BUC News

Happy Birthday
to Barry Cook who celebrated his 80th on 29th June.

Student House Welcome
to welcome Benjamin Qi-En Hon, who is originally from Malaysia, and is studying Law at Melbourne University.  See the CFYYA News in the July Olive Branch for more.

Zoom Chat
Join Ian after worship for the weekly post worship Zoom chat at 10:30am.

July Olive Branch
Our monthly newsletter will be emailed to the congregation on 4th July.  Printed versions will be posted out to those who usually receive it in this format.  This edition features a heartfelt thank you from the Pastoral Care Compassion Team and an invitation to offer support if you can.  Peter Blair has provided an update on plans for reopening the Olive Way program and photos of the painting work being done.  The JAM News acknowledges the many people who participate in the committees and programs for which the Justice and Mission committee provides oversight and support.  The Worship Committee report provides an insight into the work being done behind the scenes each week to prepare our online worship service.  Read all this and more beginning with Ian’s meditation – Jesus and Sophia in the July Olive Branch.

Wider Church News

Uniting to create the new normal
UnitingCare Australia National Director Claerwen Little, Uniting VicTas CEO Bronwyn Pike and Senior Analyst Corinne Dobson have told a Senate Inquiry into the COVID-19 response that vulnerable Australians need more support through the pandemic.  Read more.

Climate Action News

Climate Action Group
The BUC Climate Action Group (CAG) will meet via zoom meeting at 11.45am on Sunday 12th July to discuss the BUC’s Climate Action Plan (after it has been finalised by Church Council) – in particular those priorities in the plan that Church Council is seeking CAG to initiate or coordinate. Contact Richard Arnold for more details.

Consultation on Synod’s Position on Climate Change
The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania Justice and International Mission (JIM) Cluster believes there is a need for the Synod to update its position on the urgency of addressing the causes of climate change and the actions that need to be taken in response. A consultation paper can be downloaded from the website https://justact.org.au/climate-justice-creation/reports/. The JIM cluster is keen to hear by Friday 31st July the views of Uniting Church members on what action the Synod should take on climate change (see website) and is holding two online forums on: Tuesday 21st July, 7–8pm (register here for Tuesday on eventbrite) and Wednesday 22nd July, 10:30–11:30am (register here for Wednesday on eventbrite).

Prayer Points

Ministry Team
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