MARCH 2017 II St. Matthew’s Monthly Newsletter
Dear Friends Ash Wednesday Service – st Our Lenten Journey 1 March 7.30pm at the Church During the months of January and Ash Wednesday nn February, I have been reading and begins the period of prayerfully considering our Lenten Lent. Traditionally, and Easter Journey. I would like ash in the sign of the cross is placed to invite you to be a part of the on a person’s forehead, Lenten Journey at St Matthew’s symbolising a turning away from this year. the past and starting over again.
the Cross it’s also a time to reflect on our journey as disciples and to act in solidarity with people of our F global church. Lent Event is F UnitingWorld’s call on the church to embrace simple living… setting aside material goods and donating the money saved to support projects that offer a better future to people living on the margins.” Lent begins on Ash Wednesday oo and ends at sunset on Easter Saturday. Lent Event - 40 days of worship, Traditionally the 40 days of Lent prayer and informed action excludes Sundays as these commemorate – 1st March – 15th April the resurrection of Christ. The Lent Event website asks us Get ready for Lent Event 2017 this question: Do you want to see and sign up now to receive your a different kind of world? Bread for the Road – daily devotions “Lent Event is … 40 days to live sent via email throughout Lent. cc These will offer reflections on what more simply, reflect on our faith and support people struggling to it means to rely on God and put free themselves from poverty. faith into action. You can sign up As Lent traces the journey of Jesus to online http://www.lentevent.com.
Holy Week Services uu Palm Sunday 9 April 8am, 9.30am & 6.45pm Holy Thursday 13 April 7.30pm Good Friday 14 April 9am Easter Sunday 16 April 8.00am, 9.30am & 6.45pm
I am so looking forward to sharing this journey
with you all! ss Dirk
Thursdays 10am to 12noon at St. Matthew’s
2 MARCH 9 MARCH 16 MARCH 23 MARCH Trip to the South Pole Gardening with Judy My Trip To South Africa Aussie bush Poetry Guest Hastings Pawsey Guest Guest Guest Speaker Hastings Pawsey Speaker Judy Horton Speaker Connie Scurr Speaker Graham Sims
Hastings will share Judy, well known for her Connie will take us on As a former teacher of literature and a lover of our with us some of his expertise at Yates Seeds a trip to South Africa Limited and a regular own bush ballads and experience as a which will include poetry, Graham likes to presenter on gardening discuss and recite a tourist on an some of the highlights programs on Radio 2UE of Cape Town, personal selection of and 702, will give a Power Aussie poems, including amazing trip to Zimbabwe and Kenya. Point presentation on the both well known Antarctica in 2014. and some of the “History of Backyard lesser known.
Gardening.”
AFRICA AFRICA These informal morning gatherings include devotions, morning tea and guest speakers which cover a large range of interesting and informative topics. * * * * * * * * * * * * * *ALL WELCOME* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
You’re invited to Everyone is Resourced welcome by ChristChrist thethe HealerHealer by whether A DIFFERENT WAY TO PRAY The associated Healing with the Order church or HealingHealing ServicesServicesat St.Matthew’s of not. JACOB’S Jesus healed without Healing Services are held WELL setting any on the 3rd Thursday evening of each month (Aust) February to November at 7.30pm preconditions on who could
NEXT SERVICE: THURSDAY 16 MARCH be healed.
These are quiet reflective services opportunity for people to be prayed pray with them. The key to this ministry is that begin with some songs about for at their request. There is no need that it is focused on what God does God’s love, followed by a prayer, a to share more than they feel necessary as in the space prayerfully made open time to hear about healing that has to why they are seeking prayers. Any to him through the worship of the happened, a reading from scripture, request is confidential and there is group. It is a quiet and non intrusive and a message about Jesus amazing no follow-up unless the person requests service that meets in the church in healing ministry. There is then an it. Usually a person has two people front of the Cross. Events and Classes for MARCH 2017
POSTLINKS An adult support group providing fellowship CHRISTIAN MEDITATION and social opportunities for people whose life stage gives them You are invited to come along to the church on the freedom to do things they would like to do. Tuesdays at 9.15am Next Event: Saturday 18 March The group will give you (us) a chance to centre and locate ourselves in God’s presence, an opportunity to leave behind our often hectic Quarantine Station lifestyle and simply ‘be’. at North Head All are welcome to come and learn about this way of prayer.
Please join us on a visit to the Quarantine Station at North Head for ‘The all important aim of Christian meditation is to allow God’s a private 2 hour history tour. mysterious presence within to become more and more not only We will meet at the Church for carpooling to leave at a reality, but the reality which gives meaning, shape and 11.00am. Please bring a picnic lunch which we will eat before going purpose to everything we do, to everything we are. John Main—OSB in. Coffee and snacks are available inside. Enquires: Katherine [email protected] Walk includes inclines and declines and enclosed flat comfortable walking shoes must be worn and a moderate fitness level is required. Please note Cost is $29 for seniors and $35 for non-seniors. Women’s Fellowship Please advise Jane/Peter Jenkyn if you are interested in have changed their Coming by 26th February as payment and final numbers must be meeting time from the made that week by emailing [email protected] or 9686.6914. evening to morning. They will now meet on the 2nd Wednesday morning of the each month from 10am to 12noon. In the upstairs hall and church.
MEN’S MORNING TEA The next meeting is WEDNESDAY MORNING
Wednesday 15 MARCH 2017 8 March 10am to 12noon. 10am to 12noon Games morning Bring along a plate of food to share. Please bring a board
game Meet on the third Wednesday of the month in the lower church hall Enquiries Enquiries: Lorraine Harrington
Warren Enjoy a fun morning of fellowship Arthur March Meeting
Dates
1 , 15 & 29 2017 WEDNESDAYS 1st,3rd & 5th Wednesdays of the month in the upstairs church hall. 10am to 12noon Term 1 Class Times 1-2pm & 2-3pm Bring your craft along to do. Share fun and fellowship with other crafty ladies. Rouse Hill 8 Mar - 5 Apr Morning Tea supplied. Enquiries: Charmaine Rowe Term 2 Baulkham Hills 26 Apr - 24 May Rouse Hill 31 May - 28 Jun
Term 3 Baulkham Hills 19 Jul - 16 Aug EremosEremos BookBook ClubClub Rouse Hill 23 Aug- 20 Sep
Term 4 Thursday 2 MARCH at 7.30pm
Baulkham Hills 11 Oct - 8 Nov 5 Woodlands St Baulkham Hills
New members very welcome. St. Matthew’s U.C.—9686 3003 We invite you to come along to our monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month. Our book The Way of the Wind has much to offer and we enjoy good times in conversation, sharing and discussion. The author shares thoughtful and inspiring concepts very helpful to us individually as well as in our group setting.
Contact Betty on phone 9639 3622 or email – [email protected] Calendar of Events for MARCH 2017 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
1 9am-2pm—Op Shop open 2 3 4 5
9.30am—Grandparents Play Group 9am-2pm—Op Shop open 9.30am—Play Group lower hall 8am—Worship 9am-12pm— lower hall includes 10am—Coffee and Discovery Op Shop open 10am—In Stitches Craft Group No Simpson's or Flourish Bible Study Holy Communion Speaker : Hastings Pawsey upstairs hall tonight
“Trip to the South Pole” 9.30am—Worship 1pm—Intro to Computers Class 1 7.00-9.30pm—EMERGE includes Holy Communion 2.pm—Intro to Computers Class 2 7.30pm—Eremos Book Club and ALIVE Zone night meet offsite KUCA in the lower hall FINAL FOR SERIES 1 @ Castle Hill Wesley 5 Woodlands St B.H. Preschool, Years K-2 & Years 3-6
7.30pm— Details page 3 12noon—Korean Fellowship
Ash Wednesday Service 7.45pm-9pm—Choir practice 6.45pm—Worship in the church in the Church includes Holy Communion
12 6 7 8 9 10 11
9am-2pm—Op Shop open 9am-2pm—Op Shop open KUCA
9am—Garage Sale Pricing 9.30am—Play Group lower hall Campout 9am-2pm—Op Shop open KUCA lower hall 9.15am—Christian Meditation in the Community Room 9.30am—Grandparents Play Group 5.45pm—Simpson’s Brotherhood Campout 8am— lower hall 10am—Coffee and Discovery Worship 7.30pm—Christian Meditation Bible Study upstairs hall 10am—Christian Meditation Speaker : Judy Horton 11am-4.30pm— at Betty’s 5 Woodlands St Baulkham Hills 9am—Worship @ the Willow’s Catholic Church, Canyon Rd B.H. 5.45pm—FLOURISH lower hall L.G.B. Club Train Day Details back page. Please note new location. 10am—Women's Fellowship “Gardening with Judy” Church and Upstairs Hall 9.30am—Worship — No KUCA upstairs hall and church. Details page 3 7.00pm
6.30pm-9pm—Preschool upstairs hall EMERGE and ALIVE 12noon—Korean Fellowship 7.30pm—Dance Fitness Information evening in the 5pm-7.30pm—Teen Plus meet offsite Church 7.45pm-9pm—Choir 8pm—Church Council Meeting the church 84 Tamboura Ave BH in the lower hall 6.45pm—Worship
19 13 14 15 16 17 18 8am— 9am-2pm—Op Shop open 9am-2pm—Op Shop open 9am-2pm—Op Shop open 9.30am —Play Group lower hall 9am—Garage Sale Pricing Worship lower hall 9.15am—Christian Meditation 10am—Coffee and Discovery 9.30am— in the Community Room Speaker : Connie Scurr 9am-3pm—Upstairs Hall in use by Pre- 10am-12noon—Men’s Morning Tea “My trip to Africa” school 11am—Post Links visit to the Worship 7.30pm—Christian Meditation 9am-3pm—Upstairs Hall in use by Preschool at Betty’s in lower hall North Head Quarantine Station KUCA Preschool, Years K-2 & Years 3-6
7.30pm— No Simpson's or Flourish Bible Study 10am—Christian Meditation Healing Service tonight 12noon—Korean Fellowship 7.45pm— Bible Study 10am—In Stitches Craft Group Catholic Church, Canyon Rd B.H. Thursday 16 March in the church 5pm—Teen Plus upstairs hall @ Bev Harkness upstairs hall 7.00pm— 7.45pm—Bible Study 7pm—Zone Worship Service 7pm—Thrive in the lower hall EMERGE and ALIVE @ the Rowe’s Details back page 7.30pm—Dance Fitness upstairs hall @ Quakers Hill UC
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
9am-2pm—Op Shop open 9.30am—Play Group lower hall 8am—
9am-2pm—Op Shop open
9am—Garage Sale Pricing 9am-2pm—Op Shop open 10am—Upstairs Hall in use by Preschool 9am-3pm—Riverlink Worship 9.15am—Christian Meditation in the Preschool No Simpson's or Flourish Bible Study lower hall in the Community Room. Details back page The Ministry 9.30am—Grandparents Play Group 9.30am— tonight Worship 10am—Christian Meditation lower hall 10am—Coffee and Discovery team and
7.30pm—Christian Meditation Catholic Church, Canyon Rd B.H. Speaker : Graham Sims 7.00pm— KUCA Preschool, Years K-2 & Years 3-6 at Betty’s office staff wish 10am—Upstairs Hall in use by Preschool “Aussie bush Poetry” EMERGE and ALIVE 12noon—Korean Fellowship 7.30pm—Dance Fitness upstairs hall Meet offsite you and your
7.45pm—Bible Study @ the Rowe’s 7.45pm-9pm—Choir 6.45pmfamily—Worship a safe and
the church Holy Christmas and a Happy New
27 28 29 30 31 Year. 9am—Garage Sale Pricing 9am-2pm—Op Shop open 9am-2pm—Op Shop open 9.30am—Play Group lower hall
lower hall 9am-2pm—Op Shop open 5.45pm—Simpson’s Brotherhood 9.15am—Christian Meditation 9.30am—Grandparents Play Group Bible Study upstairs hall 7.30pm—Christian Meditation in the Community Room. Details back page lower hall
at Betty’s 5.45pm—FLOURISH lower hall
10am—Christian Meditation 7.45pm—Bible Study Catholic Church, Canyon Rd B.H. 7.30pm—Dance Fitness upstairs hall 7.00pm— @ Bev Harkness EMERGE and ALIVE 7.45pm—Bible Study @ the Rowe’s 7.45pm-9pm—Choir the church Group Events for MARCH 2017
MINISTRY WITH YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS MINISTRY WITH YOUNG FAMILIES
F L O U R I S H KUCA for Preschool, Years K-2,and Years 3-6 F R I D A Y Year 6 to Year 12 Y O U T H G R O U P S Come along and join us for DURING TERM
Bible Study, food and fun 7.30pm to 9.30pm—Cost $3 5.45pm most Fridays Check the youth programs for more details! EMERGE for Years 5 & 6 Food provided please bring $5 7.00pm to 8.30pm Contact: Kate Eagles Contact: Hugh Darling 0413 241 474 or the church office 9686 3003 K U C A K U C A 3 March — Zone Night @ Wesley C.H. 10 March — Wet & Messy games S i m p s o n ’ s 17 March — Combined Night Brotherhood Thinking 24 March — WSW A leagues Night (Time TBC) of @ Spotless Stadium joining 31 March — Newspaper Night Bible Study for guys a Play in years 7 to 12. Group? ALIVE for Years 7 to 12 7.00pm to 9.00pm Food Provided Please bring $5 St. Matthew’s offers a friendly, safe Contact : Chris Eagles 0425 323 649 environment for you and your children to Meet in St. Matt’s lower hall at 5.45pm
meet new friends, and join in activities 3 March — Zone Night @ Wesley C.H. including craft, toys, library and singing.
10 March — Dress ups We are also able to accommodate 17 March — Combined Devotion mothers’ groups who would like to join us or even start a new play group. 24 March — WSW A leagues Night (Time TBC) THRIVE is our young @ Spotless Stadium adults group for St. Matthew’s, Baulkham Hills Uniting Church those from year 11 Cnr. Edgar & Charles Streets, Baulkham Hills 31 March — Survivor up to the age of 25. We meet twice a Speak with Chris Eagles month; fortnightly for a bible study at the Church Office 9686 3003 Friday Night Light 9.30pm where we are for Young Adults 18 Years & up currently Contact : Chris Eagles 0425 323 649 journeying through the Book of Romans. The fourth Saturday Grandparents! would you like to come Contact Chris Eagles for March evening of the month to Play Group with your grandchild/ren? is a social gathering activities A Play Group, specifically for Grandparents Contact Daniel Gibb who mind babies and preschoolers. for more details – [email protected] The group usually meets the or 0433 327 207 Meets Wednesdays except for the third Wednesday of the month. (in recess during school holidays) Teen Plus is a special needs social Teen Plus group for all ages from high school 1, 8, 22 & 29 March 2017 up. Meets Sundays fortnightly for dinner and fun. Play Group toys and space to play for the Next meetings: children – coffee and chat for the grandparents. New Members always welcome. 12 March offsite 84 Tambourna Ave BH Contact the church office 9686 3003 Enq: Chris Eagles 9686 3003 19 March at the church or Lyn Short 9686 3003
Teen Plus are still IN GOD'S HANDS: collecting in 2017 for their shoebox appeal THE ECUMENICAL PRAYE R C Y C LE supporting a school in At the very heart of the ecumenical movement is the reality of prayer. the Philippines. Jesus prayed that we may all be one, united in God in the mystery of the Trinity. That is the basis and the goal of our search for unity. Donations of Exercise Books and Rulers Week 9 26 February - 4 March Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Western Sahara, Tunisia are greatly appreciated.
Please place donations in the box Week 10 5-11 March Ireland; United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales provided at the top of the stairs in the Week 11 12-18 March Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden church foyer. Week 12 19-25 March Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania Thank you for your kind donations during 2016. They are greatly Week 13 26 March - 1 April Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia appreciated. Dance Fitness @ St. Matthew’s C O M M U N I T Y
7.30pm Wednesdays WORLD DAY OF PRAYER in the Church hall. Friday 3 March @ 7pm If you are looking for a fun way at St Bernadettes Church to get fit, come along and join in. 367 Old Northern Road Castle Hill The class caters for adults of This year the World Day of Prayer country is Philippines. any fitness level and ability. Contact Noni Entry is via gold coin donation [email protected] or which will be used to support CHRISTIAN MEDITATION 0410 664 456 the work of the church. LOCAL GROUPS
For more information Are you looking for a meditation group Check Calendar of Events for dates at a time that suits? Here are details of some local groups – our groups are ecumenical and open to all. Upcoming DIARY DATES Meditation is a universal wisdom found in all spiritual traditions. Location Time/Day Contact 2 0 1 7 D A T E S Baulkham Hills 9.15am Katherine Pedersen Coffee and Discovery—Thursdays at 10am St Matthews Uniting Church, Tuesday 0437 772 011 Cnr Edgar and Charles Sts
4, 11,18 and 25 May Baulkham Hills 7.30pm Betty Carmody 3, 10, 17 and 24 August Private Home Monday 9639 3622 2, 9, 16 and 23 November (Please note date change. Now no October events) Baulkham Hills 10am Leonie Turner Catholic Church Parish Tuesday 09614 5486 House, Canyon Road Garage Sales Saturday 8am to 11am 22 April, 8 July and 7 October Castle Hill 7.30pm Lesley Maker St Bernadette’s Lourdes Thursday 8677 8845 MarkMark youryour diariesdiaries Centre, 31B Brisbane Rd
Northmead 7pm Dell Walker Uniting Church, Tuesday 0405 010 519 3 Hammers Rd Northmead 7pm Patricia Brown private home Friday 0418 406 661 North Rocks 9.30am Lorraine Murphy private home 9871 7293 Parramatta 9.30am Marian Polizzi St Patrick’s Cathedral, Tuesday 9630 4019 cnr Victoria Rd and Marist Place “The early Christians said that the way you pray is the way you live. ACT to give some of the world’s poorest people the In time and with the grace of God we are blessed with the fruits of the power to create change. Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, fidelity, gentleness REFLECT on the Scriptures, the global church, and and self-control.” - John Main OSB one’s life & impact on the world. CONNECT with one’s community, God’s spirit & our global partners for change. The Galston Concerts 2017 Series
Galston Uniting Church Lent Event is a community-based initiative that began in 2005, 11 School Road, Galston founded by Sarah White of Sydney with the support of West Epping Uniting Church. Sarah perceived a need to help people in least DATES: 30 April – Pacific Opera - developed countries and, to raise money, proposed a variation on 30 July – Organ & Brass - the Christian habit of giving up luxuries for Lent by asking people to 17 September – Lurline Chamber Orchestra donate the value of their forgone luxury. 22 October – The Galston Gala - All concerts start @ 2pm Your support enables UnitingWorld to work with people and communities across Asia, Africa and the Pacific. Through life changing community BOOKINGS: www.trybooking.com (search Galston) Tickets also available at door development projects focusing on health, education and economic ENQUIRIES: 9653 2079 / 0425 339 841 empowerment, some of the world’s most vulnerable people will have the opportunity to break the poverty cycle. Outstanding International and Australian Musicians
The projects that Lent Event supports: Concerts (Apr, Jul, Oct): Peace in South Sudan Christians in China Adults $40; Senior $30; HS/Uni Students $10; Children Free
Water in Papua New Guinea Overcoming Poverty in India Concert (17 Sept): Check out the Website for more information and how to donate Adults $50; Senior $40, HS/Uni Students $10; Children Free www.lentevent.com
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION Bible Study Groups
Be still, and know Monday @ Bev’s 7.30pm usually twice a month that I am God PSALMS 46 13, 27 March 2017
Group Meetings Tuesday “Thrive” @ St Matt’s 7.30pm
14, 28 March 2017Contact Daniel Gibb
Mondays 7.30pm at Betty’s 5 Woodlands St 6, 13, 20 & 27 March 2017 Baulkham Hills PLEASE NOTE NEW VENUE Tuesday @ the Rowe’s 7.45pm 14, 21, 28 March 2017 Tuesdays 9.15am at St. Matthew’s Baulkham Hills Includes The Resurrected life 7, 14, 21 & 28 March 2017 (Lenten reflections over 4 weeks) Contact : Bruce Rowe Katherine [email protected] Venue details available from the Church Office Tuesdays 10am at Catholic Church Canyon Rd B.H. Enq: Leonie 0419 205 732 or Betty 9639 3622
G i v i n g From time to time, we receive To assist with this, we have set up the following If required a Direct Debit Request Form is questions on how someone can make account with Uniting Financial Services: available in the foyer or speak with
donations to St. Matthew’s Uniting Church Account Name: Barry Gregory. Baulkham Hills, to further support God’s work through the Ministry team and congregation, in Baulkham Hills Uniting Church – Giving Direct For your support of God’s work here at the wider Community. BSB: 634634 St. Matthew’s, a big thank you! Account number: 100025924
AVAILABLE FROM THE Ministers - Everyone St. Matthew's WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
CHURCH FOYER Minister of the Word St. Matthew’s In Focus monthly publication Rev. Dirk Van Doorene “WITH LOVE TO THE WORLD” a Mobile No 0426 969 537 (During office hours WORSHIP ROSTERS & emergencies) lectionary based daily Bible reading guide Email: [email protected] 6 February — 7 May 2017 YOUTH PROGRAMS Day off Friday (School Term) Please place $5.00 in open plate to cover costs. Monday (School Holidays)
“INSIGHTS”, a free monthly magazine Seniors ministry Co-ordinator from the NSW Synod of the Uniting Maggie habgood Church in Australia. Part Time Email: [email protected] RECYCLING MOBILE PHONES
Superseded mobiles may be left here. Youth, Young Adults and Families with young children OLD GLASSES & HEARING AIDS may Pastor be left in the box in the foyer. Maintaining contact with you and Chris Eagles your family is very important to us. Day off Thursday USED STAMPS may be left in the bin in the Email: We would be grateful if you change your address, foyer. Please leave plenty of paper around [email protected]
phone/mobile or email details that you let us know the stamp if you take it off the envelope. by phoning and leaving a message on 9686 3003 Church Office Secretaries: or by email: [email protected] Robyn Morrall and Lynn Samuel Church Office Hours 9am-3pm mon- fri
Office : 9686 3003
fax: 9686 2034 To include your activity in the Location: APRIL 2017 In Focus Cnr Charles & Edgar Streets Baulkham Hills
Postal Address: St.Matthew’s Monthly Newsletter Baulkham Hills Uniting Church please send details to Robyn and Lynn in the Church Office PO Box 773 Baulkham Hills 1755
by 15 March 2017. Thank you Web Site: www.stmatthewsuniting.net.au
Weekly newsletter available on website Email: [email protected]
——————————————— Please check St. Matthew’s weekly News letter for details of PreSchool Director 9639 8570 Worship on Sunday and last minute changes to scheduled Ms Anne Mayberry PO Box 321 Baulkham Hills 2153 activities. Email: [email protected] 2153St.Matthew's PreSchool [email protected])