How do we experience hope?

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Loraine Hubbard
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http://loddon-malleeuca.blogspot.com/ Christmas 2013 U N I T I N G C H U R C H I N A U S T R A L I A L O D D O N - M A L L E E P R E S B Y T E R Y How do we experience Hope?

If you are like me, you would have already been experienced worship focussing upon Hope, and Peace. During worship this morning our congregation was asked, How do you receive joy?

For some congregations experiencing hope has had some challenges as they consider their future, with the possibility of the properties they have come to love being closed; used for other

November 17th 2013 will be remembered, as this is the date that the Maryborough congregation was born, with a special service in the afternoon in the Neill Street property.

Judy Berridge: Presbytery Minister Administration. It is with hope for more missional outcomes that the congregations have merged and look forward to future opportunities.

1 Christmas 2013 U N I T I N G C H U R C H I N A U S T R A L I A L O D D O N - M A L L E E P R E S B Y T E R Y How do we experience Hope? We are well into the Advent season, as I write this it is the third Sunday, when we celebrate Joy. If you are like me, you would have already been experienced worship focussing upon Hope, and Peace. During worship this morning our congregation was asked, How do you receive joy?. Good question how do you receive joy? Hope, Peace, Joy and Love all challenge our faith. How do we experience hope? For some congregations experiencing hope has had some challenges as they consider their future, with the possibility of the properties they have come to love being closed; used for other purposes; or in some instances sold. Argyle Road, and St. Andrew s, Neill Street, Maryborough agreed to merge and become one congregation. November 17th 2013 will be remembered, as this is the date that the Maryborough congregation was born, with a special service in the afternoon in the Neill Street property. Earlier in the day the Argyle Road congregation was disbanded and the property closed. May this Christmas season be a time of reflection and peace for all. Judy Berridge: Presbytery Minister Administration. It is with hope for more missional outcomes that the congregations have merged and look forward to future opportunities. It is with joy that the Maryborough congregation is able to experience the Nativity Scene, featuring animals to remind us of the peace that can be offered by even the smallest of creatures. While we experience the Advent season in our own Congregations we are mindful of the other congregations in our Presbytery and Synod who experience the joys of advent and Christmas in many ways, always giving thanks for the opportunity to celebrate. Let us remember those who do not experience, peace, joy and/or love during advent and Christmas.

P apg ae g 2 e 2 R i Rv ei vr e or f o Lf i Lf e i f e S e a r c h i n g f o r a h e a r t o f g o l d Canadian singer/songwriter, Neil Young, once wrote a song about searching for a heart of gold.

No half-hearted response will do. To think of theology, which has been described as faith seeking understanding, in terms of this wholehearted quest might be helpful.

2 P apg ae g 2 e 2 R i Rv ei vr e or f o Lf i Lf e i f e S e a r c h i n g f o r a h e a r t o f g o l d Canadian singer/songwriter, Neil Young, once wrote a song about searching for a heart of gold. To be a pilgrim, a follower, a disciple of Jesus is to embark on a quest; to seek - trusting that we will find and knock - trusting that at some point the door will open. No half-hearted response will do. To think of theology, which has been described as faith seeking understanding, in terms of this wholehearted quest might be helpful. Too often theology is seen only as an intellectual, academic pursuit, rather than an expression of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. There are rich veins of truth to discover as we search the scriptures, digging a little deeper, for guidance on how to live and love authentically. At a number of points, Jesus urges us to be focussed to free our minds and our lives from distractions and give our undivided attention to seeking first the reign of God. There s the encounter between Jesus and the rich young man who comes seeking this elusive treasure. I ve done all the right religious things, he says, what am I missing? Jesus sees through to the heart of the matter his life is cluttered with too much stuff his many possessions have ended up possessing him. Jesus invites the young man to let them go and follow Him but alas this is asking too much and the rich young man leaves with a heavy heart. There s the image in one of the kingdom- parables in Matthew 13, of the pearl of such great value that the seeker is prepared to sell all he has in order to get it. Or the intriguing little glimpse of the church we get when Jesus is at the home of Martha and Mary Martha, you are worried about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has got to the heart of the matter. In this Advent/Christmas season, when so much in our culture threatens to clutter our minds and our time, we re invited to prepare the way clear the decks for the miracle of the Incarnation. As the writer says in psalm 139 search me,o God; try me and know my heart. In Jesus, God s Christ has come. God s longing for us is embodied and real. Let s hope that God finds us at home this Christmas. Mike Lewis Prepare the way Clear the decks! Bethlehem Ephrathah The rich had taken the best rooms in the inns, and the private homes too. The moderately well-off took the rest. The poor camped where they could, gathered around fires, swapped yarns, got counted, and made their plans to head home. Bethlehem had taken on the appearance of a refugee camp; the city fathers were not impressed. Joseph and Mary had been among the campers by the creek, until the contractions of the impending birth drove them to seek a more substantial shelter. In a stable the animals seemed to enjoy a tolerable standard of accommodation; they decided to join them. Some time ago I heard a Minister There ask the question child would of the be born Congregation, What is God doing and God made welcome. here? This has Ken stayed Rookes with me, niggling at me, making me ask myself What is God asking me to do? It challenges and stretches me as I move around the Presbytery, assisting Congregations with property and finance issues. The Minister did not leave the question there, he followed up

3 P a g e 3 The children of God. The good news is this, we have seen a great light, and furthermore, that Light comes to us to receive. Graciously, the Light has come toward us and continues to come toward us. As long as we reject the great filling light in our presence, we will continue to walk in darkness. As long as we refuse to forgive and love and share and make peace, that God shaped hole will continue to be a God shaped hole. Why? Because God loves us so much that God gave us freedom. The light is not invasive. It is persuasive, like a friend holding a candle toward you for you to light your candle on. And if we do light our candle with the Light of God, IF we do allow our soul to be ignited with the awesome power of love and forgiveness and peace and sharing, our faces will become illuminated in the presence of the Living Christ. We will finally see ourselves and our neighbours as Children of God. This is the message that the Living Word would have us understand. We are children of God from the very beginning, but we enslave ourselves to lesser parents. We walk in darkness and we look to other sources for parental comfort, don t we? We make ourselves Children of Exclusiveness or Children of Possessions or Children of Beauty or Children of Hollow Happiness. Jesus says later in John s gospel that this is the judgment of the world, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light. Why do we love the darkness rather than the light? Because the light comes to earth in a feeding trough The Light takes a cross on his back and asks us to as well. The Light asks us to change our direction in life. We fill the God shaped hole with other things, and we think R i v e r o f L i f e Christmas Always in the dark centre of this season the birth occurs noiseless and marvellous the seers move on their journeys there are gestures of wonder, and at midnight a resting star. Always it is amazing that the mountains do not relinquish their momentary grandeur, bend to the stable, let the ermine tremble there where the oxen and the angels are. Jean Kenward we are full until the little cracks appear in our carefully tailored lives. God s light continues to shine in our direction though, and it continues to come to us. All we have to do is dip our candle toward the one being offered to us. Adapted from: au/2012/12/christmas-midnight-mass-

P a g e 4 R i v e r o f L i f e Arnold St, Neale St and White Hills congregations have overwhelmingly agreed through consensus to merge into one congregation and progress toward consolidating all

This initiative is strongly supported by Presbytery and the Presbytery Ministers, and builds on the work of consolidating Bendigo UCAs that has been discussed for some time.

multi-purpose worship centre, coffee shop/ drop-in centre, op shop, welfare services, youth work, community facilities Address the issue of dysfunctional suites of buildings and properties and

4 P a g e 4 R i v e r o f L i f e Arnold St, Neale St and White Hills congregations have overwhelmingly agreed through consensus to merge into one congregation and progress toward consolidating all activities at the White Hills site. This initiative is strongly supported by Presbytery and the Presbytery Ministers, and builds on the work of consolidating Bendigo UCAs that has been discussed for some time. The changes will: Enable and encourage the ministry and mission of the UCA in the north east area of Bendigo, a growing community Provides potential to facilitate the congregations visions multi-purpose worship centre, coffee shop/ drop-in centre, op shop, welfare services, youth work, community facilities Address the issue of dysfunctional suites of buildings and properties and increasing maintenance costs with reducing income Grow the UCA in a prominent location on a main road with a community centre shops, PO, bank, primary school, pedestrian traffic lights, aged care (White Hills Haven), Bendigo UnitingCare op shop, sporting facilities Develop the 5,550m 2 White Hills site through the sale of Arnold St and Neale St properties. The Strathfieldsaye congregation will continue with their local presence and relationship with the Anglican Church, but support the merge and move of the other three congregations in the Bendigo North East Cluster. December 2013 A Working Group has been established to assist the congregations to amalgamate the various components into one congregation, and commence a process to develop the facilities at White Hills to meet the needs of the UCA in the future in this area. A number of combined meetings are being held to ensure broad input to the process from each of the congregations. There is much excitement, and a little bit of nervousness, about the changes and what they hold for these faithful communities. Please pray for the people in these congregations as they progress towards merging and moving. Alastair Greenall Ladies, don t forget the rummage sale. It s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say Hell to someone who doesn t care much about you. Don t let worry kill you off - let the Church help. Miss Charlene Mason sang I will not pass this way again, giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

A group of visitors representing the Uniting Church- Vic/Tas Synod, traveled from Melbourne to experience the evening s fellowship.

5 P a g e 5 R i v e r o f L i f e SWAN HILL COMMUNITY ISSUES GROUP HOSTS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL WELCOME TO REFUGEES. Last Friday, November 29 th, another very successful evening to welcome our new Hazara friends to Swan Hill was enjoyed by 100 Afghani Refugees and 40 interested Swan Hill community members. A group of visitors representing the Uniting Church- Vic/Tas Synod, traveled from Melbourne to experience the evening s fellowship. This group included Rev Swee Ann Koh- Cross Cultural Ministry, Jill Ruzbacky Justice & International Mission, April Robinson Interfaith, Sarah Tomilson Period of Discernment and Paul Dau, Candidate for Ministry, and his family. The St Mary s Parish Centre was filled to capacity. The men appreciated the chance to meet together, share a meal provided by the Community Issues group and listen to speakers from the Country Fire Authority (safe heating and cooking methods, use of smoke alarms, acute fire days); Swan Hill Health Primary Care (Health services available at the hospital and how to access them ) The newly employed Nurse for Refugees spoke about correct use of the Medicare card, upgrading immunizations and healthy life styles. A local Driving School instructor demonstrated rules for safe driving. An interpreter ensured the men understood the information and then were able to ask questions. During the evening the men were keen to offer help to serve the meal and then help pack up. The Community issues group would not have been able to organize this evening without the support of Australia Post Our Neighbourhood grant. Jan Ellemor Presbytery News In December The Bendigo central Cluster said goodbye to Rev Eseta Meneilly and the final service will be held for Chris Meneilly on December 29th at Neale St. Rev Don Whitelaw is retiring and will also have his final service with Castlemaine and district Parish on December 29th. A final service will also be held for Don at Strathaven on December 31st. Rev David Manzoney and Jean will be retiring from Cohuna and Kerang clusters in February. Rev Siotame Paletu a will be inducted into the Sunraysia Parish on February 21st (date to be confirmed)

P a g e 6 R i v e r o f L i f e Every year we go out as a family into the bush nearby and search for a Christmas tree.

It must be the right size. Not too big or too small. It should have enough branches for our lights and baubles etc. The reality is that we usually come home with something, well, less than perfect.

It reminds me a bit of a Charlie brown Christmas cartoon in which Charlie is sent off to find a tree for Christmas and he comes back with a little weedy thing and presents it to his friend Linus.

What I like about Charlie s tree is that, in his little imperfect tree, with all its vulnerability, is a sign of the truth and beauty of Christmas. It is not about the big and the flashy things.

6 P a g e 6 R i v e r o f L i f e Every year we go out as a family into the bush nearby and search for a Christmas tree. As radiate pine trees are a weed in the Australian bush we can feel good about removing the tree and helping the bush and we get ourselves a free tree. We hunt for just the right branch or tree. It must be the right size. Not too big or too small. It should have enough branches for our lights and baubles etc. The reality is that we usually come home with something, well, less than perfect. This year s tree is more than a little lopsided and could use a few more branches, but somehow we grow to love it s imperfections. It reminds me a bit of a Charlie brown Christmas cartoon in which Charlie is sent off to find a tree for Christmas and he comes back with a little weedy thing and presents it to his friend Linus. Linus is more than a little disappointed and Lucy is downright cruel and laughs at him and his tree. Snoopy, on the other hand, just dances around it in glee. What I like about Charlie s tree is that, in his little imperfect tree, with all its vulnerability, is a sign of the truth and beauty of Christmas. It is not about the big and the flashy things. Charlie Brown in his innocence finds a deeper truth. The wisdom of the child. The three king s gifts may have been impressive, but they did not really capture what was happening. At Christmas we are surrounded by so much that is big, obvious, loud and bright. If we are not careful we can be fooled into thinking that perfect trees, the right food, nice glitter, flashy lights, expensive presents and tuneful carol singing is what makes up the truth of Christmas. Yet, remember, the Divine comes among us, not as a powerful King, not as a superhero or as the manager of a multinational corporation, or even as a famous theologian or scientist. He came as the small, vulnerable, defenceless, illegitimate child, born into poverty in a dark cave. His family quickly became refugees, and he grew up as a teacher who associated with those who had no power in society and then went to the cross to die for others. At Christmas we remember that humble beginning of the one we call the Christ. Perhaps, alongside the flashy trappings we could take time to find a quiet place to focus on the small, shy truth of Christmas and be blessed. May the Christ child bless you in this celebration of the birth of hope. Rev Gordon Bannon The Christmas Tree The Christmas tree probably originated from popular early medieval religious plays, "the Paradise Plays," performed in churches and town squares of Europe during the Advent season. On stage during the play was a great tree hung with apples, symbolizing the Garden of Paradise. Soon people began the custom of putting a "paradise tree" laden with gifts and lighted with candles in their homes during the Christmas season to celebrate paradise regained through the coming of Christ. Representing many things--the original tree of paradise, the lifegiving tree of Christ's cross, the tree John the Apostle saw in the Book of Revelations, "a tree of life, which yields twelve crops of fruit, one for each month of the year...for the healing of the nations"--our Christmas tree is rich in Christian symbolism.

P R E S B Y T E R Y O F F I C E C O N T A C T N U M B E R S The Meaning of '12 Days of Christmas' What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who

7 P R E S B Y T E R Y O F F I C E C O N T A C T N U M B E R S The Meaning of '12 Days of Christmas' What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember. The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments. Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament. The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy. The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments. The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed. Presbytery Office Judy Mike Gordon Fax judyberridge@bigpond.com The flame of God s life is lit again, Small spark of childlike hope, P a g e 7 Born among the straw and struggles of the world, Held in fragile mangers of love s sanctuaries And reaching out innocent hands towards cynicism. The simplicity of God s life Lays itself on the ground among us, Daringly confronting fine theories and dogmas, Small and vulnerable in the midst of worldly power, The day has come! The Christ is here. Let us sing our glad songs of welcome. (Dorothy McCrae McMahon, ) Please write to me by or snail-mail and send me your contributions to either the web-site or the River. This is a chance for you to share what inspires you and to strengthen our mission and connection. Thankyou to those who have taken up this offer Shalom : Rev Gordon Bannon (editor in chief) Next issue Feb 2013

induction of Rev Ian Davie at Heathcote.

Pictured on left is the Induction service of Rev Cynthia Page at Eaglehawk.

On the 8th of December the Maldon Uniting Church held its final service.

8 P a g e 8 T h e R i v e r o f L i f e. Much has been happening around the Presbytery in the last couple of months, pictured on the right is the induction of Rev Ian Davie at Heathcote. Pictured also is Rev David Mills representing the Presbytery and the Heathcote church band at the Back. Pictured on left is the Induction service of Rev Cynthia Page at Eaglehawk. Max Cooke (Presbytery chairperson) is doing the honours here. On the 8th of December the Maldon Uniting Church held its final service. The service was led by Revs Don Whitelaw and Michele Lees. Rec Mike Lewis acted on be- half of Presbytery Judy Berridge represented Presbytery at the final service of the Yarrawalla congregation which was held on November the 3rd. Lyndsay Falls preached and a long lunch was held afterwards to celebrate the life of the church and its impact on many lives.

Weybridge Methodist Church Newsletter January 2019

Weybridge Methodist Church Newsletter January 2019 Getting back to basics! by Gill Newton. I willingly offer all I have and am to serve you, as and where you choose. Covenant Prayer, Methodist Worship