Author: Robyn Hodge

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Palm Sunday

Hello friends. 
This Sunday is Palm Sunday – a day we celebrate Jesus triumphal welcome into Jerusalem in the lead up to his death and resurrection.

As it looks like it will be fine we’ll meet up the back of the church site – near the old bluestone chapel. Be there by 9:30am.

Like Jesus, we’ll be walking – and reflecting and singing – to end up in the church to finish. There will be two stops on the way for about 5 or so minutes, and the walk is less than 250m and all down hill.

Please bring a portable chair if you need to sit down when we pause. We’ll have some chairs for those who need a rest, and people to quietly walk with you if you need a companion.

This is an all age event, so you could invite family and friends.
As we are outside, we won’t be streaming the St Luke’s service this week to Youtube.  If you can’t come, you can find other services online to watch.

I’m also looking for a quiet, calm dog to be part of the walk so if you have one who meets that description – let me know.

Blessings and see you on Sunday,  Lloyd.

 
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#BuildBackBetter A Just Recovery from COVID-19

The Uniting Church in Australia has outlined a set of principles and key actions that will guide the way to a better future as Australia recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

In a post-COVID-19 world

There is much we have learned through this pandemic about who we are as a nation, our vulnerabilities and our strengths.  Drawing upon these learnings and the values articulated in our vision, we believe we have an opportunity to create a better future where all people and all creation can flourish.  We have learned:

  • Australia and the whole world are not immune from major threats, and that society is only as strong and as healthy as the most vulnerable in our communities.

We need to: Build Resilient Individuals, Families and Communities

  • Existing inequalities are exacerbated in times of crisis, increasing the vulnerability of individuals and the whole community. When we make sacrifices for the well-being of the whole of society, we all benefit.

We need to: Build a more equal society

  • We are all interconnected. In times of fear and anxiety, racism, isolation and remoteness can lead to less healthy and productive communities.

We need to: Build a nation where everyone is respected and has a voice

  • We are capable of innovative solutions and new ways of being. A crisis is an opportunity to reimagine policy.

We need: Creative, collaborative and constructive leadership to rebuild Australia

  • Reducing fossil fuel usage is possible and positively impacts the environment and all living things.

We need to: Build for a sustainable future

Inspired?

Read more here.

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Combined Pentecost Service 23rd May 2021

The Uniting Churches across the Greater Geelong area are joining together in a celebration service for Pentecost on May 23rd at 3pm.  The Venue is to be advised. 

This will be a service for all ages and an inspiring time to allow the Holy Spirit to revitalise and empower us all. 

We will be having a Combined Choir for this service so if you like to sing then please sing up through this trybooking link https://www.trybooking.com/BPVSP

or phone Rev Amanda Nicholas on 0413 617 469

There will be 6 rehearsals for the choir and we are offering rehearsals on Tuesday nights  AND OR Sunday Afternoons.  You can come to both rehearsals if you would like to.

Once you register you will be sent the music and some recordings of the songs so you can practice at home and get your congregation to learn some new songs. 

If you would like to help out with the Afternoon Tea on the day then please contact Rev Suzie Castle at suzie.castle@gmail.com

We will need some help setting up and packing up so if you can help with that on Saturday May 22 and or Sunday May 23rd then please contact Rev Narelle Collas at narelle.collas@ppw.victas.uca.org.au. 

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March 11th at 11am – Ringing the St Luke’s Bell for Climate Justice

Sacred People, Sacred Earth:  Please join us at 11am on  March 11 to ring the St Luke’s bells and say a prayer as part of a global multi-faith day of call to action and prayer regarding climate change.
 
 
All over the world people are standing together to say:
 
“We are united by a fundamental belief that all people, all living things, and the Earth are sacred.  As we consider the state of the world today, our hearts overflow with concern.  
 
We are frightened and frustrated by the damage that COVID-19 is inflicting on our communities. The pandemic has revealed cruel injustices. The vulnerable suffer the most severe impacts. We know about this injustice. We have seen it before.
 
These same communities are disproportionately and catastrophically affected by the accelerating climate emergency.
 
… A far better future is possible if our collective response to the pandemic and the climate crisis is guided by compassion, love and justice at a scale that meets this moment.”
       

In support of the statement and to draw attention to it, faith communities around the world are being asked to ‘sound the alarm’ for the climate and call for climate justice as we try to get our economies going in the wake of COVID.

Please join the biggest ever global faith-based Day of Action for the Climate. The theme of of the day is Sacred People, Sacred Earth.

Each place of worship, faith-based small group or household will choose its own way to do this: by ringing its bells, by sounding a note on the shofar, calling the Azan, by chanting and by meditating. Just as long as make a noise – or even some thunderous silence!  We each have our own traditions, but we will be united in one clear message.

After the Day of Action, GFI will call for  a “Year of Action” in the lead-up to COP26 which will be held in Glasgow in November 2021. 

We hope you can join us!

Michelle, for the Environment Action Team

#SacredPeopleSacredEarth
#Faiths4Climate

#KillingThePlanetIsAgainstMyReligion

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Works to repair Portico to begin Friday 5th of March

 

Works are underway to replace the ceiling of the Driveway Portico at St Luke’s.  

This may affect access to the front door of the building.  If the front door is fenced off, entry to the building will be either from the Courtyard at the rear of the building, or from the Eastern Foyer door – accessible through the Green fence gate to the left of the front of the building.
 
The plan for the works is as follows:
 
  • Friday 5th March – Electrician to remove existing lights
  • Tuesday 9th March – Install temporary barricade and remove existing asbestos ceiling and battens
  • Wednesday 10th March – Start installation of new ceiling
  • Monday 22nd March – Painter to start prep and painting ceiling
  • Thursday 25th March – Electrician to refit lights
  • Friday 26th March – Handover completed works 

Please call the office 52442997 if you have any further queries about the works.

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Prayers of the People Wednesday 24th Feb 2021

Here’s what some of the people of St Luke’s are praying for this week – you might like to add your own prayers too.

Praise and Thanksgiving. 

Praise God for the many volunteers who are active in our community and church.

Thankyou Lord, that our buildings are again open, and being used by community groups.    

We give thanks for new babies arriving in our community this week

Praise God that Shaghek has successfully started a play group for recently arrived mums and bubs, and for the ministry of advocacy and support she is providing to families as they seek housing in a very difficult rental market.

Prayers for others

For the health and well-being of everyone receiving the COVID vaccinations and for those responsible in administering the roll out.

For friends and family who maybe feeling emotionally fragile, also those we know who are unwell and receiving treatment. Our thoughts and prayers are with their caregivers and the professionals supporting them. 

We pray for peace in countries where many suffer from cold and hunger. May the hearts of their leaders be filled with a desire for understanding and resolution rather than conflict.   

Our special prayers are with families who are separated by distance and for those who have come to our shores for protection and safety. Lord bless them with reassurance as we support them.  

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Synod Meeting begins

The Synod of Victoria and Tasmania meets approximately every 18 months to hear reports, discern proposals, and discuss matters that concern the general oversight, direction and administration of the life of the Church. 

Originally scheduled for November 2020, due to the impacts of COVID-19 it was decided that the Synod meeting be deferred until February 2021 and to be held as a virtual (online) meeting from February 26-February 28.

Rather than a challenge, the Synod Business Committee invites the Church to see the opportunities which this new way of meeting presents.

Synod 2021 is an opportunity to gather together the breadth of today’s Church.

The entire meeting, excluding any member-only sessions, will be broadcast live for members of the wider church.  

Watch live broadcast of sessions here

Please note that people watching the live broadcast sessions are not able to ask questions of, or interact with, the Synod meeting.

The first session begins at 1.45pm on Friday February 26 with the final session finishing at 3.15pm on Sunday February 28.  

Visit the Synod website for more information here.