Author Archives: BCUC_Admin

for the week of 1 March 2020

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Digital Entertainment BookSupporting Dr John.  Visit here to purchase your subscription. BCUC Netball Players NeededBCUC Netball is looking for players born in 2005, 2006 or 2007. Matches are on Saturday afternoons commencing in April.  Training is on Thursday night.  Contact Cathie or Ruth. Church Council NewsAt our February 25th meeting, the following office bearers were elected.Chairperson: Ian Olver Vice-Chairperson: Nirmal Robinson Treasurer: Tim Piper Secretary: Anne Wierenga Generate Presbytery NewsThe next meeting of the Generate Presbytery is on 14 March at Seeds Uniting Church. The meeting is open to all member of our congregation. Click here to register. KCOKCO registration closes on March 11.  Any adults planning to attend must apply for and receive their WWCC  before registering.  Seniors Second Sunday LunchNext Sunday, 8 March, 12noon until 1:30pm. Come and join us for friendship, fun and food. Pancake DaySunday March 8 between services – wonderful, delicious pancakes, jams, maple syrup and cream. Please join the Junior Church in raising funds to bring hope, love and opportunity to people in need. Your coin donation will assist the work of Uniting Communities. Monday Day FellowshipOur first meeting this year will be on 2 March at 1:30pm.  The speaker will be Matthew Seales engaging us with the helpful topic : “Recycling – Which Bin?”.  Afternoon tea is provided and everyone is welcome. “Rise! Take your mat and walk!” – 2020 World Day of Prayer –Prayers for that ravaged country of Zimbabwe will be a key focus. Come and join people from over 150 countries, praying in 88 languages. Our local service is at Norwood Salvation Army, 55 George St, Norwood. Friday 6 March; begins at 10.00 am; followed by morning tea. Park in Coles car park or nearby streets. … Continue reading →

for the week of 23 February 2020

Digital Entertainment BookSupporting Dr John.  Visit here to purchase your subscription. Family Fun @ 5 Saturday 14 March 5-7pmFF@5 relies on a variety of helpers. If you can help with prepared craft, outdoor games, organizing a simple meal, welcoming visitors and helping with setting up or cleaning up please write your name on the  roster in the foyer. You may be able to help for part or all of the time. If you have any queries please ask Heather Walraven (0414 055 160) or Chris Lake (0417 848 315). Monday Communion A communion service will be held Monday 24th February at 2pm in the Chapel.  All are invited. Thank you! Muffin Morning TeaA huge thank you to all who participated in the muffin morning tea on 16th February. As a result of all the effort and the generosity of our church family we raised $753.15 as our contribution for the work of Chaplains in Kangaroo Island and the Hills district. Monday Day FellowshipOur first meeting this year will be on 2 March at 1:30pm.  The speaker will be Matthew Seales engaging us with the helpful topic : “Recycling – Which Bin?”.  Afternoon tea is provided and everyone is welcome. Hizbiz The first Hizbiz lunch meeting for this year is 12 noon on the 25th Feb. at the Marryatville. All men welcome “Rise! Take your mat and walk!” – 2020 World Day of Prayer –Prayers for that ravaged country of Zimbabwe will be a key focus. Come and join people from over 150 countries, praying in 88 languages. Our local service is at Norwood Salvation Army, 55 George St, Norwood. Friday 6 March; begins at 10.00 am; followed by morning tea. Park in Coles car park or nearby streets. Burnside InterChurch Council Schools MinistryEach year we present a Christmas and Easter play seen by large numbers of primary children who benefit from seeing an accurate portrayal of key points of these foundational events. We are now preparing for the Easter plays. We need a person to do the administrative coordination for these events. We also need actors for the Easter play. These positions are important missional roles. If you are interested, please ring our Director, Alison Russell. … Continue reading →

A Message from Ian Olver – February 23 2020

The Beatitudes reflect the essence of Jesus’ teaching to His disciples. The simple statement that he sat to teach is not just a description of preaching sitting rather than standing but a testament to the authority of what he was saying. Rabbis “official” teaching was always delivered sitting. In the Roman Catholic tradition, the most profound statements when a Pope invokes the authority of God are pronounced ex cathedra; from his seat. In the secular world the authority of a Professorship gives rise to the term a Chair. Today we examine: “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called Children of God”. This is an active role and differs from peace lovers. Peace lovers seek to avoid conflict to keep the peace. Peacemakers face the trouble that is threatening the peace and establish right relationships between people. This is doing God’s work. Then we have statement about those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs. To suffer persecution for Christ shows a loyalty, but in our country,  many may not face that challenge, although increasingly we find society’s attitudes toward the church and its teachings are at odds with Christ’s teaching. The important point is that we never face persecution alone, Christ is with us. However, do we all have to be constant critics, condemning society to show our loyalty? No. Here William Barclay made the point that it is not the duty of every Christian to be vocal, but often living Christian lives silently condemns the lives of the un-Christian and will incite persecution at least in the form of mockery and insult. I leave you with 2 challenges: Being a Peacemaker What is one instance in your life this week where you can actively act to prevent someone’s action (or your own) from disrupting the peace? Being persecuted for righteousness Identify one important way that you live your life that is likely to elicit scorn or contempt from those around you and commit to continuing to live that way by the example of Christ. … Continue reading →

A Message from Rev Dr Benji Callen – February 16 2020

As we work through the 9 beatitudes or “secrets to happiness” from Jesus sermon on the mount, Matthew 5:1-12, you may have noticed that there meaning is not always obvious. This is partly because every statement Jesus made is rooted in Old Testament understandings. Especially some of Jesus favourite go-to books of the bible: Psalms and Isaiah. Blessed are the merciful. Mercy as concrete acts of mercy not just a merciful attitude is something Jesus preached and did. In this he is re-enforcing the message of the prophets of old who kept warning the people of Israel of God’s desire for His people. “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” Hosea 6:6. How well is your life reflecting to others the mercy of God to us? Blessed are the pure of heart, they will see God. References to a purity of heart and the consequence of being close to God can be seen in Psalm 24 (especially 3-4) and Psalm 73. We can read about having a pure, a new, a refreshed, a cleansed heart. We song songs about this. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The outworking of a pure heart is not only a life of integrity but also a heart that is undivided in its loyalty to God. Where is you loyalty? Jesus warns us later in his sermon that we can not serve two masters: God and money. Let us pray with the words of Psalmist “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a loyal spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. … Continue reading →

for the week of 16 February 2020

Digital Entertainment BookSupporting Dr John.  Visit here to purchase your subscription. KCO  Update All BCUC Parents with children were emailed instructions for signing up to KCO earlier in the week.  If you have not received this email, please contact Stuart at admin@burnsidecityuc.org.au and request the details. Youth and Parents who are planning to attend should already have started the  process to obtain their new Working With Children Check.  An instruction sheet is available in the foyer carousel. FAMILY FUN @ 5 – Jesus is the best! Saturday 14th March 5.00pm-7.00pm at BCUC.  Family Fun @ 5 is for families with children and is free. Join in the Craft and Games, enjoy the Story and share a Meal. Fifteen32 Youth Friday 21 February, 6pm.  For year 8s and up. 6pm for worship jam. 7pm bring your friends along for dinner, games, a message, small groups, Jesus life hacks. Finish between 9-9:30. All at BCUC. Talk to Benji. Monday Communion Rescheduled The Chapel Holy Communion service anticipated for Monday 17th has been deferred to Monday 24th February at 2pm. Please spread the word. Have you Lost Something? At the moment, there are several pairs of glasses amongst other items.  Found items are recorded and stored for a limited time and then donated if suitable. Burnside InterChurch Council Schools Ministry Each year we present a Christmas and an Easter play. Large numbers of primary children benefit from hearing and seeing an accurate portrayal of some key points of these foundational events. Those presenting the plays report that the response is excellent from both students and teachers. We are now preparing for the Easter plays. We need a person to do the administrative coordination for these events. We also need actors for the Easter play. These positions are important missional roles. Please pray that people will respond to these needs. If you are interested, please ring our Director, Alison Russell. Monday Day Fellowship Our first meeting this year will be on 2 March at 1:30pm.  The speaker will be Matthew Seales engaging us with the helpful topic : “Recycling – Which Bin?”.  Afternoon tea is provided and everyone is welcome. … Continue reading →

for the week of 9 February 2020

Muffin Morning TeaSunday February 16 – We have planned a muffin morning tea at 10am to raise funds as a BCUC community to support chaplaincy in the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island after the recent fires. An assortment of muffins will be made available during morning tea for a gold coin donation. KCO is ComingKids Camp Out (KCO) is a Uniting Church camp for 7 year olds to Year 7’s. On 21 and 22 March hundreds of campers, junior leaders and leaders will gather at Adare Caravan and Camping at Victor Harbor for a fun filled 24 hours of stories, games, crafts, Bible studies, food, fellowship and some sleeping. BCUC will be covering the cost for campers and helpers so let’s bring as many children as possible.  All adults and youths (age 15-17) who attend, do so in a leadership role.  All leaders must obtain a NEW Working with Children Check from DHS.  This is a free online process that is simple for most people to satisfy but can take several weeks to obtain.  Parents and siblings who want to come along should begin the WWCC process immediately to ensure they will be able to attend with their campers.  An instruction sheet is available in the foyer carousel.  (Note that a police check you may have received for previous KCOs are no longer valid). Bushfire Variety Benefit ConcertSunday 23 February 3pm. St David’s Anglican Church, 492 Glynburn Road, Burnside. Light refreshments provided.  All proceeds will go to Red Cross Bushfire Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. Entrance by Donation BCUC Saturday Friendship ClubThe Club Mystery Bus trip will be on Saturday 15th February. It will leave the Burnside council car park at 6pm prompt. The cost is $25 & covers the bus, fees and supper. Pay Helen Brooks. The closing booking date is Sunday 9th February. Monday Communion RescheduledThe Chapel Holy Communion service anticipated for Monday 17th has been deferred to Monday 24th February at 2pm. Please spread the word. Uniting Church SA Bushfire Relief FundPlease read this letter from Bronte Wilson, Moderator of UC SA, regarding the bushfire situation in South Australia. A donation page for the Uniting Church SA Bushfire Relief Fund can be found here. Donations will be used to support local congregations as they serve the people in their fire-affected communities, whether that be through the provision of chaplaincy, extra pastoral support, special events to assist in recovery or practical help in a myriad of ways. … Continue reading →

A Message from Rev Dr Benji Callen – February 9 2020

At times it seems we live in a world gone mad. It’s upsetting. Is there an answer?  Is there a reason? What do I do? What can I do? God how can you help me? Why does all that I know and feel is right seem to be so wrong for everyone else? Jesus help me now.  Be my centre, my peace, my life. Be the one from which all else flows and makes sense. Then I reflect on Jesus words in the Beatitudes. (Matthew 5:1-12). Blessed are…the poor in spirit… Those who humble themselves to God, who get to their knees and say with earnest hearts… “Not my will but yours be done”. for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. I’m in this for the long game. Jesus the kingdom you showed and talked about is far greater and enduring than any reigning superpowers or other historical cultural moment that comes and goes like an unwatered lawn. Blessed are… those who mourn, I see the devastation of a bush that burns with angry fire, I hear news of grief and pain, I keep informed of a pandemic fuelled with fear. People mourn, and you bring comfort. Yet this is different mourning. We read Isaiah 61:1-3 and realise Jesus is bringing comfort to those who mourn for God’s kingdom come, for reconciliation of a spiritual and physical world. for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, they will inherit the earth. I don’t know whether I want to be known as ‘meek’? It sounds too passive. Blessed are the ‘pushovers’?. What about all that assertive training I got in primary school. Aren’t we meant to be able to learn to share our feelings both +ve and -ve? Then I read psalm 37:7-11. Meek is more about being still and waiting patiently for the Lord to act, to refrain from my own anger and wrath. To seek gentleness and patience and trust “there is a future for the person of peace” (Psalm 37:37b). Look long term… our inheritance as Children of God is coming. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, What a life of privilege I have lived. There are very few times I can think of not having access to food or water if I really needed it. One person I met who knew poverty and hunger said: “It’s like constantly wearing a shoe that is 2 sizes to small. You can never really ignore it, it focusses you waking and sleeping.” Do we have that same sense of passion and longing for God’s righteousness? Do we have a hunger for ourselves, our church and our community to know the deep redeeming love God has for them and the way of resurrection life, empowered of the Holy Spirit? If we do, if this is our sincere hope and prayer then Jesus says… we will be filled. Thank you Jesus for your centering wisdom. … Continue reading →

for the week of 2 February 2020

Fifteen32 YouthFriday 7 February, 6pm.  For year 8s and up. 6pm for worship jam. 7pm bring your friends along for dinner, games, a message, small groups, Jesus life hacks. Finish between 9-9:30. All at BCUC. Talk to Benji. Wednesday Morning Prayer GroupNewcomers are most welcome to join our prayer group – come and try! Each week we take a short look at a Bible reading and then spend time in prayer together. The group is very welcoming so come along 9.30am each Wednesday. BCUC Saturday Friendship ClubThe Club Mystery Bus trip will be on Saturday 15th February. It will leave the Burnside council car park at 6pm prompt. The cost is $25 & covers the bus, fees and supper. Pay Helen Brooks. The closing booking date is Sunday 9th February. Muffin Morning TeaSunday February 16 – We have planned a muffin morning tea at 10am to raise funds as a BCUC community to support chaplaincy in the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island after the recent fires. An assortment of muffins will be made available during morning tea for a gold coin donation. KCO is ComingKids Camp Out (KCO) is a Uniting Church camp for 7 year olds to Year 7’s. On 21 and 22 March hundreds of campers, junior leaders and leaders will gather at Adare Caravan and Camping at Victor Harbor for a fun filled 24 hours of stories, games, crafts, Bible studies, food, fellowship and some sleeping. Make a note in your diary and let your friends know so they can join us for a fabulous time. There will be no cost for campers and helpers so let’s bring as many children as possible. More information will be sent to parents by email this week. Seniors Second Sunday LunchNext Sunday, 9 February, 12noon.  Come and join us for friendship, fun and food. Please see Anita Wheaton for more information. New Bibles for BCUCThis Sunday you will see there are new BCUC church Bibles that have been purchased by the Church Council. They are New International Version ‘Comfort Print’ hardbacks which we will be able to refer to during worship services. We encourage you to take a bible as you walk in and use it, placing it back on the table when you leave. Note its still brilliant if you bring your own bible and make notes or use your phone/tablet. To raise people as Children of God we need to be equipped well. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. At Dr Jon’s PantryMULBERRY JAM – freshly picked and made by Verna and Beda – you have been waiting for this ! Uniting Church SA Bushfire Relief FundPlease read this letter from Bronte Wilson, Moderator of UC SA, regarding the bushfire situation in South Australia. A donation page for the Uniting Church SA Bushfire Relief Fund can be found here. Donations will be used to support local congregations as they serve the people in … Continue reading →

A Message from Rev Dr Benji Callen – February 2 2020

Ever wondered what the secret to happiness is? Google it and you’ll find all sorts of answers from living close to your work place through to decluttering your house. I remember watching a Will Smith movie called “The Pursuit of Happiness” with keen interest and wondering where it would finish up. It was based on a true story and followed a very intelligent, humble dad who was living on the streets with his young son who he loved very much, as he desperately pursued a career in the stock market to get the money needed to provide for his family. It was a great emotional drama and in the end (spoiler alert) he got the fancy job, the house of his dreams and we assume, found happiness. Happiness  was wrapped up in career, finances, home ownership and supporting his family. There is nothing wrong with these but start reading Psalm 1 or Jesus famous sermon on the mount and you quickly get a very different picture. Jesus sermon found in Matthew chapters 5-7 begins with a list of Jesus own wisdom sayings which have roots in the writings of an older prophet Isaiah, chapter 61. We call them the ‘Beatitudes’ which is the old latin word used at the start of these 9 sayings which translated in English is “blessed are those…”. ‘Blessed’, or in the original greek ‘makarios’, means a wonderful combination of ‘happy’, ‘fortunate’, ‘in a privileged position’, ‘well-off’, but also combines words like ‘blessed by God’, ‘salvation’, ‘peace’ and ‘well being’. Have I got your attention now? The words that follow these 9 statements of ‘blessed are’ are completely opposite to what many would put in a list. If we played the game show ‘Family Feud’, the survey of 100 people would not start with: ‘blessed are the poor in spirit’ or ‘blessed are those that mourn’. Yet this is what Jesus gives us. At face value some of the statements don’t make much sense but need further explanation. This is what we will doing over February at BCUC. Looking at two each week, starting today. They become quite foundational in understanding the teachings of Jesus and the type of behaviour he calls us into. I encourage us to learn all 9 by heart by the end of the month. I look forward to the journey together. … Continue reading →