Third Edition June 2015
Shepparton Uniting Church
Seeking to be faithful to Christ in worship, community life and serving the wider community. Lest we forget Faith in Action Walk for justice for refugees Prayer Points How effective is prayer?
Getting to Know... A journey to faith
Fun for the Kids Pentecost
Global God, Local Focus… So what happened?? www.sheppartonuc.org.au • [email protected] • facebook.com/shepparton.unitingchurch Contents 3 Welcome to All An introduction 4 Prayer Points How effective is prayer? 5 From the Minister’s Desk Grateful and thankful UnitingCare Kildonan Youth Homelessness Sleepout 6 Group Profile Uniting Church Adult Fellowship at work Rev. Rosalie Rayment-Hewitt 6 Interfaith News (03) 5821 2077 Indonesian Interfaith visitors 7 Interfaith News Church of North India Meets United Church A word from 7 Rural Roundup St. Andrews Uniting Church Fellowship Group our Reverend 8 Assembly Action President launches National Cyclone Relief Appeal 9 For The Kids Have fun! We are here as part of God’s church, not because we are 10 Getting to Know… good enough, or because we A journey to faith “are better than others, but 12 Faith In Action because we recognise the Walk for Justice For Refugees need for God in our lives and seek to learn together what it 13 Bullet In The Bible is to walk the way of Christ in Coming to a town near you! love and service of others. 14 Global God, Local Focus… We come from a variety of So what happened?
backgrounds and are at 15 Reflecting On… different points in our faith A listening way
journey. This all adds to the richness of our lives together. 16 Around The Congregation Whether you are here as a Congratulations to visitor or looking for a place “ Keep in our prayers to be your spiritual home, Would you like to share I trust that you will find a 17 Synod Snippets welcome and something that Ethnically diverse images nourishes your inner being. 18 Preaching Plan June & July 2015 19 Upcoming Events June, and July 2015 20 Upcoming Events Shepparton Uniting Church August 2015 150 Maude Street, Shepparton P.O. Box 7032, Shepparton, 3632
{2} on the Vine Welcome to all The Nations of Australia and the middle of a world war makes him a hero. New Zealand have been but God did give his own The disciples may have been reflecting on 100 years since son, Jesus, who gave his caught up in the propaganda the Great War, the building own life to a cause that they and high life on that first of the ANZAC spirit and the felt would bring about the Palm Sunday but they also ultimate sacrifice of ones self kingdom of God for all they stayed committed to the for loved ones and strangers love here on earth. cause. The letters found alike. within the bible to many of Ok, so many of the men Could I really the first Christians shows their and women that served commitment and sacrifice to may have been caught “give up my life for “the cause” of sharing God’s up in all the propaganda someone else? love in many different ways surrounded around enlisting. and places. A quick search of the internet ” We encourage you during this shows many posters saying When we think about ultimate national time of reflection to “will you help us keep that sacrifice, I myself often think think about what you would promise?” (to Britain), or “God “Could I really give up my fight for, what sacrifice you Bless Daddy” (for fighting) life for someone else?” and can make for your cause or “saving her (Australia) as a parent I often think “yes, and how you will do it with from this shame”. As a past I would for my children, but the love, care and respect Australian history student I could I for others?” that Jesus has shown us. can see how this propaganda But sacrifice doesn’t have to Your fight may be to help would be enticing, but at the mean death. For me it means others, show love in a time end of the day it was the 100% commitment to a cause of trouble, share God’s love love and willingness to fight that I feel strongly about through action, information for others that made men and to fight for it with all my or theology or it may be as (and women) get off those heart. Jesus teaches us to simple as putting yourself boats and face the danger fight for our cause with love, second in a particular and ultimate sacrifice of war care and respect for those situation. Within these pages in the hope that it would we know personally and there may even be something create a better world for all. those that we will never meet. that speaks to you. Whatever Although on the opposite side This doesn’t mean that we your fight/cause may be, we to Australia, the Turks went won’t have moments of doubt. urge you to commit 100% to into battle with the same Even in the garden before he it with God’s love and know feelings of a better world as was betrayed Jesus prayed to that you too are a hero in well. his father that “this cup would God’s eyes and of the people whose hearts you may touch, God and Jesus’ ultimate pass over me” but in the end even if you never know it. sacrifice may not have been it is the commitment to fulfil staring down the barrel in the promise he made that Melissa
on the Vine {3} Prayer points... How effective is prayer? To pray are we doing more than talking to ourselves? This is a serious question. In part we are talking to ourselves, that is true; but would anyone in their right mind only talk to themselves? From a Christian perspective we only come to understand the nature and character of God as we have come to learn of the teachings of Jesus. Beyond the crucifixion Jesus is seen to have entered a spiritual resurrection to be our advocate and mentor. In a measure we live by faith that we can experience a So how then should we pray? being met where we are. We relationship in a common life This question was brought up are already known and all with His new state of being. by the disciples and most of that we might say is already Our appreciation of who God us know that this was given recognised. We speak to is for us is only that which as - “Our Father who art in relieve something deep within we have been given by Jesus. Heaven, Hallowed be thy us that needs to be said Other religions may well have name”. It remains as a sacred and for a special mind to been influenced by the nature point of entry to which we acknowledge us. It is healthy of God for there is no reason can advance our deepest to bring from deep within to suppose that only one thoughts and concerns. our sub-conscious mind our religion has exclusive insights We are to love others as concerns. We may not realise into the mind of God. we also care for ourselves. how clogged our minds are We journey with the Hebrew Compassion and justice are with the pathos of what is people. Finally to us is at the heart of what Jesus happening in the World, but given the good news as taught. Very much central we need to offer prayers for experienced by the life and was the message that the all who suffer and are victims teachings of Jesus. We enter “Kingdom” is close at hand, in of atrocities. a spiritual intimacy that is and around us. Prayer is therapeutic, but it available to all. Sometimes The serious question then is also aligns us to the Spiritual we talk of the living “God”. to whom and what are we unseen that is truth and life. The freedom of the spirit of saying that is meaningful? The Kingdom of Heaven is truth and reality is not ours to We see ourselves entering a all around us and it is to this hold. We can relate but never relationship of intimacy as to that it is said:” Seek ye first possess. We can share our the “Father.” the Kingdom of Heaven”. lives with this fuller experience and be participants. At our beginning we are Alan English
{4} on the Vine From the Minister’s desk are extraordinary privileges, Grateful and thankful which can also be costly. This is my first post for the that most of us did not get to Because what we listen to and ‘Vine’ since inducted as one of hear him. hear has the power to change your ministers in this parish. I us. A community that has the Listening and hearing are must say I am deeply grateful capacity to really listen to often taken for granted for the welcome and support God and to each other will because we are surrounded from our members, both here always be refreshed, renewed, by sound, whether we are in Shepparton and the rural and grow. awake or asleep. We hear congregations, and I thank all the time. The wonder of it It is my prayer that we you. soon becomes familiar and hear Christ’s command The very short time I have grows ordinary, but being “Ephphatha”, which simply been here with you demanded able to listen and to hear is means “open up”. As Julian that I stay focused and take a miracle indeed. We, as a Hamilton mentioned, it is time to listen to what people church community, are given the most crucial issue with are saying, and also to what this great gift of really listening the Christian church today. they are not saying. Julian and hearing, which becomes Listening! Hamilton picked up on this the platform for fostering Blessings theme of ‘Listening’ in his bible relationships and community study and my only regret was building. Listening and hearing Loni
Uniting Care Kildonan Youth Homelessness Sleepout On Wednesday April 8th, I for it really does mean a lot Youth Homelessness Matters the first time did a sleepout to me and without them - I “Sleep-out” for National Youth at Shepparton Uniting Church would definitely not be where Week was about raising (Wesley site) to help raise I am today. I am grateful awareness and visibility around awareness about youth for the opportunity to do couch-surfing in Shepparton homelessness. something like this and to give back to the community and People were asked to go I’ve never done something like would recommend that if you without their beds for the this before - sleeping on the haven’t done something like 26,000 young people who cold hard ground and not this before and want to try don’t have one. Instead of a having the feeling of hopping this - just for one night - you couch, the participates were into my bed as I normally can bring your friends as well encouraged to sleep-out in the do every night. I found the - and raise awareness on this car-park (or on the carpet) at experience worth it because important issue. I’m definitely Wesley Hall/Sacred Space. it not only made me realise looking at doing this again that youth homelessness is a in 2016 and once again with big issue - it made me realise the support of my friends and what I really take for granted close ones helping bring an and having a roof over my end to youth homelessness. head, food, shelter and all the support networks around Thank-you. me to help me when I need by Jo Farren age 18
on the Vine {5} Group Profile Uniting Church Adult Fellowship at Work The UCAF meets monthly at in and Anne Scots Hall. hadn’t bought any chalk for the On April 5th we hosted a blackboard! “Kaye Classic Fashion” Parade which was successful in raising Out of this came $700 and many people were the idea for happy with their purchases. Victorian UCAF lunch box and drink bottle, members to make and fill handkerchiefs and a ball or Last year we hosted a visit backpacks, for the children, skipping rope. from Anne Cannon who, with that would last a year. Many her husband John, work as The opp shop has sent many UCAF’s took up the idea and the Uniting Church Missions parcels to Vanuatu and other the Tatura Toolamba group Liaison Group. Anne is also that I belonged to for many South Pacific areas through world President of Methodist years, sent 9-10 each year. the Mission Liaison Group. Women and travels widely in Now our group is carrying this role. Each year, for many years, this this on with members and UCAF Group has been making John was a minister in Tonga others making backpacks and collecting goods for a number of years ago and from recycled curtain fabric the Old Timers Fete in Alice he and Anne travel back and filling the bag with Springs to help raise money regularly to help there. On $30 each worth of goods, for the hostel there. one occasion Anne was asked exercise books, pens, crayons, to fill in for a teacher at the texta, rubbers, ruler, pencil, Any enquiries contact Annette school but they had nothing sharpener, scissors, handtowel Orrman (President) or Judy really only the dirt to write and soap, toothbrush, Luscombe (Secretary)
Interfaith News Indonesian Interfaith Visitors The Revd Yanne Erika and easy to talk to. They Wodonga TAFE to improve and Moh Abar arrived in were keenly interested in the their already good English. Wodonga in March after service and in the Howlong Yanne and Abar came to experiencing difficulties in church. Shepparton on May 15 and obtaining visas. They were The previous weekend Yanne were hosted by Alan English happily settled with members and Abar had been to the who has been an email of St Stephen’s Uniting Church. correspondent of Yanne for Ballarat Uniting Churches’ I was delighted to meet them about a year. An interesting combined camp at Hall’s Gap. at Howlong on April 19 and programme was arranged for found them to be very friendly They are studying English at them in Shepparton.
{6} on the Vine And they do! The CNI is not Interfaith News (cont ’d) only very engaged in mission, but is also very involved in Church of North India interfaith activities - Amritsar is the home of Sikhism; members Meets United Church of other faiths also live in Amritsar. The Revd Vijay Kumar, a southern Indian states - where minister of the Church of the Church of South India, The conversation moved North India at Amritsar, formed in 1947, is the second gracefully between Gi Won’s spent April in Numurkah and largest church. South Korean expression Nathalia while on exchange As you can imagine, the of ministry and the mission with the Revd Deacon Jean lunchtime conversation was possibilities he sees in Mayers. Vijay was guest at a fascinating. Vijay related that Mooroopna, Loni’s Tongan lunch with Rosalie, the Revd Gi he had been a Hindu who approach to ministry, Rosalie’s Won Kang from Mooroopna, was converted to Christianity. mission experiences in and Loni and Joan McRae. He has been ordained for after her years in Thailand The Church of North India three years and ministers at and Vijay’s ministry experience, is another of the United the CNI cathedral in Amritsar. as the newest Christian of the churches. It was formed In those three years, the group. All four ministers were when six churches joined in congregation has grown from enthusiastic and excited about November 1970, and is thus 100 to 341, evidence of Vijay’s mission and its possibilities. seven years older than the passion for mission. His mission ‘In our congregation?’ I Uniting Church. The CNI plan is simple: he asks each wondered. ‘If only they were covers all but the four most member to bring one person. all hearing this…’
Friends Meet” afternoon, Rural Round Up where members of the community are invited to St. Andrew’s Uniting Church catch up with friends and new comers to the district, then Fellowship Group Dookie later as people moved to The Uniting Church fellowship local girls made their debuts. Shepparton for retirement they Group followed on from the The first ball was held by the also were invited back. A meal Presbyterian ladies guild, when Presbyterian ladies guild on of soup sandwiches and slices the Uniting Church began. 2nd June 1964 and was held is served, and then followed every 2nd year or whenever Over the years the fellowship by entertainment. Some of there were sufficient girls have donated to many the entertainment has been wanting to make their debut, causes, some of them been guest singers and musicians, the last Debutante ball was Frontier Services, Royal Flying held on the 17th May 1991. joke- story tellers, community Doctor service, Cutting Edge, singing and guild members Chaplaincy, Old Timers The girls were trained by Vera performing skits. At the end Fete (Alice Springs), food Handley and the music for of the afternoon people to the ministers food bank practice and presentation was attending were presented and Salvation Army which played by Edna Batey. The with a small posy of flowers was collected from Harvest guild ladies also provided the Thanksgiving. catering for the balls. that had been collected from members gardens. The guild ladies have held Through the years the guild debutante balls with a Scottish has held casserole teas, The guild meeting is held the theme, the official parties were wedding dress displays, 4th Monday of the month escorted to their positions and progressive teas. Every at 2pm at the church hall in by a highland piper. Many year the guild hold the “Old Dookie.
on the Vine {7} across Aboriginal communities Assembly Action had been widespread. “Cyclone Lam hit Gapuwiyak, President launches National Ramingining and Milingimbi. These already under-resourced Cyclone Relief Appeal communities need our support - pastorally and practically - to recover and rebuild.” With so many natural disasters a few weeks to realise the happening around the world damage set by both as on TV, Rev. Dr Stephen Robinson, the over the last 6 months it has the media seemed to focus on National Disaster Recovery been hard to keep up with one more than the other. Officer has been on the them all. The media seems to In March the president ground at Elcho Island and in move from one as fast as they launched a National Cyclone Central Queensland, working are happening and leaving Relief Appeal with funds still with members of the Northern the previous ones forgotten. needed for many communities Synod and the Central Earlier this year Australia was and individuals. The following Queensland Presbytery. stuck, on the same day, by not is about those affected by the “I’ve seen the damage first one but too Cyclones, Lam cyclones and the appeal that hand and there has been not and Marcia. I for one took continues today. only destruction of buildings, but considerable personal Friday, 13 March 2015 annual harvests with flooding losses as well.” affecting areas as far inland as Rev. Prof Andrew Dutney has “Funds from the President’s Biloela. launched a national appeal appeal will go to providing to assist communities hit by “We are very concerned for the direct financial support and cyclones in the Northern communities affected by these targeted recovery programs to Territory and Queensland. disasters. Please join me in people in the worst-hit areas.” praying for the church in these Cyclone Lam struck Arnhem “It’s going to take a long time areas too - for their safety and Land on 20 February before life gets back to normal. recovery, and for their service causing extensive damage to Your donations will help the and witness to their neighbours homes and public buildings. Uniting Church be alongside in need after the cyclones,” said Sixty dwellings were left these communities at the time Rev. Prof. Andrew Dutney. uninhabitable and there was they most need our support,” extensive damage to the “I encourage UCA members said Rev. Dr Robinson. natural environment. wherever they are to do Contributions to the President’s what they can to support our On the same day Cyclone Cyclone Appeal can be made brothers and sisters in this time Marcia battered the on the Assembly website of need.” Queensland coast from through the National Disaster Yeppoon to Rockhampton. President-elect and Moderator Relief Fund http://assembly.uca. Wind damage caused property of the Northern Synod Stuart org.au/donate. Donations of $2 and crop losses just before McMillan said the damage and over are tax-deductible.
{8} on the Vine For The Kids Have Fun!
The Birthday of the Church Acts 1&2
Fill in the words missing from the story. When you are finished, copy the letters inside the boxes to the spaces below. Then you will know the special name for the birthday of the church.
Jesus told his followers to tell the good news to all over the world. speak Then Jesus went back to . violent Fifty days after Passover, the followers were tongues together in place. people Suddenly they heard a noise Peter that sounded like wind. Heaven Then they saw something that each looked like of fire. one The flames were separated and stood over person. holy The followers were filled with the Spirit. The Spirit gave them the ability to in foreign languages. Then stood up and spoke to the crowd.
The special name for the birthday of the church is…
on the Vine {9} Getting To Know… A Journey to faith
Spending time with Moti and have 4 children Lavinia, you enter the kingdom”. Being and Loni and hearing their age 34, Joey, age 32, Henry, tied to the cross while not life journey filled us with age 22 and Danny aged 19. entirely sober, Loni recalls excitement, laughter and that he felt that the words After being brought up in a inspiration not only because were his rather than that of a strict Methodist home, Loni it is centred in faith and the character he played. This was felt a sense of freedom when love of God but because at a turning point for Loni’s faith. moving to New Zealand, and one time it was not. pulled away from the church. Similarly, both Loni and Moti It was however during a visit were born in Tonga, Loni the to the local church that he Please remember eldest child within a strict found out that his mother “ me when you enter Methodist family and Moti the had passed away and had eldest child of a Methodist been buried a fortnight earlier. the kingdom Minister. He had not been told as his ” family feared he would lose After receiving a 4 year his scholarship if he returned Loni decided to do some scholarship to Auckland to Tonga for the funeral. This theological studies. While Moti University Loni moved to New loss and feeling of betrayal was accepting of this, she was Zealand, against his mothers from his family sent Loni down worried about his motivations pleading to stay, with a job a path of drugs and alcohol. and intentions and was afraid in the Tongan government that he would bring shame (fisheries and environment) Also being brought up in a on the family. Funding his waiting for him when he Methodist home, Moti knew own studies through night finished. After finishing his of Loni’s lifestyle but was work as a bouncer, Loni was degree and coming to not accustomed to this way an independent student, Australia, Loni never made it of living. After a holiday in which allowed him to choose back to Tonga for his job, for Melbourne, Moti and Loni his own subject rather than he fell in love with the lifestyle decided to settle down there be told what to study as he had found here. Part of as they liked the feel of the candidates are. Much of Loni’s this included going out with area. Being further away from family struggled to believe his cousins and playing rugby. negative influences, this gave that he was taking on these them a chance to start afresh. In January of 1977 Moti went studies or even considering to to Perth for NCYC before Moti continued to engage with candidate until they attended commencing studies in Youth her local church even though his graduation and realised Work with Wesley Mission in Loni wouldn’t. Loni would sit how he had changed. Sydney. in the car while Moti was at During these studies Loni’s church until she was ready for This is when Loni met Moti. way of life changed and he home and it was at one of After some time, they decided became more of a family man these services during Easter to marry but both families having a greater commitment that things started to change. disagreed with the idea of to Moti and his children rather The group needed an extra their union. They decided to than the social life he had person to be in the Easter marry anyway in Brisbane. previously held. This was an performance and Moti asked Unknown to them at the time, indicator to Moti that he was Loni to come out of the car the Minister they approached a changed man. and join them. He had only for marriage taught Moti’s one sentence in the play as This past life has influenced father at the Tongan one of the other robbers- Loni’s Ministry and has helped theological college. They have “please remember me when him build relationships not now been married 35 years
{10} on the Vine only with Christ but those that We often come to church to personal challenges for Loni, he ministers to whether it is in worship as a collection of Moti and their family. Moti the pews or out in the streets. individuals not a community of has been a source of strength Loni feels that the biggest faith. When one of is hurting and understanding for Loni risk in meeting new people a community hurts with them. through his life and transition is changing them or being Often, this is not the case. Loni into Ministry, moving several changed by them. challenges us that we need to times with him to wherever Loni feels challenged by: relearn what it means to be his call takes him. With this a community of faith- let’s be move, however, she feels torn • Staying in touch with the a community genuine in our between her role as wife and God that called him relationship. her role as mother. Moti is • having his faith questioned Among other things, the currently living in Melbourne • The churches idea of potential to become more during the week to support her worship slowly being nudged then we are now excited children and in Shepparton on into idolatry Loni about the Shepparton weekends to support Loni. Loni Uniting Church. “Our job is not and Moti ask that you pray • Watching people fall to make the church relevant for them during this time of through the cracks of to the people but to make struggle and resettling. church. When we are the people relevant to the well and active we are On behalf of the congregation kingdom.” remembered but when we we extended our welcome to are frail and sick we are too However, this transition to Loni, Moti, Lavinia, Joey, Henry easily forgotten. the country has had some and Danny.
L-R: Danny, Moti, Loni, Henry and Lavinia
on the Vine {11} Faith In Action Walk for Justice For Refugees
held in 12 other Australian children. Data from the “Say it loud, cities, and 19 overseas cities Department of Immigration simultaneously. and Border Protection say it strong! describes numerous incidents Refugees have On a personal level, I have become more of assault, sexual assault done no wrong! and more disappointed and self-harm in detention and disheartened with environments. The evidence Say it loud, Government Policy regarding given by the children and say it clear! refugees and asylum seekers. their families was fully Refugees are I am particularly concerned supported by psychiatrists, welcome here!” about the impact that paediatricians and academic prolonged detention has on research. children. On Palm Sunday, I marched This year my experience for these children. The of Palm Sunday was much Australia currently holds forgotten children. how I imagine the first Palm about 800 children in mandatory closed Sunday may have been. The march may have come immigration detention for There were crowds chanting, and gone, but there is still indefinite periods, with no palm branches waving, and plenty you can do. Write to pathway to protection or a sense of unity, a feeling of your local MP, sign petitions, settlement. This includes 186 hope, and the expectation of donate to organisations that children detained on Nauru. greater things to come. support refugees and asylum A recent report from the seekers, educate yourself We came together, people of Australian Human Rights about the issues, challenge all races, ages, backgrounds, Commission provides misinformation, join your and faiths; over 15,000 of us compelling first-hand local refugee action group, walking through the streets evidence of the negative and pray pray pray! of Melbourne with one thing impact that prolonged Keren Wall in common. Our demand for immigration detention Justice for Refugees. is having on the mental Weeroona Uniting Church A small group of us from and physical health of Bendigo Weeroona UCB attended the march, which was led by UCA National Assembly President Rev. Prof. Andrew Dutney and UCA Vic/Tas Moderator Dan Wootton. It stretched all the way from the State Library, 1km down Swanston Street, to the Queen Victoria Gardens. I was completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of protesters. And even more encouraging was the fact that marches were
{12} on the Vine Bullet In The Bible Insights Magazine Apr 24, 2015
One of the most unique crisis,” said the Bible Society be near you visit: and unforgettable sights CEO Greg Clarke. One www.theirsacrifice.com/home Australians can witness of the most spectacular The site also contains other during the 100-year examples of this was Elvas stories of WWI service, anniversary celebrations of Jenkins, an Australian Lance- sacrifice and salvation — Anzac Day is a bullet in the Corporal. In 1915, Jenkins had told through interactive Bible. his life saved by his French- presentations. Presented by the Bible language pocket Bible. An Society, a national touring exploding shell fired a lead “Their Sacrifice” exhibition is display of memorabilia and ball at his heart. He would coming to Victoria as follows: information focuses upon the instantly have died, had the bravery of particular soldiers tiny Bible not trapped the DONCASTER: and the Bibles they took into bullet in its pages. 17th – 30th August 2015 World War One combat. Jenkins’ Bible not only is Westfield Doncaster (Opposite store Guess): Nine Bibles are at the centre a centrepiece of “Their 619 Doncaster Way, Doncaster of “Their Sacrifice” exhibition, Sacrifice” exhibition, which which was at Sydney CBD’s aims to inspire a new BALLARAT: Westfield until May 5. generation with the hope 1st – 6th September 2015 The exhibition, which also and peace provided by Ballarat Central Church comprises videos, animation God’s Word — even amid the of Christ and sound, will tour around horror, pain and evils of war. 37-39 Peel Street South, Australia for one year. The Bible Society also has Ballarat produced a documentary “The stories of these brave GEELONG: about Jenkins, called Bullet In men and the Bibles that 7th – 13th September 2015 The Bible. It will be available sustain them under fire Westfield Geelong on DVD later this year. underline the value of the (Opposite store Glue) Bible during wartime, or For information about when 95 Malop Street, Geelong indeed during any time of the travelling exhibition will
on the Vine {13} Global God, Local Focus… So what happened??
On Friday 1st to Monday 4th There were a number of many (of those that could of May Shepparton Uniting electives available for understand his accent) to go Church had the privilege participants for the last part of out into the world around us in hosting the North East Saturday afternoon to choose as God’s disciples allowing Presbytery run event, Global from. Electives ranged from people to feel his love through God, Local Focus, with looking at prayer to being a our actions. special Guest Julian Hamilton, youth leader and Discipleship Methodist Minister and action to artful faith creations. Monday saw the finale to the weekend’s events with two Chaplain to Trinity College, Saturday night finished, once sessions on ‘Leadership in Dublin. again, with worship and the church’ led by Julian, his The weekend kicked off with guest speaker Julian further first being during the day at the United Youth Service that deepening our understanding Wangaratta and the second was run by the combined of Luke’s Gospel and a in the evening at Mooroopna. effort of Youth groups from spontaneous magic show, across the Shepparton and lead by one of the teenage These sessions were aimed for Mooroopna Christian Churches. participates, that had everyone all those in leadership positions It included a band and was in awe and laughter. from youth leaders to church attended by an estimated Sunday’s events started with a councillors, from committee 100 Teenagers, Young adults combined worship service at conveners to those with an and leaders from across the Shepparton Uniting Church, interest in leadership. Shepparton, North East which was filled to almost Although the weekend had a Presbytery, and Melbourne and capacity with people from youth and young adult focus to of course one from Ireland. across the Rural, Mooroopna it, overall the events enriched During this service Julian (aka and Shepparton Uniting individuals, young and old, Jools) began his weekend Church as well as many of the on their faith journey to allow sessions on the Gospel of Luke. participants and leaders that had been engaged with the them to continue their personal Saturday, although fewer events over the weekend. paths as God’s Disciples within people, was a time to engage their local patch to bring God’s with the word of God and Morning tea allowed time for care and love to the world. putting our faith into action. people from across the variety The morning started with Jools of churches and age groups leading us in bible Study. He to meet, greet and share their continued his focus on the experiences of the weekend. Gospel of Luke and what Lunch allowed for the young it means for our lives here adult participates from across today. This study also included Shepparton, North East moments of reflection on our Presbytery and Melbourne own and in small groups. to get together socially with Saturday afternoon started Julian, get to know one another with participants, through a and share their stories of being simulation exercise, learning young adults within a Christian about the inner workings of the faith. chocolate industry and how Once again the church was we as consumers can work filled for Sunday Nights to gain better equality and Worship as Shepparton Uniting working conditions for cocoa Church took their turn hosting farmers and their communities the Shepparton Combined by petitioning governments and Churches worship service. buying only fair trade sourced Once more Julian spoke on chocolate. the Gospel of Luke. Inspiring
{14} on the Vine Reflecting on.... A listening way
During a recent bible study As we grow and change, understanding. While society’s with Julian Hamilton, he so does our faith. What was youth may prefer the lights introduced us to a different important today may be and bands which come with way of reading the bible. A different from tomorrow, next some other churches, others listening way. week, next year. And this is aren’t looking for flashy good!! Every time I revisit worship. Though it is nice to try A passage is read out. Listen a verse or passage I find something new for a change. for the section which stood out something different, something Seeing the blue of the Maude to you. The passage is read new. It could be that I’ve Street cross backlit with a again. This time, listen for the learned more about the social green wash on the wall was word or phrase which stands or cultural background of the an interesting point to reflect. out to you. Why? people and time when it was That same cross I stare at It was quite a strange time written, or it could be whatever each week had a slightly discussing the single words is happening in my life and different way to it. Instead of which stood out to people. the relevance to the situation. looking ‘old’ it looked ‘new’. When two had chosen the Regardless, I’m always growing The colours and lighting were same word, the reasoning was and always changing. It’s like ‘cool’ and suddenly people always different. my taste in wine, clothes I like were paying attention to the to wear or books I like to read. front of the church again . The The diversity of our Always changing as I grow. same front of the church which backgrounds- home life, age, has been there for decades. work, family, challenges, love- That’s not to suggest that Where generations of youth all shapes us. When I was five the bible goes in and out of have stared at that blue cross I had my view of the church fashion like books and clothes, and wondered what made it and the world. When I was but cultural and societal blue. It was relevant again. fifteen I had a totally different changes influence the ways view. When I was twenty five we interpret the readings and I’ve come to realise that what’s it was a whole new view and what stands out to us from the important is not if the numbers others. I’m excited to think how much are growing, but if the faith, it will change before I’m thirty In many ways, the church is understanding and love of the five or eight five! also in this ebb and flow of congregation is growing.
on the Vine {15} Around the Congregation Congratulations to.... John and Dora McKenzie 1955 at 5pm at Wesley who celebrated their 63rd Methodist Church with Wedding Anniversary in a reception held in the May. Sunday School building catered by the Church Jim and Alsa Cook Ladies Guild. (pictured) who celebrated their 60th Wedding May both couples share Anniversary. They were many more years of love married on the 9th of April together.
Congratulations to.... Christian Vaitohi who has just competed in the boys 100meter race at the Stawell Easter Gift. He placed fourth and was the only 9 year old competing in the event against boys aged 11-15. This accomplishment adds to the collection of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals already received from local and regional events.
Keep in our prayers... Joan Fisher who is currently Neema with some of her costs participating in the Ecumenical associated with this trip please Accompaniment program in place money in an envelope, Palestine. We pray that Joan, the with her name on it, into the other participants and all that offering plate and the church they are watching over are kept council will ensure that she safe. receives it. Neema Mukasa who has been To the many that are sick and selected to participate in struggling with life. Notre Dame College’s Mission emersion program to Fiji later this To those that are caught in the year. If you would like to assist destruction of natural disasters.
Do you have news? Like to share? If you have some news, event photos or article that you wish to share with the congregation please feel free to contact the publicity committee at [email protected] or drop it off into the box in the front foyer of the Shepparton Uniting Church or see Melissa Graham or Jen Shields.
{16} on the Vine Synod Snippets Ethnically Diverse Images
It seems that a successful formula for Australian drama is to have a “young, successful, sexy and white cast”. This is clearly reflected by the cast of Network Ten’s Wonderland. Early last year, Jay Laga’aia, an Australian actor voiced his opinion on Twitter: “Dear Channel 10, your new drama Wonderland seems to only have white people in it! Are there any ethnics that aren’t cabbies in your show?” he tweeted, following the show’s initial Sunday morning. It’s a notionally, be more racially promotions. pretty ethnically diverse diverse. There have long been congregation. As I calls for this, and it seems Malaysian-born former participated in the worship the developers have finally Neighbours star Remy Hii, was service I was taken by the listened. Early reports are that another actor who had joined interesting images projected you can hold your finger over the social media war against on the screen. However, all any one face to change its Wonderland’s ‘white casting’. images of people, bar two, skin tone. Wow! He tweeted: “Thoughts so far: were from Anglo (white) Wonderland is about how ten backgrounds. One non-Anglo If you are in a congregation people living in Bondi have image was used in Prayers that uses Power Point (or got by without befriending of the People. Another Keynote) presentations one person of non-Anglo image had an Anglo man on Sunday mornings or descent.” distributing items to a group publications that has photos We all know that Australia of Asian (poor) children. please pause and think whether your images reflect is a nation rich in ethnic Last year I spotted a diversity; we speak over 200 the ethnic diversity in Australia brochure advertising an and in a multicultural languages. A quarter of Assembly program that Church. I am also appealing Australians were born in a targets youth in our Church. to Korean, Chinese, Fijian country that is not Australia, All the images of young while 43 per cent have at congregations etc. in our people were from Anglo least one parent born in Church. backgrounds. I raised this with another country. However, my colleague who promised Blessings! the Australia represented that it would be changed. on television shows, like KOH SweeAnn, Intercultural Wonderland, does not reflect Did you hear that even Unit Director Apple is catching up with the nation’s multicultural mix. April 2015 the issue of ethnic diversity? Some of you might be One of the most talked about To view the Intercultural Unit’s wondering where I am going developments is the fact that bi-monthy newsletter enter the with this. Emoijis (the little cartoon-like link below into your internet Recently I visited drawings you can attach to browser: http://blogs.victas. a congregation on a text message) will soon, uca.org.au/crosscultural/
on the Vine {17} Preaching Plan June 2015 / July 2015
June 7th 14th 21st 28th 2015 Pent 2. Pent 3. Pent 4. Pent 5.
Loni Rosalie 9.30am Rosalie Shepparton Loni 4:30pm Messy 2.00pm Afternoon/ HC 5.00pm Church Kialla Gardens Evening Loni Rosalie Rosalie Dookie Joy Sims Loni Joy Sims Loni 9.00am Pine Lodge Joy Sims 11.00am Kialla West Rosalie 11.00am Katandra Joy Sims West 11.00am Lectionary 1 Sam 8:4-11, 16-20 1 Sam 15:34-16:13 1 Sam 17:32-49 2 Samuel 1:1,17-27 Readings Psalm 138 Psalm 20 or 17:57-18:5,10-16 Psalm 130 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 2 Corinthians Psalm 9:9-20 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 3:20-35 5:6-10, 14-17 or Ps 133 Mark 5:21-43 Mark 4:26-34 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 Mark 4:35-41
July 5th 12th 19th 26th 2015 Pent 6. Pent 7. Pent 8. Pent 9.
Lorraine 9.30am Loni Loni Shepparton Rosalie 2.00pm Kialla G Afternoon/ HC 5.00pm 4:30pm Messy HC Evening Shirley Church Loni Dookie Loni HC Richard Speedy Joan McRae Loni 9.00am Pine Lodge Loni HC 11.00am Kialla West Richard Speedy 11.00am Katandra Joan McRae West 11.00am Lectionary 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 2 Samuel 2 Samuel 7:1-14a 2 Samuel 11:1-15 Readings Psalm 48 6:1-5 12b-19 Psalm 89:20-37 Psalm 14 2 Corinthians 2:2-10 Psalm 24 Ephesians 2:11-22 Ephesians 3:14-21 Mark 6:1-13 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark John 6:1-21 Mark 6:14-29 6:30-34, 53-56
{18} on the Vine Upcoming Events June 2015 - August 2015 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10am Craft Group 10am Church Council 10am Multicultural Play G 5pm KUCA 1pm Wesley Social 9:30am Worship 10am Friendship Group Executive 1:30 Bible Study series Indoor Bowls 1:30pm Crazy Whist 2pm English Conversation G 7pm Junior/Senior Youth 4pm Together in Voice June 2015 June Group 7:30 Bible Study series 7:15pm Indoor Bowls 7:30pm Young Adults 8 9 10 11 10am Multicultural P.G. 12 13 14 Queen’s Birthday 10am Craft Group 7:30pm Church 10:45am Worship Banksia L 1pm Wesley Social 9:30am Worship Public Holiday 10am Friendship Group Council 1:30 pm Worship at Hakea L Indoor Bowls 7pm Evensong 1:30pm Crazy Whist 1:30 Bible Study Series 7pm Junior/Senior Youth 2pm English Conversation G Group 2pm Fellowship Group 7:15pm Indoor Bowls 4pm Together in Voice 7:30 Bible Study series 7:30pm Young Adults 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 10am Craft Group 1:30pm UCAF 10am Multicultural Play G 5pm KUCA 1pm Wesley Social 9:30am Worship 10am Friendship Group 2pm English Conversation G Indoor Bowls 4:30 Messy Church 1:30pm Crazy Whist 4pm Together in Voice 7pm Junior/Senior Youth 7:30pm Young Adults Group 7:15pm Indoor Bowls 22 23 10am Craft Group 24 25 26 27 28 UCA 10am Friendship Group 1:30pm Worship at 10am Multicultural Play G 1pm Wesley Social 9:30am Worship Anniversary 1:30pm Crazy Whist Ava Maria 2pm English Conversation G Indoor Bowls 2pm Kialla Garden 2:15pm Worship at 7:30pm Women’s 4pm Together in Voice Service Acacia House evening Group 7:30pm Young Adults 7pm Junior/Senior Youth Group 7:15pm Indoor Bowls 29 30 10am Craft Group 10am Friendship Group 7:15pm Indoor Bowls
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 10am Church Council 10am Multicultural Play G 1pm Wesley Social 9:30am Worship Executive 2pm English Conversation G Indoor Bowls 4pm Together in Voice July 2015 July
6 7 8 9 10am Multicultural P.G. 10 11 12 10am Craft Group 7:30pm Church 10:45am Worship Banksia L 1pm Wesley Social 9:30am Worship 10am Friendship Group Council 1:30 pm Worship at Hakea L Indoor Bowls 7pm Evensong 1:30pm Crazy Whist 1:30 Bible Study Series 7:15pm Indoor Bowls 2pm English Conversation G 2pm Fellowship Group 4pm Together in Voice 13 14 10am Craft Group 15 16 17 18 19 10am Friendship Group 1:30pm UCAF 10am Multicultural Play G 5pm KUCA 1pm Wesley Social 9:30am Worship 1:30pm Crazy Whist 2pm English Conversation G Indoor Bowls 4:30 Messy Church 7pm Junior/Senior 4pm Together in Voice Youth Group 7:15pm Indoor Bowls 20 21 10am Craft Group 22 23 24 25 26 10am Friendship Group 1:30pm Worship at 10am Multicultural Play G 1pm Wesley Social 9:30am Worship 1:30pm Crazy Whist Ava Maria 2pm English Conversation G Indoor Bowls 2pm Kialla Garden 7pm Junior/Senior 7:30pm Women’s 4pm Together in Voice Service Youth Group evening Group 7:15pm Indoor Bowls 27 28 29 30 31 10am Craft Group 10am Multicultural Play G 10am Friendship Group 2pm English Conversation G 1:30pm Crazy Whist 4pm Together in Voice 12:15pm Worship at Acacia House 7pm Junior/Senior Youth Group 7:15pm Indoor Bowls
on the Vine {19} Upcoming Events June 2015 - August 2015
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 31 1 2 9:30am Worship
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10am Craft Group 7:30pm Church 10am Multicultural Play G 5pm KUCA 1pm Wesley Social 9:30am Worship 10am Friendship Group Council Executive 2pm English Conversation G Indoor Bowls 7pm Evensong 1:30pm Crazy Whist 4pm Together in Voice August 2015 August 7pm Junior/Senior Youth Group 7:15pm Indoor Bowls
10 11 10am Craft Group 12 13 14 15 16 10am Friendship Group 7:30pm Church 10am Multicultural P.G. 1pm Wesley Social 9:30am Worship 1:30pm Crazy Whist Council 10:45am Worship Banksia L Indoor Bowls 4:30 Messy Church 7pm Junior/Senior 1:30 pm Worship at Hakea L Youth Group 2pm English Conversation G 7:15pm Indoor Bowls 2pm Fellowship Group 4pm Together in Voice 17 18 10am Craft Group 19 20 21 22 23 10am Friendship Group 1:30pm UCAF 10am Multicultural Play G 5pm KUCA 1pm Wesley Social 9:30am Worship 1:30pm Crazy Whist 2pm English Conversation G Indoor Bowls 2pm Kialla Garden 7pm Junior/Senior 4pm Together in Voice Service Youth Group 7:15pm Indoor Bowls 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 10am Craft Group 1:30pm Worship at 10am Multicultural Play G 1pm Wesley Social 9:30am Worship 10am Friendship Group Ava Maria 2pm English Conversation G Indoor Bowls 1:30pm Crazy Whist 7:30pm Women’s 4pm Together in Voice 12:15pm Worship at evening Group Acacia House 7pm Junior/Senior Youth Group 7:15pm Indoor Bowls
Shepparton Uniting Church Shepparton Uniting Church 150 Maude Street, Shepparton P.O. Box 7032, Shepparton, 3632 www.sheppartonuc.org.au • [email protected] • facebook.com/shepparton.unitingchurch