Prayer Points

Ministry Team
COVID reference group
BIUC Congregation
UnitingCare ReGen
D&E Committee
Presbytery Representatives – Kate and Jamie
Student House Program
Community Ministry
Love Makes a Way
Food Co-op
CTM
Our planet & all she holds

UC National News
– The people of Fiji as Tropical Cyclone Yasa passes over them.
– Our ecumenical friends in the National Council of Churches in Australia as we share the Christmas message together.
– That you and your loved ones will know God’s love this Christmas and that Jesus’ message of peace, love and hope will light up your life and our world in the year ahead. God Bless you and have a Happy Christmas.

BUC News

January Roster
The roster for our return to worshipping together on site in January is being prepared this week.  Please respond to the email sent out recently or contact Saide, 0407 096 743, to participate.  There is an increased role for welcomers to assist people as we enter and sign-in for contact tracing.

Act for Peace Christmas Bowl Appeal
During worship we are listening to stories about the worship of the Christmas Bowl.  You can support the work of Act for Peace through the BUC page here.  Read the Christmas Bowl story here.

Ministry Team on leave

  • Ian will be on leave from 4th-24th January.  Please see the diary below for preachers joining us.
  • Dave will be on leave from 29th December-27th January
  • Peter will be on leave from 28th December-10th January

Christmas News

Worship services
Each year we offer four Christmas services and this year we are continuing the tradition this year.

The Blue Christmas service was held on 16th December.  A recorded version of the service will be available before the weekend.

Olive Way Christmas Lunch
After a tumultuous and disruptive year we at Olive Way thought that it would be really nice if we could conclude the year on a positive note. To that end we have decided that we will be holding an end of year breakup/Christmas event on Tuesday 22nd of December from the church (12:30pm). A job list has been prepared. Contact Peter, 0431 193 810, to offer your support.

Climate Action News

Green Faith International: Sacred People Sacred Earth campaign
We are united by a fundamental belief that all people, all living things, and the Earth are sacred. As we consider the state of the world today, our hearts overflow with concern. We are frightened and frustrated by the damage that COVID-19 is inflicting on our communities. The pandemic has revealed cruel injustices. The vulnerable suffer the most severe impacts. We know about this injustice. We have seen it before. These same communities are disproportionately and catastrophically affected by the accelerating climate emergency. Grave threats are at our door as the world shelters in place. As faith communities, we need to make our voices heard. Green Faith International is aiming for tens of thousands of signatures from people of faith. You can sign up here: https://bit.ly/3f4GFtK

Zero Carbon Moreland website
This Moreland City Council website highlights actions you can take to help act on the climate crisis, Stay up to date with projects, events and campaigns to help the community act together for a safe climate.  https://morelandzerocarbon.org.au  Also sign up to the Moreland eco eNews https://morelandzerocarbon.org.au/join-us/ and connect via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ZeroCarbonMoreland/

Wider Church News

UC National News

President’s Christmas News
The central message of Christmas is that we are loved by God, says Dr Deidre Palmer in her 2020 Christmas video. Loved by the God who comes to us in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ who lights up our lives and world with a message of peace, love and hope that transcends our distance and separation.

Moderator’s Christmas Message
Rev. Denise Liersch’s Christmas message is available here.