Olive Way

The Olive Way is a place of welcome for all who want to use it. We first opened our doors in 2007 responding to a vision and desire to open our doors and offer hospitality beyond Sunday mornings.

Keep in touch with the Olive Way on Facebook

Olive Way offers a hot meal during lockdown – NEW 20/8
Whilst we were closed for most of 2020 we have been able to open up Olive Way in 2021 using the hall to allow for social distancing. This has allowed us to open for two days, Tuesdays for a hot meal (12pm) and Wednesdays for fresh sandwiches and fruit (from 10-1:30pm). During lockdowns we will be offering hot take away meals on Tuesdays at 12pm

for take away meals please enter via Merri St and observe social distancing, check ins and face masks
in non-lockdown periods enter via Sydney Rd

Olive Way remains closed – NEW 28/7
Sometimes there are no good options. This is the dilemma we face as we emerge from lockdown 5.0. With a very uncertain situation regarding the virus, we find ourselves in a bit of a bind when it comes to opening up Olive Way. We don’t want to start up and then find that we have to close again. We are also seeking clarification from our Synod regarding re-opening

It isn’t a particularly joyous decision to keep us closed. I have missed the usual chats, banter, and friendship of our guests and the wonderful collegiality of our volunteers over this past lockdown. Life is just a bit less interesting without the warm and often exciting environment of Olive Way.

So, with a heavy heart its looking like we’ll be closed until the 10th of August. Nonetheless I will use this time to gear us up to a grand re-opening on that date when we can warmly welcome people back. Stay tuned and hold tight folks.

Peter Blair, Olive Way Pastor

When we return…
We are gathering in the main Hall with entry from Sydney Rd. We are also now open on Tuesdays from 11:30 to offer a pre-packaged hot meal. Lunch is also served at the Salvos on Wednesdays.

Throughout 2020 …
the Olive Way community of care continued to be offered in beautiful and creative ways. Peter Blair, our Olive Way Pastor and regular volunteers maintained contact with people by phone and email.

You can find out more here:

Celebrating the Olive Way ministry, video offered during worship, 17th May
News from the Olive Way Steering Group, June Olive Branch
News from the Olive Way Pastor, July Olive Branch
Story of our Funding Application for Social Support
Olive Way Ministry post
A prayer without words, reflection offered for worship 19th May by Rev Ian Ferguson and Pastor Peter Blair.

Anyone interested in providing innovative ideas, being a conversation partner, or providing support in other ways can contact Peter Blair peteblair75@gmail.com or Richard Arnold richarn50@gmail.com

**The Olive Arts Collective reopened on Wednesday 3rd February and is continuing fortnightly on Zoom on Thursdays.

** Please note that all other related programs described below remain closed and will recommence at a date to be advised.

Community Kitchen

A pre-packaged lunch is provided on Tuesdays from 11:30am. Our cook Peter provides a delicious home style 2 course meal.

Olive Arts Collective

An art group operates on Wednesdays. The congregation supports local artists throughout the year providing a welcome space and resources to explore their artistic gifts. Olive Arts on Zoom meets fortnightly on Thursdays. Arts Access offers an NDIS funded program Tuesdays. The artists’ work is exhibited at various times during the year.

Music Lessons

Olive Way volunteers offer music lessons to anyone who is interested. It’s wonderful to see and hear people enjoying playing the piano for the first time or returning to the keyboard after many years.

Writing Workshop

Note – this program is not yet being offered. A Writing Workshop on Tuesdays gives participants an opportunity to learn how to write and tell their own stories and to shape their imagination.

SROC

Note – this program is not yet being offered. SROC is our very own Sydney Rd. Opera Company. Olive Way participants work with professional actor Damian to share stories and draw on their life experiences to create performances. In 2016 we enjoyed ‘If the Shoe Fits’ and ‘Love and Food in Brunswick’.

Dance Classes

Note – this program is not yet being offered. Dance classes are offered on Thursdays, 10:30 in the Main Hall. Freedom through movement is offered by Tonia Beggs. All ages and abilities welcome. Bring clothes you can move in and join us to experience the joy of dance. Contact Tonia, 0417 135 830 or Leanne, 0449 912 092.

Olive Way – Future Directions

The Olive Way Vision Watch the presentation offered during worship by Peter, 12/09/2021, Season of Creation 2B, Humanity Sunday. Read the Olive Way Vision - [...]