817 673.
National Prayer Day for Myanmar
A National Prayer Day for a Just Peace in Myanmar will be held at Collins Street Baptist Church today at 5pm. The service will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@csbc311/streams. All are welcome to come and join in prayers, listen to stories, and enjoy a youth choir’s singing. The service is both ecumenical and interfaith to stand in solidarity with the brave people of Myanmar. (This notice has been inserted by the Lisu Congregation who worship at Crossroads.)
Worship services
- 30 April: 9.30am Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
- 7 May: 9.30am H.C. Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
What’s On This Week
- Monday: 9.30am Playgroup
- Tuesday: 10–10.45am Prayer Group; 11.30–1pm Gospel Discussion (see notices)
- Wednesday: 9.30am Crossroads Property C’tee; 1pm Uniting Church Adult Fellowship
- Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group
Bible Readings – 30 April & 7 May
- 30 April: Acts 2:42–47; Psalm 23; I Peter 2:19–25; John 10:1–10.
- 7 May: Acts 7:54–8:1a; I Peter 2:2–10; John 14:1–14; Psalm 31:1–5, 15–16.
Rosters for 30 April & (7 May)
- Greetings: Margaret D (Margaret D)
- AV: Christian R-K (Paul C)
- Morning Tea: Elaine B & Asanka P (Judy O’K & Dorothy R)
- Flowers: Jennie K (Elaine B)
- Music: Asanka P (HX)
- Prayers: Rosie L-S (HX)
- Reader: Site T (HX)
- Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota (0404 592 359)
- Mrs Tupu Latu (0451 650 100)
Note: Audrey Kateena & Annetia Goldsmith are on leave.
TUCIW News: For any inclusions, please contact the editors by Tuesday via email robert.renton@bigpond.com, or reception@hoppers.victas.uca.org.au.
Stipend Bank Accounts: Crossroads BSB 083-909 A/c 516109795. Hoppers Crossing BSB 013-915 A/c 354439707 Reference: Your surname.
CHURCH OFFICE INFORMATION
Crossroads office is open Monday to Friday, 9.30–12 noon. Phone 9741 1084.
Hoppers Crossing office is open Wednesday & Thursday