St Luke's Uniting Church, Highton
St Luke's is a congregation of the Uniting Church in Australia, located in Highton, Geelong.
An opening hymn for your home worship:
In this Good Friday reflection, Paul considers the suffering of Jesus in light of Dietrich Bonhoffer’s hymn “We go to God when we are sorely pressed”.
We go to God in our suffering, and God comes to us in God’s suffering. The story of Jesus crucifixion is read from the gospel of Matthew by members of the congregation.
You may wish to listen to the hymn referred to by Paul here:
Greetings friends,
Lloyd has prepared a short reflection for Maundy Thursday focusing on what the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples might say to us at this time.
He invites you to begin by listening to “Meekness and Majesty” from Graeme Kendrick:
Readings: Ex 12:1-4, (5-10),11-14; Ps 116:1-2, 12-19; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-17, 31b-35
Listen to the words and reflect as Michael Card shares a musical reflection on the basin and the towel:
Peace be with you.
Dear Friends,
Grace to you and peace in these strange and, let’s be honest, worrying times.
For most of us the things that used to mark the rhythm of the week have been stopped: no longer can we go to the local cafe on Monday mornings to meet friends, nor can we gather on Sunday for worship.
Even going shopping which once was a necessary chore has become a stressful experience.
Of course, there are some blessings.
People are making an effort to keep in touch via the telephone or online technology. I have heard lots of stories about this taking place amongst the members of this congregation.
Suddenly there is space in week which to catch up with matters which for too long have sat on the “we will get around to that one day” list. At the Stephens’ residence I have finally tidied out the garage and Jenny has found a couple of unfinished craft projects that she now has the time to complete.
We are in Lent … a time for spiritual renewal.
The enforced isolation creates more time to reflect and pray; to tend to the care of our souls.
Perhaps you might seek to be more intentional about reading the Bible each day using a resource like With love to the world.
The Uniting Church is offering some excellent resources. The following link leads to a series of prayers including daily prayers prepared by the President and Moderators: https://assembly.uca.org.au/
St Luke’s will be offering resources online and via other means.
Each Sunday morning there will be a new “worship service” available on Youtube. The link is on the frontpage of the website. We will post extra “services” over Easter.
On Wednesday evenings at 6 pm we will hold a short prayer time which will be accessible via the St Luke’s Facebook Group. There will be an opportunity to share prayer requests at this time online, but even if you are not technologically savvy why not commit to praying at this time each week as a sign of being one in Christ.
We are also exploring how we might do a version of small group gatherings online or via linked phone calls.
I am concerned that we hold all those who are offering direct assistance to those who are ill or in need in our prayers, as well as all those who find themselves without an income because their source of employment has been forced to close, and those employers who have had to make the very difficult decision to stand people down.
We should not forget the work of “Uniting” in our region as Des Younghusband and his team seek to support those who even in the best of times struggle to put food on the table.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need someone to talk to.
Blessings to you in the name of Christ,
Paul
Hello friends!
You can find our Palm Sunday worship on Youtube here:
In our second episode of Worship online, Paul shares a reflection on what Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem says about the kind of leader he is – a servant leader. In the turmoil of the COVID19 pandemic, what kind of service are you called to?
Linda leads us in prayers of the people and gives thanks for the people serving our community now, despite the risk to themselves and their families.
We meet Shaghek Qassabyan, our new Community Ministry Worker for St Luke’s.
For some music listening, please enjoy “From a Still Small Voice” performed by Leigh Newton, with thanks to Craig Mitchell for sharing!
As the COVID19 pandemic ripples through our UnitingWorld’s partner countries, we are more conscious than ever of the need to support our neighbours who have much less than we do.
The future of our world depends on people of all faiths and backgrounds being able to work together for good. In Maluku, Ambon, Rev Jeny is working with high school students to train up leaders for our region who embrace difference, respect each other and have a passion for peace.
Today we’ll meet the students and hear about Rev Jeny’s inspiring work.
Please visit www.lentevent.com to help it continue. UnitingWorld continues to stand alongside people in Ambon and far beyond, and they need our help.
Please keep praying for Rev Jeny and her team, Mary, Attika, Petrus and Nyoman.
Linda Salamy has gathered some multi-sensory activities you can download and do from home in your devotional time.
Karen from Western Heights Uniting Church shows us how to fold our own paper palm crosses:
We hope you have a peaceful and reflective Holy Week – may God give you the wisdom and insight to discern how you might continue to bring light and hope in troubled times, and may you be well, may you be happy, may you be safe in Christ’s love.
Stay tuned later today for a special Kid’s Church edition of online worship!
A message from Beth regarding the Easter Prison Biscuit Bake:
Hello friends,
Here is our first completely socially-distanced online worship service:
We hope that you are safe at home and feeling connected even though we are physically distant. If you are looking for something to sing along to, you might enjoy this version of the Hymn “In Christ Alone”:
2 weeks ago, New Zealand commemorated the first anniversary of the Christchurch Massacre – a tragic reminder of the hatred, intolerance and misunderstanding in our communities, but also of the beauty of people pulling together to bring solace and solidarity. Today we meet three old friends – a mix of Muslim and Christian women for whom friendship across faith boundaries has proved rich and lifegiving. Do you know people of other faiths with whom you could have a (physically distant) meal and develop stronger relationships?
Next week: Blessed are the peacemakers
Hello Friends,
Paul shared a thoughtful reflection from Alistair Pate, who is the minister at Chalice Uniting Church in Northcote and who leads a cafe church which until recently would meet weekly at a local pub in Northcote.
He writes:
“These are very difficult times. The challenge for us is to drink deep from the well of faith. To ground and root ourselves in God’s unchanging love for us, in God’s complete commitment to us, which we see made visible flesh in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
That, at minimum, seems to be our task just now. Perhaps there is an opportunity here, amidst the stress and anxiety, to treat this as a sort of compulsory spiritual retreat? To develop a daily discipline of prayer, work, and recreation? I know that I have experienced significant spiritual deepening in difficult times, when I was really forced back into what is most profound. Perhaps this might be all of our experience through these difficult days ahead?”
Read the rest of Alistair’s post here:
Dear St Luke’s Friends,
Grace and Peace to you all. First, some wonderful news for our community. Council is very pleased to advise that Shaghek Qassabyan has been appointed as our Community Ministry Worker for 12 months at 16 hours per week. Shaghek will be working with newcomer families to provide support and to help build connections between the existing congregation and those Christians and other friends joining us from other places. Many of you will know her from Messy Church and other small groups in St Luke’s. Welcome Shaghek!
Changed arrangements due to COVID19 pandemic
As we find our way through these uncertain times, we are more than ever aware of the God who holds us in the palm of their hand, who comforts us in distress, and who gives us courage and energy to be the “salt” and “light” of the world, bringing hope and a sense of peace through troubled times.
We make these arrangements understanding that as we are now in a State of Emergency, government directions may require us to quickly make further changes. Please follow Government directions if they are in conflict with these St Luke’s plans.
To slow the spread of infection and to protect the vulnerable in the community, Council have made the following changes to our normal ways of gathering. Some of our people have already taken steps to quarantine themselves to protect themselves and others from infection, and we fully support and understand their decision.
Our strong message to you is that no-one is required to attend any gathering if they are not comfortable to do so. Each person needs to make their own decision about what is right for their situation.
Sunday Worship
At this stage, Sunday worship will proceed with the following changes:
Church Open Times during the week
The Church will be open for prayers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from 9:30-11:00am.
The prayer space in the Sanctuary will be available for people who wish to light a candle and pray. People are advised to keep the 2 metre (about 6 feet) distance and to observe all hygiene precautions.
Pastoral Care
Those St Luke’s people who are part of a small group that meets regularly are encouraged to support one another and make their own decisions about whether and how to gather. Could all leaders please advise the office of their plans in this regard on 5244 2997 or email info@stlukesuca.org.au.
The Pastoral Care team will be checking in with those people not connected to a small group by phone on a regular basis. If you don’t belong to a group and would like to connect with the team, please contact the office on 5244 2997 or email info@stlukesuca.org.au.
Pastoral matters over this time will be co-ordinated by Barbara Murphy. Rev. Paul Stephens will co-ordinate arrangements relating to people who are in hospital. Paul can be contacted on 5244 2997 or email paul.stephens@stlukesuca.org.au.
Other ways to gather
A common life – prayers from wherever you are
Leaders are gathering resources we may use for daily prayers that we can commit to pray together even though we are in our own homes, at the same time each day, perhaps in the morning or at a mealtime. We will send these out soon. Your suggestions for prayers are welcome!
Social Platforms
St Luke’s has two kinds of social media platforms – those that are “broadcast” platforms which share news from the church to the community, and those which allow us within the church to talk to one another in an online group.
Our broadcast platforms are:
These are the virtual spaces we will use to deliver sermon recordings and other messages.
Our group platforms are:
We will be hosting live gatherings in the Facebook group – please join in!
We are also exploring ways we can link people together by telephone, particularly if you don’t have the internet at home.
Offering plate
If you are someone who normally puts an envelope in the offering plate each week, we invite you to consider a different way to transfer funds if you are choosing to stay at home. This would enable you to still financially support our church community. We do understand that many of you may need to revise your giving in light of the economic shocks that are underway. If you would like to make any changes to your giving arrangements, please contact the office to be put in touch with our recorder Judy.
Weekly News Sheet
The weekly news sheet will be replaced by a short weekly bulletin with essential information only. Copies will not be printed and handed out at Sunday worship but will be emailed via our list. If do not already receive the news sheet via email, you can sign up here: http://eepurl.com/cF8cYb
Office Open Hours
Robyn will be working from home as much as possible and so the office will often have no-one there. The answering machine, post and email will be checked regularly.
Cancellations
The following regular groups have notified the office that their activities are suspended until further notice:
We have also been informed that the SacredEdge festival in Queenscliff will not run this year.
St Luke’s Preschool continues to operate as per Government advice.
Refugee support from the chapel will be co-ordinated between Rae Anderson and Shaghek on an as-needs basis.
Annual Congregational Meeting
The Annual Meeting due this month will be postponed, however the Annual Report including the Financial Report will be emailed or delivered (if possible). We will contact Presbytery as to how we should complete the business we would have discussed at the meeting. It is fairly clear that the Budget for 2020 will need to be adjusted in light of reduced income due to COVID19 impacts.
Practical Help
Finally, if you find that the social distancing measures mean that you have a little more time on your hands, you may like to volunteer to help keep the congregation connected and supported via phone calls, prayers, and practical help – this can include helping with online communication and gatherings. Please contact the office if you would like to help! Thank you to those who have already offered to help, we will be following up shortly.
Care for yourselves and others
I leave you with some wise words from Kirsten, who sends us a lovely box of organic veggies each week, about the simple things we can do to stay well mentally and physically:
Eat simple, clean foods – loads of fresh produce to boost your immune system. I’ve never been so excited about fresh garlic, ginger and lemon water 😉
Go quietly and potter – Time in the kitchen and garden. Fermenting, souping, juicing, cooking, digging and weeding. Or read that book. Minimising time on social media and news watching and doing things to keep yourself grounded minimises stress levels and keeps the immune system happy.
Spend time outdoors in nature – I truly adore sunlight, fresh air, cold ocean dips and time in the veggie patch. It reminds you of all the good stuff in the world!
Help someone – going forward will be isolating times for people. But we are all in this together. Can you do something to help others feel connected? I am a huge fan of leaving goodies at front doors with a little note of love. When we all work together – humanity shines.
Gratitude – It’s a time of great reflection on how as a society, we live, eat and walk through this world. There is so much to be grateful for and also so much room for change.
Go gently this week and spread kindness!!!
May you feel God’s calming presence in the coming weeks,
Robyn Hodge
For Church Council
Dear friends,
We hope that you are managing to find that magical balance between sensible precautions and open hearted compassion as we enter these very uncertain times.
In times like these, we are reminded that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…” (Ps. 46: 1-2).
We encourage you to stay in touch even if you are unable to come to worship – we will be exploring ways to share worship “from a distance” using online technology and the good old telephone.
A reminder from the previous post:
Please let us know if you are unwell or if you have a diagnosis of COVID19 – information is treated confidentially – or if you have had to stay at home (self isolate). We will support you as best we can!
Contact Robyn at the office on 5244 2997
If you are well and able to pick up and deliver supplies among our community members who may have to stay at home, please let Robyn know, as many of our usual helpers are in the high risk age demographic, and more support may be needed in the coming months.
Prayers – St Luke’s has a network of people who pray for others. If you would like to be part of this group of prayerful people, please contact Robyn at the office on 5244 2997 and she will put you in touch with our Pastoral Connections team.
And here is the weekly news sheet!
Weekly Update Sunday March 15 2020
And this week’s Lent Event video:
And a little tune from one of Australia’s Singer Songwriting Treasures, Kavisha Mazella:
https://youtu.be/tXWs9xzc-TQ
Grace and Peace to you all and remember to shine the light of Christ’s compassion in these challenging times – don’t let fear take hold, have courage and care for those around you.
Robyn.
Church Council Executive met on Wednesday, and has considered how St Luke’s should manage the impacts of the COVID19 virus on our community.
We are sure you have seen in the news, that the situation is changing daily. The government is setting rules to mimimise the spread of the virus, and ensure the health system can focus on helping those most in need.. One of those rules that may be used is called “social distancing”, which involves the cancellation of large gatherings of people and the likely closure of schools and workplaces.
Until we receive further advice, normal activities of St Luke’s will continue, but we’ll apply these basic precautions from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services to limit the chance of infection:
For the normal activities that are part of our faith community life, we will take the following precautions:
Pastoral care and Practical help:
Contact Robyn at the office on 5244 2997
If you are well and able to pick up and deliver supplies among our community members who may have to stay at home, please let Robyn know, as many of our usual helpers are in the high risk age demographic, and more support may be needed in the coming months.
We do want to emphasise that if you are feeling unwell, or simply uncomfortable about attending church activities while we are in this pandemic, we strongly encourage you to stay home, even if you are rostered on for duties. In most cases, someone will be able to step in for you – just call or email to let us know that you are okay.
If you are in isolation for some time, you can keep in touch with the St Luke’s Community via our website and social media channels:
www.stlukesuca.org.au – website
https://www.facebook.com/stlukeschurchgeelong – Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1862447484018154 – Facebook Group (Private)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJAL8289CyXTVBd-Y8dvT6Q – Youtube Channel
We offer you this prayer from UCA President Dierdre Palmer:
Gracious and loving God,
Give wisdom and strength to all those in our community and around the world, who are responding to the coronavirus – health professionals, government officials, aged care providers, school leaders.
May those who mourn the loss of loved ones to the virus, be comforted.
May those in our community who are feeling anxious, find peace and reassurance.
May our congregations, and faith communities be places of compassion, attentive to those who are impacted by the coronavirus.
May we be communities of empathy, love and care, in all we face.
Through Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Grace and Peace to you all,
Robyn Hodge
On behalf of St. Luke’s Church Council
And in the meantime, you may wish to take some of Nonna’s advice:
