There are so many ways to get involved at Brunswick Uniting Church that we’re really a “community of communities”! Each person gets involved in whatever ways work for them, and that’s just how it should be.
Whether you’re thinking about “dipping your toe in”, or you’ve been involved in some parts of our community and wondering about others, here are some suggestions for how you can be part of God’s work through BUC.
Just Come Along
All Welcome
Make a Commitment
Just come along
9:30 am every Sunday. We are back onsite and also offering worship through livestream on YouTube
Our young people engage with stories of faith, exploring them through games, songs, prayers and art making activities. Activities are provided for our younger children in the worship space. Teenagers from Year 7-10 go out for Donuts & Discussion on the 3rd Sundays.
Join us in practicing Christian Meditation. We meet via a WhatsApp group on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Contact Richard, 0407796429 to join the WhatsApp group. A Wednesday in person group meets 7:30pm. Contact Leesl, 0423 265 538.
A daytime community of welcome, 10:00-1:30 Tuesday-Wednesday. Olive Arts is also open on Wednesdays until noon.
We participate in public rallies (eg for climate action and refugee rights), host discussion forums on important issues, and organise a variety of other creative actions for social justice and care of the earth. See the Events Calendar, or look for our banner at rallies and come stand with us!
If you are a high-school age teenager, come join our Youth Group. Find out more – yucybrunswick@gmail.com
Participatory community singing of old and new hymns with striking harmonies. 3:00-5:00pm on the first Sunday of each month.
Help the environment, connect with your local community and challenge profit-driven models of food distribution by shopping at the Brunswick Food Co-op, open third Saturday (9.30am-12.30pm) of every month.
Meet with other women for coffee and great conversation at a local cafe, 2:30pm on the third Saturday of each month. Contact Leanne, 0449 912 092
All welcome, call for details
Everyone’s welcome to come to the following groups too, whether once-off or as a regular! But they’re the sort of thing that it’s best to call one of the organisers to get the details in advance.
Regular and occasional gatherings of crafty geniuses and newbies alike including Olive Arts Collective and Olive Pesto. Yarn bombing, felting, quilting, you name it! Call Ann 0422 842 244.
Book Club & Book Group
The name says it all! We discuss a great range of books.
Two groups meet monthly
- 4th Wednesday, 7pm in the Merri Street Hall or on Zoom, contact Jill, 0425 750 322.
- 3rd Wednesday, 11am at Project 281, 281 Albert St., Brunswick., contact Claire, 0419 988 972.
BUC hosts planning meetings of LMAW, an ecumenical non-violent direct action group focused on the plight of refugees stranded on Nauru and Manus Island. Contact Abi lovemakesawaymelb@gmail.com.
Make a commitment
Ready for the next step? Some of the richness of Christian community is found only when people make a commitment – to plan, to show up, to serve, to lead. These roles range from low-key commitments (like helping out on the roster once in a while) to dedicated servant leadership (Elder/Church Council). But none of them are scary, or come with preconditions. Take that next step as a follower of Jesus, and see how you’ll grow!
Be part of the Sunday morning roster
Roles range from helping with flowers or morning tea to musicians, readers, prayer-leaders, and liturgists. We could really use more volunteers for sound desk and lap top operators. Call Saide 0407 096 743.
We’re always looking for people willing to commit a half day, however often they can, to serving this wonderful daytime community. Call Peter on 0431 193 810.
Our committees are not boring and business-like, but are life-giving communities of faith in their own right. And they’re all hoping you’ll join them! Check out the full list of committees (scroll down) and contact a chair/convenor or any other member for details.
Join another group – or start one!
Church Council encourages us all to make the most of our “community of communities”… so if there isn’t a group doing what you want to do, why not invite others to join you in something new?
We welcome to full participation everyone who wants to name BUC as their “community of faith.” But we celebrate even more when, after discussion and study and prayer, a person is baptised and/or confirms their baptism as a full member of the church, the body of Christ. Our minister Ian convenes groups to explore the Christian faith and consider making these commitments throughout the year. Call Ian on 0438 547 842.
Become an elder and serve on the Church Council
OK, this one does have preconditions: you need to be a baptised and confirmed member (or member-in-association) of BUC, and be elected as an Elder. But that’s all! We value the diversity of our gifts as Elders, and celebrate as we grow into our roles, so don’t think “I couldn’t do that.” We could use some more Elders – could this be your next step? Talk to any Elder, or call Shawn on 0418 613 898.