Our Vision

A Community Transforming

Lives Our Values,

Grace, Inclusion, Dignity,

Faith and Hope

Parramatta Mission acknowledges that all of our work and our 36 sites are on the land of traditional owners.

We pay respect to the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather, and acknowledge Elders past and present,

and emerging leaders.

Congregational life @ Westmead & Parramatta, Hospitality, Community and Mental Health Services across

Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Hunter and Mid-North Coast ————————————————-

OUR NEWS

11th February 2018

LEIGH Congregation

THANK YOU CLIVE Many thanks to Rev. Clive, who will be continuing to lead our 9.30am worship services over the next two Sundays (11 and 18 Feb) while Rev. Manas is on leave. Clive will also be leading our Ash Wednesday service at Leigh Memorial on 14 February and our Lenten studies on 3 & 24 March.

‘PIKELETS & PANCAKES’ MORNING TEA - TODAY Thanks to all those who have brought a plate of ‘pre-Shrove Tuesday’ pikelets or pancakes to share at morning tea today! Thanks also to the Sunday School. ** Coin donations will be collected for Lent Event ** LENT EVENT 2018: ‘FAITH IN ACTION’ – STARTS 14 FEBRUARY Uniting World’s ‘Lent Event’ at Leigh this year will be coordinated by the Sunday School. Donations can be made at any time - or – the conclusion of Lent. Please consider what you can ‘give up’ for the six weeks! ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE - PLEASE JOIN US Time: 7.00pm…When? Wednesday 14 February…Where? Leigh Memorial…Supper to follow. If you need a lift, please ask the leaders. Enquiries: Clive & the Worship Committee. HOPE HOSTEL – 40

th ANNIVERSARY

A number of Leigh Memorial congregation members will recall the start-up of Hope Hostel back in 1977. The project was one of the Mission’s key programs in a highly transformative period during Gloster Udy’s time as Superintendent and along with Lifeline Parramatta, set a benchmark for future community outreach. On Monday 12 Feb at 4pm, an anniversary acknowledgement will be held at the Hostel. Rsvps & enquiries: 9891-2277. 175 MOTEL WESTMEAD – UNVEILING & DEDICATION All are welcome to come and see the big changes at Westmead! Let’s celebrate this positive achievement and the hard work which made it happen. Time: 6 – 8pm, Friday 16 February. Rsvps & enquiries: 9891-2277 CONGREGATION SURVEYS As part of 2018’s Life & Witness & Vital Ministry consultations, members will shortly be asked to complete a survey. Further information will be forthcoming. Enquiries: Leaders. PARRAMATTA MISSION ANNUAL REVIEW Copies of the PM Annual Review for 2016-2017 are now available in the Leigh Memorial vestibule. The Reviews contain detailed information regarding Mission programs and planning, plus that of the congregations.

FAREWELL TO DEAR LAURETTE

Our PM congregations were deeply saddened to learn last

weekend of the passing of Mrs. Laurette Jackson, wife of

Rev Alan Jackson, Parramatta Mission’s Superintendent,

1988-1999. Laurette was a dearly loved wife, mother,

grandmother and friend, and a dedicated and gracious

leader within many of the Christian groups and churches

with which Alan and herself were associated over their

long careers. At Leigh Memorial, Leigh Fijian and

Westmead, Laurette’s contributions to congregational life,

including key women’s programs, were always generous,

patient, considered and caring - and will never be

forgotten. Thoughts and prayers for Alan and the Jackson

family. Laurette’s funeral service was held at

Wentworthville UC, at 10.30am, Saturday 10 February.

SAFE CHURCH WORKSHOP – 24 FEBRUARY

Introductory Safe Church Workshop

A full day (9.15am – 3.30pm)

(for those who have not undertaken a previous workshop) will take place at Westmead on Saturday 24 February.

For further information/registration

details, please see Rev. Christine or go to Uniting Mission & Education at

safechurch@nswact.uca.org.au.

ATTENTION ALL CONGREGATION/ FRIENDS

'OPEN CHURCH' @ LEIGH - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 'Open Church' at Leigh Memorial has been operating for many years. It has kept the church open between 9.00am and 2.00pm on weekdays for those seeking quiet reflection and prayer amid the bustle of city life, or a friendly chat - or an opportunity to look at our church's heritage. Jolame, Robert & Co have done an amazing job over a long time, with visitors being locals, workers or students from nearby, or tourists from interstate or overseas. Open Church is now struggling to remain open and viable due to a lack of available volunteers. The role requires some special skills and training/support will be provided. A new, 'reduced' roster is being planned. If you can give an hour to this important ministry each week, or each month, please give your name & details to Mario or Liz at Leigh, or see the Leaders' team - or leave a message via 9891-2277.

CAR PARK RULES

No "Double Parking" is permitted in the car park at Leigh Memorial under any circumstances. Over recent months, a number of cars have been parked in, people wishing to leave have been held up - and services have been disrupted to find the drivers responsible. Free parking is available in the Erby Place parking station across the road on Sundays and free parking is also available in Parramatta Westfield. Please also be careful around other drivers and watch out for children.

Children Check is required. If you are interested in helping out from time to time, please see Rev Christine.

YEAR OF PRAYER 2018 is a year of prayer for Westmead congregation. Prayer supports all that we do and breaks open new possibilities. Please pray for our leaders, for the ministries we currently have and that we might hear the leading of God’s Spirit. Each person is encouraged to pray in whatever way you are able. Please contact Rev Christine or Robyne should you have any specific prayer requests that can be sent around our prayer chain.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER The World Day of Prayer is on Friday 2nd March 2018 at Northmead Uniting Church. The focus will be on Suriname, a country in the North part of South America. All are welcome to attend and for those needing transport please place your name on the list in the foyer. For further information please speak with Lorna or Rev Christine.

SAFE CHURCH AWARENESS TRAINING Saturday 24

th Feb is a training day for all who are leaders or on church council

AND for anyone who would like to attend and find out more about how we can make our church a safe place for vulnerable people. It will be held in the chapel space from 900 until 4.00pm.

SAVE THE DATE Friday 16

th February sees the celebration of all the work that has gone into the

refurbishment of ‘175 one hotels and apartments,’ and the new playground. You

are invited to attend the evening. 6.00pm until 8.00pm. All welcome but please

see Rev Christine for RSVP for catering purposes.

DEEPENING FAITH and RELATIONSHIPS with others Worship Sundays 9.45am Bible Study - Mondays 2.00 - 3.30pm Resumes 5

th Feb

Fellowship - Tuesday 6th Feb 2.00pm Next Meeting 6

th Feb

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Time Out Café (TOC) - Tues/Thurs 11.00 am - 1.30pm Open Door -Wednesdays 1.00pm - 3.30pm Tai Chi- Fridays 10.00am -11.00am

WESTMEAD Congregation

FIJIAN Congregation

Sa kerei me da na tiko kece ni suka na Lotu me da na vakalewana e dua na ’survey’ ni Lotu.

E gadrevi me rogoci na domoda ena vanua e mua kina na Lotu ena vei siga ni mataka. Na veiqaravi ni Lotu, se i loma ni Vale ni Lotu se i taudaku ni Vale ni Lotu, e sa tiki ni noda kacivi ena Lotu i Jisu Karisito.

Veiqaravi ena loma ni macawa rua 14/02 Ash Wednesday. Na Lotu ni vakavakarau ni Lent ena

vakayacori ena yakavi ni Vukelulu ena 7.00pm

18/02 Vunau e Leigh Fijian o Campbelltown. Vunau Vakarau o

Anare Vocea. Tu Vakarau na Veiliutaki ka tali na Matama

sumasu #1. Vunau Lesi o Seinitiki Qata

25/02 Vunau o Fiji Parish. Vunau vakarau o Vili Kamotu. Tu

Vakarau na Veiliutaki ka tali o Matamasumasu #2. Vunau

Lesi o Anare Vocea

Sa vakamasuti tikoga na qaravi ni masumasu yadudua, vakavuvale kei na

kena qaravi vakamatamasumasu.

Ni sai dola kei Lomalagi na Masumasu

Ke so me sikovi, se tu na ka o gadreva mo wasea, ni qai veitaratara vei Fil

Kamotu se vei Vakatawa

Sa kerei tiko me kua na double park ena car park ni vale

ni Lotu. Ke da lako mai sa sega na vanua e kele kina na

motoka, e tiko na vanua ni kelekele ni motoka ena Mac-

quarie Lane

Mark 9:2-13

2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain, privately, alone. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became exceedingly gleaming white, such as no bleach on earth could make them whiter. 4 And Elijah and Moses appeared to them and were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Teacher, it is good that we are here; let us make three shelters, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”. 6 For he did not know what he answered, for they became exceedingly afraid. 7 And it happened that a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came from the cloud, “This is my beloved son, hear him”. 8 And suddenly looking around they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus alone. 9 And as they were coming down from the mountain, he ordered them that they should tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man should have risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, speculating what “To rise from the dead” meant. 11 And they questioned him saying, “Why do the scribes say that it is necessary for Elijah to come first?” 12 But he said to them, “Elijah does indeed come first to restore all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it has been written of him.” (Translation by Keith Hamilton)

Transfiguration is a glimpse into heaven. Heaven is open. God is at work in the world. Transformation for all is possible. The church, though very imperfect, is a symbol of the future reign or Kingdom of God, in which all love God and neighbour. This is why it is so very devastating when church folks do not live as they ought, because they are then not living as they might, and therefore not exemplifying what is right. Humility ought to be a feature of church folk.

Rev. Dr. Amelia Koh Butler is the new

Parramatta Mission WSU chaplain based

in Parramatta and Westmead. This week

Amelia showed me around the new

Parramatta Campus. Here we are in the

inter-faith prayer room.

A few highlights from the first few weeks:

1. Access has been granted to pretty

much everything at PSQ1

2. Amelia has been welcomed into the

Student Central area and have had

IT induction

3. Amelia has made good connections with the following staff: Librarians,

Student Central Staff, Business School professional staff,

MyCareerHub staff

4. Amelia has been able to respond to Muslim male students needing help

in equipping the Prayer Room and Muslim female students in discussing

strategies for personal presentation in several class settings

5. The business School professional staff have invited Amelia to

participate in a regular lunch and help design some community building

active ties 6. The MyCareer staff are interested in any voluntary opportunities Amelia

can help line up to assist students seeking work experience.

Photos of the building site next door to PM in Parramatta, taken from WSU. Blessings, Keith Hamilton

STAMP COMMITTEE Uniting Church NSW & ACT

I have received a report from the Stamp Committee thanking hundreds of volunteers who have spent hours collecting, trimming and shorting postage stamps.

This year (2017), stamps were received from over 140 congregations. The demand for $1 stamps far exceeds supply resulting in limited bulk sales to dealers. Stamps can be supplied -

on envelopes

Cut off envelopes with at least 2cm around the stamp ready for trimming, or

Carefully trimmed with a 3 mm paper surround. Some collectors prefer to buy their stamps on paper and soak them off themselves. Do note that there is no market for decimal stamps with a face value less than 45cents, or the 45cent animal definitive.

In 2017, $17,075 was allocated to Frontier Services and 20 congregations in NSW and the ACT for an exciting and diverse range of Community Outreach projects. (I have the list should you wish to peruse. Bev) Stamps can be sent to the postal address -

PO Box A2178, Sydney South, 1235, or

Hand delivered to Reception, Level 2, 222 Pitt St, (Uniting Church Synod), Mon-Fri, 9 am – 4.00pm.

Hand delivered to the Stamp Room on Tuesday or Friday 9.00-11.30am Pilgrim House, Level 2, 262 Pitt Street, Sydney (near Park Street).

Come in, see what we do and enjoy a cup of tea Would you like to be a Volunteer? Like to enjoy a few hours a week or month on Tuesday or Friday mornings in the Stamp Room, Level 2, 262 Pitt Street, Sydney, from 9.00-11.30am? Philatelic knowledge is not essential, but great fellowship can be guaranteed.

The UCA Stamp Committee look forward to your continuing support in 2018 and wish you all God’s blessing. Ruth Mitchell, Mobile 0412 109 981. Beverly B. Leigh Representative

On the Presbytery Adult Fellowship Committee

Ash

Wednesday

@ Leigh Memorial

When? 7.00pm

Date: Wednesday 14 February, 2018

with Rev. Dr. Clive Pearson

______________________

Where? 119 Macquarie Street, Parramatta

* The service will be followed by a light

supper *

All are welcome!

201820182018

Ash

Wednesday

@ Leigh Memorial

When? 7.00pm

Date: Wednesday 14 February, 2018

with Rev. Dr. Clive Pearson

______________________

Where? 119 Macquarie Street, Parramatta

* The service will be followed by a light

supper *

All are welcome!

PM WEEKPM WEEKPM WEEK

Pastoral message for this week….

You don’t have to climb the highest mountain to see the light through the clouds.

Foster your faith this week

Gn 9:8-17 Ps 25:1-10

1 Pt 3:18-22 Mk 1:9-15

The Parramatta Mission congregations invite you to join in prayers for:

PM congregations at Parramatta and Westmead, and the hospitality,

community and clinical/mental health services that extend right across Greater Sydney to Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Hunter Valley, Mid-North Coast. This includes programs, activities, support services. Prayers for congregants, staff and volunteers, also for the residents, guests and patients; consumers, clients, and members; callers and visitors, whom we meet and journey with every day of the year.

For PM’s WSU Chaplain, Amelia, and Westmead Children’s Hospital

Chaplain, Sara, as they form foundational relationships and serve in their new communities. For international students as they start arriving at 100 George St or enrolling at 169 Macquarie St.

PM Leigh Memorial: The Owen & Jackson families, Joan, Marcel, Hazel,

Betty, Wilhemina, Col, Aunty Jo, Victoria & family, Jolameour Leaders team and Sunday School/ Youth teams.

PM Leigh Fijian: Akisi Allison, Adriu Rogoimuri, Niko Balavu, Mili Sigani. PM Westmead: Aravind and family, Tanzida, Sushila and family, Eamonn,

Nancy, Jean, Angela, Paula and Geoffrey, Garry, Chris and family, Rob, Jodie and Family, Rev Veitinia, Flora, May, Rajes (Sandra), Henry, Phyllis, Billie, Vita, Nancy, Caroline and David A, Col, Al, Jan and her family, Mrs G and family, Judy, Shanika and family, Ashima and Anusha Saxena, Lyn, Lena, Sheila W, Ruth and Lela, Max, Mr and Mrs S, Sophie and her family, Mark and his family

Staff : new program initiatives, “back room” support services Volunteers : recruitment and training UC congregations of the Cumberland Zone: Dundas/Ermington,

Northmead, North Rocks, Carlingford, West Epping, Centenary, Wentworthville, Holroyd, Greystanes, Grantham Heights, Parramatta Mission, Auburn.

For the worship, witness and service of Camden Uniting Church We join with churches around the world to pray for Belgium, Luxembourg,

Netherlands

Prayer Points

Worship Services at

Parramatta Mission

Open Church in recess until 22nd January 2018

Sunday 9.30am Leigh Memorial Congregation @ Leigh

9.45am Westmead Congregation @ Westmead

11.15am Leigh Fijian Congregation @ Leigh

1.30pm Korean Faith Community @ Leigh

7.00pm Praise, Prayer, Cake & Coffee @ Leigh

Contacts

For all e-tree news follow the link below http://www.parramattamission.org.au/etree

Leigh Memorial Congregation: Rev Dr Manas Ghosh 0429 892 548

Leigh Fijian Congregation: 9891 2277

Leigh Korean Faith Community Minister: Rev Hyun Goo Jun 0433 320 588

Leigh Memorial Church, 119 Macquarie St, Parramatta

Westmead Congregation: Rev Christine Bayliss Kelly 0409 925 607

Westmead Church: 175 Hawkesbury Road Westmead: 9891 9354

Senior Minister/Group CEO: Rev Keith Hamilton 0417 487 446

Church Office: 9891 2277 Email : wecare@parramattamission.org.au

Children’s Hospital Chaplain : Sarah Bishop

PM WSU Chaplain : Rev Dr Amelia Koh Butler 0427 955 157