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Monthly Magazine
Issue 32 / April 2015
A community of faith empowering people
to live and share God’s love in our city
and beyond
www.manninghamuc.org
Asset Based Community Development workshop participants enjoying a meal prepared together
where no one was guest or host
Page 2 | April 2015
Minister’s Message
Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!
Easter is foundational to the Christian faith.
Without Easter, there is no Pentecost. Without Easter
we, as Christians, have nothing to proclaim! Without
the Gospel accounts of the resurrection, there would
be no continuing narrative of the Acts of the Apostles.
Without an empty tomb, there would be no hope of
life after death; and without a risen Lord, there would
be no great commission. Paul’s first letter to the
Corinthians 15:32 ‘if the dead are not raised, let us eat
and drink for tomorrow we die…’
There are debates and different understandings of
the resurrection and there is more than the historical
meaning. The living Christ continues to appear to
his disciples, men and women of every age, race and
nationality.
In each generation the EASTER story is renewed,
an empty tomb is discovered, a risen Lord speaks, and
a new gathering of disciples and followers are sent
forth with a message of transformation and hope. Two
of the important themes integral to the Easter narrative
are LIFE and HOPE.
The discovery of the empty tomb is a reminder
of God’s victory over death. The themes of life and
death are explored in variety of ways by different
theologians and biblical scholars. Luke Timothy
Johnson in his book ‘Living Jesus: Learning the Heart
of the Gospel’ (NY Harper Collins, 1999) offers the
following insight:
‘It makes a big difference whether we think
someone is dead or alive…The most important
question concerning Jesus, then, is simply this: Do we
think he is dead or alive?
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
If Jesus is simply dead, there are any number of
ways in which we can relate ourselves to his life and
his accomplishments. And we might even, if some
obscure bit of data should turn up, hope to learn more
about him. But we cannot reasonably expect to learn
more from him.
If Jesus is alive, however, everything changes. It
is no longer a matter of our questioning a historical
record….If Jesus lives then he must be a life giver.
Jesus is not simply a figure out of the past in that case,
but a person in the present….what we learn about him
must therefore include what we continue to learn from
him.”
Some Christians affirm the refrain of the hymn
‘Because He lives…’ our lives in the present are
transformed! This gift of life leads to a second
profound theme in the Easter story: hope.
Had the death of Jesus been the end of the story
(as the two disciples found out on the road to
Emmaus (Luke 24), the Christian story would have
been a hopeless one: a good man unjustly persecuted,
the good deeds of a healer now concluded, the voice
of a master teacher and rabbi now silenced.
But the Christian narrative is filled with hope
precisely because of Easter. The death of Jesus is
real - indeed, he shows his hands and his sides to his
followers after the resurrection. The resurrection is
not about the denial of death. It is about God’s victory
over death: the stone is rolled away; the grave clothes
are cast aside.
Our hope in Christ leads us, quite naturally, to
a hope for the present, for Christ is the Living One
and his resurrection becomes our resurrection. We
are people of hope. Life and hope are among God’s
greatest gifts to us. People gather at Easter, seeking
a greater measure of life and hope in their present
experience.
It is my prayer that this Easter can offer life
and hope to our present
Manningham UC journey. We
stand to be witnesses to the new
life that God is offering to us
and the world.
Easter Blessings
Jason Kioa
April 2015 | Page 3
UPCOMING EVENTS IN APRIL
Men’s
Breakfast
19 April
Are you Game?
Please note that
Men’s Breakfast for
April, due to the
timing of Easter, is one
week later than normal on the 3rd Sunday.
Round up your sons, son’s in-law and grandsons to
join us for Men’s Breakfast at Westfield on April 19.
We have a speaker that will appeal to them all.
Harry Lee is a young man, and member of Surrey
Hills Presbyterian Church, who designs computer
games. Harry was featured during 2014 on the
Television Program where he spoke about the ethical
aspects of computer games. Did you know that if all
the structures that have been created on the game
‘Minecraft’ were placed side by side they would cover
the surface of the planet Jupiter? As we tend to turn to
eight year olds for computer advice, Harry will appeal
to the very young who may at some time question
whether a life in the computer industry is what they
want, while we of the older generation can ponder
over missed opportunities. Apart from designing
games Harry lectures at Melbourne University and is a
consultant to a number of companies.
Put this date in your diary now – make it a reunion
day for your sons and a family day when all three
generations get together to hear a great speaker on an
exciting subject. Grandchildren will not be charged
for breakfast but may out-eat us all.
Please contact Bill Stringer by email
[email protected], or by phone 9857 6986
or mobile 0404 040 166 to get your name on the list
for this breakfast.
When replying would you indicate whether you
are bringing any other visitors, so we can cater
appropriately.
Templestowe
Festival 19 April
Manningham Uniting
Church is going to have
a real presence at this
great festival in 2015 potting up plants with
children to promote our
Shared Garden, soap bubble fun and other activities
for children promoting our Playgroups and displays
of our mission and outreach, including Fresh Youth
theatre. So join in! If you can help on the day at our
stall contact Don Bartlett [email protected] or
0413126753.
So join in the fun which runs all day
REFUGEE AND ASYLUM SEEKER
CONNECTIONS 29 April
If you are interested in supporting refugees and
asylum seekers in Melbourne, come along to the first
CONNECTIONS group.
Date: Wednesday 29 April 2015
Time: 7.30pm
Place: Manningham Uniting Church, Andersons
Creek Road, Doncaster East.
Speaker: Sue Herbst, Director, Migrant Information
Centre, Box Hill.
A number of the Manningham Uniting Church
people have supported refugees and asylum seekers
in the past (eg support of Hotham Mission, Healing
Trail and Welcome to My Place for Dinner) and at the
recent MUC Community Development Forum, some
of us thought that it would be good to get together to
discuss how we can continue to do this, and get some
new ideas of ways to connect with new arrivals.
Sue Herbst, director of the Migrant Information
Centre in Box Hill will talk with us about the work of
the MIC and the opportunities that are available for
volunteering.
There will be time for questions and discussion.
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 4 | April 2015
UPCOMING EVENTS IN MAY
MUC Wine
Tour
9 May
Please mark
your diaries and plan to be part of this fun expedition,
at the same time help raise funds for one of our
mission projects.
The tour will be to the Heathcote area. and will
involve visits to 4 boutique wineries. We are arranging
buses to transport up to 34 people, and will be
providing a picnic lunch.
Date: Saturday 9th May
Time:
Leaving ACR at 8.30am Returning at 6.00pm
Destination: Heathcote Wineries
Cost:
$75 per peson which will cover
transport (from ACR to and from Heathcote), lunch,
and any tasting fees.
Tickets: Graeme Mitchell, John Pont, Ian Salmon For more information: Graeme Mitchell 9844 4217
All proceeds go to support Fresh Youth Theatre
MUC Social Group
Theatre Night
15 May
Nova Music Theatre
Production of ‘EVITA’
EVERYONE WELCOME TO
JOIN US FOR THIS NIGHT
OF LIVE THEATRE
Date: Friday 15 May
Place:Whitehorse Centre, Maroondah Highway,
Nunawading
Tickets: $33 each (group booking) may be obtained
by contacting Dorothy or Ian Dower.
Payment needed on or before SUNDAY 19 th APRIL.
Please advise us as soon as possible if you wish
to go , as tickets are limited!
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
2015 Pallotti Retreat - 29 – 31 May
The MUC 2015 Pallotti Retreat (aka Millgrove
Weekend away) will be held on the weekend of 29th
to 31st of May at the Pallotine Retreat and Conference
Centre, Pallotti College at Millgrove near Warburton.
Nestled in the foothills of Mt Donna Buang, the
venue for the weekend away affords stunning views
overlooking the valley and surrounding mountains. In
a peaceful rural environment, the beautiful setting and
relaxed atmosphere is a place to find balance in our
busy lives, to “come away for a while” and find peace
and rest with God.
The drive from Manningham is approximately 1¼
hours.
Information on Pallotti College can be found at
http://www.pallotticollege.com.au
The program allows time for sharing, watching a
movie, reflection with the newly-dedicated labyrinth,
and time to walk amongst the gum trees or read a
book.
It is intended to arrive Friday evening and gather
together after meeting for a meal on the way at The
Cunningham Hotel in Yarra Junction around 6.30 pm
– 7 pm.
One needs to phone Jan Serpell on 9439 0967 to
reserve your place for dinner.
The Saturday morning program will commence
after breakfast at 9.00 am and the weekend will
conclude mid-afternoon on Sunday. There is room for
those who wish to come up just for the day program.
If staying for the weekend one needs to bring bed
linen and towels, also wine for meals and for a social
time on Saturday evening (nibbles savoury or sweet to
share would also be handy).
This weekend is being organised by a small group
on behalf of the Elders / Pastoral Care Portfolio. So,
please contact Sharon Hyne for more information
on costs and a booking form or for questions you
want clarified – 8848 0998 or 0413 238 353 or email
[email protected].
Booking Forms will be available in the Foyer of
your site.
Final numbers need to be in by 18th May, 2015.
April 2015 | Page 5
UPCOMING EVENTS IN MAY
Trivia Night 30 May
rday
Satu May
30thpm
7
MANNINGHAM UNITING CHURCH
152 Andersons Creek Rd, Doncaster East
P
$20
B
UY
HT
OR
TRIVIA
S
T
-BUY ICKET
RE
ON THE N
IG
NIGHT
Te a m s o f 8 - 1 0 Pe o p l e
( o r j o i n a t a b l e o n t h e n i gh t ) .
BYO S n a c ks & D r i n ks
Ra i s i n g f u n d s to s u p p o r t A I D S
o r p h a n s i n E a s te r n U ga n d a
w w w. l e t t h e n e e dys m i l e . c o m
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 6 | April 2015
UPCOMIMG EVENTS IN JUNE
Manningham Uniting Church
presents the
Watato Children’s Choir
Prepared to be enthralled by these wonderful children from Uganda
3pm Saturday, 13th June, 2015
152 Andersons Creek Road, Doncaster East
Watato is a holistic care program that was initiated as a response to the overwhelming number of orphaned
children and vulnerable women in Uganda. The event is free but you are encouraged to donate and buy
memorabilia in support of this wonderful choir
We would love you to join the working group mounting this exciting event – contact Don Bartlett
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
April 2015 | Page 7
UPCOMING EVENTS IN JUNE
Fresh Youth Theatre’s production of Romeo and Juliet 12,13,14 June
ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS
SUPPORT EARS inc.
MALAWI
The new Entertainment
books will be available in mid
April with hundreds of dollars
of vouchers to use thru to June
2016.
So get your order in early and start saving while
supporting the EARS Inc Hearing Clinic in Malawi.
Still only $65
Contact Helen Bartlett
9850 7407 or [email protected]
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 8 | April 2015
LENTEN STUDIES
The Heart of Christianity
A large group of 36 spent 5
Monday evenings during Lent
studying Marcus Borg’s book
‘The Heart of Christianity’.With
Borg as our guide and teacher,
small group discussions of 4-6
people very ably led by members
of the Education Portfolio and
of Spectrum and over many
conversations, participants were
encouraged to to ‘rediscover a
life of faith’.
After the final session
participants were encouraged
to write their own statements
of faith. Some of these appear
below.
Why I am a Christian?
I have been surrounded by the church all my life.
Jesus has always been at the centre or near the edge of
my thinking. I have responded to his call to love and
serve my neighbour and I have found that this also
fills a need in me.
Some of the claims made about Jesus by others and
also by Jesus himself have always bothered me. I do
not live in the first century, so I understand that things
will look differently from my perspective. In the study
‘The heart of Christianity’ by Marcus Borg which a
number of members have just been studying, many of
my long-standing uncertainties were asked, discussed
and resolved for me.
God, present in creation, and personalized by Jesus
is at the heart of Christianity. I see God as a God of
grace and forgiveness rather than a God of judgement
and punishment. I am happy to discover my place in
heaven when it is time and not make any assumptions
now.
Frank Johnston
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Whilst I was formed as a Christian
through my parents and others who
nurtured me, I think I always felt that
the universe was no accident. However,
the selfless and courageous life of
Jesus and his advocacy for the poor
and marginalised gave me a God with
a heart that made sense to me. Finally,
the impact of the post Easter Christ on
his disciples, his followers through the
ages and ultimately to me has given
me a profound sense of an ever present
God. Our recent Lenten study has
reinforced my feeling that my real sin
is not so much what I have done wrong,
but rather what I have failed to do. As
Borg says it is our tolerance of the systemic economic
injustices in the world, the tacit acceptance of the
enormous and still growing gap between the rich and
the poor that is our greatest sin.
Don Bartlett
Every life needs a compass. And my compass of
choice is the model and lessons Jesus gave us pointing
to a loving, compassionate, ever present God. This
is the compass that I know, follow confidently and
trust... and love. I haven’t found a need to look for
another. This compass leads me to a peaceful, joyful
place. It is always available when I recognise the need
to reach for it. I feel a sense of belonging to a local
as well as a global and historical community as I sing
the traditional hymns and hear or read the Bible. No
matter how often I read the Bible itself or insightful
commentaries provided through the scholars of the
emerging paradigm, I gather more confidence that this
compass is the best for my journey through life.
God bless
Kim Tucker
If you would like to read this book there are now
several copies in the church library at Westfield Drive.
It can also be purchased inexpensively as an e-book.
See Jenny Ellis or Rachel Hardie for information.
April 2015 | Page 9
MUC MISSIONAL ACTIVITIES
On Wed 25th March night
at Templestowe Park Primary
School our Kids Hope children
their parents and some siblings
enjoyed a Pizza and games night together.
The principal Mark Roberts was there to chat with
the parents and mentors.
This was a wonderful opportunity for the mentors
to meet with the parents and see the children enjoying
time with them.
To see the children using the Large Blocks and
the naughts and crosses game that were made for the
Neighbourhood Sunset Cinema night was great –
thanks to those who spent so much time making them.
They are available for anyone to use. Just contact the
Hub.
Thank you to the mentors who each week visit
their children and certainly make a difference to these
children’s lives.
What better thanks can we have than to hear a
parent say “thankyou for the time you give our child”
and hearing “he/she adores his/her mentor”?
We are certainly looking for more mentors – please
speak with Gwyn or Jeanette if this an MUC outreach
program that you would like to be involved in.
Current mentors at both Milgate Primary and
Templestowe Park Primary School are:Lynda Anderson, Chris
Bairstow, Jeanette Bernet,
Graham Cox, Barbara
Dun, Pat Davies, Geoff
Ellis Bob Hodges, Peter
Hanna, Ken Manson,
Bernice Mathys, Carol
Moule, Ben Prior, Bev
Robertson, Lindsay
Roberts, Jan Serpell,
Hilary Salmon, Lucas
Taylor, Faye Tse, Gwyn
Roberts, Mary Whincup,
Children enjoy the Giant Jenga game.
Fresh Youth Theatre
This season we are very
pleased to say we have 17
children involved in Fresh
Youth Theatre.
Rehearsals are now well under way for our June
performance of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ the Shakespearean
play adapted by Shaz Mullens. We have just
completed the first 5 workshops which are held each
Monday afternoon from 4.00pm until 6.30pm in the
Lower Hall at Atkinson Street.
Rehearsal is preceded by an hour of games and
a pastoral care segment where our values of grace,
imagination and respect are upheld and issues
highlighted in the production are discussed.
This season
Chrissy LoulierGriffin has taken
on the role of
Theatre Manager,
with Pastoral
Carer, Carmel
Corso and our
Director is the
very talented Zac
Alaimo.
Following
rehearsal we
are treated to
a delicious
meal supplied
by generous
members of our
conngregation. If you are able to help in this food
ministry please contact Ruth Hodges
We are most appreciative of the huge support for
this unique missional outreach that we receive from
our church!
Ruth Hodges
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 10 | April 2015
CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS
Snippets from
MUC Council
Meeting on
Wednesday
18 March
• The Convenor of the Finance Portfolio, Peter Hanna,
attended the meeting for a discussion of the Budget,
and the questions which had been raised at the last
Congregational meeting. These questions will be
addressed for the Congregation at the AGM on May
3rd 2015. Peter left the meeting after this discussion.
• Jason Kioa will commence LSL May 1st – Sept 16th
and Council confirmed that we will be delighted to
welcome back Rev Bob Ridley as Supply minister
for that period.
• Megan Coote, as Aged Care Mission Co-ordinator
has met with her Support Group and begun
compiling a list of “shut-ins”, and has met with the
MUC members leading services being offered at
Retirement villages and Nursing Homes
• As a result of a meeting with people from Synod’s
Property Services, a series of meetings are being
arranged with MUC leaders, and the Congregation,
to occur in late April. These meetings will provide
an opportunity for information sharing and input
concerning the role of the Synod Property group in
decisions around the future use of our properties
• Council has again contacted Rod Dungan to seek the
final Worship Review Document, prior to it being
circulated to the Congregation.
• Council has scheduled a Special Meeting Tuesday
24th March to finalise the Vision and Mission
Document which is presently in Draft form. The
time-table for its release is;
- April 15th Final approval by Council
- April 19th Distribution to Congregation
- May 3rd Presentation to Congregation at AGM.
• Council will consider a Discussion paper provided
by the Ministry Team, through Lucas, around ongoing Mission Ministry during Emma’s maternity
leave.
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
THOUGHTS ON VISION AND MISSION
MUC Vision and Mission- it’s on the
way!
Church Council has told us our muchanticipated MUC Vision and Mission Document
will be distributed during April and presented to the
congregation at our May 3rd Congregational meeting.
In preparation, now is perhaps a good time to
reflect personally on our dreams for the MUC of the
future. What do we wish MUC to look like in 5, 10,
15 years?
Where do you feel God is taking us as a
Manningham community of faith immersed in a
society undergoing momentous and rapid change?
What do you wish our legacy to be? What will guide
our stewardship towards the best use of our resources?
The founding document of the Uniting Church,
“The Basis of Union” remains central to our corporate
life, despite it being written over 37 years ago and
despite the Church’s place in community moving
outwards from a once central position towards a
place at society’s margins. We may also reflect on the
commitment we all made in coming together as one
MUC. How does that help shape our vision? Recall
also the workshop conversation on ‘MUC’s Values
and Identity’ back in late 2013.
In becoming what we believe God is leading us
to be, our collective understanding of our vision and
mission are important guides for the journey together.
There is often much confusion and misunderstanding
about vision statements versus mission statements.,
including amongst some large organizations. Some
of us sometimes wonder if we really need such
statements at all. The research (Bain and Company)
is conclusive in that without them, organizations
are far less likely to thrive and survive. Our Synod
has recognized this reality at a critical time and
is working- in a parallel time frame to MUC - in
developing its ‘…. vision and plans for the future of
the Church…’. Some MUC members participated
recently in the visioning workshop held at the ACR
site, providing input to help develop and refine this
Synod Vision.
April 2015 | Page 11
THOUGHTS ON VISION AND MISSION
Here are some points which may assist in
clarifying thoughts about vision and mission as our
MUC conversation progresses :
Vision
A vision describes a desired end-state
• It should paint an ‘over-the-horizon’ picture
resulting from the Church’s work
• It should be memorable, empowering and
motivating (say, 15 words or less)
• It should be directed at ourselves, providing
guidance and inspiration
• It should cause us to rise and act in a focused way
• It is a guiding star, a “point of light” for all of us
Some examples of Vision I like:
• ’A just world without poverty’ (Oxfam
International)
• ’A world where everyone has a decent place to live’
(Habitat for Humanity)
• ’Children & young people living in safe, strong
families, within socially inclusive communities’
(Connections Uniting Care)
• ‘For every child, life in all its fullness. A prayer
for every heart, the will to make it so’ (World
Vision…from John 10:10)
• ’Hope in the life of every child’ (Kids Hope)
Mission
A mission statement defines our purpose
• It’s what we do, how we do it and for whom we do it
• It is succinct and focuses on a shorter time frame
than vision.
• It should be memorable and easy for us all to repeat
• It gives each of us a perspective on how, together,
we will work towards achieving our vision.
Some examples of Mission I like:
• ‘KIDS HOPE AUS partners with churches and
schools to enable positive change in the lives of
vulnerable children through consistent mentoring
relationships.’
• ‘Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for
Humanity brings people together to build homes,
communities and hope’
• ‘Our purpose is to help create lasting solutions to
the injustice of poverty. We are part of a global
movement for change, empowering people to create
a future that is secure, just, and free from poverty’
(Oxfam International)
• ‘Our purpose is to create opportunities and build
resilience to break the cycle of disadvantage and
vulnerability, through collaboration’ (Connections
Uniting Care)
Vision and Mission statements have the capacity
to empower, to unify our sense of purpose.
From vision and mission flow our shared values.
Through a common understanding of our
priorities, decision making becomes easier. These
statements also form the necessary basis for our
mission principles, our action plans and strategies
as we journey together.
May this part of our MUC journey refresh and
enthuse us.
Blessings,
Bob Hodges,
Congregational Chairperson
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 12 | April 2015
LENT AND EASTER REFLECTIONS
He descended into hell
O for a trumpet voice!
Many years ago as part of the observance of Holy Week
in the parish where I was the minister, it was decided to
have a service on Holy Saturday, in the evening between
Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
It fell to my lot to preach a brief sermon. It was the first
and only occasion in my experience. The narratives in
the Gospels were not very helpful. Jesus died and was
buried (or so we believe). The Apostles’ Creed reads
‘He descended to the dead’. But in the Confession of
Faith of the Lutheran church, it is said ‘He descended
into hell’. I then remembered a small book of sermons
entitled ‘I believe in the Living God’ by Emil Brunner, a
famous Lutheran theologian, which I had in my library.
‘. In this book, Brunner’s sermon on the descent into
hell is entitled ‘Christ in Despair’.
His starting point is the words of Jesus from the cross
“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthari?” (“My God, my God, why
have you forsaken me?”), the first verse of Psalm 22.
How could it be that this man who had revealed the
very nature of God in his life and teaching, now feels
that this God has abandoned him? But abandoned and
forsaken he does feel, and we must take seriously his cry
of desolation and despair.
‘He descended into hell.’ Jesus suffered the tortures
of hell. Even his disciples had abandoned him and now
God has also. That is the real suffering of the cross. But
although Jesus did feel that God had abandoned him, the
conclusion of Psalm 22 reassures him. So when we may
feel that God has abandoned us, the testimony of Jesus
‘descending into hell’ assures us that we do not have to
live in hell.
In the words of Brunner ‘ When we are so troubled
that we think ‘ Now I am there in hell, now I am really
in despair, now God has completely forsaken me, now I
can no longer have hope, now everything is over – see
then we should hear from the cross, “Eli, Eli …” and
know he is with us in this hell, and because he is with
us, there is therefore indeed no hell. God is with me; that
is why there is no longer any despair for me.’ 1
The first century world of the New Testament
described that (a) the world was the source of
darkness, error, bondage and death and (b) God was
the source of light, truth, freedom and life.
Even a cursory reading of the Gospel of John
makes clear the infant Church defined Jesus as the
Word made flesh bringing light, truth, freedom and
life and that the Easter event is the supreme revelation
of this.
The fearless, tireless proclamation of this faith over
time was reinforced by symbolic rites. To name just
three:
(i) For Jews
the egg is a
symbol of new
life and freedom
and so is used
at Passover. To
this day Greek
Orthodox people carry real red eggs which they tap
together. One says in Greek : Christ is risen. The
other replies: He is risen indeed (no mention of a
rabbit!!)
(ii) The Jewish Sabbath celebrates life beginning at
creation. Christians chose Sunday, retitled the Lord’s
Day, as a weekly celebration of Easter.
(iii) Baptism took on the meaning of dying with
Christ and rising with Christ into newness of life.
And this act of believer’s baptism took place in a
dramatic ritual on Easter Saturday night to coincide
with the resurrection time.
Question!
In our generation have these symbols been
commercialised, trivialised and reinterpreted to a
point where they have lost their original powerful
significance, even for people of faith?
Affirmation!
In our world so filled with darkness, error, bondage
and death it is time to rejoice in, to proclaim and to
witness to: ‘if anyone is in Christ, they are a new
creation’.
Rev Alan Hardie
1 Emil Brunner, ‘I believe in the Living God’, translated and edited by John
Holden. London. Letterword Press 1961 (First published in German
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Rev Alfred D Webber
April 2015 | Page 13
PALM SUNDAY
The ‘Porridge Pot Lady’ speaks at
Palm Sunday Service
Robyn Casey, founder of Mphatso Children’s
Foundation, accompanied by one of her nursery
school staff members tugged at our heart strings as she
spoke at Service B about the plight of the Malawian
people, now designated officially as the poorest
people in the world.
Mphatso Children’s
Foundation is a small grass
roots NGO that works
alongside the local people
in the Nkhata Bay District
of Malawi. MCF came from
Robyn Casey’s awareness
that children in this district
were often going for up to
three days at a time without
a proper meal. Initially
Robyn began a small nursery
school in Mkuonda Village
to ensure that the primary school aged children in
the village received a nutritious meal a day and a
pre-school education. From this small start in 2004
Mphatso has grown and now feeds and educates over
1,000 children a day through 12 nursery schools, and
is now spread along a 40 km stretch of Lake Malawi.
Mphatso is a registered NGO in Malawi and a
registered charity in Australia. Mphatso now employs
over 60 local staff in Malawi and runs numerous
programs alongside the nursery schools to help to
Feed the Children, Grow the Community and Impact
the Future.
Donations amounting to $650 were received
following the service and the High Tea fundraiser held
at the home of Gloria Jenkins the previous day raised
approximately $2,600.
Incredibly, a bowl of porridge providing at least
one nutritious meal per day for a child of the nursery
schools costs a mere AUD5 cents.
AUD$3,000 would build a new nursery school!
Please continue to keep Robyn and her staff in
our thoughts and prayers and maybe make our own 5
cent collections to contribute to the porridge pot!
Palm Sunday Luncheon
In excess of 120 members of our congregation
shared a wonderful time of sharing at the Palm Sunday
luncheon, organised by our ever active Community
Building Team.
The team uses as its mantra Maya Angelou’s
statement ‘People may not remember what you did
or said but they will always remember how you made
them feel’ .
We certainly all felt wonderful as we enjoyed the
considerable culinary skills of our members whilst
engaging in happy conversation with each other,
many people making
new connections. Jason
entertained us with some
choruses!
A contingent
participating in the Palm
Sunday Refugee Walk
were all able to eat before
catching the 1.20pm bus
from Andersons Creek
Road for the city.
Many thanks to Don Bartlett and the
Community Building Team
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 14 | April 2015
MISSIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ABCD Workshop
More than 20 people attended the Asset Based
Community Development Workshop held on Saturday,
14th March between 10.00am and 4.oopm.
Our workshop was ably facilitated by Adrian Pyle,
Director - Relationships Innovation .
Adrian has a deep interest in community
development, particularly as it relates to increasing
grassroots connections between neighbours and the
link between community and spiritual development.
This workshop was a follow on from a previous
workshop held at Centre Theology and Ministry.
The group from MUC who attended this previous
workshop has evolved into the MUC’s enthusiastic
ABCD Group.
Adrian referred to the poem ‘Wild Geese’ by
Mary Oliver to illustrate our connection with the
communities around us – both within the church but
more importantly within our neighbourhood.
WILD GEESE
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting —
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
Mary Oliver
He explained that in order to achieve
transformation in our community it is important to
achieve deepening relationships by ‘presencing’!
That inseatd of following a straight path to resolve
a situation, it is necessary, in order to develop and
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
deepen relationships, to go the U path ie. Go via C
from A to B. This may mean the outcome is different
from what it would have been if the straight path
from A to B had been taken.
By being more ‘present’ to a situation we can
implement change which has healthy results
There are four movements along the U path.
1.Appreciation and exploration of a situation –
what we notice about ourselves and our surroundings
2.Realization of being necessary but not the centre
of a situation – learn to see others’ perspectives.
3.Learning a new story – co-creating with others
to come up with a story of what may be possible
about the future we want to create together
4.Let’s try things! Take risks, try, modify and try
again!
By assuming the specialness of every person,
we build a culture of respect that generates energy,
creativity, and magnetism – something that people
can sense and feel, and to which they are drawn.
Adrian used the following story to illustrate this.
THE RABBI’S GIFT
Once a great order, a decaying monastery had only five
monks left. The order was dying. In the surrounding deep
woods, there was a little hut that a Rabbi from a nearby
town used from time to time.
The monks always knew the Rabbi was home when
they saw the smoke from his fire rise above the treetops. As
the Abbot agonized over the imminent death of his order,
it occurred to him to ask the Rabbi if he could offer any
advice that might save the monastery.
The Rabbi welcomed the Abbot at his hut. When
the Abbot explained the reason for his visit, the Rabbi
could only commiserate with him. “I know how it is,” he
exclaimed. “The spirit has gone out of the people. It is the
April 2015 | Page 15
MISSIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
same in my town. Almost no one comes to the synagogue
anymore.” So the Abbot and the Rabbi sat together
discussing the Bible and their faiths.
The time came when the Abbot had to leave. “It has
been a wonderful visit,” said the Abbot, “but I have failed
in my purpose. Is there nothing you can tell me to help save
my dying order?”
“The only thing I can tell you,” said the Rabbi, “is that
the Messiah is among you.”
When the Abbot returned to the monastery, his fellow
monks gathered around him and asked, “What did the
Rabbi say?” “He couldn’t help,” the Abbot answered. “The
only thing he did say, as I was leaving was that the Messiah
is among us. Though I do not know what these words
mean.”
In the months that followed, the monks pondered this
and wondered whether there was any possible significance
to the Rabbi’s words: The Messiah is among us? Could he
possibly have meant that the Messiah is one of us monks
here at the monastery? If that’s the case, which one of
us is the Messiah? Do you suppose he meant the Abbot?
Yes, if he meant anyone, he probably meant Father Abbot.
Certainly he could not have meant Brother Elred! Elred
gets crotchety at times. But come to think of it, even so,
Elred is virtually always right. Maybe the rabbi did mean
Brother Elred. Of course the Rabbi didn’t mean me.
He couldn’t possibly have meant me. I’m just an
ordinary person. Yet supposing he did? Suppose I am the
Messiah?
As they contemplated in this manner, the monks began
to treat each other with extraordinary respect on the off
chance that one among them might be the Messiah and in
turn, each monk began to treat himself with extraordinary
respect.
It so happened that people still occasionally came to
visit the beautiful forest and monastery. Without even being
conscious of it, visitors began to sense a powerful spiritual
aura. They were sensing the extraordinary respect that now
filled the monastery.
Hardly knowing why, people began to come to the
monastery frequently to picnic, to play, and to pray. They
began to bring their friends, and their friends brought their
friends. Then it happened that some of the younger men
who came to visit the monastery started to talk more and
more with the older monks. After a while, one asked if he
could join them. Then, another and another asked if they
too could join the abbot and older monks. Within a few
years, the monastery once again became a thriving order, a
vibrant center of light and spirituality in the realm.1
One of the most rewarding aspects of the day
was preparing lunch for each other in such as way
that noone was guest. This involved working as
four teams around
4 work stations
where the basics of
meal preparationingredients, utensils
etc were supplied.
The prepared food
was then shared with
all. What a feast it
was!
Over the meal people were invited to come up with
‘heartbursts’ and afterwards we broke into groups
around the specific ideas.
From this session grew
some new ideas which will
become evident in future
days. This session is where
the idea of a new look asylum
seeker/refugee support group
has arisen because of Marion
Bailes’ involvement through the
medical practice in which she
works.
Many thanks to Emma for organising this inspiring
and enabling workshop!
Ruth Hodges
1 Source | Adapted from M. Scott Peck, The Different Drum: Community
Making and Peace
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 16 | April 2015
MISSIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Sunset Cinema
On the 28th of February 2015 a team of 4
committee MUC members along with a band of very
supportive volunteers hosted the first Neighbourhood
Sunset Cinema at our Andersons Creek Road site.
The purpose of this event was to provide a free
community event as an opportunity for people in the
local neighbourhood (within 2kms of the ACR site)
to gather, get to know
one another and build a
sense of connection in a
welcoming, family friendly
setting.
Along with the
screening of the ‘The
Muppets (2011)’ at sunset
there were also pre-movie
activities and games
that started at 6:30pm.
Unfortunately due to
weather the movie was
located in the church
building -still utilizing the giant screen and an outdoor
setting indoors (incorporating fairy lights for stars and
picnic rugs and blankets). The Pre-movie activities
took place down the back paddock of the site,
incorporating games that encouraged neighbours to
talk and get to know one another such as Giant Jenga,
Human Naughts and Crosses, Sausage Sizzle, Tea
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
and coffee and participants were encouraged to BYO
picnic dinner.
One of the hit games was the Neighbourhood
Bingo. Players were given a bingo card with 16
squares. The aim of the games was to get a different
person to sign their name in each box, when this was
complete you had ‘Bingo’. Boxes included finding
someone who: ‘Walks the Mullum Mullum trail’,
‘volunteers locally’, ‘can play a musical instrument’,
‘has lived in the area for more than 15 years’ and
more.
Between 80-100 people came to the event
(40 staying for the movie part). With little or
no encouragement people mingled and chatted.
Neighbours met for the first
time and people genuinely
reported that they
valued the opportunity
to get to know and connect
with people in their
neighbourhood. The space
was filled with children, most
people walking to the event.
Alesandros, 10yrs old,
from over the back fence
was the first to arrive with
his deck chair. He was really
keen to be a part of it even though members of his
family were unable to join him. He buddied up with
some of our volunteers and helped transfer things up
to the church.
April 2015 | Page 17
MISSIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
A lady from Schafter Drive came across and told
us how she remembered when the land had cows on it
and she had always hoped it would be used to gather
the community.
A lady and her 10 year old son spoke of how they
had just moved to the area from China 2 months
ago and had found it difficult to meet people in
their local area as people didn’t tend to be about in
the neighbourhood. She was thrilled to have this
opportunity to meet others in her neighbourhood, and
was elated watching her son connecting and playing
with local kids. Her son even met up with some local
kids he happens to go to his school with.
The Neighbourhood Sunset Cinema Team wishes
to thank everyone who helped and supported the
event. We extended the hospitality and love of God
in this local place and enabled people to build their
own connections and extend welcome in their local
neighbourhood. An achievement we should all be
proud of.
Emma Hanna,
Missional Community Development Worker
Watching the way community was being built
purely from offering the opportunity and creating a
welcoming space with no other intention but to allow
people to build connections with people in their local
neighbourhood was beautiful to watch and remarkable
to be a part of.
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 18 | April 2015
SHARED GARDEN NEWS
Fun in the Shared Garden
During February and March Atkinson Street
Playful Toddlers and Tuneful Toddlers groups were
invited to spend some time in the garden to see what
they could find.
They picked lots of tomatoes from our bumper crop
They were excited to find strawberries hidden
under the leaves of the plants.
The Shared Garden, at the back of the Hub, is
open to EVERYONE the second and fourth
Saturdays of each month
from 10.00am – 12 noon.
Come along and see what’s growing this
month!!
The delightful smiles say it all!!
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
April 2015 | Page 19
MUC ACTIVITIES
Clive Ansell speaks at Evening
Men’s Fellowship
About 20 men
attended the evening
meal and talk on Feb 3.
The audience
was gripped by our
enthusiastic and
knowledgeable speaker
Clive Ansell, who
spoke for about 40
minutes on the topic of
his and his wife’s trip to
America last year in September.
Clive and Jo first visited Philadelphia, the largest
city in thestate of Pennsylvania. They were amazed at
the size of the Council building which boasted over
700 rooms and an underground subway station. Most
of us had guessed that the state of Pennsylvania was
named after the American leader William Penn, but
Clive surprised us by telling us that it was William
Penn’s father, Admiral Penn, who gave the state its
name. Apparently, Admiral Penn had loaned the
then very large sum of 16000 pounds Sterling to
the English King, who, unable to repay the sum,
bequeathed to his Admiral the area which now
constitutes the state of Pennsylvania.
This was in the 17th Century, when the American
colony was young.
The Ansells also visited Gettysburg in Virginia.
Their guide enlightened them about the critical battle
between the opposing Union and Confederate Armies,
a battle which turned the tide of the Civil War.
Clive gave us a blow by blow account of the
manoeuvrings and tactics, and the silence of the Union
guns which tricked the Confederates into an advance
which turned the scales against them.
Their next stop was to visit friends who lived
on the shores of Lake Superior in Minnesota. The
ways in which Minnesotans coped with their harsh
winters were detailed. Who would have believed
thatsome spend months on the frozen lakes (there are
over 10,000), fishing through holes in the ice. Some
even build houses made of ice, complete with beds
TV’s, and heating. Many of course migrate to warmer
climes, and even change occupations.
Clive also talked of their astonishment at the sight
of mile-long trains carrying shale oil from Dakota on
their way for processing in Chicago.
They were just as surprised to visit acquaintances
who had built a house near a lake, then finding in
the basement a radio-activity mitigation machine, a
government regulation for that area.
Thanks must go to Clive for compiling such a
fascinating talk.
I, for one, left a lot wiser about these parts of
America.
David Beavis.
Westcare
Westcare would like to invite other Manningham
Uniting Church members to join in a time of sharing,
friendship and fellowship. The meetings take place
on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month meeting
at the Manningham Uniting Church, Westfield Drive,
Doncaster from 11.30am – 2.00pm.
Fay Lukies is the Co-ordinator.
Morning tea begins the meetings followed by
members trimming stamps for Sammy Stamp. Each
member brings their own lunch. Cake with tea/coffee
is provided at a small cost. Money raised goes to wellworthwhile projects. A time for sharing follows lunch.
One of the projects Westcare is supporting is
‘Used Spectacles for Sri Lanka’, for the Australian
Sri Lanka Medical Assistance Team. Old spectacles
are much sought by those who are unable to pay for
optometry services and new spectacles. Spectacles can
be either dropped off at The Hub, 109 Wood Street,
Templestowe or Westfield Drive, Doncaster. There is a
box in the church foyer marked ‘Recycled Glasses for
Sri Lanka’ at the latter venue.
The next Australian Sri Lanka Medical Assistance
Team (AUSLMAT) container will leave Melbourne in
June so Westcare would appreciate any old spectacles
you can spare before this time.
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 20 | April 2015
REFLECTION
Should Anzac Day be a sorry day?
On Anzac Day we will remember a war that
would kill or wound 37 million people, tear down the
fabric of society and set the world on course for the
bloodiest century in human history.
Paul Ham in his book ‘1914 The Year the World
Ended’ examines the origins of the world and his
conclusion below tells a story we don’t usually hear.
‘The great War, in short, was an avoidable,
unnecessary exercise in collective stupidity and
callousness, launched by profoundly flawed and
(if we might be permitted the phrase) emotionally
unintelligent men, most of whom were neither fit
nor trained but bred to rule, and who saw the world
as a Darwinian jungle in which Teuton Slav (and
their Latin and Anglo-Saxon allies) were somehow
predestined to bash each other’s brains out until the
‘fittest’ won.
Perhaps there is a decent hypocrisy in the
‘boo-boo brigade’ of militarists, chauvinists and
warmongering politicians who tearfully look back on
the war as a great tragedy. It is a curious phenomenon
that the very people who were most responsible for
driving the world to fight, who goaded young men into
uniform and delighted in their ‘lovely war’, would
later ostentatiously mourn the victims at ceremonies
and anniversaries. If the tears and bowed heads of
‘they who grow old’ are sincere, they will reasonably
protest the next time their government compels a new
generation to fight an unjust war, rather than rallying
their people to arms. The unthinking reflex of youth
is forgivable: war is an adventure, war makes heroes.
The exploitation of that reflex by politicians is grossly
irresponsible and, in the broadest sense, criminal.
Only a legal construction distinguished the Great
War from the government-sponsored mass murder of
European youth. At least Winston Churchill had the
honesty to say he enjoyed it.
In the end war terminated lives, destroyed minds,
crushed the happiness of families and set in train a
century of further bloodshed. It ended a way of seeing
the world: it ruptured hopes, dreams and feelings.
Men and women were transformed by the callous
daily routine of slaughter.’
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
In the same spirit as the community has said
sorry for our treatment of the Stolen Generation And
Relinquishing Mothers we can say sorry for that Great
War.
We should be saying sorry to:1. People of German descent
• persecuted by neighbours unless they were more
British than British!
• suppression of all things German
• East Doncatser zealots made and burnt an effigy of a
German school council member.
• A deputation of German orchardists led by Zerbe
petitioned to Council to rename Doncaster street
names - Wilhelm Street to King Street, Bismark
Street to Victoria Street, German Lane to George
Street.
• spying hysteria resulted in many Germans being sent
to concentration camps e.g. Holdsworthy Internment
Camp near Liverpool
2. Volunteers
61,966 volunteers were killed and 152,171 maimed
On return to Australia many faced
• life in hospitals or asylums
• unemployment
• post traumatic stress disorder that traumatized their
wives and children
3. Families
• lost sons
• fiancés lost the ones whom they were to marry
• children of returned servicemen who were damaged
by war service were damaged
• families forever split (patriotic or not)
April 2015 | Page 21
REFLECTION (CONTINUED)
AGED CARE MINISTRY
4. Unmarried young men
• called shirkers if they didn’t volunteer
• presented with a white feather
• told to ‘go away a boy and come back a man’
• the trait of mateship was exploited - ‘join the team’
• visited by recruitment committees, including clergy,
Megan Coote begins her ministry as
Aged Care Coordinator
urging young men to ‘do your duty, be a man and
defend God, King and Country’
• guilt posters
• recruitment marches eg. Gilgandra Snowball March
5. Community
• stress, division, bitterness suffered by community
• division between Catholics and Protestants that
lingered on after the war
• division over conscription referendums
• division between workers and employers
(particularly 1917/18 Great Strikes)
• division between those who profited from the war
and those who suffered
• mothers who lived in daily fear that a visit by their
minister was to inform them that their sons were
Killed in Action. (A pratcice that was fortunately
changed in WW11)
Lest we forget
Ken Thompson
The Ministry to Seniors has under 30 hours
per month allocated to it. It is a position that has
moved across from The Grove people to all of our
Manningham people.
There are four people that form a think tank/
support group that along with myself have formed our
first two priorities.
We are concerned for those of our members who
are no longer able to attend church or any of the other
groups that are part of Manningham UC. We want to
ascertain any needs that we as pastoral visitors/elders
might be able to meet. Perhaps taking communion?
perhaps transport? perhaps an extra visit. We would
like to hear from anyone who can help us with
information so no one is left out.
Our second priority is ascertaining/listing those
who lead worship in which Aged Care facility and on
what day and at what time. We have had one meeting
of those leading worship and they will meet again in 3
months to offer support, to swap resources and to see
if there are any gaps or other possibilities.
If anyone has an idea for a symbol that we might
use to identify this part of the MUC ministry do
contact me with your suggestion.
Megan Coote
Aged Care Mission Coordinator
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 22 | April 2015
GRAND STAND EVENTS
A GRAND STAND FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Inc. presents
FILM FORUM:
CONVERSATIONS with CHARLES EISENSTEIN and
MICHAEL LEUNIG
About a transition to a more connected, ecological and
sustainable way of being
Friday 17th April 2015
7.30pm – 9.30 pm
'Old Church' Templestowe Uniting
(Parking off 109 Wood Street - Templestowe)
CHARLES EISENSTEIN: is a globally renowned author and public speaker on
themes of human culture and identity and how to transition to a sustainable
economy. He is the author of “Sacred Economics: Money, Gift and Society in the
Age of Transition”, “The Ascent of Humanity”, “The More Beautiful World Our
Hearts Know Is Possible” and more.
MICHAEL LEUNIG: is a cartoonist, writer, painter, philosopher, poet and a
National Living Treasure. The fragile eco-system of human nature and its
relationship to the wider, natural world is a theme of his presentation.
Free entry, RSVP via http://www.trybooking.com/HIPA or just come
For more information, email us: [email protected]
Visit us at http://www.agrandstandfortheenvironment.org/
Table Talk
Have you stopped to wonder if anything good is
coming out of the climate change conundrum? Let me
assure you there is!
People are doing amazing things not the least by
being willing to participate in the art of simple talking
in small groups.
Talk about what you ask? Well the impact of a
changing climate, its effect on sustainable life and
how it challenges the entire earth community.
In a small group offered by a GRAND STAND for
the Environment entitled ‘Table Talk’, feelings such as
powerlessness, confusion, frustration, anger and denial
can be vented. Yes, even rage! Moments illuminated
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
by imagination, insight and courage can bring hope,
energy, vision and a commitment to possible action….
and a new self understanding as someone totally
dependent on the earth’s finite resources.
Table Talk is for everyone! Your voice is important,
valued and unique. Whatever your thoughts, fears
and hopes let’s share them. The process is gentle yet
profound ‘cause the Spirit is talking and listening!
How about it? Are you interested?
Let’s know. We can model an initiative through
MUC to ….anywhere and participate in a circle of
change.
Gail Pritchard
9846 8464 0432 235439
April 2015 | Page 23
BEYOND MANNINGHAM UNITING CHURCH
World Day of Prayer
World Day of Prayer services were held on
Tuesday the 6th of March at 10am and 8pm
The W.D.P. Doncaster west committee who were
responsible for the organisation of the 8pm service
would like to thank those folk from MUC who
attended either the 10am service or the 8pm service
of the recent prayer day for 2015. Your presence
was both noticed and appreciated, and we trust that
you found the service a rewarding and meaningful
experience.
As a committee we really appreciated the
contribution of Phil Charlton who so adeptly and
willingly played the part of Jesus for the dramatization
of the gospel reading, and also Mick (Peter), Lisa, and
Mishika who participated in the reading of the service.
It is so wonderful to get younger people to participate;
to give variation to our grey heads, and to give us
hope that this very meaningful and worthwhile service
will continue on into the future.
We also appreciated the warmth with which we
were welcomed into the St Kevin’s Church both by
the priest and congregation all of whom bent over
backwards to make us feel special. The warmth and
friendliness at the supper table was truly palpable and
it was so warming to be a participant of the mingling
at this time.
Our committee has grown by four for the 2016
service, which will be unique and special indeed, as it
is for the first time being held at 8pm in the Egyptian
Coptic Church Bulleen where we have already been
made to feel very welcome. We hope that many of
you will be able to join us there then, or perhaps at the
10am service in Doncaster if that time suits you better.
Mary Whincup
Accommodation Request
A Warrandyte Uniting Church Peace Initiative.
Invitation to Peace Celebration at
Warrandyte Uniting Church
Warrandyte Uniting Church has a vision for Peace:
Peace with God, Peace with Each Other and Peace
with the Earth.
With the help of many groups, we have created
a wonderful Peace Labyrinth and interactive space
for the community with a welcoming new pathway
through the area.
In developing this space many diverse community
groups have been engaged in conversations about
peace. They have expressed their views on colourfully
painted peace totem poles and ceramic tiles.
Many ages, many faiths and many groups have
been involved in this creative Peace project.
We are having an opening celebration for this
community space and would warmly welcome
everyone to join us for this event.
Where: Warrandyte Uniting Church, Cnr Taroona Ave
& Westend Rd, Warrandyte 3113
When: Sunday 26th April 10:15am for a short formal
celebration followed by children’s activities and a
sausage sizzle (vegetarian included), fruit and scones
To assist us with catering, we would appreciate
your RSVP by Friday 10th April 2015 to Margaret
Williamson.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 9844 3222
Leeanne Keam
Riverflow Peace Co-ordinator, Warrandyte UCA
A 75 year old christain lady is looking for
boarding accommodation in melbourne,
Please contact Graham Ferres phone 9848 9257
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 24 | April 2015
BEYOND MANNINGHAM UNITING CHURCH
Cyclone in Vanuatu, NT and
Queensland
In response to the cyclone in
Vanuatu and recent cyclones
closer to home in the Northern
Territory and Queensland, Share
has launched an emergency
appeal to support the people and
communities affected.
Donations for Vanuatu will be
forwarded to Uniting World’s Cyclone Pam Appeal.
Their partners in Vanuatu are currently identifying
their most immediate requirements and UnitingWorld
will respond accordingly.
Donations for the Northern Territory and
Queensland will be forwarded to the Assembly
National Disaster Relief Fund. Funds will provide
direct financial support and targeted recovery
programmes to people in the worst-hit areas.
If individuals wish to give a donation they can
do so online at www.shareappeal.org.au http://www.
shareappeal.org.au or by calling 1800 668 426.
Cheques and money orders can be sent to
Share, PO Box 24154, Melbourne, Vic, 3001.
Opportunity to support Alkira
Alkira is pleased to announce that the Wearable
Arts pozible campaign has gone live and is already
being well received on social media.
We welcome your support to help us raise
$15,000 so that people with disabilities have a unique
opportunity to showcase their work on stage at the
Wearable Arts Awards in Alice Springs, as part of the
Desert Festival.
This will enable them to experience an
overwhelming sense of inclusion, empowerment
and achievement
that being part of the this
experience provides.
Please follow this link to see the campaign
http://www.
pozible.com/project/188171
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Vanuatu Cyclone Relief - a practical
way we can help!
The people of Vanuatu
have been devastated by
Cyclone Pam. Many have
lost everything including
their homes, belongings, and
means of income, food and
gardens
The UC Mission Liaison
Group has been sending containers to the Pacific
islands for many years and is currently packing a
container specifically for Vanuatu Relief.
If you would like to support this mission, they have
a great need for light weight clothing, kitchenware,
tarps, tents, ropes, linen, blankets, soap and
hygiene items etc.
Donated goods can be taken to the HUB for
transfer to their Frankston Warehouse.
Rob Serpell
A message from Singapore
Members of the MUC congregation will no doubt
be aware of the funeral of Singapore’s founder and
guide over perhaps55 years.
Lee Kuan Yew was a towering figure both for his
creation of a harmonious multiracial, multi-religious
nation, and for his influence on the world stage.
He was avowedly agnostic, although many of
his ministers were men of faith. What is not so well
known is that in his latter years he sought the help of a
Benedictine monk, believing that Christian meditation
would benefit his state of mind ( he had
Parkinson’s disease), and when his son, the present
PM, got lymphoma, recommended the practice to him.
This came out in his son Lee Hsien Loong’s
eulogy, a masterly speech.
David Beavis
April 2015 | Page 25
PERSONAL
Opportunity to support Leila Coote
Congratulations to Wendy Austin!
Our beautiful
and brave grand
daughter Leila Coote,
who is 8 years old,
is participating in
the World’s Greatest
Shave to raise money
for cancer. She has a
friend at school whose
cousin died from
brain cancer and she wants to help by having all her
gorgeous hair shaved off on May 1st.
We are very proud of her and hope you will
sponsor her through the link below.
http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/leilacoote
Wendy Austin was
one of twenty-two
women inducted onto the
Victorian Honour Roll of
Women on March 11th in
recognition of her many
years working within
the Victorian family
violence sector. Minister
for Women, Fiona
Richardson, joined Premier Daniel Andrews and new
inductees at a ceremony at Federation Square.
The annual induction recognises the achievements
and contributions of remarkable Victorian women who
have demonstrated leadership and excellence in their
field of expertise, interest or endeavour.
This year’s inductees include Australian of the Year
Rosie Batty, and the late Lynne Kosky, a Minister in
the previous Labor Governments.
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 26 | April 2015
MUC OFFICE BEARERS
CONGREGATIONAL (2)
Chairperson:
Bob Hodges
Secretary:
Tony McLachlan
MUC CHURCH COUNCIL (12)
Chairperson:
Ken Manson
Deputy Chairperson:Ray Cranwell
Secretary:
Zoe McLachlan
Deputy Secretary: Chris McRae Treasurer:
Tanya Puglia
Members:
Drew Hanna,
Emma Hanna,
Rev. Jason Kioa,
Rev. Lucas Taylor, Merryn Platt,
Moses Lee,
Wendy Austin
MINISTRY TEAM (5)
The Ministry Team participates in the different portfolios to offer support and encouragement
Emma Hanna,
Rev Jason Kioa,
Rev Lucas Taylor, Megan Coote,
Moses Lee
CO-ORDINATION TEAM (10)
Finance: Peter Hanna
Mission: Helen Bartlett
Community Building:Graham Cox
Worship:
Nate Creek
Education: Rachel Hardie
Elders/Pastoral Care:Adele Gaudion
Property: Daryl Knight
CT Leader:
Moses Lee
CT Admin: Ruth Hodges
Minute Secretary: Merryn Creek
HUB (8)
Ruth Hodges,
Beryl Richards,
Jenny Ellis,
Joan Manson,
Jeanette Bernet,
Helen Turnham,
Jill Parkinson,
Kay Robert
FINANCE Portfolio (7)
Convener:
Peter Hanna
David Jensz,
Graeme Mitchell,
Graham Walker,
Max Coote,
Stuart McCulloch, Tanya Puglia
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
MISSION Portfolio (10)
Convener:
Helen Bartlett
Anne McCulloch
Ben Prior,
Betty Tatterson,
Chris Bairstow,
Faye Tse,
Helen Turnham,
Ian Esposito,
Peter Hanna,
Ruth Hodges
COMMUNITY BUILDING Portfolio (14)
Convener:
Don Bartlett
Representative:
Graham Cox
Barbara Lord,
Barbara Sutherland,
Dorothy Elliott,
Elaine Dodds,
Gloria Jenkins,
Ian Port,
Jill Cranwell,
Kay Robert,
Marion Crockett, Marj Selkrig,
Mary Whincup,
Merryn Platt
WORSHIP Portfolio (8)
Convener:
Chris Mitchell
Representative:
Nate Creek
Alan Hardie,
Chris Bairstow,
Jenny Ellis,
Megan Coote,
Natalie Brown,
Ruth Hodges
EDUCATION Portfolio (4)
Convener:
Jenny Ellis
Representative:
Rachel Hardie
Lynda Anderson,
Megan Coote
ELDERS/PASTORAL CARE Portfolio (13)
Convener:
Adele Gaudion
Cath Barnard,
Elaine Bromley
Graeme Mitchell, Graham Field
Gwyn Roberts,
Jeanette Bernet
Jeanne Lourensz, John Hyne
Mary Whincup, Megan Coote
Peter Fishley,
Rex Anderson
PROPERTY Portfolio (9)
Convener:
Daryl Knight
Bill Harrison,
Gloria Jenkins,
Ian Bennett,
Ian Esposito,
Jill Parkinson,
John Wilson,
Peter Elliott,
Ron Higgins
April 2015 | Page 27
REGULAR GROUPS
There are many groups associated with Manningham Uniting Church and you are welcome to participate in any of
them. These are the ones we know of. If we have missed any please let us know for inclusion next time.
Date
Event
Contact
Time
Place
1st Monday
Book Club
Chris Bairstow
7.30pm
9 Timothy Court,
Templestowe
1st Tuesday
Men’s Fellowship
Dinner
Peter Scott-Young
6.30pm
Andersons Creek
Road
1st Tuesday
Spectrum Meeting
Joan Heath
7.30pm
Various Venues
7.30pm
Woodhouse Grove,
Box Hill North
MONTHLY
1st Wednesday
Kooroora Evening
Fellowship
1st Wednesday
Westcare
Faye Lukies
11-30am - 2.00pm
Westfield Drive
1st Saturday
Cafe Church
Joan Christensen
10.00am
The Living Room,
Templestowe
1st Saturday
F.O.C.U.S
Graham Cox
Ruth Jensz
Time-various
Westfield Drive
2nd Monday
Explorers Faith
Discussions
Zoe McLachlan
Gwyn Roberts
7.30pm - 9.30pm
Members’ Homes
2nd Wednesday
Ladies Friendly
Circle
Rae Denison
Barbara Mann
1.30pm
Westfield Drive
2nd Wednesday
Manningham
Investment Club
(M.I.C)
Bob Hodges
Ian Salmon
7.30pm
Andersons Creek
Road
2nd Sunday
Strollers Walking
Group
Graham Field
Helen Field
1.30pm
3rd Tuesday
Ladies Friendly
Circle
3rd Tuesday
Dinner Group
2.00 - 3.30pm
Woodhouse Grove
6.30pm
Various venues
3rd Wednesday
Stepping Out Walkers Helen Salomon
9.20am – 12 noon
Meet at the Hub car
park
3rd Wednesday
Westcare
Faye Lukies
11.30pm - 2pm
Westfield Drive
3rd Saturday
Social Group
Wendy Johnston
8.00pm
Various venues
4th Monday
Explorers Faith
Discussions
Zoe McLachlan
Gwyn Roberts
7.30pm - 9.30pm
Members’ Homes
4th Thursday
Ladies Guild
Joan Middleton
1.30pm
Andersons Creek
Road
Last Friday
The Dinner Group
Geoff Ellis
6.30pm
Various venues
Saturday monthly
varies
G.I.G.G
Helen Bartlett
9.00am
Atkinson Street
Garden
Bev Robertson
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 28 | April 2015
REGULAR GROUPS CONTINUED
Date
Event
Contact
Time
Singles Lunch
Margaret Jones
2nd and 4th Saturday Shared Garden
Adele Gaudion
Andrea Boundy
10.00am - 12 noon
Place
BI-MONTHLY
Sunday varies
Westfield Drive
Rear 109 Wood
Street
WEEKLY
Sundays
Service B Choir
Practice
Jim Large
Ron Gaudion
9.00am
Mondays
Men’s tennis
Bob Hodges
Nathan Creek
7.30pm
4 Freyne Street,
Wonga Park
Monday-Friday
Early morning
walking group
Elaine Dodds Helen
Bartlett
8.30am
Fitzsimons Bridge
Car Park
Mondays during
school term
Smasll Group
The Bible and Us
Cath Barnard
Mary Whincup
11.00am - 1.30pm
1 Harold Street,
Bulleen
Tuesdays
Morning Coffee
Group
Elaind Dodds
Helen Bartlett
10.30am
Green Sage Cafe,
Templestowe
Tuesdays
Carramar
Doncare
Gerry Middleton
10.00am - 2.00pm
Andersons Creek
Road
Tuesdays
Grumpy Old Men
Geoff Ellis
3.00pm
Michel’s Patisserie
The Pines
Thursdays
Prayer Group
Joan Christensen
Cath Barnard
9.00am - 10.00am
Atkinson Street
Thursdays
Hymn Sing
Pat Wheeler
Lauris Allen
8.00pm - 9.00pm
Westfield Drive
HOUSEKEEPING
Please note the following directory amendments.
Jean McCarthy “Bupa” 222 Serpells Road,
Templestowe 3106
All correspondence to Heather Eaton, 8 Pambara
Court, Donvale 3111
Evelyn McMahon “Bupa” 222 Serpells Road,
Templestowe 3106
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
April 2015 | Page 29
ROSTERS
Worship Plan
5-Apr
12-Apr
Service A
Rev A Pritchard (HC)
Rev Jason Kioa
19-Apr
26-Apr
3-May
Rev Jason Kioa
Rev Allen Edwards
Rev Bob Ridley (HC)
Service B
Service C
Rev Jason Kioa (HC) Rev Lucas Taylor
Chris Mitchell
Rev Lucas Taylor
(HC)
Rev Lucas Taylor
Bethany Broadstock
Rev Keith Ludgater
Rev Jason Kioa
Rev Lucas Taylor (HC) Ken Manson
Service D
No service
Rev Lucas Taylor
(HC)
Alt.
Rev Jason Kioa
Film Night
Service A
5-Apr
Worship Leader Rev A Pritchard
12-Apr
Rev J Kioa
19-Apr
Rev J Kioa
26-Apr
3-May
Rev A Edwards Rev Bob Ridley
Welcome
Graham Field
Colin Turner
Kish Prasad
Geoff Allen
Jai Prasad
Telford Erskine
Jim Buchanan
Telford Erskine
Gwyn Roberts
Bill Stringer
Ian Esposito
Lillian Esposito
Helen Field
Lyn Turner
Order of service Telford Erskine
Telford Erskine Telford Erskine
Distribution
Bible Reading
Margaret Graham Tony McLachlan David Lukies
Gareth Mann
Ruth Jensz
Vestry
Life Joys and
Concerns
Prayers of the
Tony McLachlan
People
Morning Tea
Spectrum
Money Counting Geoff Allen
Ian Esposito
Flowers
Megan Coote
Audio Desk
Brian Parkinson
Zoe McLachlan
David Jensz
Faye Lukies
Lindsay Roberts Glen Stringer
Zoe McLachlan Jill Parkinson
Gwyn Roberts
TBA
Zoe McLachlan
Chris McRae
Gwyn Roberts
Lindsay Roberts
Men’s Group
David Lukies
Tony Wheeler
Mary Whincup
Ian Esposito
LFC
Colin Turner
Graham Field
Lillian Esposito
Brian Parkinson
Singles
Gareth Mann
Jon Martin
Bev Robertson
David Lukies
Explorers
Jim Buchanan
Colin Turner
Korean Ladies
Brian Parkinson
Visual Desk
Carolyn Vimpani
Communion
Elders
Geoff Ellis
David Jensz
Z McLachlan
Jill Parkinson
Mary Whincup
Elaine Bromley
B Sutherland
Graham Cox
Carolyn Vimpani Tony McLachlan Brian Parkinson Carolyn Vimpani
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 30 | April 2015
ROSTERS
Service B
12-Apr
Marg Spratling
19-Apr
Yvonne Tinkler
26-Apr
Kay Robert
3-May
John Coombes
Elders on Duty Chris Mitchell
Dorothy Elliott
Jan Serpell
Ruth Hodges
Frank Johnston
Prayers of the
People
Communion
preparation
Communion
Serving
Ken Thompson
Don Bartlett
B Cunningham
Frank Johnston Ruth Hodges
Norma Jones
N/A
N/A
N/A
Ruth Hodges
Chris Mitchell
F Johnston
A Gaudion
K Thompson
N/A
N/A
N/A
Ruth Hodges
G Mitchell
BCunningham
J Coombes
Daryl HumeCook
Dorothy Eliott
Jack Salter
Yvonne Tinkler Bob Astley
Gwyn Roberts
Bill Matthewson Wendy Johnston
Tony Mason
John Coombes
Lindsay Roberts
Pauline Webb
Morning Tea
Kay's Team
Middleton's Team Faye's Team
Kay's Team
OOS
Distribution
and Offering
Flowers
Noel & Lorraine
Manthey
Yvonne & Don
Tinkler
Liz & John Pont
Adele Gaudion
Yvonne Tinkler
A/V Booth
Trevor Webb
Trevor Webb
Church Setup The Mitchells
The Salmons
Money
Counting
Peter & Dorothy Ian Bennett
Elliott
G Mitchell
Door
Welcoming
EASTER
Marion Crockett
Community
Frank Johnston
Sharing
Bible Readers Joan Middleton
Ian Bennett G
Mitchell
Jan Serpell's
Team
Barbara
Marion &
Sutherland & Don Russell
Bartlett
Crockett
Jill Barbour
Gloria Jenkins
Frank Johnston
Lorraine Manthey
George Cusworth George
George Cusworth
Cusworth
The Bartletts
Bill Matthewson Ian Bennett
Ruth Hodges
Peter Hanna
Ian Bennett
G Mitchell
SAY A PRAYER
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother’s house.
Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served.
When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away.
“Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer.” said his mother.
“I don’t need to,” the boy replied.
“Of course, you do.” his mother insisted. “We always say a prayer before eating at our
house.”
“That’s at our house.” Johnny explained. “But this is Grandma’s house and she knows
how to cook!!”.
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
April 2015 | Page 31
OUR WORSHIP SERVICES EXPLAINED
Service A
SERVICE A is a structured service of worship
which allows for plenty of variety. It is usually but
not always, led by a minister and generally follows
the lectionary. Hymn singing, both traditional and
contemporary is accompanied by an organ and/or
piano. This service takes place at 20 Westfield Drive,
Doncaster
Service B
SERVICE B is a worship service which derives
from traditional roots but is more relaxed and less
structured than Service A with less formal liturgy. This
service sings traditional hymns but also seeks to use
more modern hymns. This worship is planned and led
by worship teams working together with the minister
or lay person who will give the reflection. This service
has a choir which practices at 9.15am This service
takes place at 152 Andersons Creek Road, Doncaster
East
Service C
SERVICE C is a modern worship service which
is informal and relaxed, singing contemporary songs
accompanied by a band. Worship teams plan and lead
the worship with a minister providing the teaching
most Sunday, sometimes there are discussions. This
service has a number of families attending and there
is a program for children which runs alongside the
worship. This service takes place at 104 Atkinson St,
Templestowe (entry to car park from Wood St)
Service D
SERVICE D held at night, is a modern, informal
service. On the second and fourth Sundays of the
month, this is a service of worship planned by worship
teams, singing modern songs accompanied by a band.
On the first Sunday, there is a film and discussion and
on the third Sunday a speaker maybe invited to talk on
topics of interest to the group.
Emerging Church
EMERGING CHURCH worship is held on the
third Sunday of each month at 5pm followed by a
shared meal. This service provides an opportunity
to enter a sacred space and engage with the spiritual
dimension of life, inspired by Jesus the teacher
and the God he loved. This service includes music,
images, readings, reflection on a theme, song, ritual
and silence. This service takes place at 152 Andersons
Creek Road, Doncaster East
CAFE CHURCH
CAFE CHURCH is a relaxed worship gathering
which mainly involves discussion and is held in a
local café on the first Saturday of each month at 10am.
This gathering takes place at The Living Room Café,
Anderson St, Templestowe Village
MID WEEK HOLY COMMUNION AND
PRAYER SERVICE
MID WEEK HOLY COMMUNION AND
PRAYER SERVICE is held between 4 and 5pm on the
last Wednesday of the month. This is an opportunity
for quiet prayer and the celebration of Holy
Communion. This service is held at 104 Atkinson St,
Templestowe.
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 32 | April 2015
CONTACT DETAILS
Our Ministry Team
Rev Jason Kioa
9846 2012
0400 331 805
[email protected]
Rev Lucas Taylor
9846 2012
0404 022 851
[email protected]
Ms Emma Hanna
Missional Community Development Worker
9846 2012
[email protected]
Mrs Megan Coote
Aged Care Mission Coordinator
9842 3330
Mr Moses Lee
Coordination Team Leader
9846 2012
[email protected]
Ministry Hub
109 Wood Street, Templestowe
Postal: PO Box 637 Templestowe 3016
Tel: 03 9846 2012
Administration
[email protected]
Weekly Notices
[email protected]
Monthly Magazine
[email protected]
Playgroup Coordinator
Mrs Rosana Periera
toddlers@ manninghamuc.org
0422 871 795
Worship Locations
152 Andersons Creek Road
Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
104 Atkinson Street
Templestowe, Victoria 3106
20 Westfield Drive
Doncaster, Victoria 3108
147 Woodhouse Grove
Box Hill North, Victoria 3129
Distribution: First Sunday of the month.
Circulation: 500
Deadline: May 2015 Issue 24 April
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Editor: Ruth Hodges
Assistant Editor: Helen Turnham