THE UNITING CHURCH IN WYNDHAM
CONNECTION
EASTER 7
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
Spiritual Care volunteers
Beginning in June, Baptcare will be running training for potential new Spiritual Care Volunteers. Our SCVs are a vital part of Baptcare’s commitment to spiritual care. Volunteers support residents in aged care facilities like Wyndham Lodge or visit ageing folks in their own homes under the supervision of the local Spiritual Care Coordinator. The SCV training is an excellent, purposely designed course which gives a good grounding in the theory and practice of spiritual and pastoral care, as well as providing opportunity for participants to reflect on their own faith journey and calling.
The training will be running at Templestowe Baptist Church over 8 weeks beginning on the 15th of June – while this location is not ideal for Werribee residents, we invite any interested parishioners to register their interest for a future course in the western suburbs.
We can be contacted on 8754 4745 with any questions. (Bron & Neil, Chaplains, Baptcare Wyndham Lodge)
Crossroads Congregational meeting
A short Crossroads congregational meeting will be held after worship on Sunday 11th June. There are two agenda items. To appoint a congregational chairperson and to present the budget for 2023. Nominations for the position of Congregational Chairperson close on Sunday 28th May. Nomination forms are available from Bev L.
Synod 2023 Nominations
The 17th Meeting of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania will run from 10am Saturday 18 November to 4pm Tuesday 21 November. The meeting will be held at Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road. Nomination forms are available from Heather L and close 16 June at 5pm. All members are eligible.
Another way that you might like to be involved is by being a volunteer at the meeting in our hospitality and welcoming team. For further details regarding volunteering opportunities please contact Sarah M, Synod Meeting Logistics Coordinator.
Introducing Megan and Andrew
Andrew C and Megan C are faithful attenders at our UC congregations’ combined Sunday worship. They kindly responded when I invited them to tell something of their stories.
Andrew says, “I grew up all around because my dad was in the military starting from New South Wales, moving to Victoria.” Megan says “I’ve lived in Werribee most of my life, except for a short stint in Bendigo in my early 20s.”
Asked about their working life, Megan says, “I’ve taught adult literacy at Wyndham Community and Education Centre, for more than twenty years.” Andrew says “I work two jobs: one is at Wyndham Council for close to twenty years, (currently at Manor Lakes as a Youth Development Officer) the other is working as an additional assistant at the Kindergarten through Uniting.”
“Can you talk about the highlights of your personal faith journeys?” I asked. Megan wisely says, “I understand that spirituality means more to me as I get older.” Andrew responds: “My faith journey started when I was very young around five years old, and it has just been growing stronger through the years.”
We talked about the closure of the Hoppers Crossing UC building. “Unfortunately, it was necessary to leave the physical building, but I’ve always understood that Church is about you and who you are; not necessarily where you are,” says Megan. Andrew says, “I’ve been involved in closure of two buildings for this congregation, our mudbrick one and the most recent one, and my feelings are ‘It’s just a building; we worship with like-minded people anywhere we can.’”
Asked about their hopes for the future of our two congregations together, Andrew says, “Where God takes both congregations is where we were meant to be.” Says Megan, “In any situation where there are shared minds and hearts, you can only hope that we can learn from each other.” (NT)
Gospel discussion this week
Lectionary Gospel discussion continues at Crossroads on Tuesday 23 May 11.30 am to 1 pm. Topic is John 20:29–23. Bring your Bible and share lunch together afterwards. Contact the Rev. Faama 0401 592 359 or call Neil Tolliday on 0402 817 673. Don’t forget the prayer group which meets every Tuesday from 10 to 10.45am. We gather to pray for the world, the church, for others, and for ourselves. Followed by BYO morning tea and fellowship.
Synod Disability Action Plan
A hard copy is available on the table at the front entry for you to familiarise yourself with this important plan. You can also access the plan on the Synod Vic/Tas website. This is an opportunity for an important discussion among ourselves.
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. You can purchase a ticket from Neil T for $25 each.
The varied program includes the Peace Choir conducted by Jonathan Welch and guest speaker Indigenous Elder Uncle Andrew G, member of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria.
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.
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.
Do you like hymn singing?
On Sunday 4 June, at 2pm, in the Auburn Uniting Church, 80 Oxley Road, Auburn, the Rev. Dr D’Arcy Wood and a choir will lead traditional and modern hymn singing with brief stories about the origins of the hymns. It will also be available to watch (and join in) via Zoom, and if you are interested in the Zoom option, please contact Robert R. The program is produced by the Uniting Church Historical Society, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.
Worship services
- 21 May: 9.30am Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
- 28 May: 9.30am Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota (Pentecost)
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; 2pm Seniors Afternoon Tea
- Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group
Bible Readings –21 May & 28 May
- 21 May: Acts 1:6–14; Psalm 68; I Peter 4:12–14, 5:6–11; John 17:1–11.
- 28 May: Acts 2:1–21; I Corinthians 12:1–13; Psalm 104:24–35; John 20:19–23.
Rosters for 21 May & (28 May)
- Greetings: Helen G (Judy O’K)
- AV: Noel S (HX)
- Morning Tea: Jan S & Liz B (Margaret F & Zelda C)
- Flowers: Jennie K (Rose G)
- Music: Elliott S (Asanka P)
- Prayers: Doug M (Ken S)
- Reader: Emily M (Lyn O’M)
- 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