THE UNITING CHURCH IN WYNDHAM
CONNECTION
PENTECOST
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)
Baptisms
We praise God for the upcoming baptisms of Ava, daughter of Kaylee and Robert Rosetto on Sunday June 4th and Ethan, son of Mei Ling Lin and Anthony Stranieri on Sunday 18th June. Their baptisms will be conducted during the Sunday morning service. Please hold Ava and Ethan and their families in your prayers as they prepare for this special occasion. (FL)
World Vision Australia
Is a Christian organisation that works with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. For many years we have sponsored children to give them a brighter future.
Currently we sponsor Keitumetsi and Nokuthaba, both 18 years old from Zimbabwe and Phanna from Cambodia who is 9 years old. Please continue to pop your donations into the house-shaped box in the foyer.
People power – it makes a difference
The story in the next column is a reminder that ‘people power’ is real and worth the effort. There are many instances in recent history, in all countries around the world, where people power has won significant changes and developments against seemingly intransigent forces. Keep up the good work, everyone!
Good news for the environment
Logging of native forests in Victoria will cease at the end of this year!
The ACF press release says: “Native forest logging has done terrible damage to Victoria’s ecosystems and wildlife over many decades, so this announcement by the Andrews government is welcome and needed. Logging has infamously sent the state’s faunal emblem, the critically endangered Leadbeater’s possum, to the brink of extinction, and has devastated the habitats of greater gliders and native fish. This is the result of years of hard work by conservationists, community groups and concerned Victorians who have refused to let this issue get swept under the carpet. Other community groups have spent countless nights out in the bush, spotlighting for endangered species in forests earmarked for logging, then working with lawyers to stop the chainsaws. This decision shows people power at work.
Protected forests are good for us all. They create clean air, fresh water, homes for wildlife, sustainable jobs and a safe climate.
The Andrews government must now move to establish a Great Forest National Park and a new national park for East Gippsland to make sure these forests are protected forever. Forests damaged by logging must now be restored and Traditional Owners should play a central role in this process.” (ACF, 23 May 2023)
Gospel discussion this week
Lectionary Gospel discussion continues at Crossroads on Tuesday 30 May 11.30 am to 1 pm. Bring your Bible and share lunch together afterwards. Contact the Rev. Faama 0401 592 359 or call Neil T. 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 W and guest speaker Indigenous Elder Uncle Andrew G, member of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria.
Morning tea roster and Flower roster
Any members of Crossroads or Hoppers Crossing who would like to be included on these rosters please let the Crossroads Office know on 9741 1084 or email the office, or call Paul Kirkman for the flower roster.
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 (go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89362698763?pwd=ZWVzNmVKMmlheTlUQ1BjL1VLc3E1Zz09). The program is produced by the Uniting Church Historical Society, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.
Ministers Day Off
Please note that Faama has Mondays as his day off. Other than for emergencies, all messages will be responded to the following day.
The referendum for the Voice has nothing to do with politics—it is a matter of ethics, the recognition of the Indigenous people of Australia in our Constitution.
Worship services
- 28 May: 9.30am Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota (Pentecost)
- 4 June: HC: Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota (Trinity)
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
- Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group
Bible Readings –28 May & 4 June
- 28 May: Acts 2:1–21; I Corinthians 12:1–13; Psalm 104:24–35; John 20:19–23.
- 4 June: Genesis :1:1–2:4a; 2 Corinthians 13:11–13; Matthew 28:16–20; Psalm 8.
Rosters for 28 May & (4 June)
- Greetings: Judy O’K (Judy O’K)
- AV: HX (Noel S)
- Morning Tea: Margaret F & Zelda C (Sandra S & Margaret G)
- Flowers: Jennie Kirkman (Lorna Hodges)
- Music: Asanka Pakura (HX)
- Prayers: Ken Storey (HX)
- Reader: Lyn O’Meara (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