The latest MtE News

1. This Sunday November 12 – Baptism!
2. We’ve added to our website the possibility of signing up to some e-lists which keep people up to date on some of our particular ministries; feel free to sign up to any of these lists here.
3. There’ll be another hymn-learning session on Sunday November 19, after morning tea.
4. The most recent Synod eNews (Nov 9) is here.
5. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday November 12, see the links here.

The latest MtE News

1. This Sunday is our “All Saints” luncheon (though Wednesday was All Saints!). We’ll welcome back Howard Wallace as a guest preacher, and be accompanied in worship by an icon-ic cloud of witnesses…
2. Having failed to convene a “quorum” at our last attempt, we’ll try for another hymn-learning session on Sunday November 19, after morning tea.
3. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday November 5, see the links here. The focus text will be the reading from Joshua.

The latest MtE News

1. Following worship on THIS SUNDAY October 22 we’ll have another of our new hymn-learning sessions.
2. The most recent Presbytery eNews (Oct 17) is here.
3. Our Presbytery (Yarra Yarra) is currently seeking nominations for its various committees for the next 12 months; please speak to Craig if you have an interest in serving in this way…

Old News

1. The next “Conversations which make a difference” at Church of All Nations (Carlton) will be on TONIGHT October 20; see here for more info.

The latest MtE News

1. The most recent Synod eNews (Oct 5) is here.
2. The lectionary for the coming liturgical year (Dec 2017+) is now available here. Let Craig know if you would like a hard copy printed (on A3; this link will print on A4, but will be quite small script!)
3. Following worship on Sunday October 22 we’ll have another of our new hymn-learning sessions.
4. Our Elder’s lists have recently been reviewed and re-jigged by the Church Council; members’ designated elder should be in touch with you soon to let you know who is whose; if you don’t hear soon, please speak to Craig!
5. Uniting Church in Australia: ‘A People of God on the Way’
   • Public forum: Sunday 15 October, from 3:00pm at the CTM Parkville, includes shared afternoon tea beforehand.
   • Dr Deidre Palmer, President-Elect of the national Assembly, will explore the current and future shape of the Uniting Church.
   • Rev Dr Geoff Thompson, established theologian of the Uniting Church, will address the Basis of Union as our continuing theological compass.
   • Join these two national leaders for an afternoon forum to explore where the Uniting Church is heading, and how will we find our way together.
   • FREE forum but please RSVP online for catering purposes: https://ucavt.goregister.com.au/peopleofgod2017

    

6. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday October 15, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.

Old News

1. The next “Conversations which make a difference” at Church of All Nations (Carlton) will be on Friday October 20; see here for more info.
2. “Sin boldly!” in October: In October Christ Church Kensington (76 McCracken Street, Kensington) celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, especially one of its leaders, Martin Luther—who actually meant it when he said, “Sin boldly!” On three Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM (10, 17, and 24 October) at Christ Church, members of CCK will gather to learn about Luther (and what he meant by his “advice”). We will be reading portions of a short book, Martin Luther: A Very Short Introduction by Scott H. Hendrix, available from Book Depository and Amazon. If you would like to participate, please let Craig know and he’ll pass on your interest to the organisers (or let Margaret Rolfe [Christ Church] know directly).

The latest MtE News

1. This Sunday October 1 there will be a conversation following morning tea of the “Voluntary Assisted Dying/Suicide” consultation paper prepared by the VicTas Synod’s Justice and International Mission unit. Rosalie will lead us in one aspect of the document before we open up to a general discussion. You can download the document here, or pick up a hard copy at church on Sunday. If you’re pressed for time, pp.22-51 of the document might be the most helpful for our conversation.
2. The next “Conversations which make a difference” at Church of All Nations (Carlton) will be on Friday October 20; see here for more info.
3. “Sin boldly!” in October: In October Christ Church Kensington (76 McCracken Street, Kensington) celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, especially one of its leaders, Martin Luther—who actually meant it when he said, “Sin boldly!” On three Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM (10, 17, and 24 October) at Christ Church, members of CCK will gather to learn about Luther (and what he meant by his “advice”). We will be reading portions of a short book, Martin Luther: A Very Short Introduction by Scott H. Hendrix, available from Book Depository and Amazon. If you would like to participate, please let Craig know and he’ll pass on your interest to the organisers (or let Margaret Rolfe [Christ Church] know directly).
4. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday October 1, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.
5. Go Tiges.

Other things potentially of interest

1. TEAR Australia Justice Conference (Melbourne, October)

 

The latest MtE News:

1. The latest Pilgrim College news (September 18) is here.
2. The latest Presbytery update (September 20) is here.
3. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday September 24, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.
4. “Sin boldly!” in October: In October Christ Church Kensington (76 McCracken Street, Kensington) celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, especially one of its leaders, Martin Luther—who actually meant it when he said, “Sin boldly!” On three Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM (10, 17, and 24 October) at Christ Church, members of CCK will gather to learn about Luther (and what he meant by his “advice”). We will be reading portions of a short book, Martin Luther: A Very Short Introduction by Scott H. Hendrix, available from Book Depository and Amazon. If you would like to participate, please let Craig known and he’ll pass on your interest to the organisers (or let Margaret Rolfe [Christ Church] know directly).
5. On Sunday October 1 there will be a conversation following morning tea of the “Voluntary Assisted Dying/Suicide” consultation paper prepared by the VicTas Synod’s Justice and International Mission unit. Rosalie will lead us in one aspect of the document before we open up to a general discussion. You can download the document here, or pick up a hard copy at church on Sunday (72 pages long!).The purpose of the discussion is to:
   • To give an opportunity for members of the conversation to make comments, ask questions, and “overhear” the discussion of others on this question
   • To invite members to contribute in feedback to the Synod on this question (responses can be made up to October 20, 2017)

   Reading the consultation paper

   The consultation paper is long. It comprises:

   1. the recommendations on the governmental Ministry Advisory Committee, which outline how legislation enabling voluntary assisted dying might be constructed (pp8-19);
   2. existing VicTas Synod resolutions on the matter, theological reflections of selected members of the church, and formally expressed views of other churches (pp20-48);
   3. reasons why assisted dying laws might be needed (pp49-51); and
   4. an overview of such laws in other places (52ff)

   While reading the whole of the report will be helpful, our conversation will likely focus on the theological reflections, in connection with the “reasons why” section (that is, pp.22-51).

 

The latest MtE News:

1. The VicTas Synod of the UCA met this week; you can find information about the meeting and its resolutions here.
2. On Sunday October 1 there will be a conversation following morning tea of the “Voluntary Assisted Dying/Suicide” consultation paper prepared by the VicTas Synod’s Justice and International Mission unit. You can download the document here, or pick up a hard copy at church on Sunday (72 pages long!)
3. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday September 17, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.

Friends,

the latest MtE Update!

1. The latest Synod eNews (Sept 6) is here.
2. A letter from the Moderator (Sept 7) regarding our Synod meeting this and next week is here.
3. The latest Pilgrim College news is here.
4. For those interested in some background reading to the readings for this Sunday September 10, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.

Other things of potential interest

1. The Resilient Women Forum.A new report has shown that women are the main targets of Islamophobic violence, with half of offline attacks occurring in crowded public spaces, often in front of children. You can read more about the report here Islamophobia in Australia Report.Participants attending this mid-day Forum will learn what practical steps community members, as well as local agencies and community leaders, can take to respond to this gendered violence and community safety issue.Guest Speaker: Tasneem Chopra – Curator, Consultant, Author and prominent activist.  Tasneem’s passion for addressing social justice issues has embraced many platforms.We welcome all those interested, including those from community organisations, state and local government, schools, hospitals, places of worship, community members and leaders.  The event is free of charge, but please register, as it is being catered. Please also let the organisers know if you have any dietary requirements.  Note: Some childcare can be provided. Please contact April Robinson if you will need to use this service: april.robinson@victas.uca.org.au or 0417 225 231Details are as follows:Date:                     Tuesday, 12 September 2017Time:                    10am – 2:30pm (including morning tea & lunch)Venue:                 Preston Shire Hall – 286 Gower St, PrestonRSVP before 8 September 2017 via Eventbrite: Resilient Women Forum

   Kind regards, April Robinson

   Interfaith Network Developer
   Commission for Mission
   130 Little Collins St Melbourne 3000
   t  (03) 9251 5965  | f  (03) 9251 5491  | m  0417 225 231
   e  April.Robinson@victas.uca.org.au
   w  victas.uca.org.au

2. UCA Assembly Membership 2018 (Melbourne)
   TO: Synod members, ministers in placement, Church Council secretaries and Presbytery Secretaries:

The Business Committee has decided to extend the deadline for Assembly nominations  till 6.00pm on Saturday 9 September – the first day of the Synod meeting.

Nominations for Synod Standing Committee close at 6.00pm on Sunday 10 September. Please note, you do not have to be a member of Synod to nominate for the Assembly, but you do need a member of Synod to nominate you.

You do, however, have to be a member of Synod to nominate for the Synod Standing Committee. You can find the nominations website at: http://nominations.victas.uca.org.au

 

Friends,

the latest MtE Update!

1. Our new study series has begun – not to late to join in (week 2 next week)! You can register for a group from this page.
2. The latest Presbytery update (August 15) is here.
3. The latest Synod update (August 9) is here.
4. For those interested in some background reading to the readings for this Sunday August 20, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.

 

Other things of potential interest

Dear Vic/Tas Uniting for Refugees Network members,

National Day of Action – 8^th October!

Different groups in the refugee sector are planning for a National Day of Action on Sunday 8^th October, and we would like to encourage you to think of creative ways that you might be able to might mark this day and use it as a way of calling for bipartisan commitments for humane solutions and real justice for those who are entangled within the awful web of offshore detention, long periods of arbitrary detention, prolonged family separation, and no clear guarantees of permanent protection.

It might be as simple as a reflection in the Service that morning (using some previously-published Refugee Week resources by UnitingJustice), or a creative activity involving your Congregation on the day.   If you’re doing an activity, please send through a photo and a few lines about what you did – that would be great to promote to others to give encouragement and ideas!

On that day in Melbourne, a City-wide event is being organised by the Refugee Action Collective for 2pm at the State Library – further information can be found here: http://bit.ly/DayofAction8-10

Keep an eye on our Vic/Tas Uniting for Refugees Network Facebook page, as well as the pages of Refugee Advocacy Network; Refugee Action Collective; Australian Refugee Action Network; Rural Australians for Refugees; Safe Asylum Tasmania and other similar pages to find out what else is happening and for resources which can be used for the day.

Jill Ruzbacky

Social Justice Officer, Justice & International Mission
Commission for Mission
130 Little Collins St Melbourne 3000
t  (03) 9251 5266  | f  (03) 9251 5241  | m  0417 878 982
e  jill.ruzbacky@victas.uca.org.au
w  victas.uca.org.au

Friends,

the latest MtE Update!

1. Our next study series begins next week. “Migrations of the Holy” – is a study in “the political meaning of the church”, and we’ll consider chapters on “The Liturgies of Church and State”, “The Church as Political”, “Migrant, Tourist, Pilgrim, Monk” and “The Sinfulness and Visibility of the Church.” You can REGISTER for a group from this page.
2. Please contact Sue if you are able to assist with the worship roster for the next few months, or if you’re usually on the roster but will be away for some of that time.
3. There will be a congregational meeting on THIS SUNDAY August 6 following worship; the main item of business will be considering proposed focuses for mission and ministry for the next 18 months; a report will also be given on progress with our buildings project.
4. For those interested in some background reading to the readings for this Sunday August 6, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.