NEWS FROM THE COMMUNITY OF GORDON UNITING CHURCH

HIGHWAY

May - July 2011

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On the Highway Gordon Uniting Church –

Growing and maturing Christians

within an accepting, caring and

open community

Highway Centre Office

9.30 am to 4.30 pm

Monday to Friday

9498 6729

GORDON UNITING CHURCH Minister of the Word:

Rev Lorenzo Rodriguez Torres

Youth Pastor: Graham Baldock

Lay Minister (Pastoral & Admin):

Sue Conde AM

Ministry Coordinator: Roslyn Rossettin

Family & Children’s Ministry:

Nicola Robinson

CHURCH COUNCIL:

Chairperson: Lloyd Robinson

Secretary: Lyn McLennan

Email: info@gordonuniting.org.au

Web: www.gordonuniting.org.au

SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES

9.30 am Morning Worship

& Kids Church

6.30 pm Evening Worship

(Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month)

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On the Way Together . . .

Blessings in Christ as we head towards Pentecost,

Pentecost takes place 50 days after Easter, and the season of Pentecost is the longest one in

the liturgical year. It will last all the way to Christ the King Sunday, which is the Sunday

before Advent.

Graham and I are organising a series of Sunday night services, from the 15th

of May till the

3rd

of July (8 weeks) around the book of Nehemiah.

Nehemiah was a Jewish exile in Persia, he was the cup bearer of King Artexerxes, 5th

century BCE. Having heard from his brother that Jerusalem was in ruins, the temple and

the city walls were a rubble, Nehemiah found himself overwhelmed by this news.

The story tells us, that King Artexerxes allowed Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem and

build its walls, with financial backing. The story has, like all good Bible stories, ups and

downs, the walls are the beginning of something new, they are symbolic of hope and the

potential of the land and its people. The Israelites have to overcome obstacles from within

both personally and communally, as well as from outside.

This was for Israel a new beginning, a hope for change, a restoration in the relationship

between the Israelites and God, a new covenant was made, and then anything was

possible.

In Christian history, often the heart of the Christian disciple has been referred to as the

New Jerusalem. If we play with this idea, of our hearts being Jerusalem, and we have a

conversation with Nehemiah’s story, we are given a story that asks whether the walls and

the temple of our hearts are in ruin? Whether we are dedicated to God in our lives and our

living? And what is it we need to do, in order to build the walls around our heart, to

protect it, keep it safe and strong?

Pentecost is that kind of season also. Whilst Pentecost Sunday doesn’t appear this year

until 12th June, on the second Sunday of Easter (1

st May) we had John’s version of

Pentecost in chapter 20 of his Gospel. Jesus breathes on his disciples the breath of life, the

Spirit of God, and the church is born. The word for’ breath’ in the Greek here is

‘emphysao’. It is the only time we find this verb in the New Testament, reminiscent of the

breath of God in Genesis, which created the world and everything in it.

Pentecost is about new birth and new hope, it is about change, but change in and through

us. No longer looking at what it is that God might do, and how God might intervene in a

supernatural way. At Pentecost Christ passes the baton on to us, and we are being called

to grab it and run with it; have you got a firm grip?

Blessings in Christ

Lorenzo

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What’s happening - Youth . . .

My job, as is true for anyone in ministry, is about two things: Challenge and

Change.

When we are confronted with the life-giving and life-changing message of

Jesus we are called to do something. For me, this is what the next term is all

about.

The Kidzone group (which feels like it is about to burst at the seams with

girls), has a host of fun planned, but will also delve into the life and times of

Joseph from the Old Testament.

Meanwhile, the Reboot kids have a chock (choc?)-full term and will check out

one of the most applicable books in the New Testament, James.

Although we value fun on a Friday night, what really gets me excited is young

people meeting God, putting their trust in Him and becoming more like Jesus.

But I don’t hold the reins alone. My office was swelling with new leaders at

our planning meeting. Niki Allum and Jacque Croft have stepped up to the

plate as new Kidzone leaders and Sara Carey and Claire Rolland are fresh

Reboot leaders.

It’s a privilege being able to serve beside such dedicated leaders who want to

be there on a Friday and pour their lives into the young people God entrusts us.

If you see one, encourage them, not forgetting the amazing Robinson girls!

Between, Kidzone, Reboot, scripture and chapel, it’s going to be a massive

term!

Graham Baldock

Youth Pastor, grahambaldock.blogspot.com

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The Easter Experience . . .

I want to give a huge thank you to all who participated in this year’s Easter

Experience. We had a wonderful three days although the weather was not

particularly good to us. We had a few key roles to fill but God provided and

despite the weather and cast hiccups, the greatest story ever was told.

As one teacher shared with me this week, “It was the best excursion I’ve ever

been on and I think of myself as an atheist. The children were allowed to

explore the story in a non-threatening way. You even got two converts, the

children telling their parents they wanted to go to church.” It was with this

school we had to change our plans midway through as the heavens opened.

We, the actors, get worried about the detail, but the students do not notice

because the story we are telling is so powerful.

We had a couple of students ask that Grace be said before the celebration of

Jesus being alive; another child stood in front of Jesus protecting him from the

thugs while another protected Peter from the crowd when he denied Jesus.

These are just some examples of children getting involved, interacting with the

story and being touched with the message we bring.

My prayer is that we find ways to make sure this Experience continues for the

students in local schools. Our cast had some changes this year and no doubt

more will happen in years to come. Please pray we can find people as

enthusiastic and committed as those who have participated in recent years.

Nicola Robinson

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Children’s and Family Ministry

The greatest gift we can give families is the gift of community. I see my role

as providing opportunities to allow this to happen.

Term 1 has been a time of new beginnings – for example: Playgroup; Chill

and Shake; and Kids Band, and the continuation of Kids Church with perhaps

a new focus.

We want children and families to feel they belong. For positive spiritual

nurture to happen, we as a church must allow our children to participate in the

activities and rituals of the faith community that is, be part of the worshipping

experience (in “adult church”) such as communion, prayer and music.

Consequently, children are coming into each communion service and where

there are opportunities to participate in prayer and music it is encouraged.

It is important for children to understand why we worship the way we do. The

Seasons of the Spirit curriculum which we have been using for a number of

years is an excellent resource for this. So in Kids Church, we have a Call to

Worship, a time of prayer, songs, reflection on the Word through craft, and

collection. In the past Kids Church has collected money for a World Vision

child, however, Maria is no longer in the program so the children now choose

where their collection goes each term. In Term 1 we raised money and made

cards for the Queensland and Christchurch earthquake victims. In Term 2 they

want to raise money for the homeless in our local area.

We started the GUC Playgroup in February. It runs from 9.30-11.30 every

Tuesday morning during term time. It has been very well attended and

appreciated by all who come. Numbers range from 5 adults 7 kids to this week

13 adults and 20 kids!! Only one or two of these families come from the

church community. We have a time of free play, morning fruit, singing,

reading a story and of course Pack-up time. At present, Pauline Callan, Janet

Scott and I run the playgroup. However, we are looking for helpers to ease the

burden so if you are free on a Tuesday morning to help with either setup,

packing up, cutting up fruit, washing the dishes or coming and having a chat to

the mums and grandparents, it would be very much appreciated. In particular,

if anyone could help on the 21st and 28

th June and 16

th August, as I will not be

available, please contact me.

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It has been a busy but fulfilling term. In Term 2 I hope to continue to develop a

sense of community within the families and children who worship and attend

activities at Gordon Uniting Church.

In July, I will be attending a 3 day workshop on “Godly Play” and a one day

workshop on “Messy Church”. Godly Play is a Montessori method of telling

Bible stories, using parables, sacred stories and liturgical lessons about

religious traditions using simple materials. Messy Church is one UK church's

attempt to be church for families who want something different from the

traditional Sunday morning church service.

Dates to remember:

Saturday 4th June

Fun Games Event

5pm to as late as you want it

A chance to bring and play your favourite

board or card game –

Bridge, Uno, Monopoly,

Articulate Trivial Pursuit –

whatever you want

BUT no computer or

battery operated games allowed.

Come and have fun with people of all ages.

There will be a sausage sizzle at 6pm.

$5 per adult, children free. Bring your own

drinks.

Saturday 18th

June : Bran Nue Day – film showing at 7 pm

September 13th

and 14th - Steven Biddulph comes back to Gordon and will

speak on Raising Boys and Road to Manhood

More details of these events are included in this issue of Highway.

Nicola Robinson

Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator

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Pilgrimage to Living Waters

Inspired by the current Assembly theme, ‘Living Water, Thirsty Land’, the

UCA network of people working in the ministry of spiritual direction

approached the Assembly President, Rev. Alistair Macrae, with an idea. Could

he encourage UCA people to participate in a prayerful pilgrimage to a local

water source?

The President’s response was to embrace the project. ‘This is a creative and

prayerful initiative designed to stimulate our growth in God and to draw on the

living water of the gospel and the Spirit which Christ offers’ said Rev. Macrae.

Alistair Macrae, the President of the Uniting Church National Assembly, is

encouraging us this year between Easter and Pentecost to go on a pilgrimage,

short or long, to living water.

On Monday, 13 June, Niall Reid, the Moderator of the Uniting Church of NSW

and the ACT, is planning a pilgrimage from the start of the Parramatta River to

North Head by foot and ferry. Niall will be carrying the icon which has been

created for each synod to be used as a focus for reflection and prayer in the

pilgrimage.

At 8.30 am you are invited to join Niall and the ‘pilgrims’ to have breakfast at

Pancakes on the Rocks, at Redbank Road, Northmead, ready to start the

pilgrimage at 9.30 am.

Full details of the pilgrimage are included in the April issue of Insights. If you

would like to participate, please register with Rowena, on or 8267 4323 or at

rowenat@nsw.cua.corg.au, and let Sue Conde also know so that we can

coordinate and help each other with transport, etc.

There are more details about the Pilgrimage to Living Waters on the Assembly

website at

http://assembly.uca.org.au/images/resources/pilgrimagetolivingwatersfinal.pdf

Let’s make this a memorable June long weekend as we travel together.

Sue Conde

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The Lent Event …

Water, Women and a Wonderful Project

This reflection from Rob Floyd, Associate Director - Relief and Development,

Uniting World, gives us some feedback on the how the funds raised through the

Lent Event bring new opportunities in our region:

One of the favourite

photos that I have

taken during my time

working for

UnitingWorld Relief

and Development

shows four women

walking in a line back

to their village in

PNG, each carrying a

large water container

on their heads. At the

rear of the group is a

young girl, perhaps

six years old, carrying the lid of her mother’s water container.

The photo reminds me how hard life can be, especially for women, in the

developing world. The trek to the stream for these women was about one

kilometre each way, and they would have walked that journey maybe three or

four times every day. Fetching water is women’s work in the developing world.

I can only but marvel at their strength and endurance.

At first glance, the little girl at the back looks cute, helping her mum. But

hidden in that image is a darker reality. If the girl is already helping mum carry

water for many hours each day, what isn’t she doing? Well, she won’t have

time to go to school, play with her friends or have the sort of childhood we

hope for our children.

So, why is this my favourite photo? Not long after this photo was taken

UnitingWorld provided a water supply for this village with the support of Lent

Event funding. The system is a gravity feed where water is piped from a fresh,

pure spring up in the hills behind the village. The pipe carries the water down

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from the spring to the village. There are now 12 taps in the village and no one

need walk more than 50 metres to obtain a permanent, pure supply of water.

Women now have time for other activities, girls can attend school. Children no

longer suffer and die from water borne illnesses like dysentery. That’s why it’s

my favourite photo. But it also reminds me that there are many more

communities that need the same help. Our job isn’t finished yet.

I am privileged to be the person responsible for the distribution and

accountable use of UnitingWorld funds overseas. Each time I visit a project I

get to see the tremendous benefit even small donations from Australians can

make. There are many stories like the one in this photo.

Robert Floyd

If you would like to contribute to the Lent Event this year, please pick up a

brochure from the church porch, or send your contribution to Lent Event at

Uniting World, PO Box 2266 SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1234. Your Lent Event

savings are empowering people in developing communities to build their own

futures.

Jono Reid from Mexico

Hey everyone!!!!

So it has been a busy couple of weeks here! I was on the San Carlos Apache

reservation in Arizona last week, about a 9 hour drive from San Diego.

San Carlos was an incredible experience. For those who have been to Mexico

you know how simple the structure is that we build. San Carlos is like a legit

house with plumbing, electric and the whole shebang! It is a two-bedroom

house with kitchen and bathroom and the first house out there was only

completed a couple of weeks ago. In Mexico we come and build a house in

four days, whereas in San Carlos you come in and do a small amount of the

house in your four days. In my week we did the roof and stood the internal

walls and had it ready to start all the electrical wiring.

The group I was with really wanted to be in Mexico but came to San Carlos

because their school would not allow them to go to Mexico and unfortunately

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they were not fond of the experience because they felt they didn't get that

feeling of achievement you get when doing a Mexico house. That got me

thinking because if the only reason we do this is because of how it makes us

feel, I think we are doing it for the wrong reasons! We are here to serve and

be used in whatever way the ministry can use us. It shouldn't be about us and

what we get from it, it should be about what we can give to it.

So for me San Carlos was a humbling experience because you don't get that

feeling you get when you bless the house and give the keys to the family, you

don't get the warm fuzzies and the recognition for what you have done.

You simply come in do what is needed and leave! And in a way I love that

because it truly is God who gets all the glory, not an individual or a group. I do

think however it is a project targeted at a more mature group as opposed to

high schoolers who I worked with last week.

This week I was back in Mexico and had the great pleasure of working with a

first time group. I always love working with first time groups because they are

like a sponge, they are willing to take advice and want it and they don't think

they know it all and it means a lot less mistakes are made!

My group was from Washington and they were the most outrageous, hilarious

group of people I have ever had the pleasure of working with down here! My

group leader was so funny and yet so deep and definitely left me with a lot to

contemplate! He was an alcoholic and a drug addict who hit rock bottom and

had nothing in his life and basically God found him in a weak moment and he

has never looked back. He describes himself as the poster child for Grace. He

has an unbelievable, unrelenting faith and is one of those people who you walk

away from thinking to yourself how could you not believe in Jesus and the

grace of God after hearing a story like his! I am going to blog about his story

later in the week so feel free to jump on line and check it out.

Thanks to you all for your prayers and support!

Jono

Jono has also shared with us some feedback he had from a large church-based

group that he worked with in Tijuana, and we would like to include it here to

affirm Jono in the mission work that he is doing. Jono writes:

Yesterday I got an email from my boss who was forwarding an email from one

of the student leaders ...

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Dear Andrea, My name is Leigh McBain. I'm a student at Piedmont High

School and we just got back from our mission trip in Tecate. I'm a senior so

this was my last year and I was a team leader. A lot of people had doubts

about my ability to lead my team however two of your employees helped me

prove others wrong and made me feel proud of myself for one of the few times

in my life. The two were Jono and Clint. I didn’t catch their last names but

they continually came to our worksite and I talked with them multiple times, so

basically I just wanted to tell you how great people they were and they were a

huge aspect to my last experience being the best one I've had out of my four...

You are so lucky to have these people part of your team.

Thank You, Leigh McBain.

That was pretty awesome to hear!

Peace,

Jono

Any contributions that you would like to make to support Jono in his ministry

can be deposited via internet transfer in the following account:

Moderator's Mexico Mission

Uniting Financial Services

BSB: 634634

Account Number: 100037646

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BREAKFAST FORUM

ALL ARE INVITED

to our Breakfast on

SATURDAY 14th MAY, 2011

7.15am for 7.30am

when the speaker

will be our own

Dr JEREMY SMITH and his subject is

Eye Surgery in the Pacific Islands

Enquiries: Frank Benson 9487 7231, Bruce Kwong 9403 2250, Gordon

MacAulay 9880 2060, Bruce Watson 9498 1729

Jeremy Smith is an ophthalmologist who obtained his medical degree at

Sydney University and then his specialist training at Sydney Eye

Hospital. His practice is based at Strathfield and currently he is a VMO

at the Children’s and Westmead Hospitals.

For the past nine years, Jeremy has travelled annually to the Pacific

Islands to provide eye surgery to communities in Fiji and the Solomons.

Jeremy will be giving a verbal and pictorial presentation which will

include a DVD that UnitingWorld made showing some of the cases he

and colleagues have done and the involvement of the Uniting Church in

the “Fiji Eye Project”.

Jeremy and Family are members of our congregation and live in Pymble.

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‘BRAN NUE DAE’

at Gordon Uniting Church

on Saturday, 18 June at 7.00 pm

Bran Nue Dae is a charming new

Australian-based, music-driven road

movie/romantic comedy starring

Academy Award winner Geoffrey

Rush that literally bursts onto the

screen with unbridled energy and

fun. Loosely based on one of

Australia's most beloved and

popular musicals, Bran Nue Dae is a

foot stomping tour-de-force centring

on the romantic adventures of a

young aboriginal couple set against

the spectacularly beautiful Australia.

We are delighted that the

Director of ‘Bran Nue Dae’,

Rachel Perkins,

will come and speak to us before the movie is shown.

Tickets: $5 adults and $2.50 for children

RACHEL PERKINS is from the Arrernte and Kalkadoon nations of Australia. She has independently produced and directed a number of documentary series including Blood Brothers and From Spirit to Spirit - the first international Indigenous co-production of Aboriginal, Maori, Sami and Native Canadian crews. She financed the first Indigenous drama initiative for the Australian Film Commission and produced three short films under these successful initiatives.

A group of Gordon congregation members has been meeting to explore what

it means to be a Covenanting Church within the Uniting Church.

Covenanting is the Uniting Church's word for the process of reconciliation

with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Uniting Church is a

church in Covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian

Congress. It is a church actioning Reconciliation.

To raise awareness, this is one of the activities planned for this term.

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Steve Biddulph

returns to speak at Gordon

on

‘Raising Boys’ and

‘Road to Manhood’

on

Tuesday, 13th

and

Wednesday, 14th

September

Mark the dates in your diaries

and invite friends and family to

keep the date free

More information coming soon

Enquiries: Contact the church office

Sue Conde

pastoral@gordonuniting.org.au

0412 117 076

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An exciting Easter for Micah

In April, Micah Street, was in Adelaide with members of the Knox Grammar

School Symphonic Wind Ensemble, to compete in the Australian National Band

Championships for the first time. Micah has sent us photos and a detailed and

graphic account of the Band’s experience, and we publish an extract here. The

full article can be read on our website – www.gordonuniting.org.au

Sunday morning and the nerves were rising! We marched the short distance to

the Elder Hall, which was the competition venue, with butterflies in our

stomachs. As our final rehearsal began, the percussionists, including me, were

pushed on stage to set up. I spent the next ten minutes tuning the four beautiful

bronze timpani, and trying to work out their quirks. The tension was literally

tightening the air in my chest by that stage. Everyone was feeling it. There was

a ridiculous amount of cheering as everyone filed on stage. The bell was rung,

and the first piece began, the hymn ‘Ave Maria’.

ME

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There was an audible sigh of relief when the final notes of the piece ebbed into

the distance. The competition was on, and as the conductor’s baton was thrown

down, the next piece began, the test piece (and the source for why we were the

only Junior A band that showed up - it was ridiculously demanding and

complex) ‘Liturgical Dances’. Toward the end of the piece everything was

speeding up, the tension was growing and the flow of adrenalin though our

bodies was exhilarating. The ending brought tears of relief as we knew we had

succeeded, but it was not over yet. The next two pieces ‘Tin Tin’ (the own

choice) and ‘Army of the Nile’ (the march) were carried out on adrenalin-

fuelled highs, everyone was at their peak, and the tension just built upon that.

At the final note of the march, we knew we had succeeded at what we had

come to achieve. All we had to do was survive the agonising wait for the

results.

The results of the North West Wind Ensemble (our conductor’s second band)

were announced first. They had thrashed the competition with a record score

(which was actually the highest score for any Australian National Champion-

ship in history). So the bar was set high, we weren’t in the same grade, but we

still had a little sibling rivalry going on. There was also the possibility of our

coming second, (if a band doesn’t meet the requirements for 1st place, even if

they are the only band, they will still be awarded second place) which we

weren’t about to let happen. When the results were finally called out, we were

awarded first place, with a score of 479 out of 500. An amazing score, and we

were euphoric! It was all excitement and laughs, and a very proud Mr James

Brice, (our conductor) having just won both the Open and Junior A

competitions.

We had a celebratory evening we all deserved. We passed around the

Championship Cup that was our prize, but the excitement and enjoyment was

definitely one of the best parts of the trip.

We took up much of the plane again on the way back to Sydney. The plane

was filled with cheers when as we were landing, the pilot made an

announcement of our win, and we all felt pretty special. There were a few

bumps and thuds, and then we were back on home soil and into the waiting

arms of our loving Mummies and Daddies! The luggage was collected and we

were all so relieved until the collective realisation of: We Have School

Tomorrow!!!

Micah Street

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Leisure & Learning

Term 1 enrolments were 54, of whom 10 were new members, seven in

‘Computers for Beginners’, two in Mahjong and one in Needlecraft.

The regular donation which Leisure & Learning gives to the Church each term

was again made – this time the donation was $1000.

Classes continued in Classic Videos, Computers (Problem Solving, Beginners

and Intermediate), Mahjong, Needlecraft, Painting, Question Time and Travel

and Discovery.

One of the Mahjong tutors, Margaret Gaulton, who started the group in 2003,

resigned during the term for family reasons. The group farewelled her with a

special morning tea and presented her with a pearl and coral necklace made by

one of their members, Chela Salamonsen.

Travel and Discovery enjoyed the following videos:- Inaugural Celebrations

of Federation in 1901, Ancient Splendours of the World, Tropical North

Australia, South-West USA, Northern Territory’s Centre, The Bahamas and A

Walk from Cumbria to North Yorkshire. Due to a decline in numbers attending

this group causing cancellation of some sessions, it has been decided not to

continue with Travel & Discovery. L&L would like to thank all the Church

members and others who have given talks over the years. Their contributions

have been invaluable.

L&L celebrated its 27th

birthday on 11 March with a special morning tea.

Lorenzo acknowledged the work of Bev Jones both in L&L as treasurer and

also in GUC where she had been a faithful and committed member over her

long life. The birthday cake was then cut by Lesley Meldrum, the Needlecraft

tutor for 17 years. She has been a pastoral carer for ‘her ladies’ over all those

years as well as a tutor in needlecraft. A former member of the group, Jean

Jemison, died towards the end of last year and the ladies had their class photo

taken with the flowers which decorated the church at her memorial service.

Our sympathy is extended to Jean’s family in their sad loss.

On 4 March a Sales Table was held in aid of the 2011 charity, Wesley

Mission’s Family Services, and $336.40 was raised. Thirteen bags of groceries

were collected for Lifeline.

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For several years it has been a struggle to find enough helpers to prepare

lunches for L&L The committee reluctantly but unanimously decided to cease

providing lunches after the end of Term 1. A huge thank you is due to the

many helpers who have so willingly given their time and effort to prepare and

serve lunches since the 1980s, under the enthusiastic leadership of the assistant

director, Wendy Gill. A special thank you to Wendy who has done so much in

recent times to prepare the fillings for the lunches and to make sure the roster

of helpers was filled each week. Wendy and all her faithful helpers can now

relax on Fridays and enjoy a well-earned rest.

Term 2 began on 29 April and will end on 17 June. Classes will now run from

9.00 am to 12.30 pm on Fridays.

Jean Smith, Director

The Needlework Group with the flowers which decorated the

church at the memorial service for Jean Jemison

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Book Club 2010

Another year of books was enjoyed (on the whole!)

in 2010 by an enthusiastic group of readers. The

variety of genres included historical, spy, classic,

non-fiction and light – selected by members each month from a variety of

sources.

The year started with ‘Zeitoun’ by D. Eggers, a personal account of devout

Muslim man surviving the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In July we read the

fascinating historical novel ‘Wolf Hall’ by H. Mantel, recommended by one of

our virtual members, Su, who now joins us by email from the UK. The year

ended with a mysterious flourish discussing ‘Her Fearful Symmetry’ by A

Niffenegger, accompanied by a Christmas glass of champagne.

Thank you very much to Lyn and Peter for hosting the group each month.

If you enjoy reading and would like to join us, you would be very welcome.

(Finishing the book is not compulsory!)

In June we will be reading “Love in the Time of Cholera’ by Garcia Marquez.

We meet every second Tuesday of each month, from 8-9.30pm. Book details

are found in the weekly Church Newsletter.

Alex Hugman

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Our support for the Micah Challenge

On Sunday October 10, 2010, 40 members of the

Evening Service joined 100 million Christians around

the world in prayer and promise for the poor.

10.10.10 was a special campaign, supported by TEAR

Australia. It was aimed at focusing on our promise to the

poor, ten years after nations around the world, including

Australia, committed to halve global poverty by 2015.

As Christians we wanted to declare God's heart for the poor and we wanted to

remind our leaders that action to halve poverty is worth every effort.

In addition to the special prayer (copy available at www.micah2010.org) we

focused, with readings and songs, on the challenge for us to “act justly, love

mercy and walk humbly with our God” from Micah 6.

Finally we demonstrated our concern by drawing around our hands and putting

them forward in a gesture of personal commitment. You may have seen them

all pinned up in the church!

Photos were sent to local MP Paul Fletcher to remind him (after Alex’s visit

with him about our ‘Survive Past 5 Party’ petition) about our concern with the

Government’s responsibilities

Alex Hugman

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Kids Church reach out …..

We’d like to share with you these emails from Nicola and reply from Rev

Glenda Hicks in Christchurch, New Zealand, with the story of how Kids

Church are showing their concern for those who have suffered in natural

disasters earlier this year: From: Nicola Robinson Subject: RE: Cards and money to send Hi Glenda I am the children's and family worker at Gordon Uniting Church in Sydney. At the beginning of this year the children from Kids Church decided we would put our collection this term towards children who suffered in the earthquake in Christchurch and to those affected by the Queensland floods. The children made some cards and we would like to send these and some money to you. It is not very much as we are a small group but it does come with genuine love and concern. The children range in age from 3 through 12. Enjoy Nicola Robinson From: Hicks, Glenda Subject: RE: Cards and money to send Hi Nicola, What a beautiful thought from yourself and the children. There are certainly some really positive things happening in the midst of the traumas of the floods and earthquakes. I am very encouraged by the way the body of Christ is reaching out across the miles in sacrificial ways. I will make sure the children's money goes to some needy children, or purchasing something for them, probably in conjunction with the City Mission. Please pass on a big THANK YOU to the children and all who contributed. And God bless you all for thinking of the children of Christchurch. Warmest regards, Glenda

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Pentecost Word Game

The Day of Pentecost

Acts 2:1-21

Pentecost

sound

blowing

wind

fire

filled

Holy

Spirit

speak

other

tongues

language

hear

declare

wonders

amazed

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Knit For Wrap With Love

Killara Uniting Church has invited us to share again in ‘Knitting for Wrap with Love’: Now the weather is a little cooler, it is a good time to start knitting squares for

‘Wrap with Love’ or small jumpers for orphaned children in South Africa

through Missionvale and Hokisa. We had a wonderful response last year to our

‘knit-ins’, sending 17 completed ‘wraps’ and over 80 squares to WWL, 15

brightly coloured jumpers to each of the groups at Missionvale and Hokisa,

(one of our outreach projects).

At this stage the knitting sessions will be held on the Tuesdays and Thursdays

in the 4th week of May and June.

Tues 24 & Thurs 26 May

Tues 21 & Thurs 23 June

Tuesdays 2pm till 4pm and Thursdays 10.30am-12.30pm

Instructions for WWL squares and a pattern for the jumpers are available in the

foyer at Killara Uniting Church. 8 ply wool will also be available from the

office. Enquiries: Lindy 9924 2654 (Killara Uniting Office)

_________________________________________

Let’s help the Flying Padre

In the February issue of “HIGHWAY”, we

asked if you would like to contribute to help

the new Flying Padre, Rev Jorge Rebolledo,

with the purchase of an electric towing

machine to move the plane in and out of the

hangar. John Blair has suggested this as the

most practical help that would really make a

difference for the new Flying Padre.

Glenbrook Uniting Church has contributed

$2500 towards the cost of this machine – but

there is still $500 outstanding. We have

received some donations towards this, but

would like to fill the gap. If you would like to

contribute – you can forward your donation to the Church office, put it a

marked envelope in the offering plate or give it to Sue Conde.

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It’s time for another

WORKING BEE SATURDAY, 25 JUNE, 2011

from 2 pm - 5.00 pm

ALL WELCOME!! (including and especially teenagers and children)

PLEASE COME ALONG AND HELP US

TIDY UP THE CHURCH GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS

We have plenty of jobs to be done – large and small.

We would appreciate your bringing along suitable tools,

implements, whatever is needed for the job you choose.

Areas that need work are:

HIGHWAY CENTRE,

including KITCHEN

STORE ROOM AND STAGE AREA

GARDENS - CAR PARK

Please contact Bruce Watson

9498 1729

to let him know you would like to help –

sign up on the sheets, or just come along

Any time you can give will be appreciated! AFTERNOON TEA IS THE HIGHLIGHT!

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A Garage Sale will be held in August

The organising team is preparing

for this great community event.

If you can offer to be involved

in preparing for the Garage Sale

and helping on the day, please

contact Wayne and Anne Borg

wayneanneb@yahoo.com.au – 9880 7831

Please start to collect saleable items

Date and more information soon –

watch the website and weekly notices.

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What’s Happening . . . .

Saturday, 14 May at 7.15 am Breakfast Forum with Jeremy Smith – invite your family and friends – see page 13

Saturday, 4 June at 5.00 pm Games Night for all the family – see page 7

Sunday, 12 June

Pentecost – we continue the tradition of wearing red, yellow and orange to signify the flames of Pentecost as we celebrate this significant day in the Church’s year

Monday, 13 June The Moderator’s Pilgrimage to Living Water – see page 8 Saturday, 18 June at 7.00 pm

‘Bran Nue Dae’ movie with Rachel Perkins, Director – a great night for family and friends – see page 14

Sunday, 19 June Congregation Meeting at 11 am

_____________________________________

Companions on the Way In Baptism we welcomed:

Joshua Peter Van Oyen into God’s family and into the community of God’s people.

In Marriage we asked for God’s Blessing for

Debs and Claire Majumdar as they start their new life together

____________________________

Evening Service During Term 2, in the Evening Service,

there will be a special focus on the book of Nehemiah

exploring the call to renew our faith

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