The Uniting Church in Australia



DANDENONG

THE CONGREGATIONS OF
TRINITY (10am) LEWE TOLU VAKALOU (Noon)
Cnr Scott and Robinson Street, Dandenong, 3175
(P.O. Box 7312, Dandenong, 3175)
with oversight of The Asylum Seekers Program

Fijian Congregation: Mr. Jim Smith
Ph: 9799 2763

Epiphany 5 - February 4th, 2007
We warmly welcome all visitors this morning. Please join us for refreshments
in the Fellowship area following the service.

THEME FOR TODAY: Am I What I Am?

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• In order to be “pre-prayered” for the service, there is a time of prayer at 9-30 in the front vestry: you are all welcome.
• Cards are in the narthex if you would like a prayer included in the Prayers of the People. On one side is an entry for a prayer request, the reverse side is an place for you to give a “Praise Report”, that is, if you have had answer to prayer - hearing answers is an encouragement to us all. They may be given to the Steward to bring forward at the Offering.

Coming up in February

Tuesday 6th February - Presbytery meets - also the 10th anniversary service for the Asylum Seeker program at St Barnabas, Anglican Church, Glen Waverley at 7pm.
Saturday 10th February - 10-30am CIFT meeting in the Fellowship area
This weekend will also be the time when the Presbytery conducts its Consultation with us as it is required to do every five years. The team will be led by Rev. David Peel and Ruth Saunders with 4 people appointed by our Church Council. There will be opportunity for members to consult with the team and they will be with us at worship on the 11th
Tuesday 20th February - Pancake Day - 6-30pm at the Church - $5 for the evening. Put it in your diary, invite as many friends as you can. Proceeds to go to the Asylum Seekker Centre
17th February - Ordinations at Frankston - 4pm

SHARE APPEAL
UnitingCare assists 1.8 million people each year across Australia through a variety of programs. Funds are raised through the SHARE Appeal, Pancake Day and Bequests. Rosemary Wilcox will lead worship on Sun 18th March and sahe with us some of the work of the SHARE appeal

LENTEN STUDIES
Our 6 week program this year will be “Christianity Explained”. This is an excellent time to look at the essentials and distinctiveness of the Christian faith and an excellent opportunity to bring those who are exploring the
 

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elements of faith or wish to develop their ability to share the faith with others. Sessions will be in the Fellowship Area commencing on Sunday 25th Feb with a shared tea at 5-30 and go to 7-30pm. The other will be on Wed 28th at 10-30am

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - Sunday March 5th
Would all Secretaries prepare annual reports and Treasurers present auditted statements report to be handed to Sharleen by mid-February. Nominations are also called for election of Congregational Representative to the Church Council. Forms are available in the Narthex and nominations close ob February 15th with forms handed to Graeme. Ian Bennett’s time has expired and he is open to further nomination, as are Greig, Ian and Malindra who have only been co-opted. The process of election is that on nomination, Graeme will speak with each person to indicate that their name is to be put to the Congregation. Following the 4th March meeting where a 66% indication is required, Graeme will then seek from each person whether following the call of the congregation, they perceive that God is calling them to this ministry of service.

CONGRATULATIONS
To Bruce Patchell on his award of an OAM award for service to the community in many ways. Whether he would acknowledge it or not - it is faith expressed in action. Well done Bruce

PRAYER POINTS: Caring and Sharing with one another
Pray for:

• the Presbytery Pastoral Relations Committee and its Chairperson, Rev. David Peel.

• Rev Lauleti of Endeavour Hills, Manusui his wife and their son John who is on life support in order to give his heart time-out following heart surgery last year

• the family and friends of Edna Bramley, a long time worshipper of thisChurch who died in Sydney about 10 days ago.

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New Years Resolution #3? Go carbon-neutral Last September the UC Synod received a major report on Climate Change. It clearly explains the impact of greenhouse emissions, options for rnewable energy nd practical action plans for congregations, agencies and schools. The report states that “at the core of the UC position is a belief that Christian theology requires respectg for all God’s creation... Becuase climate change is presdicted to impact on the world’s poorest people first, the UC has a moral responsibility to prevent global warming from occuring.” So, get on the phone. Talk to the Synod’s Environmental Project Officer, Cath James, about installing solar power, a water tank, planting trees or signing up for green energy. A grant of $3000 was used last year for the Project Officer to prdouce the report. Our offering help fund this ministry, as does including the Church in your Will, investing in UC Funds Management etc. Phone 9251 5405 or visit http://victas.uca.org/mission Thank you.

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