THE UNITING CHURCH IN WYNDHAM
CONNECTION
PENTECOST 2
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
Crossroads and the Rev. Annetia Goldsmith
Following worship this morning, a meeting will be held to elect a new Congregational Chairperson and to hear a report regarding the Rev. Annetia Goldsmith’s return to work following her extended sick leave. A letter to the congregation from Annetia is also to be circulated to all members.
The Reference Group, consisting of Margaret B and Elizabeth B from the Church Council and two representatives of Presbytery supporting Rev. Annetia Goldsmith, has been informed that medical permission has been given for a progressive return to work.
It has been agreed that this should initially begin with four hours a week (11am–3pm on a Tuesday, beginning Tuesday 30 May 2023). This will be reviewed and hopefully increased incrementally on a monthly basis.
She will begin working with the missions of reconnection, with the ministry team at Crossroads and the Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota, and with pastoral care of the congregation.
Communications with Annetia at this stage will be through the Reference Group, unless initiated by Annetia in her fulfilment of ministry and pastoral reconnection. The reasons for this include the nature of a gradual return to work with limited hours, and to avoid stress of an overload of communications direct to Annetia, and to ensure relevant and measured communication is established, avoiding unrealistic expectations or requests. The Reference Group will continue to support Annetia, Church Council and Congregation at Crossroads during this transitional time.
Crossroads congregational meeting
The nomination received for the Chairperson of the Congregation is for Mrs Sandra S.
Occasional Sunday Lunch Out (OSLO)
Sunday 25 June at 12pm we are booked for the Werribee RSL—please contact by Thursday 22 June for bookings either Elaine or Lorna. All are welcome – a good way to build new friendships.
An update from Uniting Wyndham
The new Uniting Wyndham centre is at the corner of Watton Street and Duncans Road. The agency has moved from its old base on 19–21 Duncans Road, next to Crossroads Uniting Church. Receptionist Connie gave me a cheery greeting and Deborah G, team leader (pictured) welcomed me.
Deborah showed me round the ground floor of Ballan House; we talked about the ongoing services provided by Uniting, at this time when many people are experiencing crises of accommodation, schooling and energy affordability.
“We continue the work of family early intervention, housing support and emergency relief, and we share space with Uniting Employment which is work-skilling people who are disabled,” says Deborah. “Also Uniting’s new Op Shop is located nearby at 39 Watton Street. Donations of saleable goods are most welcome there.”
We recalled the H3 services initiative—housing, health, and homelessness—that happened when Carol M was CEO of Uniting Werribee Support & Housing. Deborah leads a team of 12 persons working in early intervention, funded largely by the State Government of Victoria. Says Deborah: “We work closely with other agencies including CoHealth, West Justice, Wyndham City Council, Unison Housing and Bolton Clarke domiciliary health.”
Deborah says: “This close co-operation expedites the counselling and health support that we provide. For example, lunch at the Salvos for marginalised folk is a valuable point of contact with the H3 services in Wyndham.”
People can donate to Uniting through its web-site, and donations of doonas and blankets to this winter’s “Spread the Warmth” appeal are most welcome. (NT)
Gospel discussion this week
Lectionary Gospel discussion continues at Crossroads on Tuesday 13 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 T. Don’t forget the prayer group which meets every Tuesday from 10 to 10.45am. Followed by BYO morning tea and fellowship.
Baptism Sunday 18th June
We praise God for the upcoming baptism of Ethan, son of Anthony S and Mei Ling L on Sunday 18th June. The baptism will be conducted during the Sunday morning service. Please hold Ethan and his family in your prayers as they prepare for this special occasion.
Boys’ Brigade
Boys’ Brigade – Monday night—7:00pm to 9:00pm at Dreambuilders Church, 37-43 Graham Court, Hoppers Crossing, contact Scott W or boysbrigadewyndham@gmail.com for details
The Keilor Uniting Church & Samoan UCAF
Invites applications for the full-time role for 6 months, 0.7 role for two years of Samoan Ministry Pastor. The position supports the work of the Keilor UC Congregation and the Samoan UCA Fellowship. The position description is at https://ucappw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Samoan-Ministry-Pastor-PD-Final.pdf
Applications close 16 June and should include a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, and the names of two referees. Applications to be submitted to Linley.Liersch@ppw.victas.uca.org.au
God’s natural world needs your help
On World Environment Day, June 6, it’s good to know the Albanese Government is rewriting our national nature protection laws for the first time in 20 years. However the minister, Tanya Plibersek’s plans do not go far enough to end Australia’s nature destruction or restore nature to health. We are in the vanguard of those deeply involved in care for the future of our planet, under pressure now from global warming. Call or write to your local Member of Parliament Joanne Ryan – to legislate strong new laws that actually protect nature, and to legislate an independent regulator to enforce those laws. (NT)
Worship services
- 11 June: Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
- 18 June: Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
What’s On This Week
- Monday: 7.30pm Cardmaking.
- Tuesday: 10–10.45am Prayer Group; 11.30–1pm Gospel Discussion;
- Wednesday: 9.30am Crossroads Property C’tee; 7.30pm Crossroads Church Council (Zoom)
- Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group
Bible Readings –11 June & 18 June
- 11 June: Genesis 12:1–9; Romans 4:13–25; Matthew 9:9–13, 18–26; Psalm 33:1–12.
- 18 June: Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7; Romans 5:1–8; Matthew 9:35–10:8; Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19.
Rosters for 11 June & (18 June)
- Greetings: Margaret B (Margaret G)
- AV: Christian R-K (Jacob L)
- Morning Tea: Mary D & Margaret D (Elaine B & Julie R)
- Flowers: Bev C (Margaret F)
- Music: Gina L (Elliott S)
- Prayers: Rose G (HX)
- Reader: Bev C (HX)
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