Advent is here! Advent begins on the 2 December and marks the. Advent 1 (2 December) Hope. Advent 2 (9 December) Peace with justice

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1 IN Advent begins on the 2 December marks the DECEMBER 2018 JANUARY 2019 Focus Focus St. Matthew s Monthly Newsletter Advent is here! beginning of a new year in the Christian calendar. The word, advent, means coming or arrival. Advent includes the four weeks before Christmas, it is the time when we as Christians get ready for the birth of Jesus, the coming of Jesus light into the world. During Advent we have the practice of lighting the Advent wreath. We light the cles to remember that Jesus light is born into the world is all around us. Each Sunday, we light a cle. Advent 1 (2 December) Hope Today we light the cle of hope. We hope that Jesus light will come again again into our world. So let us go inward, let us be quiet. Let us find the hope that is inside... If you can t find it today, ask God to help you find it. Sit quietly notice the hope... or perhaps pray, Jesus, help your light to shine in us as hope. enjoy Come the season Christmas us with atthew St. M Advent 2 (9 December) Peace with justice As Christians, we light the Advent wreath to remind us that we wait for Christ s light to be born anew in our world. The wreath is in the shape of a circle to remind us that God s love for us is never-ending. Today we are lighting the cle of peace. We remember that Jesus brings the promise of peace: peace in our hearts, peace between family friends, peace between nations, peace between human beings all of creation. KUCA End of Year Celebration Sunday 9 December 9:30am Children participate in worship receive a certificate. Remembrance Thanksgiving Monday 17 December 7.30pm A service specifically designed for all those who experience a sense of loss at Christmas, especially those for who, this is the first Christmas without a loved one. Children s Christmas Eve Celebration Monday 24 December 5pm A chance for young children to be part of the Christmas story. A great family time! Christmas Eve Monday 24 December 11.15pm An excellent way to celebrate Christmas in a relaxed family atmosphere with music, a relevant message cles representing Christ's light in our world. Christmas Day Tuesday 25 December 9am Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with a Christmas message carols. St Matthew s Lane, Cnr Edgar Charles Streets Baulkham Hills 2153 Advent 3 (16 December) Joy Today we will light one more cle on our wreath to show that we are waiting for the birth of Jesus, for Christ s light to be born into the world. The Advent wreath is always clothed in green. The greenery is a symbol of life growth. The green on the Advent wreath reminds us that God s love for us is very special it is alive is always growing. This Sunday we light the cle that symbolizes joy. The joy that we talk about when we think of Jesus is not merely the feeling of happiness, rather it is the experience which includes many feelings that comes from loving this world. Advent 4 (23 December) Love Today we are lighting the fourth cle on our Advent wreath. We have almost finished our waiting. We talked about the wreath being a circle to remind us of God s unending love. We note, too, that it is covered in greenery to symbolize God s love for us that is always growing. The cle we light today is the cle of love. It is hard for us to imagine that God loves us no matter what. Join the adventure this year as we journey together to Bethlehem may you know the hope, peace, joy love of God in deeper ways this Christmas in With love, Dirk

2 Love your Neighbor as Yourself The neighbor near far away. This year, Christmas Bowl envelopes will be available as you enter leave the services. There are two simple ways to give; If you want to give by cheque of credit card, please fill in the details in the envelope put it in the post. If you want to give cash, h it to the Christmas Bowl person at the back of the church. (if you want a receipt put the cash in the envelope, fill out the form inside h it to the Christmas Bowl person so that a receipt can be mailed to you). The contact person is the Christmas Bowl person with the Christmas Bowl hat! You are invited to a of Remembrance Thanksgiving Monday 17th 7.30pm A service specifically designed for all those who experience a sense of loss at Christmas, especially those for whom this is the first Christmas without a loved one. During the service we intend to read out the names of people we have known loved but see no longer, whose absence is particularly felt at Christmas. People will be invited to light a cle in memory of their St. Matthew s Uniting loved one after the names are read out. Please contact us with any name(s) you would like included. The names may be phoned or ed through to the church prior to 18 December. service the tree will be planted, together with the messages etc., somewhere in the community. A light supper will be provided after the service for catering purposes, we would appreciate an We also invite you to indication of people bring a card, item or intending to come. memento to place on Please contact us if the Tree of you would like Remembrance. This further information, tree has been supplied know that we are by the Baulkham Hills thinking of you at Council after the this time of year. St. Matthew s Baulkham Hills Uniting Cnr Edgar Charles Streets St Matthews Ln Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 PO Box 773, Baulkham Hills 1755 Phone Fax office@stmatthewsuniting.net.au Website K U C A Presentation Sunday 9 December 9.30am KUCA then in recess during school holidays K UCA resumes Sunday 3 February 2019

3 Giving to the Exodus Foundation helps ensure those in greatest need don t miss out at Christmas, so I encourage you to donate. Please get into the spirit of the season by collecting food gifts so our homeless needy guests get a better Christmas. DECEMBER EVENTS JANUARY EVENTS carwash January 6 & St. Matt s WEDNESDAY MORNING 12 December 10am C hristmas During 9am services in January the youth will be running a fundraiser carwash. Cost $15 with Adele Enquiries: Lorraine Harrington St. Matthew s O P - S H O P 2pm Post Links Saturday 19 January Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 1st Saturday every month 12noon Symphony under the Stars Pre-loved clothes & accessories Books, Haberdashery, Bric-a-brac Please note that St. Matthew s Op Shop closes over the Christmas New year period. The last shopping day for 2018 is Join us for an evening under the stars at Parramatta Park to watch the free event, Thursday 13 December. Re-opens Tuesday 15 January 2019 at 9am to 2pm. Always a wonderful evening. Bring a picnic tea, a blanket preferably a low chair. Time to be announced. Please send articles to the church office. by Thursday 15 FEBRUARY at the latest. New contributors welcome! REMEMBER to try send photos to accompany your articles. It s time again to start thinking about articles advertising for the EASTER EDITION 19th MARCH of the Uniter. Please let Jane Jenkyn know on jmap@optusnet.com.au if you wish to attend so that a place can be kept for you. All Welcome. Thank you Please note: Photos must include a list of people shown permission form signed. Please leave your donations in the foyer at St. Matthew s Uniting Baulkham Hills. Deadline for donations is Monday 17 December. Symphony under the Stars. Upcoming DIARY Mark your diaries We also accept supermarket gift cards! These are used to buy additional food DATES DAT E S Coffee & Discovery Thursdays from 10am March 7, 14, 21, 28 May 9,16, 23,30 August 1, 8, 15, 22 October 24, 31 November 7, 14 Garage Sales Saturdays April 27, July 13, October 12 8am to 11am

4 The St Matthews Preschool Children delight the Coffee Discovery Group with a Musical Performance. Over the year the children at UnitingCare St Matthews Preschool have enjoyed greeting farewelling attendees of Coffee Discovery from their playground. In the bid to develop the children s sense of belonging being a part of the wider community, we approached Dulcie to see if we could somehow extend our connection into something more meaningful than a simple hello. On Thursday 15 November 60 children entertained the attendees of Coffee Discovery with a song a dance during morning tea. The children seniors then had the opportunity to connect as the children gave them a small gift that they had made to remind them of their visit. It was a great morning seeing generations connect we look forward to continuing our connection with Coffee Discovery into Paula Stoodley Early Childhood Teacher The Ministry team office staff wish you your family a safe Holy Christmas a Happy New Year. December / January ACTIVITIES REGULAR GROUPS Healing Meeting Usually meet the at St.Matthew s 3rd Sunday of the month from February to November at 3:30pm in the church. YOUNG FAMILIES 9.30am service during term for Preschool, Years K-2, Years 3-6 PLAY GROUPS. During term time. Offers a friendly, safe environment for you your children to meet new friends, join in activities including craft, toys, library singing. Enq Office Grparents Play Group Wednesday 9.30am A Play Group, specifically for Grparents who mind babies preschoolers. (Not on 3rd Wed of Month) Play Group Thursday 9.30am NOW FULL WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP Play Group Friday 9.30am 2nd Wednesday of the month Next event 10 December EREMUS BOOK CLUB. First Thursday of the 7.30pm 5 Woodl St Baulkham Hills New m em b e rs ve ry we lco m e. Decembers meeting will be on Saturday 1 December for an end of year luncheon celebration afternoon group meeting. We begin again on 7 February continue to meet on the first Thursday each month. Contact Betty If you are interested in any of the above groups or activities please contact the church office. YOUTH YOUNG ADULTS SIMPSONS BROTHERHOOD. BROTHERHOOD. Youth Bible Study for guys in years Food Provided Please bring $5 MEN S MORNING TEA 3rd Wednesday of the Meet at 5.45pm in the church. Enjoy a fun morning of fellowship FLOURISH GIRLS GROUP GROUP laughter with the guys. Bring along a Year pm. On Sunday once a month. plate of food to share. Come along join us for Bible IN STITCHES.. Study, food & fun. Check the youth programs craft group upstairs hall 9.45am pm for more details! No cost light snacks provided. 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesday of the month. Contact: Nicola Schuster nicola.ella_97@hotmail.com Bring your craft along to do. Share fun fellowship with other crafty ladies. THRIVE BIBLE STUDY. Morning Tea supplied. year 11 up to the age of December final meeting for the year then Fortnightly at St. Matt s in the. in recess until February. Contact Daniel Gibb daniel@stmatthewsuniting.net.au POST LINKS. An adult support group providing fellowship social THRIVE SOCIAL GROUP.. Meet fourth Saturday evening of the month. opportunities for people whose life stage gives them the freedom to do things they would like to do. Contact Daniel Gibb daniel@stmatthewsuniting.net.au Next event: 19 January. See advert inside for details TEEN PLUS... is a special needs social group for all ages from high CHRISTIAN MEDITATION.. school up. Meets Sundays fortnightly for dinner & fun. Betty s 7.30pm We are still collecting for their shoebox appeal in recess from 17 Dec ember until 4 February supporting a school in the Philippines. Thank you Tuesdays 9.15am at St. Matthew s B.H. to all who have make donations during the year. Christmas meeting Donations of small educational items are greatly BIBLE STUDY GROUP..... appreciated. Please place donations in the box Adele s 7.30pm provided at the top of the stairs in the church foyer. G i v i n g From time to time, we receive questions on how someone can make donations to St. Matthew s Uniting Baulkham Hills, to further support God s work through the Ministry team congregation, in the wider Community. To assist with this, we have set up the following account with Uniting Financial s: Account Name: Baulkham Hills Uniting Giving Direct BSB: Account Number: If required a Direct Debit Request Form is available in the foyer or speak with Barry Gregory. For your support of God s work here at St. Matthew s, a big thank you! If you wish to find out more, please contact the Office. To include your activity in the FEBRUARY 2019 In Focus St.Matthew s Monthly Newsletter please send details to Robyn Lynn in the Office by 15 JANUARY. Thank you Please check St. Matthew s weekly Newsletter for details of on Sunday last minute changes to scheduled activities. Ministers - Everyone Minister of the Word Rev. Dirk Van Doorene Mobile No (During office hours & emergencies) dirk@stmatthewsuniting.net.au Day off Friday children, youth young adults ministry worker Daniel gibb daniel@stmatthewsuniting.net.au Seniors Pastoral Carer Michael Strong PART TIME: mike@stmatthewsuniting.net.au Office Secretaries: Robyn Morrall Lynn Samuel Office Hours 9am-3pm mon-fri Office : Location: Cnr Charles & Edgar Streets Baulkham Hills Postal Address: Baulkham Hills Uniting PO Box 773 Baulkham Hills 1755 Web Site: Weekly newsletter available on website office@stmatthewsuniting.net.au Maintaining contact with you your family is very important to us. We would be grateful if you change your address, phone/mobile or details that you let us know by phoning leaving a message on or by office@stmatthewsuniting.net.au PreSchool Director Ms Anne Mayberry PO Box 321 Baulkham Hills director@stmatthewsps.net.au

5 Calendar of Events for DECEMBER 2018 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday School Holidays Saturday 1 31 New Years Eve 9am-12noon Op-Shop Sunday 2 8am 9.30am KUCA Final for 2018 Eremos book club end of year celebration 3 Garage Sale Pricing am Grparents Play Group 9.30am Play Group 10am In Stitches Craft Group in at 5 Woodls St Baulkham Hills 4pm-8.30pm Preschool Christmas Concert In church or Community room 10 4pm-8.30pm Preschool Christmas Concert upstairs hall pm Bible Adele s final for In recess for January 12 Catholic, Canyon Rd B.H. upstairs hall at 5 Woodls St Baulkham Hills 7.30pm Christian Catholic, Canyon Rd B.H. Meditation 7.45pm Elders Meeting 7.30pm Christian Meditation am Grparents Play Group 4pm-8.30pm Preschool Christmas Concert upstairs hall am Play Group in Preschool, Years K-2 & Years pm Korean Fellowship 6.45pm 9 8 8am 9am-3pm the Willow s in Preschool 5.45pm Simpson s Brotherhood Bible Study 7.00pm EMERGE ALIVE Outdoor games 9.30am KUCA Presentation 12pm Korean Fellowship 5pm Teen Plus Christmas Party 6.45pm pm Final EMERGE AND ALIVE FOR 2018 Christmas Party meet offsite 10am 12noon Women's Fellowship 15 Thrive Social-Christmas a park the Lawless house 16 8am 9.30am KUCA in recess 12pm Korean Fellowship upstairs hall church 6.45pm Evening pm Thanksgiving Remembrance 18. Details back page 19 10am-12noon Men s Morning Tea in 20 Catholic, Canyon Rd B.H Youth in Recess for school holidays Christmas Eve 5pm Children s 11.15pm Christmas Eve 25 Christmas Day 26 Boxing Day am Carol 7.30pm Christian Meditation In rec ess until 4 Feb ru ar y The Ministry 9.30am team Carol office staff wish you your 12pm Korean Fellowship 6.45pm Evening family a safe Holy Christmas a Happy New God s Natural World Year. Australian time 30 worship No evening worship

6 Calendar of Events for JANUARY 2019 Monday School Holidays Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday New Years Day 8 9am-3pm Office Re-opens 6 KUCA in recess Car Wash during 9am service In Stitches In Recess until February 7 Sunday 6.45pm No Scheduled Activities 10am 12noon Women's Fellowship upstairs hall church KUCA in recess Car Wash during 9am the Willow s am-2pm Op Shop REOPENS FIRST DAY FOR 2018 Garage Sale Pricing Zone Youth Camp At Glenworth Valley Zone Youth Camp At Glenworth Valley 10am -12pm Men s Morning Tea in 20 KUCA in recess 6.45pm No Scheduled Activities AUSTRALIA DAY am Play Group in Catholic, Canyon Rd B.H Returns for KUCA in recess The Ministry team office staff wish you your 6.45pm family a safe Holy Christmas a Happy New Year.