Prayer Points

Ministry Team
BIUC Congregation
Fiona – preparing for Ordination
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

BUC News

Day of Mourning
During worship on 26th January our worship will be shaped by Day of Mourning worship resources from the UCA and UAICC .

Funeral
The funeral for Julie Perrin’s mother, Margaret Perrin, will be held at Ashburton Baptist Church on Wednesday 29th January, 2pm.  Details here.

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.

Put it in your diaries now – more details to come soon!

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.  If you’ve been wanting to try drawing for the first time, or to further deepen your skills in a supportive and inclusive environment, these weekly classes are ideal. 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.
And joyfully we will celebrate the confirmation of Michael Cameron and Bella Taranto.  Details here.

BUC News

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.

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.

Climate Action News

This is Not Normal – Explaining Bushfires & Climate Change
This guide by Tim Flannery from the Climate Council explains the issues simply, and says what we must to do now to address the issues.  Download here.

Greenpeace documentary on Dirty Power
This short documentary explains Big Coal’s network of influence over our governments. Watch the documentary Dirty Power and share the link with your friends.

National Climate Emergency Summit
On the 14-15th 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. Registration now available. Go beyond the declarations and be part of shaping Australia’s climate emergency transition.