THE UNITING CHURCH IN WYNDHAM
CONNECTION
PENTECOST 10
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
A day to remember
This year marks the 78th anniversary of the U.S. dropping nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in Japan. Today, we the people of the world, and the environment, are again facing the growing threat of a nuclear war. Join millions of people across the world in sending a powerful message Never Again Hiroshima and Nagasaki!
Nationwide commemorations and events will be held across Australia. The Melbourne rally, today, 1 pm. Gather at the State Library, Swanston street. Organised by the “No AUKUS Coalition Victoria”, a broad coalition of peace, community, faith organisations and unions calling for a united front against AUKUS, nuclear submarines, a broad movement for peace and a nuclear-free Australia. (NT)
Thank you!
What a great response we got for Uniting’s Blanket appeal last Sunday at our first “Christmas in July’ service. A big thank you to everyone who contributed in any way on the day—singing in the choir, organising the service, making morning tea, and of course the blanket and cash donations. All very much appreciated. We received approx. 95 blankets of all shapes and sizes and $234 in cash donations. Well done, everyone! (MG)
Congregational meetings re amalgamation
Today you will be provided with more information about the forthcoming congregational meetings to approve the amalgamation between our two congregations.
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 , or leave in the church office in an envelope marked “Q&A”.
The Opportunity Shop at Hoppers Crossing
Inspired by the needs within the local community, we began in January 2005 collecting donations from our congregation members, friends and families whilst I painted and prepared one small room to run the shop from at HXUC 225 Derrimut Rd—the original mud brick church. On our first day we raised $172.50! Thrilled at such success, we opened every Wednesday and the first Saturday of each month. As we had run out of space we acquired the next-door room in the church and some helpful congregation members put a hole through the wall, created a double doorway and a sorting area. Each Tuesday I would go down and set up extra racks, tables and tubs in the foyer ready for Wednesday trading—in our first year we raised just under $9,000. This recuperated the cost of the initial outlay for fittings and fixtures, enabled funds to be given to local groups and charities in need.
Inspired by the needs within the local community, we began in January 2005 collecting donations from our congregation members, friends and families whilst I painted and prepared one small room to run the shop from at HXUC 225 Derrimut Rd—the original mud brick church. On our first day we raised $172.50! Thrilled at such success, we opened every Wednesday and the first Saturday of each month. As we had run out of space we acquired the next-door room in the church and some helpful congregation members put a hole through the wall, created a double doorway and a sorting area. Each Tuesday I would go down and set up extra racks, tables and tubs in the foyer ready for Wednesday trading—in our first year we raised just under $9,000. This recuperated the cost of the initial outlay for fittings and fixtures, enabled funds to be given to local groups and charities in need.
Over the next five years we gained many valuable volunteers to assist in the running of this ministry. We offered quality stock and people were always asking for us to be open more often. We also began a rag trade selling cut up unsaleable clothing, towels and sheets to local mechanics. In 2009 we had outgrown our two small rooms and spilling out into the church foyer was an exhausting task so a portable building was purchased.
After 5 years of volunteering two days a week I felt the call from God to open the shop on more days. So, in April 2010 I was officially appointed as a paid manager for 3 days per week. Also, in 2010 HXUC had begun the process of building a new church at 235 Derrimut Rd. The Op Shop was relocated to the Werribee Baptist church site, our second big move. In 2012 the new building at 235 was completed and all the fixtures and fittings were again dismantled and re-installed in the new op shop space. This was our third and final big move – praise God – and what a fabulous space it was with change rooms for customers and a big sorting room! (Mandy Sawyer & Neil T—to be continued next week)
Prayer group and Bible study
Meet again at Crossroads on Tuesday 8 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.
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
- 6 August: HC: Rev. Fa’amata’u Leota
- 13 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; 7.30pm Church Council (Zoom)
- Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group
Bible Readings – 6 & 13 August
- 6 August: Genesis 32:22–31; Romans 9:1–5; Matthew 14:13–21; Psalm 17:1–7, 15
- 13 August: Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28; Romans 10:5–21; Matthew 14:22–33; Psalm 105:1–6, 16–22, 45b
Rosters for 6 August & (13 August)
- Greetings: Judy O’K (Margaret B)
- AV: Christian R-F (Noel S)
- Morning Tea: Angela M & Margaret D (Elaine B & Julie R)
- Flowers: Lorna H (Rose G)
- Music: Elliott S (Gina L)
- Prayers: Liz B (HX)
- Reader: Liz B (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