Rethinking Racism
Join the Justice and Mission Committee in a space for listening, discussion and reflection about racism and anti-racism. We will be listening to First Nations voices on these topics, and reflecting on how we can act in good allyship.  Two opportunities:  in person after worship on 21st April or on Zoom on 23rd April.

Navigating faith over a lifetime
One of ABC RN’s religion shows Soul Search contacted Julie Perrin in a relation to one of her Age faith columns and asked her to participate in this interview. Part of it talks about being in a church community.  Julie was interviewed along with  people whose theological points of view differed quite a bit from hers, but was given some space at the end to talk about what she believe matters.  She wanted to share this experience with us.

Banner making for Climate Justice
The BUC Arts committee invites you to help create a banner for the Tower Room Window space as part of the Week of Climate Action.  We will be making the banner in the hall after worship on 21st & 28th April ready for installation from 3rd-12th May. No skills needed, all materials supplied.

FUNdraising Stalls
We are FUNdraising for the Olive Way.  The stalls will be available after worship on 21st & 28th April.  Lots of fabulous things to buy.  Stock on treats for yourself and others.  (Mothers’ Day is not far off if that is something that your family celebrates!)

“Rise Up” Week of Climate Action
BUC Climate Action Group is calling on everyone at BUC to get involved in the Week of Climate Action’, 3rd-12th May.
There will be two opportunities to help with planning the Week of Climate Action in May.  Join us on Zoom on Monday 22 April (join here) and Wednesday 24 April(join here) – both from 7.30 to 8.30 pm
Come to either or both meetings!

ANZAC Day service
This is a reminder for this year’s ANZAC day service of Lament, Repentance and New Hope at St Paul’s Cathedral at 11 am. This year’s service will focus on Gaza. Israel and Palestine whihc is so much on our thoguhts.  It will be an opportunity to stand in solidarity and prayer with our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Gaza and with young Israelis who are refusing to fight and facing the consequences.  Full details here.
The speakers are  Adnan Mansour, a Palestinian who survived NAKBA and Nachson Amir, a former IDF officer who is not passionately pro Palestinian.  The preacher will be Revd. Farag Hanna who is vicar of Holy Trinity Coburg, where he leads a 300 strong Arab congregation.  Farag has ministered in both Egypt and Palestine.
Blessings, Rev. Harry Kerr

Responsive Behaviours
This workshop will be held on the 27th April from 10am to 2pm in the main church sanctuary. It will incorporate stories and learnings from our time in Olive Way responding to the odd challenging incident.  RSVP to Peter Blair.

Welcoming Ceremony & Lunch
We will offer a Welcoming Ceremony during worship on 28th April for people who have recently (or not so recently) become part of the BUC community.  Each person being welcomed will share their story and we will all share in making responses.  If you would like to participate please contact Wayne Matthews, 0415 378 362, chair of the Pastoral Care Hospitality Committee.
Stay on after worship for a delicious Soup & Rolls lunch.  If you would like to offer a pot of soup, to buy rolls or to help with setting up, serving, cleaning up please send Saide a message, 0407 096 743.

May Olive Branch
Contributions to the monthly newsletter are very welcome.  Please email your stories, news, photos, ideas, events to Saide by 23rd April.  The Olive Branch will be published on 28th April.

Uniting in Prayer 2024 – Resources Now Available!
Uniting in Prayer 2024 is 35 days of prayer and connection for the whole of the Uniting Church. It is a time to pray and reflect on our past and present and future as the Uniting Church and what God might have in store for us. All who call the Uniting Church home are invited to join together in thanksgiving and hope to pray and seek the leading of the Spirit for the years ahead.   Find out how to get involved.  In particular  Sign up on the website to receive daily prayers.