Worship – what are you thinking?

As Children of God we have been created to “make a joyful noise to the Lord”, “worshipping God in spirit and in truth” (Psalm 100:1; John 4:24) – to give God “worth”, honour, love and respect. A good definition of worship comes from Luther on the dedication of a church building “that nothing else be done in it than that our dear Lord Himself talk to us through His holy word and that we, in turn, talk to him in prayer and song of praise”.As part of our strategic plan from 2019 we have been praying for a spirit-led direction to conduct “I can’t wait worship”. While some groups were very happy, there was a growing sense of God moving us to something different.In 2020 as a response to changes required during the world-wide pandemic we took the opportunity to test and experiment with a few different options.  What Next? While we can acknowledge that there are those who want to return to a pre-covid normal, there is also a strong sense that this would be a backwards step. At the first church council meeting for 2021 a Worship Sub-Committee was formed and given authority for consultation and to provide recommendations for the council to consider. We are aware that we need to be careful not to place many more changes around worship. Especially times and format. We need to consider worship for the next 5-10 years into the future. The aim is to hear people’s opinions and understand the “pulse” of the congregation. This then needs to be considered alongside the needs and opportunities of the community (acknowledging that we exist not just for ourselves, but for those that are yet to come) while trying to hear God’s voice and the direction of the Holy Spirit. Consultation is not decision making. It informs good decision making “Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers“. Proverbs 11:14 (NLT). The Church Council in June-August 2020 discerned the following values in worship: “BCUC: Raising children of God” with worship that is: Passionately Trinitarian (God honouring, Christ focussed and spirit led) Joyfully vibrant Humbly giving God the best Creatively encouraging faith at every age & stage We currently have 3 services:  10am Sunday:  All Ages, All Stages that is neither of the three previous services with Kids worship happening in the hall. (Current average attendance of about 120 including 20+ kids.) Monday noon service: currently averaging 35 people attending. Over many months, this has evolved into a more formal style service with the choir. Online worship: mostly pre-recorded with occasional live streaming. Averaging about 60 ‘views’.  What can I do? If you have a helpful opinion about worship in its current form or ideas about moving into the future, please let us know. Members of the worship sub-committee will be available after each of the live services for the next 3 weeks. We have already surveyed the previous cafe worship members and this will feed into the decision making. Over the next few weeks we will have a separate online survey for those who watch our online service. Think and pray about our … Continue reading

Dear friends of BCUC, On one level its sad times, I miss meeting people face to face and being an extrovert, I will struggle. However the new opportunities are exciting if we can rise by the power of the spirit to meet the challenges. My heart hurts for our vulnerable in the community who won’t be able to access online materials but we will endeavour to serve and minister to them as best we can will Gods help. Although we have suspended face-to-face worship let’s not stop meeting together. I want to introduce you to our new online worship experience we’re calling “Breakthru Worship”. Why Breakthru? It’s based on John 20:19. The disciples are hiding in fear in a locked room, (sounds a lot like social-isolation), and the resurrected Jesus breaks through their isolation and miraculously appears in the room. The first thing he says is “Peace be with you”, then he breathes on them the gift of the Holy Spirit, the comforter! Isn’t this what we all need right now, Jesus to break into our fear, to bring peace breath the comfort and gift of the Holy Spirit. So we are then empowered to be the children of God for the present and the future. Breakthru WorshipWe start with Breakthru Worship this Sunday March 22nd.  Grab a cup of coffee. Dress up in your Sunday best if you want to. Then click on the Breakthru logo above for an exciting interactive experience. We start at 10am from our lounge room to yours. Come early and have a chat with me or another host. You can visit the Breakthru Worship site now and take a look at my introductory video. Giving For many of us giving is an important part of worship. Many of us already give regularly using E-give, for those who like to give each week you can do this online from the church’s website. Alternatively for people who like to use the envelopes, you can place them in the churches mailbox during the week or give them to Stuart during office hours. Breakthru Kids and MinisWe haven’t forgotten about kids ministry. Our great team have put together 2 videos to sit down and engage with. These will be streamed on Sundays. 9am Breakthru minis (ages 5 and under)9:30 am Breakthru kids (5 and up) Click on and engage. Some of our kids ministry team will be online to chat with you.  It’s a great way to engage the whole family and grow as children of God together. Breakthru Care Just like you, I really love getting together in person and will find this next period hard. It’s important during this time to be creative about keeping in contact with other. Phone calls and emails will be our primary means. If you are a pastoral contact I encourage you to find a way to connect with those on your list. We are also very conscious of those who will find it difficult to access the internet. Care comes in many different … Continue reading

for the week of 8 March 2020

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. Generate Presbytery NewsThe next meeting of the Generate Presbytery is on 14 March atSeeds Uniting Church. The meeting is open to all member of our congregation. Click here to register. 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. If you have any queries please ask Heather Walraven (0414 055 160) or Chris Lake (0417 848 315). Support for KCOMonetary donation to support sending our kids to KCO can be made in the foyer between services this Sunday and next (by cash or credit/debit card).  You can also donate online via the green ‘give’ button at the bottom of this page.  A form for donations of cakes and biscuits will be in the foyer and… thanks so much for your never-ending prayers. KCO NewsKCO is nearly here. Normal registration closes this Wednesday so please don’t delay (late registration will still be possible). Lisa Price has the iron transfers for our yellow T-shirts, so catch her on Sunday morning between services. BCUC Saturday Friendship ClubThe meeting for 21st March is a special one. We have a large number of boys coming from Prince Alfred College, to give us an evening of musical entertainment. Usual 7:15 for a 7:30pm start. Basket supper and all visitors welcome. … Continue reading

for the week of 1 March 2020

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 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

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

for the week of 26 January 2020

BCUC Saturday Friendship ClubThe programme for the BCUC Saturday Friendship Club will be available from Sunday 26th January. Details of the Mystery bus trip on February 15th, will be included with the programme. Looking forward to the year ahead and hope to see you at the meetings. Kids ProgrammeRegular Sunday Kids Programme of Faith and Fun will begin Sunday 2 February. We will kick off with morning tea just for them, their family, friends and leaders. This will be held in the Hub garden (weather permitting). It would be appreciated if family and leaders brought a plate of something yummy to share. Thank you for your grace and care of our younger BCUC ‘Children of God’. I Look forward to catching up with you on the 2nd of February. – Heather 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. 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. Preaching Workshopfor all those that are currently on the preaching team or might be interested in the future, Benji will be holding a preaching workshop over 3 nights in 2020. The first evening is this Wednesday, Jan 29th at 7pm at BCUC.  Contact Benji or Stuart for further details. CAP Money – volunteer training in Adelaide, 29th FebruaryCAP Money is a course that teaches a Biblical approach to financial wellbeing: How to build a budget, make wise spending decisions, and save well. BCUC holds courses each year but we are in need of volunteers to run them. If you are passionate about helping others, join us for a day’s training and learn more. For further information contact Gaynor. UC Fellowship and Mission SupportWe invite you to join us on Sunday, 9th February, 2pm at BCUC for the commissioning of Rev Brian and Mrs Jill Polkinghorne as As Co-Presidents. Followed by Afternoon Tea. Speaker:  Mr Bronte Wilson. RSVP Mrs Janet Woodward by 2nd Feb. … Continue reading

for the week of 19 January 2020

Youth & Young Adults PastorBCUC is looking to appoint a Youth and Young Adults Pastor, one year contract, 0.4EFT. Job and Person specifications are available from this page on the UCA SA. Enquiries to Stuart at admin@burnsidecityuc.org.au. Closing date for applications : Thursday 23 January. 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. Dumplings on Sunday 26 JanuaryIn celebration of Chinese New Year, we will be holding a dumpling making demonstration and tasting in the foyer. You can even join in and make some yourself.  There will be dumplings available for tasting between services and there will be a light lunch after the 10:30 services.  If you would like to come to the lunch, please see the signup sheet in the foyer today, where you can tell us how many are coming and if you are able to help by bringing a plate to share. 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. HizBiz – a group for menThe Hizbiz new year will begin at BCUC on Tuesday 28th Jan at 6 pm for a seafood, chips and ice cream meal ($15) before viewing “The Genesis Code” at 7 pm. RSVP to Leigh Duffett or Rex King. Summer Blitz Clean @BCUCThere are many areas of BCUC which would benefit from tidying and cleaning. Can you join a team of workers to clean walls, door knobs, cupboard doors , dust the Worship Centre, check chairs , blow the foyer & playgrounds etc. at 9.30-11.30am on Wednesday 22nd January? A team has already been gathered to clean the kitchen from top to bottom. Cleaning agents and materials will be provided or you can bring your own. We hope to have a team effort and achieve many improvements within 2 hours. All welcome to assist in any way you are able! If you would like to help, put your name on the list in the foyer or just turn up. Any … Continue reading

for the week of 12 January 2020

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. CAP Money volunteer training in Adelaide 29th FebruaryCAP Money is a course that teaches a Biblical approach to financial wellbeing: How to build a budget, make wise spending decisions, and save well. BCUC holds courses each year but we are in need of volunteers to run them. Are you passionate about helping others? Are you free on 29th Feb? Join us for a day’s training and learn more.  For further information contact Gaynor. HizBiz – a group for menThe Hizbiz new year will begin at BCUC on Tuesday 28th Jan at 6 pm for a seafood, chips and ice cream meal ($15) before viewing “The Genesis Code” at 7 pm. To help plan catering please email or phone Leigh Duffett or Rex King. You will be made welcome when you meet with BCUC men. Youth & Young Adults PastorBCUC is looking to appoint a Youth and Young Adults Pastor, one year contract, 0.4EFT. Job and Person specifications are available from this page on the UCA SA. Enquiries to Stuart at admin@burnsidecityuc.org.au. Closing date for applications : Thursday 23 January. BCUC Children’s Ministry Team LeaderChurch Council is seeking a Children’s Ministry team leader. A Position Description and further information can be obtained from Council Chair Ian Olver. We would like to receive applications by Monday January 13. We ask you to give this your prayerful consideration. Big Week Out @ BCUCOnce again, BCUC will be hosting the East Base of the Big Week Out youth service event, January 13-17. Big Week Out is about young people putting faith into action by serving their community. Some of our youth will be attending and Benji will be speaking each night from Tuesday through Friday.  The BCUC Women’s Ministry will also be helping with catering. Thank You! From BCUC Cares and Uniting CareDavid from Uniting Care would like to express his deep gratitude to BCUC for their continuity of care and for their  generosity with food and toiletry donations during the Christmas hamper appeal. – Judy Carne on behalf of BCUC Cares. … Continue reading

for the week of 5 January 2020

Youth & Young Adults Pastor for BCUCBCUC is looking to appoint a Youth and Young Adults Pastor, one year contract, 0.4EFT. Job and Person specifications are found at this link on the UCA SA website. Closing date for applications : Thursday 23rd January. Seniors Second Sunday LunchNext Sunday, January 12th at 12noon. Come and join us for friendship, fun and food. Chicken & Salad plus a fruit platter. Please see Anita Wheaton for more information. Big Week Out @ BCUC – January 13-17Once again, BCUC will be hosting the East Base of the Big Week Out youth service event, January 13-17. Big Week Out is about young people putting faith into action by serving their community.  Expect an exciting and jam-packed week with passionate, diverse young people from all over Adelaide. Some of our youth will be attending and Benji will be speaking each night from Tuesday through Friday.  The BCUC Women’s Ministry will also be helping with catering. Its not to late for youth to register at http://www.bigweekout.org.au. BCUC Children’s Ministry Team LeaderChurch Council is seeking a Children’s Ministry team leader. After dedicated and committed leadership, Heather Walraven will be stepping down from this role. We are most grateful for her work which has seen great growth in our children’s ministry. A Position Description and further information can be obtained from Council Chair Ian Olver. We would like to receive applications by Monday January 13. We ask you to give this your prayerful consideration. … Continue reading