Apologies for the delay, here is the Monthly update for July:
July Monthly Update
Synod update, Reconciliation, Being a Multicultural Church, Gospel of Mark presentation
New Synod Meeting Planning Committee |
| Expressions of interest are now open for people interested in helping shape future Synod meetings. Synod 2022 adopted a proposal to create a new committee appointed by the Standing Committee, with its membership to include up to eight people incorporating a diversity of Church members and minority voices. Its purpose is to plan and arrange the theme, venue, community life and timetable for future meetings of the Synod, giving priority to broad engagement with the membership of the Church, through the implementation of interactive, engaging and creative strategies and processes. |
Tributes Service
This year’s Tributes Service will be held at Wesley Church (Lonsdale St Melbourne) on Saturday, July 23 from 2.30pm. Traditionally held during Synod meetings, the service honours ministers who, since the previous Synod meeting, have been ordained, retired or received from other denominations, or celebrated 50, 60, 65 and 70 years since ordination or commissioning. The service will also be livestreamed.
Synod 2022 wrap
UC members gathered in Melbourne recently for three days of discussion, deep engagement and discernment as part of Synod 2022. All three days and the Opening Worship service, which featured the installation of Moderator David Fotheringham, can be found on the Synod 2022 YouTube channel, while daily updates were posted to the Crosslight website.
Share Grants
Applications for 2022 Share Grants are now open. Since 1980, the Share Grants program has provided financial assistance to enhance the quality and scope of UnitingCare and Uniting Church services to the community in Victoria and Tasmania. With the program now part of Uniting Vic.Tas, this year’s grants are once again available for parish missions, congregations and others in the community.
St Luke’s has some great activities which could qualify for these grants
Gospel lecture |
| The role of the Gospel of Matthew in engaging with community-led issues, such as violence, land and food security, and unemployment in South Africa will be the focus of an August 4 lecture by Professor Gerald West. The lecture will be held in person at the Centre for Theology and Ministry and also streamed live. |
Faith and diversity |
| Recent Census data has provided a snapshot of modern Australia, including the fact that for the first time, first and second generation migrants make up more than half of our population, at 51.5 per cent. National Assembly Consultant Rev Dr Apwee Ting explores what this means in terms of faith and diversity. |
First Peoples webinar
The role of history and truth-telling in working towards a more just and self-determined future for First Peoples is the subject of a webinar on July 21 organised by the Uniting Church National History Society. First Nations leaders and historians will be part of the Zoom event exploring the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
July Online Mental Health Awareness Training Opportunities
The Mental Health Foundation of Australia are offering online information sessions about current Mental Health Topics which St Luke’s and wider community members may be interested in joining – topics include:
To register for the webinars, click here
News from Presbytery
The Westerly No.33
This edition we explore the theme of ‘Seeking Refugee’ with Rev. Geoff Barker’s story of retreat time in a French abbey, JIM Article Refugee week, Rev. Fi Bottcher (Deacon) encourages us to all practice self-love. Rev. Mat Harry (Deacon) speaks about the statistics around young adults who are taking refuge in their faith. If you missed your June 5th Edition of the westerly back editions are available at Newsletters – Presbytery of Port Phillip West (ucappw.org.au) .
Uniting Congregation Connect Winter 2022 and Uniting Heritage Newsletter
From Dale at Uniting:
“We are pleased to send you the Winter 2022 Congregation Connect. In this edition, you can read about:
- our participation in this year’s Palm Sunday rally, alongside the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
- one of our valued volunteers, Suzanne
- how you can support people in crisis this winter
We have also included copies of our latest Uniting Heritage newsletter. The Uniting Heritage Service supports and their families who were adopted, spent time with foster care providers, in children’s or family group homes, and in orphanages.
If this out-of home care was provided by former Presbyteryian, Methodist or Uniting Churches, we help people piece together memories and better understand their past. ”
Pick up your copies from the St Luke’s foyer this Sunday.
Spotlight on Community Partners – The Geelong Chorale
The Geelong Chorale recommenced rehearsals at St Luke’s every Monday evening in 2022 and are excited to present their upcoming concert:
Having been delayed in making this overseas journey for the past two years, we are delighted that we can finally present “Around the World in Eighty Minutes”. Although restrictions have generally eased, overseas travel still remains a challenge. So come on an overseas journey with us, no need to check in or stand at the luggage carousel, as we take you on an epic journey via the world’s treasury of folk songs.
Tickets are also available at the door and cash or card payments can be accepted.
June Monthly Update 2022
Here is the monthly update for June:
May Monthly Update 2022
Uniting World’s Annual appeal is on now and Update 2 for 2022 is available in the foyer
If you are looking for some good news to encourage you, be sure to pick up a copy of the latest update from Uniting world. You are invited to donate to the annual appeal which demonstrates how one action from you can ripple out to the Partner churches and organisations of Uniting World and help them to build up communities who are struggling in oppressive circumstances.
To donate online, click here
Save the Date – Pentecost Sunday Worship at Wesley Uniting Church 10am
The Uniting Churches of Geelong will be joining together in the one place on Pentecost Sunday, 5th June 2022 at 10am.
This means that there will be NO SUNDAY SERVICE AT ST LUKES ON SUNDAY 5th of June.
Instead we encourage everyone from St Luke’s to come to Wesley Uniting Church, 100 Yarra Street Geelong on that day.
We are also invited to join in with a combined choir and band, which will be rehearsing on the next two Tuesday nights, the 24th and 31st of May at 7:00pm at Wesley Uniting Church. To take part, please register with Helen at Wesley UC on 5229 8866.
As plans unfold, there may be a need for helpers on the day, so if you are planning to come and able to assist, I would love to hear from you. Likely tasks would be catering, ushering and such. I will keep you posted as I find out more. We will be sharing news of the Pentecost Service at Sunday mornings, and through our website and social media, however if you are in touch with friends who don’t connect there, could you please help to spread the word so that no-one is left at the front door wondering where everyone is?
May we be blessed with the fire and warmth of the Holy Spirit as we gather as one big Uniting Church community in Geelong!
