Author Archives: BCUC_Admin

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 →

A Message from Rev Benji Callen – October 13 2019

This Sunday Jenny Olver is preaching at the Cafe service about the value of encouragement in a Christian community by first looking at the story of Barnabas whose encouragement of Paul led to him being one of the greatest church planters and writers in history. Rev Charissa Suli will be speaking in 9am and classic service from the lectionary and also about the importance of mentoring the younger generation. The book of Acts is like a bloggers journal of the birth and spread of the early church from Jerusalem to the capital of the Roman Empire. By chapter 9:30-31 we have these beautiful verses that say the early church experiences a period of peace and grew in numbers thanks to the encouragement of the Holy Spirit. As we seek to grow and raise children of God at BCUC let’s draw on that same spirit of encouragement. Last Thursday I had the privilege of preaching at the induction service of Rev. Tim and Rev. Sil Hein at Malvern UCA. As I was about to get to the pulpit many memories of my involvement in Malvern came flooding back from my first sermons, kids talks, choir singing, weddings, dramas, nearly burning down the church in a creative worship service using way too many candles and more… I was grateful for the encouragement and the risk that the congregation and leaders had taken to raise me up as a child of God, equipping me for mission and ministry. I imagine that without their encouragement I might still be spreading bacteria in a lab somewhere wondering if there is another calling for my life. Have you been a “Barnabas” to someone or had a “Barnabas” encourage you? Jenny asks a number of very valuable questions: what would BCUC be like if it was not just a welcoming church but rather an encouraging church? Are you open to responding to the Spirit’s leading? Are you prepared to step up and approach someone? Are you ready, like Barnabas, to relinquish a role, its praise, its past and maybe even the historical memory of your contribution following successful encouragement of others? We can all exercise the gift of encouragement. Take a risk, look beyond yourself and your own ministry areas, who is God leading you to encourage today? … 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 →

A Message from Colette Williams – October 6 2019

We are living in extreme times.  People have been turning their back on God’s way in droves, and doing whatever seems good to them.  Many children today don’t even know who Jesus is, don’t know even the most basic stories about him.  Christians all over the world are being persecuted.  Here in Australia, while we are not yet dying for our faith, we are being persecuted in other ways and our freedoms are being steadily eroded. And yet there is a great hunger in the world, a spiritual hunger, for peace, meaning, and  purpose.  We, who belong to the King of Kings, know what it is, and who it is, they are looking for.  But we hold this treasure in clay pots, always mindful of our human frailty, our inconsistencies, and what we consider our inability to be effective witnesses for Jesus. Having just completed the Alpha Course where the last topic was on sharing our faith, several things emerged:    While people are becoming suspicious of Christians, they usually don’t have anything against Jesus. People will be happy to listen to you if they sense you are motivated by love. Most people are happy to be prayed for. No-one can argue with your personal story of what God has done in your life. The gospel is the power of God for salvation. Romans 10:17 tells us, “…faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” We need to write God’s word on our hearts and experience it fully, so that we can, with real conviction, share it with others. “…my word… will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”    (Isaiah 55:11) … Continue reading →

for the week of 29 September 2019

ALPHAOn Wednesday we finished our lunchtime Alpha. Nearly 30 people participated and it has been a transformation event for many. The joy of seeing others develop a deeper relationship with Jesus is breathtaking! Thanks to all those who helped organise, pray for and supply lunches. It has been a significant event for raising children of God. On Wednesday October 16th we will have a final celebration lunch together as people share stories about what God has been doing in their lives. Operation Christmas ChildTomorrow, Monday Sept 30th at 9.30am in the Hall, we will pack our shoeboxes of gifts to go to children in developing countries.  Please feel free to join us and help pack or just to see the program in action. Alison Elliss, our Area Coordinator, will be joining us. Children are most welcome. Morning tea will follow. 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. 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. 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 Strapp (0450310591) or Peter Shackleford (0403160741). SURRENDER : InterwovenThe accelerating polarization of the globe, our society, and even the church is at odds with Jesus’ identity as the Prince of Peace for all the world, and his command for us to love each other. Yet the work of His Kingdom continues unceasingly, as God continues to weave the torn parts of our universe back together, thread by thread. Details for this event are available in the foyer.  October 11 + 12. … Continue reading →

A Message from Rev Benji Callen – September 29 2019

Over the next three weeks we will focus on mission, with the privilege of hearing from three guest preachers who have seen first-hand stories of 2019 missionaries from very different contexts. Sunday 29th Sept:  Rev Sue Ellis, Moderator of the Uniting Church in SA will speak about her vision for the church over the last three years as Grow, Nurture, Flourish with a special emphasis on the work of Frontier Services in SA. This is mission in the regions of SA. Sunday 6th Oct:  Luke Telfer, the president of Gideons Association (also a young farmer from the Eyre Peninsula) will share the amazing impact of giving out bibles to people in schools, hotels, on the streets and personally to friends and family. This is personal, local mission. Sunday 13th Oct:  Rev. Charissa Suli a second generation Tongan Minister working as a consultant for the Assembly with a special interest in mentoring young people and inter-generational, inter-cultural ministry. This is mission with an international flavour. What is mission? Jesus said “Go into the world and make disciples of all nations.” Wesley said “The world is my parish.” From the 16-1800’s many western churches from Europe sent missionaries to the new world to spread the gospel. Their fortitude and perseverance was astounding as they found themselves in villages and cities that they could not have prepared for, with languages and cultures that would’ve been to them completely alien. There was no way of googling it before hand. Although today’s historians look back with mixed perspectives, I know personally the ongoing local churches in places such as India, China, Africa and the pacific who still hold these missionaries in very high regard. But the word ‘mission’ today has a much broader meaning than planting churches and making disciples in far-flung places. Its local, regional and international. Its both social justice and evangelism, two sides of the same coin. David Bosch described the mission of the church as “A community of people who, in the face of tribulations they encounter, keep their eyes steadfastly on the reign of God by praying for its coming, by being its disciples, by proclaiming its presence, by working for peace and justice in the midst of hatred and oppression, and by looking and working toward God’s liberating future.” I am drawn to the “incarnational” approach to mission. Jesus was sent to earth, he took on the form of the locals (flesh, a human body, the baby Jesus- God incarnate) lived and breathed with the locals, loved them, taught them and showed them who God was, and what God’s purpose and desire was for them, then gave his life for them only to be resurrected. If we use the same approach, then we are sent (to our families, neighbours, work places, shops), we get to learn and love the people and culture, we show them who God is and God’s purpose for them with a love that is sacrificial. Enjoy these learning and being challenged these next 3 weeks. … Continue reading →

A Message from Rev Benji Callen – September 22 2019

This Thursday something happened that got people’s imaginations running wild in offices and bus stops around the country- a $150,000,000 Powerball lottery. What would you do if you won the lottery? Sounds like all your dreams come true? While for some people winning the lottery may have been an amazing experience, there are so many other stories where winning such a large sum of money has changed people’s lives irreversibly for the worse; for some it’s led to drug addiction, loneliness, divorce, anxiety, estrangement and even prison. A study in the UK found that while there was an initial spike in happiness levels for people, this quickly dissipated back to them being about as happy as they were before with some being more anxious. Physical health generally took a backward step as they tended to socialise more, eat more and drink more. These are the statistics. Knowing Jesus and being filled with the Holy Spirit will lead to so much more than winning the lottery. It is better in every way. While it may not help you pay off the home loan immediately, the joys of being a child of God are fantastic. Jesus said “the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” Matthew 13:45-46. I know many stories where this is true. Think about it, even on the very worst day for a Christian: We have our eternal identity as children of God We are part of a much bigger family that reaches across all cultures, back into millennia of history and into the future We are loved by God with an ‘agape‘ love that is great, overflowing and lavished upon us We can live in freedom due to the salvation and forgiveness of our sins thanks to Christ’s work on the cross  We have a purpose in life, a meaning for our existence: “To love God with everything we have and to love others as ourselves” We are filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit to help us in that mission and give us power, creativity, healing, peace, self-control, guidance, motivation, humility, joy and more. And this is on a bad day for a Christian! So much better than winning the lottery, don’t you think? Today Rob will focus on being a Spirit-filled child of God which finishes our three-part series. As children of God we are:  Loved by God Loving to others Spirit-filled.   Keep a mental note about what we have learnt about being a child of God. Imagine if BCUC was full of people who took this seriously and lived it out in word and deed. Imagine if BCUC was used by God to be a place to raise many more children of God from amongst those in our community who don’t yet know their identity can be found in Christ. What difference would that make for them and for the world? We will keep … 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 →