THE UNITING CHURCH IN WYNDHAM
CONNECTION
PENTECOST 8
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
Congregational meetings re amalgamation
The combined Church Councils of Hoppers Crossing and Crossroads Werribee, in conjunction with the Presbytery, are working towards the amalgamation of the two congregations, which will be of considerable benefit to everyone.
The date for two Congregational meetings, which will be held immediately after worship, will be on Sunday 27 August 2023, and this will be when the full proposals will be voted on. This is also the date for the proposed amalgamation (although there will need to be a formal ratification by Presbytery and Synod afterwards).
On each of three preceding Sundays (30 July, 6, and 13 August) further information about the proposal and the advantages of amalgamation will be provided for all members and an opportunity for the submission of questions which will be answered on Sunday 20 August in written form.
Voting on the 27th August will be conducted in accordance with the Uniting Church practice of consensus decision-making, and you will all be provided with consensus cards which need to be shown at the appropriate time. Please also note that there is no proxy voting allowed—only those present at the meeting are entitled to participate in the consensus decision-making.
If you would like to submit a question at this stage, please email the secretaries of the church councils – Ashok S (secretary@hoppersuniting.church) or Margaret G (geoff.gook@bigpond.com). Please note that all questions provided will be shared between the councils in order that consistent answers will be given and they will be publicly available. If you are unable to use email, please write your question and leave with the church office in an envelope marked for the relevant secretary.
Messy Church starts today 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
Introducing the Savory family
The Savory family (Noel & Sandra) continue to be faithful members of the Crossroads UC congregation since arriving in Werribee in 1990.
Noel was working for CSIRO and he and Sandra lived on the animal research farm. “There have been many changes in our lives since then – now three adult children – Ben, Jacinta and Aaron and one teenager, Madelyn,” says Sandra.
Noel is a past chairperson of church council, and he assists on the audiovisual desk for worship services. His paid work has included manager of an interstate trucking company.
This year Noel is bus driving and Sandra works at Werribee Primary School as an education support staff with Grade Twos.
Sandra has been elected as Chairperson of the Crossroads congregation and is a Safe Church contact person with Jan Bradley. “I hope and pray that our two congregations will come closer together and offer a welcoming community life to the multi-cultural city of Wyndham, situated as we are in the centre of town, as long as that’s right with God,” says Sandra. (NT)
A visitor from Spain
Luciana M and Armando A would like you to meet Luciana’s mother, Matilde S. Matilde lives in Madrid.
She is on vacation with Luciana and Armando at their home in Sanctuary Lakes for six months.
Matilde is looking for opportunities to practise her English conversation and make friends while she is here in Australia. Look out for her at church!
Armando continues to act as consultant to the sustainable environment project of University of Sydney (listed number one for world universities practising sustainability.) Luciana is a member of Crossroads Church Council and she works in a leadership role at a nationwide telecom company in Hoppers Crossing. (NT)
Prayer group and Bible study
Meet again at Crossroads on Tuesday 25 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.
Boys Brigade
Monday night—7:00pm to 9:00pm at Dreambuilders Church, 37-43 Graham Court, Hoppers Crossing, contact Scott Wilkinson on 0409 793 993 or boysbrigadewyndham@gmail.com for details.
Please note the HX email address
reception@hoppers.victas.uca.org.au is no longer in use. The address for all Hoppers Crossing correspondence should now be addressed to the secretary Ashok Sherwal (0403 777 503) secretary@hoppersuniting.church.
Christmas in July
This year we are holding our inaugural ‘Christmas in July at Crossroads’ next week (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 Barnes) to volunteer your services for morning tea food and/or give me your rug/blanket (or money donation). Feel free to contact me with any questions. (Wendy B)
Worship services
- 23 July: Rev. Angela Tampiyappa
- 30 July: Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
What’s On This Week
- Today: 12noon OSLO (Racecourse Hotel)
- Tuesday: 10am Prayer Group; 11.30am Bible Discussion
- Wednesday: 9.30am Crossroads Property C’tee; 2pm Seniors Afternoon Tea
- Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group; 5.30pm Choir practice.
Bible Readings – 23 July & 30 July
- 23 July: Genesis 28:10–19a; Romans 8:12–25; Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43; Psalm 139:1–12, 23–24
- 30 July: Genesis 29:15–28; Romans 8:26–39; Matthew 13:31–33, 44–52; Psalm 128
Rosters for 23 July & (30 July)
- Greetings: Margaret Dent (Site)
- AV: Christian Ropeti-Kilifi (Paul Cochran)
- Morning Tea: Margaret Gook & Dorothy Rookes (Jan Bradley & Margaret Forrester)
- Flowers: Bev Cox (Mary Dixon)
- Music: Asanka Pakura (Wendy Barnes)
- Prayers: Neil Tolliday (HX)
- Reader: Margaret Bull (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)
- 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