Category Archives: UCA News and Other Upcoming Events

MtE Update – June 28 2018

  1. Our ‘Dinners for Eight’ are about to commence; please see the pew sheets or speak to Norma or Wendy to register!
  2. The 15th Assembly of the Uniting Church gathers this July in Melbourne; you can see some of what is to be discussed on the dedicated web site (see especially the menu items at the top right of the page).
  3. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday July 1, see the links here. Our focus text will again be taken from 1 John, this week 3.1-3.

MtE Update – June 15 2018

  1. This Sunday June 17 our after-worship talk will be presented by Peter Blackwood, on Christian iconography. This is part of our continued reflection on the use of icons in our own weekly worship.
  2. ‘Dinners for Eight’ are planned in members’ homes for the following dates and locations; please see the pew sheets or speak to Norma or Wendy for more details and to register!
  3. Sunday 24:6:18 lunch at Midday (Parkville).

    Sat 30:6:18 dinner at 6 pm (Nth Melb).

    Sun 1:7:18 lunch at midday (Sth Melb).

    Fri 6:7:18 dinner at 6.00pm (South Yarra).

    Sat 14:7:18 dinner at 6 pm (Lower Plenty).

    Sun 15:7:18 lunch (Full)

    Fri 20:7:18 dinner at 6.30pm (Nth Melb).

  4. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday June 17, see the links here. Our focus text will again be taken from 1 John, 2.18-28
  5. Old News

    1. The 15th Assembly of the Uniting Church gathers this July in Melbourne; you can see some of what is to be discussed on the dedicated web site (see especially the menu items at the top right of the page).
    2. Events in Refugee Week 2018 (June 17-23)

MtE Update – June 7 2018

  1. Worship this Sunday June 10 will be led by Peter Blackwood and Robert Gribben.
  2. On Sunday June 17 our after-worship talk will be presented by Peter Blackwood, on Christian iconography. This is part of our continued reflection on the use of icons in our own weekly worship.
  3. The most recent Synod eNews (June 6) is here.
  4. Events in Refugee Week 2018 (June 17-23)
  5. The UCA media release on the church’s participation in the national redress scheme for victims of institutional child abuse (June 4)
  6. An invitation has been extended, to any interested, to attend the induction of the staff of the new Synod eLM unit (‘equipping Leadership for Mission’), including Sean Winter, Fran Barber, Mel Perkins, Nigel Hanscamp, Bradon French, Sue Withers, Adrian Pyle, Daniel Murray and Jenny Byrnes, Friday June 22 at the CTM: Details.
  7. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday June 10, see the links here.

 

  1. Old News

  2. The 15th Assembly of the Uniting Church gathers this July in Melbourne; you can see some of what is to be discussed on the dedicated web site (see especially the menu items at the top right of the page).

MtE Update – May 31 2018

  1. Following morning tea THIS Sunday June 3 we’ll have another of our hymn-learning sessions; please stay if you can, as we enlarge our repertoire!
  2. The 15th Assembly of the Uniting Church gathers this July in Melbourne; you can see some of what is to be discussed on the dedicated web site (see especially the menu items at the top right of the page).
  3. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday June 3, see the links here; our focus on 1 John continues from 2.11-17.

Other things potentially of interest

A time of reflection, prayer and music this Saturday 2nd June.

A Taizé prayer will be held at Trinity College, Royal Parade, Parkville at 5:30pm the Saturday of reconciliation week. Dinner to follow in the dining hall nearby.

Looking forward to seeing you there. Any questions can be directed to this email address or you can connect to our Facebook group: Taize in Melbourne, Australia. Thanks!

Old News

Outreach Ministry

Make it Messy! Training Day THIS Saturday June 2 Parkville 

Make it Messy! will assist those already engaged in Messy Church, churches contemplating beginning a Messy Church and people genuinely curious about the Messy Church phenomenon take the next step in their Messy journey. Join with others from churches across the state for a day of active engagement, stimulating discussions, encouraging stories and helpful electives that will empower your ministry in your local context – whether you are already engaged with Messy Church or not!. Across the day you will have the opportunity to connect with experienced Messy Church leaders and engage with…

Introducing Messy Church                                                                    

Starting a Messy Church                                                                        

Extreme Craft for Messy Church                                                        

Opening the Bible in Messy Church 

Growing discipleship in Messy Church

Exploring what makes Messy Church church                                

Messy Church beyond the monthly gathering                                             

Activities and games for building Messy community                 

More information and registration: e-mail ann.byrne@victas.uca.org.au or Make it Messy 2018 (live from May 1);  for more on the ‘messy church’ idea: http://messychurchaustralia.com.au/

Please let Craig or Lauren know if you’d be interested in being part of an MtE group attending this workshop

MtE Update – May 24 2018

  1. The latest Presbytery Newsletter (May 22) is here.
  2. Following worship Sunday June 3 we’ll have another of our hymn-learning sessions.
  3. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday May 27, see the links here. Our preacher this week is Rob Gallacher, who’s nominated 1 John 4.13-17 and 5.3-5 to replace the set Romans reading
Outreach Ministry

Make it Messy! Training Day Saturday June 2 Parkville 

Make it Messy! will assist those already engaged in Messy Church, churches contemplating beginning a Messy Church and people genuinely curious about the Messy Church phenomenon take the next step in their Messy journey. Join with others from churches across the state for a day of active engagement, stimulating discussions, encouraging stories and helpful electives that will empower your ministry in your local context – whether you are already engaged with Messy Church or not!. Across the day you will have the opportunity to connect with experienced Messy Church leaders and engage with…

Introducing Messy Church                                                                    

Starting a Messy Church                                                                        

Extreme Craft for Messy Church                                                        

Opening the Bible in Messy Church 

Growing discipleship in Messy Church

Exploring what makes Messy Church church                                

Messy Church beyond the monthly gathering                                             

Activities and games for building Messy community                 

More information and registration: e-mail ann.byrne@victas.uca.org.au or Make it Messy 2018 (live from May 1);  for more on the ‘messy church’ idea: http://messychurchaustralia.com.au/

Please let Craig or Lauren know if you’d be interested in being part of an MtE group attending this workshop

 

Other things potentially of interest

Old News

Dear friends

Please find attached a brochure from the Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce that you can use to take action advocating against the removal of basic financial supports for up to 12,000 people over the next year.  The issue is rather urgent in that the first cohort of people to be removed from financial supports (possibly up to 3,000) will be in June.  They anticipate 12,000 being removed from these supports over the next year.  Any removal of financial supports will result in destitution and homelessness for many of these people and we are also entering winter which is a particularly difficult time for homelessness.  We are aware that faith based agencies are likely to be the ones who will have to do their best to fill this gap.

The Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce is encouraging people of faith to respond to this issue because this is a breach of human rights to cause people to be destitute who are lawfully going through a refugee protection process.

Further resources on this issue can be found at:

http://www.acrt.com.au/dignity-not-destitution-changes-to-support-services-for-people-seeking-asylum-srss/

Thank you in advance for your action on this issue,

Mark Zirnsak

Senior Social Justice Advocate
equipping Leadership for Mission
29 College Cres Parkville 3052
t  (03) 9340 8807  | f  (03) 9340 8805  | m  +61 (0) 409 166 915
e  Mark.Zirnsak@victas.uca.org.au
w  victas.uca.org.au

 


 

You are warmly invited to a public lecture on the relationship between Western Philosophy and Indian Thought by Professor Françoise Dastur (Emeritus, University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis) at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne campus.

Wednesday 30 May, 2018

5.30 – 7.00pm

ACU Melbourne Campus,

115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy

Room 404.G.09 (Mercy Lecture Theatre)

About the lecture

Until recently, the matter of the relation between Western philosophy and Eastern traditions of thought had been largely neglected by European philosophers, especially in France. It is the depth of the ignorance of Indian philosophy in Europe that was highlighted by the French philosopher and journalist, Roger Pol-Droit, in his 1989 book The Oblivion of India: A Philosophical Amnesia.

India has been a place of prodigious development in mathematics, astronomy, philology and philosophy since ancient times. However, it was only at the end of the 18th century that Europe began to discover the importance of Indian literature and philosophy, beginning in Germany where writers and philosophers chose to look in the direction of the Orient. In this talk, Professor Dastur will explore the many points of convergence between Western philosophy and Indian thought, suggesting that these need much further analysis and development.

About the speaker

Professor Françoise Dastur taught philosophy in the University of Paris I from 1969–1995, in the University of Paris XII from 1995–1999, and in the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis from 1999–2003. She taught also as a visiting professor in the universities of Mannheim, Rio de Janeiro, Caracas, Warwick, Essex, De Paul (Chicago), Boston College, and North Western University (Evanston).

Professor Dastur was, as honorary Professor of Philosophy, attached to the Husserl Archives of Paris (ENS Ulm), a research unit affiliated to the French National Center for Research (CNRS) until June 2017.  She was a founding member and the President of the École Française de Daseinsanalyse, of which she is now honorary President. She has published many articles in French, English and German, and is the author of several books in French, five of which have been translated into English.

Inquiries: richard.colledge@acu.edu.au

For further information, and to register to attend: http://irci.acu.edu.au/events/western-philosophy-and-indian-thought/

Campus Map: http://www.acu.edu.au/about_acu/campuses/melbourne/map

MtE Update – May 16 2018

 

  1. After church THIS WEEK May 20 we’ll build on our last conversation about our worship, with a focus on the prayer of the church, as it is found in Sunday worship.
  2. Following worship on Sunday June 3 we’ll have another of our hymn-learning sessions.
  3. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday May 20, see the links here (we’ll hear the psalm and the gospel for the day, and continue with our focus 1 John, picking up some of his reflections on the Spirit (for Pentecost) : 1 John 4.1-12, on which some comment can be found here.).
Other things potentially of interest

Dear friends

Please find attached a brochure from the Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce that you can use to take action advocating against the removal of basic financial supports for up to 12,000 people over the next year.  The issue is rather urgent in that the first cohort of people to be removed from financial supports (possibly up to 3,000) will be in June.  They anticipate 12,000 being removed from these supports over the next year.  Any removal of financial supports will result in destitution and homelessness for many of these people and we are also entering winter which is a particularly difficult time for homelessness.  We are aware that faith based agencies are likely to be the ones who will have to do their best to fill this gap.

The Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce is encouraging people of faith to respond to this issue because this is a breach of human rights to cause people to be destitute who are lawfully going through a refugee protection process.

Further resources on this issue can be found at:

http://www.acrt.com.au/dignity-not-destitution-changes-to-support-services-for-people-seeking-asylum-srss/

Thank you in advance for your action on this issue,

Mark Zirnsak

Senior Social Justice Advocate
equipping Leadership for Mission
29 College Cres Parkville 3052
t  (03) 9340 8807  | f  (03) 9340 8805  | m  +61 (0) 409 166 915
e  Mark.Zirnsak@victas.uca.org.au
w  victas.uca.org.au

 


 

You are warmly invited to a public lecture on the relationship between Western Philosophy and Indian Thought by Professor Françoise Dastur (Emeritus, University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis) at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne campus.

Wednesday 30 May, 2018

5.30 – 7.00pm

ACU Melbourne Campus,

115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy

Room 404.G.09 (Mercy Lecture Theatre)

About the lecture

Until recently, the matter of the relation between Western philosophy and Eastern traditions of thought had been largely neglected by European philosophers, especially in France. It is the depth of the ignorance of Indian philosophy in Europe that was highlighted by the French philosopher and journalist, Roger Pol-Droit, in his 1989 book The Oblivion of India: A Philosophical Amnesia.

India has been a place of prodigious development in mathematics, astronomy, philology and philosophy since ancient times. However, it was only at the end of the 18th century that Europe began to discover the importance of Indian literature and philosophy, beginning in Germany where writers and philosophers chose to look in the direction of the Orient. In this talk, Professor Dastur will explore the many points of convergence between Western philosophy and Indian thought, suggesting that these need much further analysis and development.

About the speaker

Professor Françoise Dastur taught philosophy in the University of Paris I from 1969–1995, in the University of Paris XII from 1995–1999, and in the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis from 1999–2003. She taught also as a visiting professor in the universities of Mannheim, Rio de Janeiro, Caracas, Warwick, Essex, De Paul (Chicago), Boston College, and North Western University (Evanston).

Professor Dastur was, as honorary Professor of Philosophy, attached to the Husserl Archives of Paris (ENS Ulm), a research unit affiliated to the French National Center for Research (CNRS) until June 2017.  She was a founding member and the President of the École Française de Daseinsanalyse, of which she is now honorary President. She has published many articles in French, English and German, and is the author of several books in French, five of which have been translated into English.

Inquiries: richard.colledge@acu.edu.au

For further information, and to register to attend: http://irci.acu.edu.au/events/western-philosophy-and-indian-thought/

Campus Map: http://www.acu.edu.au/about_acu/campuses/melbourne/map

Old News

Friends of Vellore Victoria invite you to a Recital of Choral and Organ Music in QUEEN’S COLLEGE CHAPEL on Sunday, May 20th 2018 at 3 pm, 1–17 College Crescent, Parkville.

David Agg will perform organ works by Pachelbel, Bach, Vierne & Stanley. The Queen’s Chapel Choir will sing 19th century English choral works. The FOVV will also launch their annual appeal for 2018, followed by afternoon tea in Eakins Hall.

Further information from David Runia 0419 419 766 or Viviane Harangazo 0429 933 780.

 


 

Outreach Ministry

Make it Messy! Training Day Saturday June 2 Parkville 

Make it Messy! will assist those already engaged in Messy Church, churches contemplating beginning a Messy Church and people genuinely curious about the Messy Church phenomenon take the next step in their Messy journey. Join with others from churches across the state for a day of active engagement, stimulating discussions, encouraging stories and helpful electives that will empower your ministry in your local context – whether you are already engaged with Messy Church or not!. Across the day you will have the opportunity to connect with experienced Messy Church leaders and engage with…

Introducing Messy Church                                                                    

Starting a Messy Church                                                                        

Extreme Craft for Messy Church                                                        

Opening the Bible in Messy Church 

Growing discipleship in Messy Church

Exploring what makes Messy Church church                                

Messy Church beyond the monthly gathering                                             

Activities and games for building Messy community                 

More information and registration: e-mail ann.byrne@victas.uca.org.au or Make it Messy 2018 (live from May 1);  for more on the ‘messy church’ idea: http://messychurchaustralia.com.au/

Please let Craig know if you’d be interested in being part of an MtE group attending this workshop

MtE Update – May 11 2018

 

  1. After church NEXT WEEK May 20 we’ll build on our last conversation about our worship, with a focus on the prayer of the church, as it is found in Sunday worship.
  2. Following worship on Sunday June 3 we’ll have another of our hymn-learning sessions.
  3. The latest VicTas Synod eNews (May 9) is here.
  4. Outreach Ministry

Make it Messy! Training Day Saturday June 2 Parkville 

Make it Messy! will assist those already engaged in Messy Church, churches contemplating beginning a Messy Church and people genuinely curious about the Messy Church phenomenon take the next step in their Messy journey. Join with others from churches across the state for a day of active engagement, stimulating discussions, encouraging stories and helpful electives that will empower your ministry in your local context – whether you are already engaged with Messy Church or not!. Across the day you will have the opportunity to connect with experienced Messy Church leaders and engage with…

Introducing Messy Church                                                                    

Starting a Messy Church                                                                        

Extreme Craft for Messy Church                                                        

Opening the Bible in Messy Church 

Growing discipleship in Messy Church

Exploring what makes Messy Church church                                

Messy Church beyond the monthly gathering                                             

Activities and games for building Messy community                 

More information and registration: e-mail ann.byrne@victas.uca.org.au or Make it Messy 2018 (live from May 1);  for more on the ‘messy church’ idea: http://messychurchaustralia.com.au/

Please let Craig know if you’d be interested in being part of an MtE group attending this workshop

  1. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday May 13, see the links here (we’ll hear the psalm and the gospel, and continue to focus on the section in our slow working through of 1 John : 1 John 2.3-11).
Other things potentially of interest

Friends of Vellore Victoria invite you to a Recital of Choral and Organ Music in QUEEN’S COLLEGE CHAPEL on Sunday, May 20th 2018 at 3 pm, 1–17 College Crescent, Parkville.

David Agg will perform organ works by Pachelbel, Bach, Vierne & Stanley. The Queen’s Chapel Choir will sing 19th century English choral works. The FOVV will also launch their annual appeal for 2018, followed by afternoon tea in Eakins Hall. Further information

MtE Update – April 26 2018

 

  1. Our MtE Day luncheon is THIS SUNDAY, April 29 after worship!
  2. Our readings for this Sunday are off-RCL; you can check some background on Sunday’s text here: Isaiah 52:7-10,  Psalm 98 and Mark 1:4-11
Other things potentially of interest

“Building democratic participation in a connected, but disillusioned world”

Old News

JD Northey Lecture

Visiting South African Senior Professor Gerald West  will deliver a JD Northey Lecture at Pilgrim Theological College from 7pm on Thursday May 3. He will speak on the topic of “The Bible as a Site of Struggle in South Africa, from Apartheid to after Liberation”.  Find out more here.

Please bring a gold coin donation and RSVP by Monday 30 April. To RSVP E: info@ctm.uca.edu.au.

Prof West will also conduct a two-day workshop at Pilgrim Theological College  on Contextual Bible Study as a Resource for Systemic Social Transformation. The workshop runs from 9.30am to 4pm on May 4 and 5. Find out more here.

Cost is $20. Please register by Monday 30 April 2018. Register by E: info@ctm.uca.edu.au.

See other intensive courses and events coming up at Pilgrim here.

 

 

MtE Update – April 19 2018

 

  1. Our MtE Day luncheon is coming up, April 29 after worship. Please let Rod know if you are able to attend, and Ann re what you can contribute for the catering…
  2. The most recent Presbytery News (April 18).
  3. ANZAC service at Queen’s College
  4. ANZAC service at St Paul’s Cathedral
  5. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday April 22, see the links here (we’ll continue to focus on a section of 1 John : more on 1 John 1.5-2.2).
Other things potentially of interest

from Mark Zirnsak, JIM

The Justice and International Mission Unit mourns the loss of Jill Ruzbacky who died on Sunday night from complications relating to heart surgery that took place eight months ago. Jill had been in hospital since the surgery.

Jill was well loved across the Uniting Church and ecumenically. She joined the JIM Unit in 2008 and her main areas of work involved running the AboutFACE program  (which placed Uniting Church members in First People communities), campaigning for more humane treatment of people seeking asylum in Australia, managing the relationship the Synod has with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines and the relationship between the Synod and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress.

Old News

JD Northey Lecture

Visiting South African Senior Professor Gerald West  will deliver a JD Northey Lecture at Pilgrim Theological College from 7pm on Thursday May 3. He will speak on the topic of “The Bible as a Site of Struggle in South Africa, from Apartheid to after Liberation”.  Find out more here.

Please bring a gold coin donation and RSVP by Monday 30 April. To RSVP E: info@ctm.uca.edu.au.

Prof West will also conduct a two-day workshop at Pilgrim Theological College  on Contextual Bible Study as a Resource for Systemic Social Transformation. The workshop runs from 9.30am to 4pm on May 4 and 5. Find out more here.

Cost is $20. Please register by Monday 30 April 2018. Register by E: info@ctm.uca.edu.au.

See other intensive courses and events coming up at Pilgrim here.

 

 

Dear Friends,REQUEST FROM UNITINGWORLD

I am writing to you with the approval of the Moderator and the General Secretary of the VicTas synod to raise a concern with you as a chairperson UnitingWorld, the Assembly agency that has responsibility for our partnerships with churches overseas, especially in the Pacific and Asia.

As you may have heard there are credible reports that in the next federal budget the government will reduce even further Australia’s foreign aid budget, possibly by as  much as $400Million. Our foreign aid budget already stands at historically low levels at just over 0.2% of our GDP making Australia one of the least generous of the developed nations. In UnitingWorld we know that assistance through partnership can make an enormous difference to poor communities overseas. Assisting people to thrive in their own communities seems a better way to enhance security for everyone, including Australia.

I recognise that there may be some in the Australian community who would welcome a further reduction in Australia’s assistance to poor nations on the grounds that it will be used to help the poor and needy in this nation. However, even the poor in this country are rich by the standards of these poor nations.

The government seems to be testing the public mood. Unless there is very significant public response urging the government not to cut the foreign aid budget it seems highly likely that it will be reduced. If you feel that Australia has responsibilities to some of the poorest and most vulnerable citizens in the world and that in our relative wealth we can do better I urge you to write to your local MP, the Minister for International Development Cancetta Fierravant-Wells and the Prime Minister. I have attached draft letters that people may wish to use, adapt or discard as you see fit.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email and for your thoughts and actions.

Blessings and Peace,
Dr Andrew Glenn
Chairperson, UnitingWorld

MtE Update – April 11 2018

  1. Our congregational AGM will follow morning tea THIS Sunday April 15. There will also be an opportunity after this (hopefully, short) meeting to share reflections on the experience of the icons in worship during Lent and to consider whether, and how, we might continue with their use.
  2. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday April 15, see the links here (we’ll continue to focus on the section of 1 John set for last week: 1 John 1.5-2.2).
Other things potentially of interest

REQUEST FROM UNITINGWORLD

Dear Friends,

I am writing to you with the approval of the Moderator and the General Secretary of the VicTas synod to raise a concern with you as a chairperson UnitingWorld, the Assembly agency that has responsibility for our partnerships with churches overseas, especially in the Pacific and Asia.

As you may have heard there are credible reports that in the next federal budget the government will reduce even further Australia’s foreign aid budget, possibly by as  much as $400Million. Our foreign aid budget already stands at historically low levels at just over 0.2% of our GDP making Australia one of the least generous of the developed nations. In UnitingWorld we know that assistance through partnership can make an enormous difference to poor communities overseas. Assisting people to thrive in their own communities seems a better way to enhance security for everyone, including Australia.

I recognise that there may be some in the Australian community who would welcome a further reduction in Australia’s assistance to poor nations on the grounds that it will be used to help the poor and needy in this nation. However, even the poor in this country are rich by the standards of these poor nations.

The government seems to be testing the public mood. Unless there is very significant public response urging the government not to cut the foreign aid budget it seems highly likely that it will be reduced. If you feel that Australia has responsibilities to some of the poorest and most vulnerable citizens in the world and that in our relative wealth we can do better I urge you to write to your local MP, the Minister for International Development Cancetta Fierravant-Wells and the Prime Minister. I have attached draft letters that people may wish to use, adapt or discard as you see fit.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email and for your thoughts and actions.

Blessings and Peace,
Dr Andrew Glenn
Chairperson, UnitingWorld

Old News

JD Northey Lecture

Visiting South African Senior Professor Gerald West  will deliver a JD Northey Lecture at Pilgrim Theological College from 7pm on Thursday May 3. He will speak on the topic of “The Bible as a Site of Struggle in South Africa, from Apartheid to after Liberation”.  Find out more here.

Please bring a gold coin donation and RSVP by Monday 30 April. To RSVP E: info@ctm.uca.edu.au.

Prof West will also conduct a two-day workshop at Pilgrim Theological College  on Contextual Bible Study as a Resource for Systemic Social Transformation. The workshop runs from 9.30am to 4pm on May 4 and 5. Find out more here.

Cost is $20. Please register by Monday 30 April 2018. Register by E: info@ctm.uca.edu.au.

See other intensive courses and events coming up at Pilgrim here.

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