Prayer Points

Ministry Team
BIUC Congregation
Fiona – MoD candidate
UnitingCare ReGen
D&E Committee
Presbytery Representative
Student House Program
Community Ministry
Love Makes a Way
Food Co-op
CTM
Our planet & all she holds

BUC News

Tower Room Window
The Justice & Mission committee invites you to think about how we can use our window to create a display that demonstrates our respect and shared grief for the people in Christchurch and for our Muslim neighbours.  Please contact Saide Cameron, 0407 096 743, if you have any ideas and are willing to create such a display.

Are you a qualified First Aider?
We are updating our list of First Aid volunteers.  If you have a current First Aid Certificate or a CPR Certificate and would be willing to assist if a situation arose during a BUC activity you were involved in – Please contact Helen Rowe on 0423 009 813 to indicate your interest.  The names of our First Aid volunteers are posted on the notice board in the gathering space.

Holy Week Worship
During Holy Week we will continue to listen, to listen to the stories and voices of people who are often not heard.  If you would like to offer your voice in our worship during this time please let Saide know, 0407 096 743.

Lenten FUNdraising Stalls
Be ready to buy up big at the stalls after worship on Sundays 7th & 14th April.  On offer: craft, baked goods and preserves. If you have something you want to contribute please bring it along on the day.  If you have any questions call Glenice, 0414 319 649, or Saide, 0407 096 743.  The fun continues after Easter with Helen Burnham’s now famous Pop-Up Shop Op for three-four weeks from 28th April.

Lenten Reflection Group
The Discipleship & Education Committee has chosen the Centre for Theology & Ministry resource ‘Lenten Reflections 2019‘ for our focus this season.  You are invited to join with others in discussing your Lenten reflections.
When? Thursday evenings 21/3, 28/3, 4/4, 11/4 (and come back on 18/4 for our Maundy Thursday service)
Where? Gathering Space in the Church.
Time? 7:30-9:00pm in the Church

Marvellously Munchable March Dinners
It’s time to sign up to join in the fun of sharing a meal the weekend of 29th to 31st March.  You can be a guest or a host.  Everyone involved is invited to contribute to the meal.  Please check out the invitation online or pick up a copy at worship. Responses are due by Sunday 24thMarch.  Contact Saide Cameron, 0407 096 743 if you have any questions.

Welcoming Ceremony
Our first Welcoming Ceremony for 2019 will be offered on Sunday 31st March.  This is an opportunity for people new to the congregation to offer a commitment to the ministry and mission of our community and for the congregation to offer a statement of support in return.  If you would like to participate please contact Ian Ferguson, 0438 547 842.

April Olive Branch
Please email your contributions (news, stories, reflections, photos, reports, etc) for the April Olive Branch to saide.cameron@bigpond.com by Monday 25th March for publication on Sunday 31st March.

BUC News

MS Melbourne Cycle
HunterClan will be on the road early on Sunday 31st March to raise money to support people affected by Multiple Sclerosis.  You can support their efforts by making a donation to the team or individual members.

Nourish is Back!
We’re delighted to announce that there will be a special session for children (mainly primary school aged) on both Wednesdays of the school holidays.
Julie and Ian will lead the 10th of April, and Janet and Ann Soo will guide the 17th – the day before Maundy Thursday
(We are looking for a kindly kitchen supporter for both sessions)

Listening Skills workshop
A one day practical workshop with Rev Andy Calder, Monday 29thApril, 9:30-2:30 at BUC.  Please express your interest in this workshop to Richard Arnold (richarn50@gmail.com) or Peter Blair (peteblair75@gmail.com) who will forward you a registration form

Wider Church News

Storywork
Padraig O Tuama will offer a seminar ‘Theology as Story:  Believing in the Truth of People‘, Thursday 9th May and workshop, Friday 10th May at the Centre for Theology and Ministry.

John Bell in Australia
John Bell will be in Victoria over the weekend of 11th-13th May during which time he will take part in conversations on God, Delight and Diversity, Non-Violent Peacemaking, Celtic and Indigenous spirituality.  Check out all the details here.

Community News

Earth Hour
Sign up to switch off on Saturday 30th March, 8:30-9:30pm.  See all the details here

Climate Action
For meaningful change to happen, hundreds of thousands of us need to get active, consistently, visually, positively. People Power is the ONLY hope we have. Here are some events you can join in:

  • Funeral for Coal organised by ARRCC – outside Bill Shorten’s office, 12 Hall St., Moonee Ponds at 10 am on Wednesday 27th March
  • Moreland Climate Forum 6pm on Thursday 28th March at St Ambrose Community Centre, 287 Sydney Rd, hosted by Tim Read MLA and Adam Pulford (speakers to be announced)
  • Melbourne #ClimateElection Kickstart 5.30pm on Monday 1st April at St Kilda Town Hall, organised by StopAdani, Australian Youth Climate Coalition, and School Strike For Climate Action
  • Bob Brown Foundation Stop Adani Convoy is expected to be leaving Melbourne on Thursday 18th April (date, time and location to be confirmed)
  • Stop Adani Moreland – meets every second Monday at 6:3o pm, Coburn East Neighbourhood House

Northsiders with Refugees Community Conversations
An opportunity to host a conversation to raise awareness about our Government’s treatment of people seeking asylum in the lead up to the coming election.  If you are interested please read the details in the attachment and contact Saide Cameron, saide.cameron@bigpond.com to find a suitable date in our calendar.