Our Vision

A Community Transforming Lives

Our Values, Grace, Inclusion, Dignity, Faith and Hope

Congregational life @ Westmead & Parramatta, Hospitality, Community and

Mental Health Services across Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Hunter and

Mid-North Coast

OUR NEWS for 3rd December 2017

Advent @ Leigh Memorial – 2017

Leigh Memorial Uniting Church, 119 Macquarie Street, Parramatta

________________________________________________

O Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie,

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by…

,

Sunday 3rd & 10th December: Leigh Memorial ‘Giving Tree’

* Gifts (unwrapped) or children, teens & adults – 9.30am services

Sundays 3, 10, 17 & 24 Dec: Advent Wreath & Candle Lighting

* 9.30am services, Leigh Memorial

Sunday 3 December: SPOW Christmas Lunch * 12.00pm, Merrylands Bowling Club. Enquiries: Beverly

Monday 4 December: Couples & Friends Christmas Meeting

* 7.00pm, Coffee Shop. Enquiries: C & F Leaders

Saturday 9 December: Youth Group Christmas Party

* 6.00pm, Choir Vestry. Enquiries: Samantha }}

Sunday 10 December: Sunday School Prize Giving & Party

9.30am, Church & Hall. Enquiries: Liz/Samantha

Saturday 16 December: Advent Study with Clive

(NOTE: This date has changed from the previous one of 9 December)

* 10.00-11.30am, Choir Vestry @ Leigh Memorial

Sunday 17 Dec: Carols Service, 9.30am + ‘Blue Christmas’, 7.00pm

Thursday 21 December: Carols in Centenary Square, 6.00 -7.00pm

Sunday 24 December: Christmas Eve Service, 9.30am

Monday 25 December: Christmas morning service, 9.00am (** NEW TIME **)

Enquiries: Leaders’ team @ Leigh, Group Leaders, or Coral, 9891-2277.

LEIGH

PEACE DINNER – THANK YOU “Many thanks” to everyone who has helped to make this weekend’s event such an encouraging one for all involved. Thanks to Rev. Manas for his faithful leadership of our congregation’s community, inter-denominational & inter-faith programs throughout 2017 and to the Leaders’ team plus our regular event helpers from the congregation - and PM staff - for their dedicated support of this and many other events during the year. Plus, a special thanks to those members who made mini Christmas puddings for dessert. The evening’s message of peace, love, friendship, acceptance and hospitality will, we’re sure, provide ongoing inspiration to all during the busy, pre-Christmas weeks ahead!

“THANK YOU” LETTER WRITERS Many thanks to everyone to has put pen to paper recently in strong support of Parramatta Mission’s Development Application to Council. Thanks to Ian & Keith for keeping us thoroughly posted and to everyone involved in the complex negotiations. Continued prayers for the proposal are valued. Details of the onsite meeting planned for 18 December, will be released as soon as possible.

CHRISTMAS GIVING Please remember to keep supporting Parramatta Mission’s Christmas Appeal this year, plus the TEAR fund (see Fiona) and the Christmas Bowl (information in the vestibule). It’s a great time to GIVE!

CHURCH COUNCIL During the week, the Church Council met with the Ministers and leaders of the Leigh Memorial, Leigh Fijian and Westmead congregations. Each congregation submitted a report, and there were updates and discussions re important issues in the life and witness of our church and the Mission. Planning for 2018 is already underway, with many exciting events on the horizon for the coming year.

LEIGH MEMORIAL ‘GIVING TREE’ Our ‘Giving Tree’ will operate again this Sunday, 3 December & next Sunday, 10 December. Practical gifts are a great option for kids, teens, men & women, inc. caps/sun hats, sunglasses, wallets, toiletries, watches & socks. Wrapping paper & sticky tape are also needed. Kids’ toys must meet safety standards and not require batteries. Giving Tree enquiries – Sunday School.

PARRAMATTA MISSION SHOWCASE Last Monday, representatives of the Leigh Memorial, Westmead & Leigh Fijian congregations gathered for the ‘Parramatta Mission Showcase’ at the CFM. A great day was had by all, and it was a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, put faces to names, catch up with old friends and share information about our congregational life, heritage and our various activities with PM staff.

NEXT SUNDAY…SUNDAY SCHOOL @ LEIGH PRIZE-GIVING & PARTY!!! The invitations are out & the prizes have been wrapped! Yes, our Sunday School prize-giving and party will be happening from 9.30am next Sunday 10 December, which will also be our final Sunday School morning for the year. All welcome! Enquiries: Liz & Samantha

COUPLES & FRIENDS DECEMBER ’17 MEETING

On Monday 4th December

Couples & Friends will be holding their Christmas meeting.

As our motto is “Friends, Food and Fellowship” we will celebrate all 3 with lots of friends and lots of

fellowship and lots of food. All are invited to join us at 6.30 for 7.00p.m. in the Fellowship Centre. Please bring a plate of food to share for the main course and a bottle of drink. Our usual Christmas Pudding and delicious custard for dessert

will be provided. R.S.V.P not required – just turn up and have a delightful evening with us.

WESTMEAD Congregation

PARRAMATTA MISSION SHOWCASE The Parramatta Mission Showcase on Monday was a great opportunity to share with the staff and others about some of the things we do in the congregation. All who spoke with rev Christine or Karen seemed to be impressed with what we do and how we engage with our community, PM and the wider world.

SPOW Single People of Worth is a group of single people who gather together for lunch at the Merrylands Bowling Club every two months. Today we go following worship (and some pack up). You are welcome to attend if you are single and would like to join us.

ELECTIONS The Westmead Congregation holds elections every December for Elders whose term is nearly completed and for Congregational Representatives. We have 2 Congregational Rep positions which need filling. We also have 2 Elders whose term is completing at the end of 2017. Nomination forms are available in the foyer. Please consider who you would like to be leaders of the congregation for 2018. The elections will be on Sunday 17

th December. For more information please speak to

Rev Christine, Lorna or Karen.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION The Congregation’s Christmas lunch will be on Sunday 17

th Dec (the day we elect

new leaders). More information is to come but there will be a sheet of paper for RSVP to enable us to cater for the day.

PARRAMATTA MISSION CHRISTMAS HAMPER APPEAL The annual appeal of food for hampers has commenced. Please see the noticeboard for further information or speak to Rev Christine. Donations can be food or money as Rev Christine works with Rena, the volunteer co-ordinator, and purchases food, which has not been donated by others, to fill out the hampers.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES Monday 18

th 11.00am- Carols and Lessons service followed by a light lunch.

5.30pm - Remembrance Service- for those who have lost someone. Sunday 24

th 9.45am - Carols and Lessons

Monday 25th 9.00am- Christmas Day

DEEPENING FAITH and RELATIONSHIPS with others Worship- Sundays 9.45am Bible Study- Mondays 2.00-3.30pm Last day Mon 11

th Dec resumes 5

th Feb

Fellowship- Tuesday 5th Dec 2.00pm

Next Meeting 6th Feb

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Time Out Café (TOC)- Tues/Thurs 11.00-1.30pm Last day Tues 12

th Dec resumes 30

th Jan

Open Door -Wednesdays 1.00-3.30pm Last Day Wed 13

th Resumes 31

st Jan

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I give thanks to my God always concerning you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus, 5 because in everything you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge, 6 in so far as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you are not wanting in any spiritual gift, as you await expectantly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; 8 who also will sustain you till the end, without fault in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into communion of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Translation by Keith Hamilton

Reflections

Today is the first Sunday of the church year. It is called Advent, which means coming. While Christianity has a history, and many stories form the past, from which we learn, it is a future oriented faith. Indeed, it is a faith open to the future believing that God comes to us from the future, opening possibilities in our lives today. This future orientation opens the way to freedom. We are not locked into the past. Our past does not have to determine our present or future. This season is one of preparation in readiness to celebrate Christmas, which is a celebration of not only what happened two thousand years ago in the birth of a baby, but a celebration to God come to us again and again in the present.

Thank you to everyone who made a submission of support for Parramatta Mission’s Macquarie St DA to City of Parramatta. Much appreciated. Together we can make a big difference.

The City of Parramatta is seeking input into a draft Master Plan for Robin Thomas Reserve and James Ruse Reserve, to accommodate the proposed Parramatta Light Rail route. The new Master Plan makes recommendations for the entire Park including building use, condition and placement as well as the surrounding parkland, sports fields and recreation and community facilities. The Council is seeking input from the local community about the Park Precinct. The public exhibition is until 15 January 2018. For further information: www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

Check out over the page, photos of the inaugural PM showcase last Monday. The Centre for Ministry auditorium was full of colour, activity and noise. Every service, program and congregation was represented. Ably lead by Kathi Boorman, and

assisted by Donna Kelly and an organising committee, the day showcased who we are. It was a wonderful occasion that enable people from across PM have a comprehensive knowledge of who we are and what we do. On the day, many conversations leading to greater collaboration were held. Ideas are already formed to repeat this next year

The social justice league at Parramatta High School raised funds, purchased goods and made the bags of toiletries for youth facing homelessness. A great initiative of the school. On behalf of those who will receive the bags, thank you. The beautiful handmade blue and pink bags are gender specific to suit the particular needs of both male and female. Well done. Here with the principal and coordinating teacher and the students at the presentation.

Dale King a local identity and long term client of our services died in Auburn Hospital last week after a brief illness. As a consumer representative he played a role in the GHSH reform process. He helped so many, in his inimitable way. He was a big man with a big heart, big laugh and big concern for others, always ready to have a yarn and express an opinion. A memorial service will be held in the Courtyard on Monday.

Here at Likemind Penrith between the Minister for mental Health, Tanya Davies, and local MP Stuart Ayres. Staff of PM and from our LHD partners briefed the minister on the highlights and struggles of the Likemind program, and our support that the Government roll out more of these across the State.

Blessings, Keith Hamilton

Foster your faith this week

Is 40:1-11 Ps 85:1-2,8-13 2 Pt 3:8-15a Mk 1:1-8

Pastoral message for this week….

Actions speak louder than words. “Let your light so shine that all people may see your good works.”

Jesus

SPOW Single People Of Worth

It’s nearly Christmas LUNCH after Church

at Merrylands Bowling Club

TO-DAY 3rd December

Going home to have lunch by yourself?

Then come with us for a happy time,

and of course, a delicious lunch.

Fijian Congregation Vuli Sere : 10.30am na mataka ni Siga Tabu ena Hall. Kerei na nomuni veitokoni ena kena vulici ka lagati vinaka na sere ni So-Kalou.

Veisiko: Kerei meda tomana tiko na veisiko vakamatamasumasu. Ke dua e gadrevi me sikovi ena loma ni nomudou wasewase qai soli mai na yacana me vakadewataki vei Fil Kamotu ..

PM Show Case: Vakavinavinakataki na kena qaravi na teveli ni Lotu VakaViti ena Showcase ni Mission mai UTC ena 27 Noveba e UTC

Supply Minister: Meda vakanananu tiko yani ena ulutaga qo me vaka a vosa kina o Talatala Qase Keith

Veiqaravi Vakaitalatala: kerei meda veitainoa tiko ena ulutaga qo me vaka a vosa kina o Talatala Keith. Me da veitalanoataka tale ga yani na Strategic Plans ni Mission ni yabaki 2018.

Masumasu: Kerei meda veivakauqeti ena noda matamasumasu

Gauna Ni Lotu: Levu tiko na bera kerei meda totolo mai me tekivu na Lotu ena veimama ni tinikadua (11.30am)

Vakavinavinaka ena kena sa mai qaravi na bogi ni veiyanuyanu ena bogi ni Vakaraubuka, 1st December. Vinaka vakalevu na kena qaravi tiko nai tavi. “O koya ena vakalevulevui koya ena vakamalumalumataki, ia o koya ena vakamalumalumutaki koya ena vakalevulevui.” (Maciu 23: 12) Oqori nai vakarau ni tamata dauveiqaravi se ko koya e guta me dua nai liuliu vinaka, ka lomani mai vei ira na tamata, me vaka a mai vakaraitaka ko Jisu e nona bula voli vakatamata e vuravura.

DATE VUNAU VUNAU LESI VUNAU

VAKARAU

TUVAKARAU

VEILIUTAKI TALI VUNAU COMMUNION

3rd Dec

RevK.Hamilton

Vulavou/Holy

Communion

S.Toa I.Foikau/

A.Vocea

10th Dec I.Foiakau (M/

Worship) A.Allison Youth

17th Dec STuiloma FKamotu M2

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

PM congregations at Parramatta and Westmead, and hospitality, community and clinical/mental health services that extend right across Greater Sydney to Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Hunter Valley, Mid-North Coast, and support services, and the residents, guests, visitors, consumers, clients whom we meet and journey with every day of the year. The establishment of the new HASI programs in the Hunter Valley and Mid-North Coast.

For work of calling a chaplain to link PM with the WSU campuses, and a chaplain to link Wesley Apartments with the children’s hospital at Westmead.

PM Leigh Memorial: the Owen family, Joan, Hazel, Betty, Wilhemina, Col, Aunty Jo, Victoria & family, Liz, our HSC students, the Leaders' team & congregation group leaders, Sunday School & Youth Group.

PM Leigh Fijian: Akisi Allison, Adriu Rogoimuri, Niko Balavu, Mili Sigani,

PM Westmead: Eamonn, Nancy, Jean, Michels, 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.

Rev Alan and Laurette Jackson and family following the diagnosis of terminal cancer in Laurette.

UC congregations of the Cumberland Zone: Dundas/Ermington, Northmead, North Rocks – today holding the closing service for Rev Phil Swain after 14 years, Carlingford, West Epping, Centenary, Wentworthville, Holroyd, Greystanes, Grantham Heights, Parramatta Mission, Auburn.

For the worship, witness and service of Abbotsbury Uniting Church

We join with churches around the world to pray for Liberia, Sierra Leone

Prayer Points

Worship Services at

Parramatta Mission

Mon to Fri 9.00am - 2.00pm Open Church @ Leigh Memorial

Tuesday 1.10pm Holy Communion @ Leigh

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