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 4 - January 28th, 2007
We warmly welcome all visitors this morning. Please join us for refreshments
in the Fellowship area following the service.

THEME FOR TODAY: Chosen to love, Chosen to be Loved

PAGE 1

• 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 January

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 Mrs 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
17th February - Ordinations at Frankston - 4pm
Tuesday 20th February - Pancake Day - 6-pm at the Church - put it in your diary, invite as many friends as you can

EXECISE BOOKS
UCAF is joining the Mission Liason Group in its collection of new exercise books which can be purchased at Supermarkets and Office Works for only 5 cents each. Please get as many as you can and place them in the container in the Narthex and help our Mission schools and donations overseas.
 

PAGE 2

THE ASYLUM SEEKER CENTRE
On February 6th, David Spittleler celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the commencement of the Centre and its work. His home church St Barnabus Anglican Church is hosting a “Celebration of Ministry” at 7pm on Tuesday 6th February and members are invited to attend this celebration. Over the past 10 years the Centre has assisted 791 Asylum Seekers from 62 countries as well as hundreds of refugees (mainly from Sudan and Afghanistan.) and has distributed Total Material Aid valued in excess of $1.3 million. If you are attending, please bring a plate to share over a cuppa afterwards. If you would like transport, see Graeme.

SHARE APPEAL
UnitingCare assists 1.8 million people each year across Asutralia through a variety of programs. Funds are raised through the SHARE Appeal, Pancake Day and Bequests. Keep an eye out for news of Pancake Day

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 elements of faith or wish to develop their ability to share the faith with others. Sessions will commence 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

CHURCH COUNCIL
Last week co-opted Ian Spencer and Malindra Fernando to the Council and appointed  Malindra as Church Treasurer. Requested all group Secretaries to preapre annual reports and Treasurers to present auditted statements for the Annual Congregation report to be handed to Sharleen by mid-February for our AGM on Mar 4.

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

•  the school chaplains in the Presbytery: Peggy Kruse, Arobert McUtchen, Jim Stevens and the local CCES chaplains (David Ogden at Dandenong High) and RE teachers in our local schools.

• 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.

PAGE 3

Devonport U.C looks to the future While they are "in-between" ministers, Devonport UC is taking the chance to haqve a serious look at their future. "I've been thrilled to bits with their energy," says Mission Planner Alan Dutton. With Alan's guidance the congregations' vision is "to journey together, experiencing, celebrating and making known the love of jesus for creation." They've come up with a set of core values, some clear priorities for action before December 2007. "They're words on paper at present, but there's an energy to get on with God's mission." he said. John Petman, who recently joined the congregation agrees. "We're looking at a balance between old and new worship styles, looking after the older memberws in the community, and serving Devonport through practical christian action. AA grant is being used this year for Mission Planning in Tasmania. Our offering helps to fund this ministry, as does including the Uniting Church in your Will, investing some money in U.C Funds Management etc. Phone 9251 5405 or get more details by visiting: www.victas.uca.org.au/mission for more details Thank you.

PAGE 4