TOOWONG UNITING CHURCH WORSHIP INFORMATION 9.00am Sunday Morning Please join us afterwards for morning tea & a chat downstairs in the hall. You are also welcome to receive prayer ministry following worship at the front of the church. 6.00pm Sunday Twilight Please note Sunday Twilight is currently on a break over the school holidays. We look forward to starting up again later in 2018. OFFERINGS Monthly Budgeted Offerings Offerings received November* $16,000.00 $12,457.95 *This is the actual offerings received for Nov. 2017, not an average. Please note there were 4 Sundays in Nov. WHAT S ON: JANUARY WELCOME TO MATT & FAMILY! 09 TUES: TUC office reopens 20 SAT: 5.00pm Service of Induction for Matt Smith 21 SUN: 2.30pm Church Council Meeting 22 MON: First Day Term 1 8.00am Prayer Meeting resumes 9.30am English Classes resume 26 FRI: Australia Day 28 SUN: KATS resumes 30 TUES: 7.00pm Pastorate resumes FEBRUARY 2018 01 THUR: 9.30am Playgroup begins 02 FRI: 9.30am Playgroup resumes 03 SAT: 6.30pm Senior Youth Group resumes 07 WED: 10.15am Aveo Service (Taringa) 13 TUES: 7.00pm Pastorate 14 WED: Ash Wednesday 17 SAT: 6.30pm Senior Youth Group 18 SUN: Lent 1 21 WED: 10.00am MTUU 25 SUN: Lent 2 27 TUES: 7.00pm Pastorate REGULAR EVENTS English Bible Study l 8.30am Sundays before worship WELCOME! THE PRESENT AFTER PRESENTS Christmas often seems to have a long build up before it arrives and then, within a few short days of extra time with friends and family, gifts to be unwrapped and enjoyed, and bigger plate servings than usual, etc., Christmas is all over. And what is it that is left for us following Christmas except for expanded waist lines and groaning credit card statements? A few lucky gifts will continue to be enjoyed, some will already be broken, some gifts will be scattered around receiving occasional attention, and the world globe from the well-meaning aunt and uncle who want to expand our education will be put away after we realise we can t play basketball with it. DUNCAN BARLOW PASTOR Duncan fills the dual role of Pastor at TUC and Chaplain at Emmanuel College at UQ. Please get in touch if you have any questions: ph: 0467 066 194 Christmas seems to be so far removed from being focused on Jesus and even when we remember Jesus at Christmas we can focus so much on him as a baby receiving presents that we forget that he was the greatest present we could ever receive and that he wants to impact our present lives. Jesus said, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) What does it mean for us to have a full life? The world teaches us that to have a full life we should be doing our own thing and not having the direction of our lives dictated to us by anyone else. However, when Jesus says that he has come to give us life and life to the full, what this means is explained more in John 10. In John 10, to have a full life in Jesus means that we have Jesus as our Shepherd. This means we look to Jesus for safety and protection but we also recognise our own limitations (sheep have lots of limitations!). Having life to the full means that we also listen for, recognise and obey our Shepherd s voice. Rather than believing that a full life is found in setting our own agenda, we listen to the words of the One who knows us and the world best. As we move from the time of presents to the present time, let us determine to receive the gift of the full life which Jesus has come to offer us and live out that full life in the present by listening to and obeying Jesus. Online Giving Details: BSB: 084424 A/c No: 508563314 Prayer Meetings English Classes Playgroup l 8.00am Mondays in the church house l 9.30am Mondays (during school term) l 9.30am Thursdays (during school term) l 9.30am Fridays (during school term)
EMMANUEL COLLEGE NEWS PREPARING LEADERS TO SERVE THEIR GENERATION We are told in Acts 13:36, Now when David had served God s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. With David being such a great leader it is tempting to think that David s life should be a blue-print for all godly leaders to follow (except for those times when he wasn t a godly leader!). However, what this verse reminds us of is that David served God s purposes in his own generation. God used David in specific ways for his time, his nation, his culture and even in specific ways relating to David s place in God s big plan for rescuing humanity. At Emmanuel College we want to raise up leaders to serve in their generation. Yes, there are timeless characteristics of great leaders and there are certain defining qualities which should always be seen in godly men and women, but what does it mean to be a leader in this generation? What are the key points in society and culture which confront this generation and the next? What will it mean for a leader to be a positive influence upon a multicultural, post-christian and morally fragmented society? And for Christian leaders, what would it mean to serve God s purposes in such a generation and society? Please pray for David Brunckhorst, the staff, and the leading students of Emmanuel College that they will be willing to develop as leaders for their generation. Please also pray for the Christian students that they will serve God s purposes in their generation and that Emmanuel College will take its place in developing and equipping them. SERVICE OF INDUCTION: MATTHEW SMITH 5.00PM SATURDAY 20 JANUARY AT TUC FOLLOWED BY 6.00PM SUPPER (IF YOU ARE ABLE TO, PLEASE BRING A PLATE OF FOOD TO SHARE) We are very excited to have Matt, Narelle and their kids Gabrielle, Asher and Isabel join us at TUC as Matt commences his role as lead minister. Everyone is warmly invited to join us in the church at 5.00pm on Saturday 20 January to celebrate Matt s induction as a minister of the Word serving in the Congregation of Toowong. Please join us for supper at 6.00pm in the hall following the induction service. In order to confirm numbers and ensure sufficient catering, please let us know if you are able to attend, and if you would like to bring a plate of food to share: info@toowongunitingchurch.org.au l 3870 9684
CLARE HANKAMER FAMILIES WORKER Clare oversees KATS, Junior and Senior Youth and the Friday Playgroup. If you have any questions about Children s & Youth Ministry, please don t hesitate to get in touch with Clare: ph: 0432 861 841 SENIOR YOUTH (YEARS 9-12) CHILDREN S & YOUTH MINISTRY KATS (TODDLERS - YEAR 5) KATS stands for Kids at Toowong on Sunday and is our Sunday morning children s program run during the school term. The children leave after the children s talk to gather in their Tiger, Leopard and Lion age groups. An enthusiastic group of volunteers lead these groups, teaching the children about God in a fun and friendly environment. JUNIOR YOUTH (YEARS 6-8) Junior Youth also gather on Sunday mornings after the children s talk in the church house for a time of bible study and fun activities. The Scripture Union Light curriculum is used for KATS and Junior Youth. Each session encourages the children to get to know God better through praying together, looking at the bible together and themed games and craft. Senior Youth join in with the whole Sunday worship either in the morning or evening, and are encouraged to take on leadership roles in the church especially with children s ministry and worship. Senior Youth also meet together every second Saturday night during the school term for Youth Group. This involves games, bible study and prayer. SUNDAY ROSTER: JANUARY 9am WORSHIP SUN 7 SUN 14 SUN 21 SUN 28 Speaker Duncan Matt Will Matt Elder Steve L Wayne M Dianne H Will S Reader Steve L Liz W Ross H Iris M Door Ross and Bev H Laura H, Lauren M Ray and Gem M Iris M, Nikki B Counting Sandra H, Jane T Wayne M, Paul B Ray M, Rob H Will S, Wendy G Morning Tea Iris M, Katarina Beryl M, Karen B Zari N, Dianne H Lisa J, Gem M Data Paul B Bill B Luke R Rob M CHILDREN S & YOUTH EVENTS A number of children s and youth events are run during the year, such as the Junior Youth Sleepover, the Moonwalk and the Light Party. Keep checking the newsletter, enews and app for updates about these events. SAFE MINISTRY WITH CHILDREN TUC has adopted the Uniting Church in Australia Queensland Synod s Safe Ministry with Children policy and believes that every person is precious to God and in following Jesus example, we are committed to providing a safe church for all, particularly those who are vulnerable. All volunteers working with children at TUC have up-to-date Blue Cards and have completed the Safe Ministry with Children training. Prayer Ministry Worship Leader Neil D Mikayla H Lauren M Lauren M Alison B Sue O B Renata Dave TIGERS Toddlers - Preschool LEOPARDS Preschool - Year 2 LIONS Year 3 - Year 5
2 ND PLAYGROUP STARTING SOON! THURSDAYS 9.30-11.00AM FRIDAYS 9.30-11.00AM STARTING 1 ST & 2 ND FEBRUARY Our current Playgroup runs every Friday during the school term from 9.30-11.00am. Due to growing demand, we are starting another Playgroup on Thursday mornings during the school term. If you d like to volunteer at Playgroup, either on the Thursday or Friday, please be in touch with Clare: c_hankamer@hotmail.com ENGLISH CONVERSATION MONDAYS 9.30-11.30AM STARTING 22 ND JANUARY Held every Monday during the school term, these free classes help people in our community practice speaking English. Please get in touch with Barry for more information: bazza172@yahoo.com PASTORATE FORTNIGHTLY TUESDAYS 7.00PM IN THE CHURCH HOUSE STARTING 30 TH JANUARY Our Pastorate is a mid-sized group that meets every second Tuesday during the school term for dinner, worship, bible study and prayer. It s a great way to get to know people, grow in faith and have a lot of fun! We look forward to starting up again this year on 30 January. Everyone is most welcome to join us. TOOWONG UNITING CHURCH SundayTwilight TOOWONG UNITING CHURCH SUNDAY TWILIGHT ON RECESS OVER THE HOLIDAYS Please note our Sunday evening worship gathering - Sunday Twilight - is on a break over the school holidays. We will let you know when we will resume soon. CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING SUNDAY 21 JANUARY The church council s next meeting is on Sunday 21 January. If you have any ideas or suggestions you d like to raise, please be in touch with a member of church council so these can be addressed at the meeting: Wayne Middleton (Chair), Dianne Hubbard (Secretary), Duncan Barlow, Clare Hankamer, Garry Jennings, Stephen Longbottom, Lauren Murray, Karen Nivala, Sue O Brien, Will Stewart and David Vicig. IS YOUR YARD IN NEED OF SOME MAINTENANCE? For all your gardening needs, call Joseph and Daniel: 0432 038 870 SENIOR YOUTH FORTNIGHTLY SATURDAYS 6.30-8.30PM STARTING 3 RD FEBRUARY High school students in grades 9-12 are invited to Senior Youth for a fun time of bible study, prayer and games. We meet every second Saturday night during the school term. Please see Clare for more information: c_hankamer@hotmail.com
WE HOPE YOU ALL HAD A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Please enjoy some photos from some of our Christmas activities. STAY IN TOUCH: CHECK OUT OUR FREE MOBILE APP! Simply go to the App Store or Google Play and search Toowong Uniting Church. You can also check out our website, Facebook Page, Enews and Prayer Email. toowongunitingchurch.org.au facebook.com/toowonguniting To receive a weekly enews and prayer email, get in touch with Lauren: lauren@toowongunitingchurch.org.au KATS breakup and nativity play (3 December) CONVERGE Christmas gathering (9 December) Carolling at Jane s house (16 December) NEW TO TUC? WELCOME, IT S GREAT TO HAVE YOU HERE! Our desire is to live and explain the Christian faith with as much clarity, authenticity and relevance as we can. We d love to chat with you more at morning tea following 9am worship and at supper following Sunday Twilight. Here s a few other ways to connect with our community: Have a Chat Please don t hesitate to get in touch if there s anything we can help you with. Our contact details can be found on the back of the newsletter. Pastorate l Connect Brunch The Tuesday Pastorate or the Connect Brunch are great ways to get to know people. Find out more about these events in the Activities at TUC booklet which is found in the foyer. Communication @ TUC Form Fill out the Communication @ TUC form found in the Church foyer. If you d like to be involved in serving at TUC, fill in the Get Involved form on the back of the Communication @ TUC form.
GET IN TOUCH DUNCAN BARLOW Pastor 0467 066 194 duncan@toowongunitingchurch.org.au LOUISE MIDDLETON Office Manager 0400 712 298 info@toowongunitingchurch.org.au WAYNE MIDDLETON Chair of Church Council middletons.oz@googlemail.com CHURCH DETAILS 82 Sherwood Road, Toowong, QLD, 4066 Morning Worship: Sundays 9.00am Sunday Twilight: Sundays 6.00pm CONNECT ONLINE www.toowongunitingchurch.org.au www.facebook.com/toowonguniting CLARE HANKAMER Families Worker/Playgroup 0432 861 841 clare@toowongunitingchurch.org.au LAUREN MURRAY Relationships Manager 0417 713 444 lauren@toowongunitingchurch.org.au JANE TREWERN Chair of Congregation jftrewern@gmail.com DIANNE HUBBARD Church Council & Congregational Secretary dianne.j.hubbard@gmail.com OFFICE DETAILS 11 Grove Street, Toowong, QLD, 4066 Phone: 3870 9684 Email: info @toowongunitingchurch.org.au Hours: 9.30am 1.00pm Tues, Wed and Fri