Tips for recording yourself for online presentations

Dear friends,

It has been so lovely to see our people  in our online worship and other presentations, sharing greetings, bible readings and prayers.

As one of the editors, I get to see your recordings many times and come up  with creative ways to present your contributions so that you are clearly seen and heard.

I want to encourage those of you who are “brave” enough, to consider joining the “digital worship roster”, to help present and prepare items for Sunday morning, Messy Church, Kid’s church and other opportunities we have to share the story of Jesus’ transforming grace and our lives as a community of faith.

Here are some tips for helping you to prepare a great video recording:

In summary:

  • – Smartphones are fine
  • – Record from a fixed position
  • – Make sure the light source is in front of you, not behind you
  • – Record in Landscape, not portrait
  • – Record in a quiet environment
  • – Do a test to check if you are loud enough
  • – Pause at the beginning and end of the video, and after a stumble so that the editor can work their magic
  • – Don’t be nervous! We love to see our people in our worship!

Thanks to Abigail and Christopher for their help with photos and sound effects!

We look forward to seeing many more St Luke’s faces and hearing your voices as we continue to gather virtually to keep one another safe.  If you are interested in helping to prepare a segment for one of our online ministries, please let either Paul or myself know by emailing the office – info (at) stlukesuca.org.au

 

Sunday 3rd May – Online Worship: Easter 4

Greetings dear friends!

This week’s online worship is here, but it won’t be published until Sunday morning at 9am:

Thankyou to Paul and Colleen for presenting, and to Pam for her photo contributions,  a rose is featured during the Lord’s Prayer, and Pam  writes:  “This is a symbol of remembrance of the wonder of God’s creation.   (It is actually a bloom from the rose bush given to Beth [Allen] following Ken’s passing)”,

If you would like to hear the version of Psalm 23 that Paul mentioned today, you can find a beautiful recording here:

For a listening song, you might also enjoy this tune from Leigh Newton (if you haven’t already noticed, I’m becoming quite the fan!

We had our first Messy Church gathering via Zoom this week, and it was great to see the faces of our friends again after a long while!  We’re looking forward to trying out a lot of new ideas for next time.

Bible Lego Challenge

Our Presbytery is running a Great Bible Lego Challenge!

This is the way it will work…

It starts on 2 May 2020. You are invited to form a team for the Presbytery Bible Lego Challenge. Your team can be a family group or other Lego enthusiasts that you are allowed to be with.

You can have no more than 4 people in your team. There are no restrictions on number of teams per ministry context, they just need an individual name. An example could be “Team Zero from East Geelong UCA.”

Each week for 6 weeks a new Lego challenge will be issued for teams to complete – this will be posted on our Presbytery Facebook Page each Sunday – Regenerating the Church – Port Phillip West Presbytery.

A full copy of the rules is available on our Facebook page or you can download it here:

Presbytery of Port Phillip West LEGO Challenge

There will be prizes… so come aboard and join the fun!

Presbytery has also begun producing a regular newsletter – you can find a copy here:

PPPW Newsletter 30 April 2020

The Synod is also sending out more frequent e-news updates – here’s the latest one

Last year, our family watched this story on ABC’s Compass about a Minister in Surrey Hills trying out new ways of being in community, and of ministry.  It got us thinking about different ways of ministry for St Luke’s, too.

Take care this week, friends – and don’t forget to send us your photos and contributions for online worship – we’d love to see photos of you “attending” church these days!  Or perhaps you have some favourite photos or videos of Geelong or of the St Luke’s community you’d like to share.

 

Sunday 26th April – Online Worship: Easter 3

Good morning everyone!

You’re in for a treat this morning with a special morning hymn from Magpie!  Thanks to Barbara, Linda and Paul for preparing and presenting this morning’s worship.

We also have volume 2 of our Orthodox Easter greetings from our Messy Church families to share with you:

For some music today, other than the magpies, you might enjoy this thought-provoking tune from Leigh Newton:

Linda has sourced some multi sensory and multi generational activities for you to do at home here:

Easter 3 Resources

And we haven’t heard from her for a long time, but I thought many of you would appreciate hearing this Parish update from our friend Geraldine, the Vicar of Dibley (PS it’s a comedy sketch, for those of you who’ve never heard of her before!)

And speaking of Zoom, our first Messy Church gathering via Zoom is happening this Friday 1st of May at 4:30pm.  Details of how to prepare will be emailed on Monday, but in the meantime, don’t forget to pop it in your calendar!

Sunday 19th April: Easter 2 – Online Worship

Grace and Peace to you all, in the name of Jesus.

Heartfelt thanks to Linda Salamy for editing this week’s worship service so that I could catch up on some very behind university study!  Thanks to Paul and Sue for presenting our worship today.

We also have many families from our Messy Church community who celebrate Orthodox Easter this weekend as part of their traditions – here are some special greetings from some of them!

If you are wanting to sing today, you might enjoy this favourite – “Be Thou My Vision”:

We also have some multi-sensory activities for you to do at home:

Easter 2 Resources

You might like to try dyeing your own eggs with Costa and friends:

 

Please keep in your prayers our partners in the Pacific, particularly Vanuatu, as they deal with the aftermath of Cyclone Harold.    Here is an update from UnitingWorld about the impact of COVID19 on our partners from poorer nations:

Above all, we urge you to continue to uphold one another in prayer, and we pray that you and your loved ones stay safe and well, and know the transforming presence of Jesus through these challenging and uncertain times.

Easter Sunday – online worship

Easter Sunrise at Limeburner’s Point 2019.

Christ is Risen!  He is Risen indeed – Alleluia!

May this Easter morning bring you renewal and encouragement.

You can watch our online worship service here – there are even some opportunities for you to sing along with some favourite hymns today.

Here too is an Easter Message from the CEO of Uniting VicTas, Bronwyn Pike:

And of course an Easter message from our lovely Moderator, Denise:

 

Sunrise service at Limeburner’s Point with members of East Geelong Uniting Church, 2019.

Good Friday Reflection – Worship online

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:

 

 

Maundy Thursday Reflection – Worship online

Jesus washes his disciples’ feet – John 13:1-17

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:

Maundy Thursday (YrA) –9 Apr 2020 “Washing and being clean”

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.

Sunday 5th April 2020 – Online Worship – Palm Sunday

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.

Shaghek (R) pictured here with Rae Anderson and friend at the Garage Sale in 2018.

For some music listening, please enjoy “From a Still Small Voice” performed by Leigh Newton, with thanks to Craig Mitchell for sharing!

Lent event

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.

Resources for home

Linda Salamy has gathered some multi-sensory activities you can download and do from home in your devotional time.

Palm Sunday craft resources

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!

 

 

Sunday 29th March – Worship online

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”:

Lent Event

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

Message from the Moderator

COVID19 Update 19th March 2020

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:

  • A shorter,reflective 30 minute service which will be recorded
  • Attendees are recommended to keep a distance of 2 metres apart from one another, and we’ll be encouraging washing/sanitising of hands when you arrive.
  • Suspension of Rosters.  – there will be no welcoming/ushers/collection/communion tasks, so there are no ‘jobs’ that you have to come to do.
  • No morning tea after worship at Church

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