THE UNITING CHURCH IN WYNDHAM
CONNECTION
PENTECOST 9
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 proposal will be voted on.
If you would like to submit a question at this stage, please email the secretaries of the church councils – Ashok Sherwal (secretary@hoppersuniting.church) or Margaret G, or leave in the church office in an envelope marked “Q&A”. The next Q&A information will be provided next week.
Vale Blair D
Aged nearly 93, a stalwart member of the Crossroads congregation, Blair D, passed away peacefully at home this week. Blair and Mary have been very long-standing members of Crossroads and have made an enormous contribution to the life and running of the church congregation. More details will become available soon and will be posted on Facebook.
A note from Mary: my family and I are very grateful to have you all as our friends.
National Tree Day today
Let’s combat global warming! Since the day began in 1996 28 million trees have been planted, involving 5 million volunteers. People of all faiths and ages around Australia will join in National Tree Day 2023. See the City of Wyndham website for more information. (NT)
Ron H has kindly let us know that he is available to transport people to church if anyone needs it. He says that walkers are not a problem. If you know of anyone who needs a pick up, let them know that they can contact him on 0409 029 143 and he will assist if possible.
Established in 1996, Planet Ark’s National Tree Day has grown into Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event. The program is a call to action for all Australians to get their hands dirty and give back to their community.
Each year, around 300,000 people volunteer their time to engage in environmental activities that educate Australians about the world around them. While every day can be Tree Day, we dedicate celebration of Schools Tree Day and National Tree Day to the last Friday and last Sunday in July.
Saturday’s furniture shift accomplished
Elliott S, co-ordinator of the combined removal effort by people of Hoppers Crossing and Crossroads UC congregations, spoke at worship last Sunday. He said “More than forty people who gave their time and effort to moving large amounts of furniture and kitchen items, chairs and café tables. Some provided trailers. Give yourselves a pat on the back, for a job completed.” (NT)
Messy Church starts well
A successful Messy Church was held on Sunday afternoon, with children and adults learning and having fun together, co-ordinated by Jan B, with helpers. Everyone enjoyed the feast which followed. (NT)
Prayer group and Bible study
Meet again at Crossroads on Tuesday 1 August 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 W or boysbrigadewyndham@gmail.com for details.
Christmas in July
Our inaugural ‘Christmas in July at Crossroads’ is today. 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.
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. (WB)
Uniting Church Adult Fellowship
Our next meeting is on Wednesday August 2nd. Members are reminded that this will be our soup and sandwich lunch starting at 12.45pm. Hope all can attend! (LS)
Wyndham Uniting Church Justice Task Group:
gives advance notice of a community film and discussion during the Wyndham Learning Festival, on Saturday 2 September – “Regenerating Australia and the Pacific Islands.”
This will be an afternoon of community connection about climate solutions and sustainable change through transformative best practices to build a cleaner, fairer and more prosperous future, with live music and delicious snacks. Everyone welcome at Wayaperri House, 106 Duncans Rd Werribee (opposite Werribee Secondary College), 3pm-4.30 pm, Saturday 2 September.
Further details will be provided closer to the event date.
Worship services
- 30 July: Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
- 6 August: Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
What’s On This Week
- Tuesday: 10am Prayer Group; 11.30am Bible Discussion
- Wednesday: 9.30am Crossroads Property C’tee; 12.45pm UCAF “Soup and Sandwiches” meeting.
- Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group
Bible Readings – 30 July & 6 August
- 30 July: Genesis 29:15–28; Romans 8:26–39; Matthew 13:31–33, 44–52; Psalm 128
- 6 August: Genesis 32:22–31; Romans 9:1–5; Matthew 14:13–21; Psalm 17:1–7, 15
Rosters for 30 July & (6 August)
- Greetings: Site (Judy O’K)
- AV: Paul Cochran (Christian R-F)
- Morning Tea: Jan B & Margaret F ( Angela M & Margaret D)
- Flowers: Stacey D (Lorna H)
- Music: Wendy B (Elliott S)
- Prayers: Lauina L (Liz B)
- Reader: Tupu Latu (Liz B)
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