Prayer Points

Ministry Team
Ian preparing for Supply Ministry
Valentina and Yoo Mi joining the Ministry Team
Fiona preparing for Ordination
Church Council
Olive Way program
Pastoral Care Committee
Justice & Mission Committee
Sunday Morning Program
Roster participants
Non-Violent Direct Action
FUNdraising Committee
Presbytery of Port Philip West
Creatures of the land

BUC News

Offering our sympathy
Letting you know of the death in Sydney of Meg Orton’s eldest brother Richard, sad but not unexpected.  He had been very unwell for many months so his death is the end of a painful period.

2020 Leaders’ Retreat
Are you a leader at BUC – a committee member, roster volunteer, SMP teacher, a leader of any kind or interested in leadership? There are lots of us! And it’s great to get together at the start of the year to reflect on where we are and where we might be heading.   The 2020 Leaders’ Retreat will be on Saturday 1st February, 1-5pm at BUC.  The plan is for overlapping groups of leaders to meet at different times:

  • all leaders who can attend, on the Saturday afternoon, 1-5pm at BUC
  • followed by (optional) drinks/dinner together on Sydney Rd
  • Church Council members will then reconvene on Sunday 2 February after morning tea, say 11:30 – 4:00, with lunch provided.

Mechanics of the Eye
“Mechanics of the Eye” life drawing classes are back by popular demand. Led by Priscilla Manthey, artist and art teacher extraordinaire, each class will explore a different theme over 6 weeks.  Paper and pencils are available or BYO. West End Hall at the church. $10/$1-$5 concession per class. Commencing Sunday 2nd February til 8th March, 11.45am – 2.15pm (includes prep and tidy-up).

Lent Planning Meeting
You are invited to join the worship committee to plan for worship during the season of Lent.  We will meet on 6th February from 6:30pm beginning with a light meal.  Details here.  RSVP to Saide, 0407 096 743, to assist with catering.

SMP Blessing, Elders Commissioning & Confirmation
During worship on Sunday 9th February the Sunday Morning Program will be blessed for a new year. Details here.
Later in the service our Elders will be commissioned to their role of oversight of the mission and ministry of our congregation.  Details here.
We will joyfully celebrate the confirmation of Michael Cameron and Bella Taranto.  Details here.
And finally we will celebrate Ian’s call to Supply Ministry in East Gippsland as one of our Presbytery Ministers concludes his ministry with us in preparation for his three month secondment to East Gippsland in the week beginning 10th February.  See the Supply Ministry update here.

Ordination
Fiona Bottcher will be ordained for the Ministry of Deacon on Sunday 9th February, 2pm at Brunswick UC.  The service will be presided over by the Presbytery of Port Phillip West.  We will be providing afternoon tea.  Please contact Leanne Salau, 0449 912 092‬, if you can provide a plate of food and/or assist with setting up, serving or cleaning up.  Thank you.

Working Bee & Lunch
Join the Property Committee for all the fun of tidying up, cleaning and gardening after worship on 16th February.  Then stay on for lunch.  Details here.

FUNdraising BBQ & Pool Party
We have a whole extra day this year (29th February) so come along and spend at least part of it at the home of the Matthew’s family simply enjoying being in community.  This party is a highlight in our community calendar.  We are FUNdraising for to create a mural on our sheds through the ‘Go Paint the Sheds’ proposal developed by the Olive Arts Collective.   Details here.

Sydney Road Street Party
As always we will have a presence at this massive community event on Sunday 1st March.  Our theme will shaped by the Climate Crisis.  Find out all the details here.  Please see the list for volunteers to find out how you can be involved.  Contact Saide, 0407 096 743, if you have any questions.

Climate Action News

People’s Climate Assembly
The People’s Climate Assembly is from Sunday 2nd February to Thursday 6th February in Canberra. This is a coalition of activist groups and supporters who will be demanding that the government step up and do something to help address the climate Emergency we face. There will be speeches, musicians, advocacy in Parliament, placards and a major rally on Tuesday 4th February starting at 12 noon and ending with a legal, peaceful encirclement of Parliament House.  For further details see the Facebook page.

Send Siemens a Signal
German company Siemens has recently announced after weeks of pressure to rule out working with Adani that they intend to keep working with them on the signalling for Adani’s rail line. This has been deeply disappointing and frustrating. Many people want to let Siemens CEO Joe Kaeser know how they feel.
On Wednesday February 5th the company will be holding its Annual General Meeting in Germany. Climate organisations in that country plan to find ways of making sure their voices are heard at this event. Here in Australia we can add our voices to theirs by holding a protest outside their office in Melbourne on the same day.  Please do come. As ever, please bring a sign that shows that you are there as a person of faith.
February 5th, Siemens offices, 380 Docklands Drive, Docklands.  Meet at 12.15pm for a protest from 12.30 to 1.30pm
More information can be found on Facebook. 

National Climate Emergency Summit
On the 14th-15th February 2020, Melbourne will host the National Climate Emergency Summit as part of Sustainable Living Festival’s month-long Festival. This summit aims to amplify the current social and political momentum for urgent action – highlighted by over 1200 formal climate emergency declarations throughout the world.  Go beyond the declaration and be part of shaping Australia’s climate emergency transition and register now for one or both days! 

National Day of Action
On Saturday 22nd February from 2pm to 5pm there will be protests around the country in a national day of action demanding serious leadership on the bushfire and climate crisis, including one in Melbourne at the State Library, corner of Swanston and LaTrobe Streets. Meet with other people of faith at 1.30pm by the statue of Charles La Trobe on the left-hand side of the forecourt to the library (near LaTrobe Street). Please bring a sign that makes it plain that you are there as a person of faith. You could also wear an ARRCC t-shirt, which can be bought online.

Wider Church News

Godly Play Training
This course is for anyone interested or involved in ministry within the church.  Find out more here.
When? February 13, 14 & 15
Where? Centre for Theology and Ministry
29 College Crescent Parkville
Cost? Full: $650 for the three full days, Concession: $450
Details? Contact Jeanette Acland jeacland@gmail.com 9349 1182

Council of Christians & Jews Events
Sunday 16th February – Rev Glenn Loughery will talk about ‘Aboriginal Spirituality and the Christian Faith’ at St Oswald’s Anglican church, Glen Iris at 3 pm.
Sunday 23rd February – Our full day workshop on ‘Tackling Hate Speech Program’ will be held at the Bentleigh Uniting Church
Sunday 15th March – Paul Forgasz will present ‘In the Footsteps of Spanish Jewry:  From “Golden Age” to National Disaster at 3 pm, venue to be advised.

Education under occupation
Everyone is invited to this public gathering with Brother Peter Bray co-hosted by the UCA with the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network on Monday 24th February.  Details here.