BUC News

At the Congregational Meeting on Sunday 26th November the following people were elected as Elders and members of our Church Council: James Balsille, Daniel Broadstock, Kate Scull, Claire Foley, Linda Wannan, Shawn Whelan, Gwen Arnold, Helen Rowe, Behzad Farhangi. Steph Gesling was elected as our second Presbytery Representative.

LAST CALL  Out and About end-of-year luncheon.  If you still need to respond please contact Helen by Friday 1st December at helen.rowe@rocketmail.com   Luncheon date Friday 8th December in Preston. Cost $30 paid in advance.

Steph Gesling will be commissioned for her new role in the Community Engagement Ministry at Coburg Uniting Church, 19 Victoria St. on Sunday 3rd December, 10am. Simone Alesich will represent our congregation by participating in the laying on of hands.

The December Olive Branch will be published on Sunday 3rd December.

Roof! In over my head – the latest musical from SROC. Come along to BUC on Thursday 7th December. 11:30am. Details here.

The final Meditation sessions for the year will be on Wednesday 6th & Sunday 10th December. Sessions will resume on 4th & 7th February 2018.

Join us for Carols at the Manse on Sunday 10th December, 7:00pm. Sing carols, listen to and share stories, enjoy supper, support the Christmas Bowl. Any questions, contact Saide, 0407 096 743.

BUC News

The final opportunity to contribute to the Stewart Lodge Gift Bag Appeal will be at worship on Sunday 3rd December. Join in the fun of packing the bags after worship on Sunday 10th December. Any questions or offers, contact Richard Arnold, 0407796429.

Our Blue Christmas service will be offered on Wednesday 13th December, 7:30pm. This is a quiet service of reflection & meditation for people who want a space to grieve, remember loved ones who have died, look back over a difficult year, seek peace in troubled times or simply take some time away from the busyness of this particular time of the year. The service includes a celebration of Holy Communion.

Christmas Bowl Story

Advent 1 – Restore us O God 
Training for refugees – Ethiopia currently hosts the fifth highest number of refugees in the world, with the latest UNHCR recorded figure showing close to 800,000.  Through courses such as computer and hair-dressing training, refugees have the opportunity to learn new skills, build their self-esteem and strengthen their financial independence.  $180 can provide basic computer skills training for refugees in Ethiopia.

Wider Church News

Richmond Uniting Church invites you to come along to Beers & Carols at the Wesley Anne on Sunday 17th December.

Prayer Points

Ministry Team
Church Council
Carlynne – MoW candidate
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

Presbytery Prayer Points

Chaplains in hospitals & prisons
Sheree Anderson (St. Vincent’s)
Tevita Holani (Prisons)
Rev. Robert van Zetten (Barwon Health)