THE UNITING CHURCH IN WYNDHAM
CONNECTION
EASTER 5
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
A letter of apology…
Protesting in Melbourne about NAB loans to Whitehaven Coal
I was humbled by the apology letter from Antonio Guterrez, UN Secretary General, to his great granddaughter. This is the main part of it:
“My dear great-great-granddaughter, I wish I could be with you as you open this letter in the year 2100.
My mind is flooded with curiosity about your life, your hopes and dreams, and what kind of world is outside your window.
But I must confess, I am fixed on one question: Will you open this letter in a spirit of happiness and gratitude—or with disappointment and anger at my generation?
As I write you in 2023, humanity is losing the fight of our lives: the battle against climate upheaval that threatens our planet. If I were with you now, you might ask if we saw disaster coming. Yes, we did.”
We are losing the war, but the fight is not over yet. (Armando)
Whitehaven Coal has announced plans to start production at a new coal mine this year, flying in the face of global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. What’s worse, the company is pursuing these plans with the financial backing of two of Australia’s biggest banks: NAB and Westpac. With NAB and Westpac trying to promote themselves as climate leaders, these banks must put their money where their mouth is and get out of Whitehaven Coal now and forever. (Information from Market Forces, 3 May 2023)
Introducing Amelia and Tatuave R-K
Amelia and Tatuave are parents of teenagers Christian, Anemorie and Khania (known as Amelia Jnr). Anemorie and Kahnia are at high school. The family lives in Point Cook. Amelia and Tatuave were both born in Samoa. Amelia finished her high school studies in Auckland, New Zealand and worked then in accounting. After Tatuave completed high school he became a farmer and worked at the Coca Cola industry in Samoa before immigrating to Auckland NZ where he continued working and later became a bus driver “learning the layout of the city,” says Tatuave. “We came to Australia in 2013, looking for a better life for our family,” says Tatuave.
Tatuave continues his job as a bus driver. Christian is helping with the church sound and slide projection system, and he’s currently working full time for a safety Industry. Amelia is working for a WorkCover agency, mostly from home.
Tatuave says: “When we first heard of the closure of our building, we were nervous and unsure, but now it’s feeling like home here. We are grateful to God that Crossroads congregation is welcoming our Hoppers Crossing people and offering us facilities to use.”
Tatuave is an elder in the Hoppers Crossing congregation; now chairman of the Samoan ministry. He says: “We are finding ways to grow the ministry among our people. Our Samoan worship service on the third Sunday of the month makes us feel proud of our culture, our language, ourselves. It reminds us of our country, our motherland and our ancestors.” “This is a good way of teaching our children our Samoan language and culture – hopefully enabling them to claim their identity, who they are, and encouraging respect for family life in the community,” says Tatuave.
Amelia’s mother Marie R-A is a Presbyterian minister and theologian, currently with parish ministry in Auckland. (NT)
Boys’ Brigade
Boys’ Brigade – Tuesday night—7:00pm to 9:00pm at Altona Meadows UC, Central Ave, contact Scott W 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.
Gospel discussion this week
Lectionary Gospel discussion continues at Crossroads on Tuesday 9 May 11.30 am to 1 pm. Topic is John’s Gospel Chapter 14 verses 15–21. Bring your Bible and share lunch together afterwards. Contact the Rev. Faama or call Neil T.
Wyndham Multi-Faith Dinner 2023
You are invited to the Annual Multi-Faith Dinner at the Encore Centre, Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing on Wednesday June 7 at 6 pm. Limited number of tickets—$25 each. Book now through https://www.trybooking.com/CHLAX
The varied program includes the Peace Choir conducted by Jonathan Welch and guest speaker Indigenous Elder Uncle Andrew Gardiner, member of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria. Enquiries: Neil T
Next of Kin Details
We are looking to update our Next of Kin Details, to ensure that in case of an emergency we have someone to contact on your behalf. If you would like your details included please contact the office. All details will be confidential and held securely. Phone 9741 1084 or email:
office@crossroadsunitingchurch.org.au
Occasional Sunday Lunch Out (OSLO)
Sunday 28 May we will be going to the Tiger Club Hoppers Crossing for lunch at 12md. No senior meals but on Sundays they have all pasta dishes from the main menu for $15. Please contact Elaine or Lorna before Thursday 25 May for booking.
Morning tea roster
We are about to do a new roster for Morning Tea. Any members of Crossroads or Hoppers Crossing who would like to be included please let the Crossroads Office know asap on 9741 1084 or email the office.
Worship services
7 May: 9.30am H.C. Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
14 May: 9.30am Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
What’s On This Week
- Monday: 9.30am Playgroup; 7.30pm Card-making
- Tuesday: 10–10.45am Prayer Group; 11.30–1pm Gospel Discussion (see notices)
- Wednesday: 9.30am Crossroads Property C’tee
- Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group
Bible Readings –7 May & 14 May
- 7 May: Acts 7:54–8:1a; I Peter 2:2–10; John 14:1–14; Psalm 31:1–5, 15–16.
- 14 May: Acts 17:22–31; I Peter 3:12–22; John 14:15–21; Psalm 66:8–20.
Rosters for 7 May & (14 May)
- Greetings: Margaret D (Margaret B)
- AV: Paul C (Christian R-K)
- Morning Tea: Judy O’K & Dorothy R (Margaret F & Julie H)
- Flowers: Elaine B (Mary D)
- Music: Tracey S and Elliot S (Gina L)
- Prayers: Doug M (Margaret B)
- Reader: Emily M (Bev L)
- 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