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

Moving towards COVID Normal

Sunday Afternoons in December – 2pm In-Person Worship. 
During December we invite you to come and worship in person at BUC, 2pm in the church worship space (we will be continuing our online worship offerings in the mornings). We have trialled these services over the past couple of weeks for those who haven’t been able to access our online offerings and this Sunday we are pleased to open the service to the whole congregation.

If you would like to come, please RSVP to Ian iferguson@icloud.com, 0438 547 842, by midday on Sunday – this will help us keep track of numbers. We are currently only allowed 80 people in our worship space.

When you come you will notice a number of changes:

  • You will need to sign in using a QR code or on the sign in sheets provided.
  • You will need to wear a mask.
  • You will need to sit and stand at least 1.5 metres away from anyone who is not part of your household. We are facilitating this by blocking off every second pew and by marking 1.5 metre intervals along each pew.
  • Initially all the music will be recorded. You are welcome to join in singing with your mask on.
  • There will be no afternoon tea, but you don’t need to hurry off – stay and chat while observing physical distance.
This is our plan for December only. We hope to commence 9:30am in-person services in January. Stay tuned for our “Moving Towards COVID Normal” updates. 

BUC News

Riding the Waves – Episode 12
Our twelfth & final story features Sheila & Andrew.

Recording Christmas Carols
Time is running out for recording your part for our Christmas Carols project.  Contact Shawn Whelan, 0418 613 898‬, if you need a reminder about how to contribute.

Act for Peace Christmas Bowl Appeal
The Christmas Bowl on-line catalogue is now closed.  Orders will be delivered over the weekend of 12-13th December.  Contact Saide, 0407 096 743, if you would like organise delivery, otherwise we will contact you.   You can also make a personal donation to support the work of Act for Peace directly through the BUC page here.  Read the Christmas Bowl story here.

A prayer, a plea, a bird
Julie Perrin’s new book A prayer, a plea, a bird is a collection of prayers and stories, many of which have arisen out of the year that 2020 has been. Her first book Tender, stories that lean into kindness was published last year. Both of Julie’s books can be purchased and mailed from the publisher  www.mediacom.org.au.

University Text books available – by donation
Fiona MacDowall has received a donation of 70 university-level text books that are all published in the last 5 years and in brand new condition (see the list here).  She would like to offer them to the BUC community.   The books are free but Fiona would encourage people to make a donation to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, or a charity of their choice.  Contact Fiona at fmacdowall@bigpond.com to arrange collection.

Climate Action News

Climate Action Group
The next meeting of BUC Climate Action Group (CAG) will be at the earlier time of 4.30pm on Saturday 5th December via zoom. All welcome.

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

Victoria, Tasmania: Living the Change
Celebrate LIVING THE CHANGE on Sunday 6 December 2020 3-5.30pm where you can be working together towards creating a flourishing world for all. Gather as members of diverse faith communities and those who care for our planet to share our stories of change, transformation, and regeneration. The event offers a chance to talk about our individual lifestyle changes in the areas of transport, diet and/or energy use, and to share what inspires us, our triumphs and struggles. Religious leaders will speak about their efforts to reduce their own carbon footprint. Living the Change is brought to you by Australian Religious Response to Climate Change, Religions for Peace Australia, Cultural Infusion and United Religions Initiative. Book here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=677806&

Moreland City Council launches new Zero Carbon Moreland website
The website highlights actions you can take to help act on the climate crisis, including ways to;

  • Get involved in community action
  •  Energy switch
  • Achieve zero waste
  • Travel smart

Stay up to date with projects, events and campaigns to help us and our 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/