Author Archives: BCUC_Admin

Total Truth

Is religion only a private matter, or does God belong in the public arena? Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey, in examining this question, follows in the line of, and further develops, Francis Schaeffer’s How Should We Then Live and Charles Colson’s How Now Shall We Live. Both these books are in the Library. Subtitled Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity, Total Truth presents a readable and insightful challenge to evangelical Christians to understand all of society and life through a Christian (biblical) worldview rather than a secular one that some Christians have adopted. That secular worldview is limited to our culture and binds Christians, who restrict their faith to only the private sphere, leaving it at Church each Sunday. As our worldview governs our thinking, Pearcey encourages readers to develop and apply a biblical worldview to all of life, arguing that this gives us “a biblically informed perspective on all reality,” – a Total Truth – which enables us to see things more clearly and which we can take into our daily life and the world in which we live, i.e., the public sphere. In this way, Christianity is able to challenge, redeem and renew culture. Total Truth comprises 4 parts. Part 1 explains how to build a Christian worldview by starting at the beginning – in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth – and the Bible’s teaching that God is the only source of the whole created order, and seeing all of history through Creation, Fall, and Redemption. From here Part 2 examines Creation and science; Part 3 the decline of Christian thought over the ages; and Part 4 how to apply a Christian worldview, and integrate our faith, in all of life and daily living under the Lordship of Christ. Pearcey shows what this Total Truth means for areas of family, business, public policy, education, arts, science, music, law, politics and Christian involvement in society. She “walk(s) you through practical, workable steps for crafting a Christian worldview in your own life and work” and applying it “to cut through the bewildering maze of ideas and ideologies we encounter in a postmodern world. The purpose …. is nothing less than to liberate Christianity from its cultural captivity, unleashing its power to transform the world.” Pearcey believes: “The most effective work …. is done by ordinary Christians fulfilling God’s calling to reform culture within their local spheres of influence – their families, churches, schools, neighbourhoods, workplaces, …. and civic institutions.” Although written in 2004, Total Truth is a book highly relevant today. The foundation and explanations laid down by Pearcey are most helpful for Christians in the present day to understand that God belongs in the public arena and responds to the push to exclude the Christian faith from the public sphere. Koorong also has Total Truth available in a Study Guide Edition (paperback and eBook) – https://www.koorong.com – which would be a practical way of reading the book and understanding its message. … Continue reading →

They Crossed a Continent – Margaret Somerville

Battle of Australia Medal (1991) – (1912-2014) This is the story of a wartime exodus from Crocker Island to Sydney. Crocker Island is situated off the North West Coast of Arnhem Land and was home to 95 mixed Aboriginal and white blood children who were abandoned by both Aboriginal and white parents and so were then gathered from government institutions and taken into the Methodist home. They were mainly girls, who were the responsibility of missionaries Margaret Somerville and two other white women. Boys were under the care of the male Superintendent. With the Japanese advancing the War towards the Northern Territory the priority from December 1941 was to evacuate civilians. The three white women were ordered to leave the Island but they refused opting to remain to look after the children. Darwin was bombed and eventually in April 1942 the children and the women were transported from the Island on a small ship the Larrpan to the mainland. From there followed a six week journey living off the land with small supplies of mainly flour and rice, travelling by truck and trekking through heavy bushlands. They eventually arrived at the rail link in Pine Creek (150 Km south of Darwin). From there, they travelled by cattle train to Birdum and on to Katherine by military trucks to Alice Springs. More rail journeys were made to Adelaide, Melbourne, Albury and finally arriving at Oxford Homes in Sydney. After the war Crocker Homes was renamed Somerville Homes after Margaret and many children returned there. The facility relocated to Darwin in December 1968. Margaret had returned to Sydney in 1965 to care for her aging parents. Footnote. While many in BCUC may likely be conversant with this amazing story of courage commitment, determination and care, for me, not coming from Australia, this epic journey was unfamiliar until I saw the book on the Church Library shelf. Recommended reading. … Continue reading →

for the week of 20 October 2019

Membership Sermon Series October 20, 27 & November 3 Single Worship Service Membership Celebration & Vision Launchfollowed by an International Shared Lunch10:00am  Sunday November 10   AGMPlease join us for our AGM on Sunday November 24 at 2pm. Reports will be available from Sunday November 10. International Lunch ContributionsWe are hoping to have a great variety of  representative international and Australian dishes for our shared lunch on Nov. 10.  Please see the flyer handed out  last Sunday for details. Copies  available at the reception desk. Elder/Church Councillor  NominationsNominations are open for Elders /Church Councillors. If you feel that God is calling you to serve BCUC in this role, please pick up an information sheet and nomination form at the reception desk. Nominations close on November 3.  Note that term limits for serving on Church Council have been removed and the term for newly elected members is now up to 5 years (in accordance with the UCA Constitution). Presbytery Information Forum Wednesday Nov. 20th, 7pm @ BCUCIn preparation for the congregation to decide at the Nov 24th AGM whether we will join Generate Presbytery or remain in the default, regional presbytery, we will host an information forum with special guests: Rev. Steph Tai (Secretary of Generate) and Rev. Sue Page (Assoc. Gen. Secretary from the presbytery restructuring task group). They will be available for a Q and A. … Continue reading →

for the week of 13 October 2019

Elder/Church Councillor  NominationsNominations are open for Elders /Church Councillors. If you feel that God is calling you to serve BCUC in this role, please pick up an information sheet and nomination form at the reception desk. Nominations close on November 3. MembershipStarting next week, the whole of BCUC will be having a 3-week membership course as part of the Sunday sermons. We finish on November 10 with a membership celebration service where we will celebrate those who reaffirm, transfer, or become BCUC members. We will also hear about our vision launch as we look into where in God’s name we will be going at BCUC over the next three years. Talk to the ministers or Stuart to find out more. Pastoral Contact TeaThis is a reminder to the more than 60 BCUC Pastoral Contacts and also an invitation to anyone interesting in finding out more about this important role. You are invited to a “Thank God you’re here!” afternoon tea and Pastoral Contact workshop. Sunday October 20th, 2:30pm at BCUC. Benji will run a workshop on “Confident Caring”. He will use biblical examples in a fun, interactive and informative way to build our confidence to pastorally care for the children of God. We encourage you to attend. Afternoon tea will be provided.  RSVP to Ruth or Di. Community Outreach – Help Needed Staff Appreciation Tea, Marryatville HSBCUC is hosting a Staff Appreciation Morning Tea at Marryatville High School (on behalf of the Burnside Interchurch Council). Are you able to support this event by providing a plate of savoury or sweet items? If so, please deliver your food items to BCUC on Wednesday October 16 between 9:00am and 10:00am. Thank you for your help! BCUC’s Walk on CountryOn Monday twenty five people aged between three and eighty three enjoyed a Walk on Country learning more about the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and visiting sites from Eden Hills to Port Noarlunga. Many thanks BCUC Cares. A memorable day. Saturday Friendship ClubSaturday October 19th “Quire St Nicolas” will present a mixed music programme.  7-15 for a 7-30pm start. Basket supper. Visitors welcome. Also…an advance notice for the Club Christmas dinner on November 16, 6:30pm. Cost : $35 payable to Peter Foord. Tickets available at October meeting. The theme is Bells. Monday Day FellowshipOn Monday October 14th at 1.30p.m Wendy Perkins from Synod will speak on “Disaster Relief within the Uniting Church”. Fellowship and congregation members, join us for this informative meeting. Afternoon tea will be supplied. … Continue reading →

for the week of 6 October 2019

Community Outreach – Help Needed Staff Appreciation Tea, Marryatville HSBCUC is hosting a Staff Appreciation Morning Tea at Marryatville High School (on behalf of the Burnside Interchurch Council). Are you able to support this event by providing a plate of savoury or sweet items? If so, please deliver your food items to BCUC on Wednesday October 16 between 9:00am and 10:00am. Thank you for your help! BCUC’s Walk on CountryOn Monday twenty five people aged between three and eighty three enjoyed a Walk on Country learning more about the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and visiting sites from Eden Hills to Port Noarlunga. Many thanks BCUC Cares. A memorable day. Monday Day FellowshipOur next meeting focuses on “Disaster Relief within the Uniting Church”. Wendy Perkins from Synod has been invited to speak on this subject. The meeting is on Monday October 14th at 1.30pm. Fellowship and congregation members, do join us for this informative meeting. Afternoon tea will be supplied. MembershipIn November the whole of BCUC will be having a 3-week membership course as part of the Sunday sermons. We finish with a membership celebration service where we will celebrate those who reaffirm, transfer, or become  BCUC members. We will also hear about our vision launch as we look into where in God’s name we will be going at BCUC over the next three years. Talk to the ministers or Stuart to find out more. Money Raised for Frontier Services Thank you to everybody who supported the Frontier Services fund raiser on Sunday 29th September. As a result of the retiring offering and the sausage sizzle a total of $1.070.30 has been forwarded to Frontier Services. Saturday Friendship ClubThe next club meeting will be on Sat October 19th. It will be a very good choir called “Quire St Nicolas”. They will present a mixed music programme. The club is subsiding the event, so it will be the normal $3. 7-15 for a 7-30pm start. As usual provide a basket supper. Visitors welcome.Also… an advance notice for the Club Christmas dinner on November 16, 6:30pm. Cost : $35 payable to Peter Foord. Tickets available at October meeting. The theme is Bells. SURRENDER : InterwovenThis conference focuses on Christian discipleship as Gospel focused social justice.  Join Benji and others in attending October 11 + 12.  Details in Foyer. … Continue reading →

for the week of 22 September 2019

Frontier Services Sausage SizzleWe will be having a sausage sizzle  on Sunday September 29 at 10:00am to support Frontier Services in their work to help Aussie Farmers who are doing it tough this year. From flooding in Northern Queensland, to bush fires down in Tasmania, and drought gripping over 50% of the country, some farmers say it’s the worst weather conditions they’ve experienced in their lifetime. These recent natural disasters have had a devastating effect on many living on isolated properties around our country.  Operation Christmas ChildThis year’s shoebox project is underway – an exciting time of the year! Shoeboxes of small gifts are packed here at BCUC and sent to children in developing countries. Brochures are available in the foyer along with empty decorated boxes if you wish to pack your own box. Alternatively there is an opportunity to make a monetary donation. If you like to shop, we need tennis balls, skipping ropes and yoyos to name a few items. Packing day is on Monday Sept 30th at 9.30am in the Hall.  Enquiries to Di Croft. Hizbiz Men’s GroupOur next Men’s Fellowship Lunch will take place at the Marryatville Hotel on Tuesday 24th September @ 12 noon. All men welcome. Contact Rex or Leigh. Baptism at BCUCHave you been baptised? Baptism is a really important step of faith in becoming a new person in Christ, a child of God. Please see Benji or Rob for a chat. In November we will be having a membership service. One of the main requirements for membership is baptism. BCUC’s Walk on Country #1If you would like to learn about the traditions and experiences of the original inhabitants of the Adelaide Plains, the Kaurna people, join us on Monday 7th October (Labour Day Public Holiday) for a bus and walking tour of five significant sites south of Adelaide, led by Uncle Frank Wanganeen, a Christian Kaurna man. For further information about the tour, or to register your interest, see the information sheets and registration forms in the foyer, or speak to Gaynor or Peter S. SAYCO presents Lost / Found Youth FestivalLost/Found is a 1 day festival of games, art, food trucks, 3-on-3 basketball, worship, live music, a marketplace and a message about being found from Pastor Mike Wardrop of Encounter Church.  12 October, 3-9pm, Adelaide West Uniting Church. Cost: $20 per person. Tickets at https://sa.uca.org.au/sayco. … Continue reading →

for the week of 15 September 2019

Frontier Services Sausage SizzleWe will be having a sausage sizzle  on Sunday September 29 at 10:00am to support Frontier Services in their work to help Aussie Farmers who are doing it tough this year. From flooding in Northern Queensland, to bush fires down in Tasmania, and drought gripping over 50% of the country, some farmers say it’s the worst weather conditions they’ve experienced in their lifetime. These recent natural disasters have had a devastating effect on many living on isolated properties around our country.  Operation Christmas ChildThis year’s shoebox project is underway – an exciting time of the year! Shoeboxes of small gifts are packed here at BCUC and sent to children in developing countries. Brochures are available in the foyer along with empty decorated boxes if you wish to pack your own box. Alternatively there is an opportunity to make a monetary donation. If you like to shop, we need tennis balls, skipping ropes and yoyos to name a few items. Packing day is on Monday Sept 30th at 9.30am in the Hall.  Enquiries to Di Croft. David Houston VisitNext week David Houston a retired minister from Tusmore Park days will be sharing morning tea and have some involvement in the 10:30 classic service. Baptism at BCUCHave you been baptised? Baptism is a really important step of faith in becoming a new person in Christ, a child of God. Please see Benji or Rob for a chat. In November we will be having a membership service. One of the main requirements for membership is baptism.  Rescheduled Staff Appreciation Tea, Marryatville HSThe Marryatville High School staff appreciation morning tea has been rescheduled to Wednesday October 16. Put this date in your calendar and stay tuned for details closer to the time. We really appreciate your support of this event. Sunday ParkingIf walking is easy for you, we request that on Sunday morning you park in the council lot across the street, and leave the BCUC car park for those who are less abled. BCUC Saturday Friendship Club21st September. Pamela Rajkowski speaks on the important role that Cameleer Settlers played in shaping the Australian outback. 7:15pm arrival for a 7:30pm start.  Basket supper provided. SAYCO presents Lost / Found Youth FestivalLost/Found is a 1 day festival of games, art, food trucks, 3-on-3 basketball, worship, live music, a marketplace and a message about being found from Pastor Mike Wardrop of Encounter Church.  12 October, 3-9pm, Adelaide West Uniting Church. Cost: $20 per person. Tickets at https://sa.uca.org.au/sayco. … Continue reading →

for the week of 8 September 2019

Psalm Writing Workshop NotesNotes from the recent Psalm Writing Workshop are now available here.  Have you thought about writing your own psalm? Many Psalms follow a pattern which can be replicated. We believe there is some amazing talent in BCUC and would love to give the opportunity for the congregation to contribute their own Psalms to a booklet we will publish as a Christmas gift to all. We would love to see your contributions.   Use these notes to get ideas and learn techniques for writing your psalm. Community Outreach – Help NeededStaff Appreciation Tea, Marryatville HSBCUC is hosting a Staff Appreciation Morning Tea at Marryatville High School (on behalf of the Burnside Interchurch Council). Are you able to support this event by providing a plate of savoury or sweet items? If so, please deliver your food items to BCUC on Wednesday September 25 between 9:00am and 10:00am. Thank you for your help! Family Fun @5Family Fun @ 5 will be on Saturday 14th September from 5.00 to 7.00pm Families are very welcome. Please invite neighbors and friends as it is an opportunity to reach out into the community. Flyers in the foyer spinner are available to give out. Helpers for preparing food, helping with craft and games, set up and clear up. For one of the activities those who have skills or pleasure in building Lego will be needed.  Sign up sheets for helpers are in the Foyer. Contact Heather Walraven or Chris Lake. BCUC Saturday Friendship Club21st September. Pamela Rajkowski speaks on the important role that Cameleer Settlers played in shaping the Australian outback. 7:15pm arrival for a 7:30pm start.  Basket supper provided. Operation Christmas ChildThis year’s shoebox project is underway – an exciting time of the year! Shoeboxes of small gifts are packed here at BCUC and sent to children in developing countries. Brochures are available in the foyer along with empty decorated boxes if you wish to pack your own box. Alternatively there is an opportunity to make a monetary donation. If you like to shop, we need tennis balls, skipping ropes and yoyos to name a few items. Packing day is on Monday Sept 30th at 9.30am in the Hall.  Enquiries to Di Croft. SAYCO presents : Lost / Found Youth FestivalLost/Found is a 1 day festival of games, art, food trucks, 3-on-3 basketball, worship, live music, a marketplace and a message about being found from Pastor Mike Wardrop of Encounter Church.  12 October, 3-9pm, Adelaide West Uniting Church. Cost: $20 per person. Tickets at https://sa.uca.org.au/sayco. … Continue reading →

for the week of 1 September 2019

Psalm Writing Workshop Notes Notes from the recent Psalm Writing Workshop are now available here.  Have you thought about writing your own psalm? Many Psalms follow a pattern which can be replicated. We believe there is some amazing talent in BCUC and would love to give the opportunity for the congregation to contribute their own Psalms to a booklet we will publish as a Christmas gift to all. We would love to see your contributions.   Use these notes to get ideas and learn techniques for writing your psalm. BCUC Saturday Friendship Club.Our next meeting is on 21st September. Pamela Rajkowski will speak to us on the important role that Cameleer Settlers played in shaping the Australian outback. 7:15pm arrival for a 7:30pm start.  Basket supper provided. Do You Like Chocolate? At the next Day Fellowship meeting you can learn the history of Bracegirdles chocolates.  Monday 2nd September at 1:30pm at BCUC.  Gary Bracegirdle will give his insight into his company and chocolate.  All are welcome including members of the congregation. Come and join us for a light and bright afternoon.  Afternoon tea is provided. Family Fun @5 Family Fun @ 5 will be on Saturday 14th September from 5.00 to 7.00pm Families are very welcome. Please invite neighbors and friends as it is an opportunity to reach out into the community. Flyers in the foyer spinner are available to give out. Helpers for preparing food, helping with craft and games, set up and clear up. For one of the activities those who have skills or pleasure in building Lego will be needed.  Sign up sheets for helpers will be out in the Foyer from 25th August. Contact Heather Walraven or Chris Lake. Operation Christmas Child Today we are launching this year’s shoebox project – an exciting time of the year! Shoeboxes of small gifts are packed here at BCUC and sent to children in developing countries. Brochures are available in the foyer along with empty decorated boxes if you wish to pack your own box. Alternatively there is an opportunity to make a monetary donation. If you like to shop, we need tennis balls, skipping ropes and yoyos to name a few items. Packing day is on Monday Sept 30th at 9.30am in the Hall.  Enquiries to Di Croft. Seniors Second Sunday LunchNext Sunday (Sep 8) at noon. Come and join us for friendship, fun and food. Chicken & Salad plus a fruit platter. Presbytery Meetings Generate Presbytery Meeting September 14, 9:30-3:30pm Journey Uniting Church Transitional Presbytery Meeting September 21, 9:30-12:30pm Burnside City Uniting Church Both meetings are open to members of our congregation.  This November, BCUC will make a decision whether we want to join the Generate Presbytery or an alternative presbytery to be formed from the current Transitional Presbytery in the coming months. To assist in our discernment, we encourage you to considering attending these meetings if possible. … Continue reading →

for the week of 25 August 2019

Psalm Writing Workshop NotesNotes from the recent Psalm Writing Workshop are now available here.  Have you thought about writing your own psalm? Many Psalms follow a pattern which can be replicated. We believe there is some amazing talent in BCUC and would love to give the opportunity for the congregation to contribute their own Psalms to a booklet we will publish as a Christmas gift to all. We would love to see your contributions.   Use these notes to get ideas and learn techniques for writing your psalm. Do You Like Chocolate?At the next Day Fellowship meeting you can learn the history of Bracegirdles chocolates.  Monday 2nd September at 1:30pm at BCUC.  Gary Bracegirdle will give his insight into his company and chocolate.  All are welcome including members of the congregation. Come and join us for a light and bright afternoon.  Afternoon tea is provided. Family Fun @5Family Fun @ 5 will be on Saturday 14th September from 5.00 to 7.00pm Families are very welcome. Please invite neighbors and friends as it is an opportunity to reach out into the community. Flyers in the foyer spinner are available to give out. Helpers for preparing food, helping with craft and games, set up and clear up. For one of the activities those who have skills or pleasure in building Lego will be needed.  Sign up sheets for helpers will be out in the Foyer from 25th August. Contact Heather Walraven or Chris Lake. Operation Christmas ChildToday we are launching this year’s shoebox project – an exciting time of the year! Shoeboxes of small gifts are packed here at BCUC and sent to children in developing countries. Brochures are available in the foyer along with empty decorated boxes if you wish to pack your own box. Alternatively there is an opportunity to make a monetary donation. If you like to shop, we need tennis balls, skipping ropes and yoyos to name a few items. Packing day is on Monday Sept 30th at 9.30am in the Hall.  Enquiries to Di Croft. Presbytery MeetingsGenerate Presbytery Meeting September 14, 9:30-3:30pmJourney Uniting Church Transitional Presbytery MeetingSeptember 21, 9:30-12:30pmBurnside City Uniting Church Both meetings are open to members of our congregation.  This November, BCUC will make a decision whether we want to join the Generate Presbytery or an alternative presbytery to be formed from the current Transitional Presbytery in the coming months. To assist in our discernment, we encourage you to considering attending these meetings if possible. … Continue reading →