COMMUNITY NEWS FOR TODAY & THE COMING WEEK

The Lintons’ visit

Niger is situated on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, north of Nigeria, with Mali to the west and Chad to the east. The primary languages are French and Hausa.
Members of our congregation have been long-term prayerful supporters of Andrew and Cathy as they are part of Serving in Mission (S.I.M.) formerly Soudan Interior Mission, which has witnessed to Christ in Africa and other countries for more than 120 years.
Niger, population 25 million, is one of the poorest, hottest, and fastest growing countries in the world today. Each woman averages 7 children; in this country 95% of the population is Moslem.
Andrew is director of the Maternity Department of the 180-bed Christian hospital in Galmi with 70 staff. Malaria and mal-nourishment are endemic health problems often involved in the care of mothers and babies. The love of Jesus is demonstrated in the hospital’s healing ministry.
We wish God’s blessing to Andrew, Cathy and their daughters, as they enjoy furlough in Victoria. (NT)

Wendy B says:

”I’m looking forward to our special Christmas Carol Service (and supper) on Sunday 11 December at 7 pm in the Crossroads Uniting Church. Anyone who can sing or play an instrument is invited to come to Sunday evening rehearsals starting on Sunday 6 November, from 5.45 pm to 7 pm. Judy Vincent who comes from many years leading the choir at Neil Street Uniting Ballarat will be our guest conductor this year.”
Interested? Contact Wendy

A successful fête

“Crossroads Werribee Uniting Church fete was a success, financially and more important because everyone worked together,” says Geoff G, who helped co-ordinate the stall holders,(pictured).
Eleven stalls, BBQ, Devonshire teas, collectables and much more did brisk business, on a day when the sun came out and the rain had gone away.
At the end of Saturday, takings were $4300. Remainders from various stalls were available for sale on Sunday, and at time of writing on Monday money was still coming in.
Geoff G says: “Everyone put in many hours of dedicated labour, from Friday to Sunday. We want to say a special thank you to Coles Werribee and Hoppers Crossing with Woolworths Werribee for the goods donated to the successful BBQ .”
(NT)

Church Council report

At its meeting Wednesday 12 October the Council approved in principle the mechanism by which the Hoppers Crossing Congregation can relocate to the Crossroads site. All church property is owned by the Synod’s Property Trust and congregations are assigned the ‘beneficial use’ of particular properties. By agreement between the Synod, Presbytery and the two congregations, the ‘beneficial use’ or ‘responsible body status’ of 19 Duncans Rd (the red brick manse) will be transferred to the Hoppers Crossing Congregation for the next 20 years.
The relationship between the two congregations and the use of all the site’s facilities will be governed by a Memorandum of Understanding, to be agreed to again by Synod, Presbytery and each Congregation.
Effectively, this means that the Crossroads site will become a regional Uniting Church for Wyndham City. All being well, the transfer will take place in the last week of November.
The Council was pleased to accept the offer of Wendy B to assume the role of Treasurer. Bev L has resumed her position as Congregational Secretary. Wendy was thanked for the sterling job she did as Council Chairperson, and Robert R has been re-elected as Council Chairperson. As Robert is confined to a wheelchair at Uniting AgeWell Manor Lakes, all Council meetings will be held on Zoom only until further notice.
The Rev. Annetia Goldsmith will remain on sick leave for the remainder of October while undergoing further treatment. We wish her a very well and speedy recovery.
Council resolved to purchase and install a memorial plaque for Salote T in gratitude for all that she meant to the congregation, it will be placed on the memorial wall.
We thank Paul C for taking up the role of voluntary Occupational Health and Safety office. We are still looking for volunteers to take up the Food Safety supervisor role and the ‘Booking Clerk’ role for managing hall and foyer bookings.
It is anticipated that Uniting Wyndham will vacate both old manses by 17 November. This will mark the end of an era of community support from this site which started many years ago with one worker and the use of a small room. Of course, Uniting Church community support will continue just across Synnot Street from the church.
The next meeting of the Council will be on Wednesday 9 November, at 7.30pm, via Zoom. For any enquiries, please speak to Margaret G (Secretary of Council) or email Robert R

What’s On This Week

• Monday: 9.30pm Playgroup (Crossroads)
• Wednesday: 2pm Seniors Afternoon Tea
• Thursday: 9.30am Gardening Group (Crossroads)

Bible Readings – 23 October 2022

Joel 2:23–32; 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 6–18; Luke 18:9–14; Psalm 65

ROSTERS: