THE UNITING CHURCH IN WYNDHAM
CONNECTION
PENTECOST 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
Our minister is to leave in October!
The Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota, who has been the minister of the Hoppers Crossing congregation for several years, has accepted a call to the Sunbury congregation. He officially informed the HX Church Council a week ago, and the joint congregations last Sunday. He will be sorely missed by members of both congregations, as his ministry has been very much appreciated. He has given three months notice, but this will include any holidays that are due.
Justice Task Group report
Members of Crossroads and Hoppers Crossing congregations are coming together in the Justice Task Group.
We advocate for refugees and asylum seekers; we promote the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and indigenous Australians’ justice issues; through Uniting World we link up with the mission of fraternal churches in Asia and the Pacific.
God ‘s creation is now under threat from global warming. The task group is exploring ways that we can contribute to the Uniting Church’s response to climate change and the Uniting Church’s goal of net zero emissions by 2040.
Locally, Justice Task Group co-operates with Werribee River Association and Beach Patrol 3030. At our recent meeting Rob reported on the eighth anniversary rubbish pick-up at K Road Cliffs – 150 kg of litter.
We also welcomed new members: Ashok, Bev, Node and Angela. We talked about future events: visiting Narana Creations, Geelong; the Pacific Islanders’ experience of climate change in the context of Uniting World, and the liturgical Season of Creation in September.
Next meeting of the Justice Task Group is at 4 Tanjil Court, Werribee on Sunday 23 July at 3 pm.
Enquiries: Christine M, Convenor Rob B
Also: Geoff Gook advises that a bar fridge and microwave oven in good order are available to a family or person in need. Call Geoff on 0407 342 607. (NT)
Christmas in July blanket appeal
This year we are holding our inaugural ‘Christmas in July at Crossroads’ on the last Sunday in July (30th). As part of this new event at Crossroads, we are incorporating a ‘blanket/knee rug’ drive where we will either collect new rugs/blankets (or $15 donations to purchase same) for those not able to keep themselves warm during our colder months.
Here is a photograph of a sample $15 rug (1.2 x 1.5m) purchased from Big W or similar store indicative of the type of rug/blanket we have in mind.
The rugs/blankets donated (included rugs purchased from money donated), together with the gold coin donations, will then be delivered to Uniting Werribee for distribution to worthy recipients. This could be incorporated under Uniting’s ‘Share’ programme, or it could be just our goodwill gesture.
Morning tea (Christmas cake/shortbread) will be provided after the service with a gold coin donation.
I will be looking for volunteers to help with baking or providing food for the morning tea but am sure members from both congregations will step forward to assist. Please see me (Wendy B) to volunteer your services for morning tea food and/or give me your rug/blanket (or money donation). Feel free to phone me with any questions. (Wendy B)
Messy Church starts next week
23 July at 4pm Anyone who would like to assist or participate—please leave a message at the church office on 9741 1084 or talk to Jan B. Don’t know much about this? Go to http://messychurchaustralia.com.au
Prayer group and Bible study
Meet again at Crossroads on Tuesday 18 July from 10am for the Prayer Group (followed by morning tea and fellowship), and then 11.30 am to 1 pm for the Bible Study Group. Bring your Bible and share lunch together afterwards. Contact the Rev. Faama 0401 592 359 or call Neil T.
Beach Patrol Wyndham
25 enthusiastic volunteers took part in our 8th birthday clean at K Road Cliffs last week. Despite the cold & windy weather. together we collected 82 plastic drink bottles,118 glass bottles, 100 cans, take away food containers and papers, garden rubbish, concrete and tiles, fishing line and litter, 2 broken folding chairs, and one couch seat. All in all, we amassed 10 large bags of litter totalling 150kg.
It was great to have many of our longterm members and lots of new members. We also value the support of our local member for Point Cook Mathew Hilakari MP who took part today & has supported other cleans we have held. Finally, a big thank you to everyone who has supported us over our 8 year journey. (NT)
O.S.L.O. Occasional Sunday lunches Out
We will be going to the Racecourse Hotel Sunday 23 July for lunch at 12md. This is a popular hotel so please make sure you contact Elaine or Lorna before Thursday 20 July to book or cancel a booking. Everyone from both congregations is very welcome.
Let’s sing together!
Judy V and Wendy B (pictured), both members of our combined congregation, invite you to sing with our occasional Christmas in July Choir at worship on Sunday 9.30 am on 30 July, in Crossroads church.
We will practice two items and will meet together for practice on Thursdays in July in Crossroads church, 5.30-7pm. This is an opportunity for anyone in our two congregations who loves singing to join together in a winter warm-up, make a joyful noise and get to know each other. Enquiries: Wendy B, Judy V. (NT)
Worship services
- 16 July: Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
- 23 July: Rev. Angela Tampiyappa
What’s On This Week
- Monday: Playgroup 9.30am – 11.30am
- Tuesday: 10am Prayer Group; 11.30am Bible Discussion
- Wednesday: 9.30am Crossroads Property C’tee;
- Thursday: 9.30am Gardening; 5.30pm Choir practice.
- Friday: 1pm Sew ‘n’ Sow
Bible Readings – 16 July & 23 July
- 16 July: Genesis 25:19–34; Romans 8:1–11; Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23; Psalm 119:105–112.
- 23 July: Genesis 28:10–19a; Romans 8:12–25; Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43; Psalm 139:1–12, 23–24
Rosters for 16 July & (23 July)
- Greetings: Bev C (Margaret D)
- AV: Paul K (Christian R-K)
- Morning Tea: Sandra S & Julie H (Margaret F & Dorothy R)
- Flowers: Margaret F (Bev C)
- Music: Elliott S & team (Asanka P)
- Prayers: Christine M (Neil T)
- Reader: Margaret G, Node M & Ashok K (Margaret F)
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)
- Audrey Kateena (0435 064 088)
Note: Rev. Annetia Goldsmith is on a limited return to work arrangement.
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