THE UNITING CHURCH IN WYNDHAM
CONNECTION
TRINITY
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
Baptisms
We praise God for the baptism today of Ava Rose Penny, daughter of Kaylee and Robert R, and granddaughter of Alan and Val T. (FL)
CCA September Assembly
The Uniting Church in Australia is one of Five Australian member churches of the Christian Conference of Asia, which will meet in General Assembly at Kottayam, Kerala State, India 27 September to 4 October 2023.
Kottayam is a centre of ancient Christian communities, some claiming their origin in a visit of the Apostle Saint Thomas to the Malabar Coast of India in the first century CE.
The CCA Assembly is a meeting of many member churches of Asian countries including Australia, which come together for a celebration of faith and unity in Christ Jesus. (NT)
A brave decision
The Barmen Declaration 89th Anniversary
On 29 May 1934, leaders of the protestant Confessing Church Synod meeting in Barmen, a city in the Ruhr, Germany bravely rejected the influence of the Hitler-controlled German Christian movement. The Theological Declaration of Barmen rejected the Nazi ideology as a corrupting influence and rejected the subordination of the Church to the State. Theologians Martin Niemoller, Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer were influential in the Confessing Church.
The complete Barmen Declaration is found in the Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church of USA. And look on YouTube for the song: “There comes a time for divine obedience” by Alana Levandovski, inspired by the Barmen Declaration. (NT)
Introducing Ashok S
During our recent combined men’s breakfast in the church hall, I had the pleasure of engaging in conversation with Ashok S, the newly elected Secretary of Hoppers Crossing Church Council.
Ashok’s roots trace back to a village and farming family in north India. He did his schooling in the vibrant city of Meerut, situated near national capital New Delhi. His father served diligently in the realm of army payroll while he worked for Central Defence Accounts, imprinting upon him a strong sense of commitment and responsibility.
Ashok completed B.E.(Hons) and M.E. (Research) from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. His professional journey flourished within the mobile communication Industry for numerous years. As is often the case for top engineers, he gracefully transitioned into the financial services industry. For almost seven years, he worked as a financial advisor and money management consultant.
“On 26 January 1991 I came to Australia for the first time. I left Australia several times, but I keep coming back. I came to Australia again in 2011 and my son Simon and my wife joined me here in 2012,” he says.
“I am thankful for my seven years with Hoppers Crossing congregation. I see the church demonstrating love for Christ in many ways, such as the practical acts of kindness in delivering of food to families during COVID-19. There is the experience of providing and receiving emotional and spiritual support with people in the church community.
In the Boys Brigade I am a lieutenant, supporting junior and senior members in their spiritual and social journey.”
“As Secretary of the Church Council, I’m able to assist the congregation’s communication, decision-making and hopefully make a positive impact in the lives of others,” says Ashok (NT)
Gospel discussion this week
Lectionary Gospel discussion continues at Crossroads on Tuesday 6 June 11.30 am to 1 pm. 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. Followed by BYO morning tea and fellowship.
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 K for the flower roster.
Do you like hymn singing?
Today, 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.
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.
UCAF
The June meeting will be held at Crossroads on Wednesday June 7th at 1.00pm. The Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota will be our guest speaker. Come along! And if anyone in the congregation would like to join us, please come along. You do not have to be a member to come.
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
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.
Worship services
- 4 June: HC: Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota (Trinity)
- 11 June: 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; 2pm Church Council Executive (Zoom)
- Wednesday: 9.30am Crossroads Property C’tee; 1pm UC Adult Fellowship
- Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group
Bible Readings –4 June & 11 June
- 4 June: Genesis :1:1–2:4a; 2 Corinthians 13:11–13; Matthew 28:16–20; Psalm 8.
- 11 June: Genesis 12:1–9; Romans 4:13–25; Matthew 9:9–13, 18–26; Psalm 33:1–12.
Rosters for 4 June & (11 June)
- Greetings: Judy O’K (Margaret B)
- AV: Noel S (Christian R-K)
- Morning Tea: Sandra S & Margaret G
- (Mary D & Margaret D)
- Flowers: Lorna H (Bev C)
- Music: Elliott S (Gina L)
- Prayers: Tricia C (Rose G)
- Reader: Russell C (Bev C)
Pastoral Care
Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota (0404 592 359) Mrs Tupu Latu (0451 650 100).
- 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