Christmas worship

We are offering our regular four Christmas services this year however please note that there will not be a worship service on Sunday 26th December.

Prayer Points

Ministry Team
Culture of Safety program
Moderator – Denise
Stewart Lodge & residents
Worship Committee
Finance Committee
YUCY & YUCY-OG
Compassion Ministry
BUC Arts
Synod of VicTas
Creatures of the sea

BUC News

Volunteering at BUC
The CC Initiatives Task Group on Committee Membership and Participation invites and encourages you to respond to 4 ‘tick-box’ questions about volunteering.

Worship – Advent
During Advent we will listen to the voices from our lectionary readings together with the voices around us.  We will continue to feature Emergence artworks through the services.  Dave is creating a Nativity set during the time with the children.  Everyone is welcome to contribute a favourite piece – you will get it back!

Advent 3 – Baptisms
During worship on 12th December we will celebrate the baptisms of Natalie and Arian – children of NIli and Hamid, Samantha – daughter of Jess and Nick, Ben – son of Bec and Ross

Chat with Peter Khalil
Our Federal member of Parliament Peter Khalil will be joining us after worship on 12th December for a chat. This is a chance for BUC to ask questions and let Peter know what matters to us as a faith community. While this is an informal chat, if you would like to ask a question it would be good to know ahead so we can make sure there is enough time. Please contact Kirsty Bennett on kirstyabennett@gmail.com

Statement from the Heart Study Guide
This study guide has been prepared by the Uniting Church in Australia as one important way we can better understand Sovereignty and the determination of First Nations Peoples for Voice, Treaty and Truth-Telling.  The Walking Together Group invites you to the next meeting on  Monday 13 December at 7.30 pm, by zoom.  Newcomers are welcome.

Blue Christmas
Blue Christmas, offered on Thursday 16th December at 7:30pm, is a quiet service of reflection & meditation for people who want a space to grieve, remember loved ones who have died, look back over a difficult year, seek peace in troubled times or simply take some time away from the busyness of this particular time of the year.

Writing Cards for Stewart Lodge
Last year we gave each Stewart Lodge resident a handwritten card and a small bag of shortbread. JAM would like to do this again. The shortbread is in hand (thank you!) but we need to write the cards. Could you take 10 minutes after worship on Sunday 19th December to write a few Christmas cards?  Cards (and words) supplied. Meet in the Olive Way after worship.

BUC News

Uncle Brian Birch
We recently heard the sad news that our friend Uncle Brian Birch died in the past few days. His family is holding a private funeral. We will let you know as information about a possible memorial service becomes available. In the meantime, here is a link to his recent exhibition:  Under the clearest blue sky.

Accommodation wanted
A young person connected to Castlemaine Uniting Church is moving to Melbourne for work, and he is looking for a room to rent. His name is Alex. His mum, Julie, knows Gordon and Abi Bannon. Alex has a job at a cafe in Collingwood, and is currently commuting back and forth to Castlemaine. He is flexible with the living situation – age-range, house / flat / granny flat. His mum says that he’s a quiet young fella.
If you know of a room, PM or text me for details on 0417 310 128.  Feel free to share this with others you know.

Christmas Bowl Catalogue
Our Act for Peace Christmas Bowl Appeal Catalgoue is now available featuring Gingerbread houses, Christmas Cards (artwork by Ann Soo), Gift cards (photos by Ian Ferguson), preserves, cakes and puddings. Download the catalgoue and place your orders now.  Donate to the Christmas Bowl here.

Wider Church News

UC National News, 8-14/12

  • Preventing gender-based violence starts with us
  • Bring hope to Afghan refugees before Christmas 
  • Assembly Circles and Act 2:  reflections
  • Telling the story of “Fanny’s Church”
  • Everything in Common gift cards
  • JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR:
    • A generous and compassionate response to the millions of displaced Afghan refugees living in fear and insecurity.
    • The Christian community in Syria and Lebanon, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon and all those mourning the loss of Rev Dr Salim Sahyouni.
    • Leaders of worship and faith formation across our Church who are guiding us prayerfully through the Advent season and who are busily preparing for the joyful worship of the Christmas season.