What does Jesus say about how to Vote?
for 20 March 2022
Saturday is state election time. I realise many may have voted already. Each election I find myself prayerfully asking the question: ‘what is the most God honouring way to vote this election?’
If your looking for specifics, the bible was not written in a time of democratic government, so we don’t find Jesus specifically instructing his disciples principles on how to vote. I wish it were that simple.
You could vote based on which candidate has ethics and values that most align with that of Jesus. Christianity has a clear value system that puts love of God and love of other above all things. For example, Paul’s letter to the Corinthians: “if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Cor 13:2. This still doesn’t help too much. While many different Christian circles find it very clear which party or candidate best represents how Jesus would act, it’s odd that deeply committed faithful Christians can come up with such opposing opinions. From what I can see, most sides of politics have some policies that are both opposed and complimentary to Christian values.
As much as people try to paint an image of others, I find it hard to believe that all politicians are selfish, power hungry, unloving, mean-spirited people who don’t care about their constituents. The amount of abuse and criticism all politicians receive today, I would not wish on anyone. To endure such abuse, surely means they are not motivated by ego or driven by the approval of others. Generally, I find most politicians in Australia are trying their best to help others, though they have different methods, priorities and understandings as to the best way to achieve that.
I also know from experience that leadership in todays climate is challenging, their seems to be a cultural current that shows a lack of respect and deep distrust of all types of leadership and authority. While leaders try to make the best and wisest decisions based on the information they have at the time, the resources available and the time frame given; it is very easy to be mis-interpreted, mis-represented and criticised by others who don’t have the same information available to them. The longer I am involved in and observing leadership, the more I find myself praying for all leaders that they simply receive the strength, wisdom and revelation to do the best job they can; and I give thanks for them. For those leaders that have neglected the principle’s of love, I pray that the Holy Spirit can convict them quickly to correct their ways.
The one clear passage from the New Testament that speaks about the new church’s relationship with the government is a letter of advice to the young church leader Timothy (1 Tim 2:1-2)
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
This Sunday the words of Jesus on the cross that we will unpack further are to his earthly mother and a disciple whom he loved. He turns to his mother and says “Mother here is your son” and then to the disciple “Behold, here is your mother”. It’s a moment that redefines how we think of family. We can all be brothers and sisters in Christ. Brothers and sisters in Christ can be found on all sides of politics. I’m required to love them, and called to live a life that honours God (in all Godliness and holiness). The letter to Timothy also asks us to pray for our leaders and all those in authority. What specifically? That ‘we’, which in Timothy’s case is the family of Jesus followers, will be able to “live peaceful and quiet lives” and the freedom to be able to be all that God calls us to be.
So back to the question: how would Jesus vote? The best advice I can give is to do research and pray for wisdom and revelation. To be thankful for those who are willing to step up and accept responsibility, thankful for the privilege of voting, thankful for a history of peaceful transitions of governments in Australia, and to pray God’s blessing on whomever gets to govern. Pray also for God’s loving presence for those who won’t get voted in.
See you Sunday.
Your brother in Christ,
Benji Callen
24 Hour Prayer Event
Dear friends of BCUC,
As we re-engage with face-to-face ministry and open the church to individuals first, then to small groups and eventually gathering together as a congregation to worship, we feel the need to come to the Lord in prayer and fasting. We can make all the plans we want but Jesus is the foundation of everything worthwhile. We have this gift of re-shaping our future as a church at BCUC, as a community and for the world. Prayer is needed for decisions to be made, for giving thanks and for those still suffering around the world during this unprecedented crisis. It is also exciting that we are partnering with InVia church during this call to prayer (see below).
We have much for which to be grateful – the SA and BCUC communities have responded and fared very well, but there are many decisions ahead of us to place before God, including when and how to come back together. Prayer is an integral link in the Christian spiritual life and is the key moment when we have communion with God. It needs us to quieten, open our hearts and call out to Him:
STARTING
Saturday 16th May @ 10am
we launch the 24 hour period with a YouTube live worship and preparation time. Click here to view the live event.
ENDING
Sunday 17th May @ 10am
Finish with the weekly YouTube worship and live communion.
How you can participate
- Connect with both the Saturday morning launch and the Sunday morning worship/communion services online.
- We have prepared a helpful guide to focus your prayer. This can be downloaded here.
- Pray where you are, when you are able and feel moved to pray during the 24 hours.
- You might choose to commit to a 1-hour block (or a time-frame that best suits you).
- You could create a physical prayer space to assist in creating quietness and focus for your thoughts and prayers.
- Connect for group prayer at a special Zoom prayer meeting at 4pm Saturday 16th May.
- Consider using this for a time of prayer AND fasting. Whether that is total (but please take fluids) or maybe giving up 1 food/activity you particularly enjoy and seek each day. Benji and Ashlee will talk more about this on Saturday morning before we begin, but this is optional and won’t be the chief focus and goal of the 24 hours in prayer. Fasting can help bring focus and is a response to God’s grace and goodness rather than a way of ‘earning God’s favour’. For more information on fasting check out this page.
- Spend time listening to the Holy Spirit. Maybe God is saying something to you personally about who you are a child of God, what your passions are, what your commitments are to serving Jesus in the church and in the community, whether it is time to re-assess your service to best fit with your passions, the community needs, your giftings and the call of God for the church and yourself. Write down what God is saying and please email it to us so we know how God is speaking to a community that listens.
Partnering in prayer with InVia Church
We are excited to be partnering in this period of prayer with our Youth Pastor Ashlee’s church plant called “InVia”.
InVia meets at Mawson Lakes and is the latest uniting church plant from Generate Presbytery that currently meets as small house group Wednesday with Ashlee and Tim Littleford as their pastors. There is something powerful in churches praying together and for each other. Church plants are founded in faith and financed by prayer, it would be great to help them. Some of their church will help launch the period of prayer Saturday morning on Youtube Live with a time of worship. InVia seeks to have homes of ordinary people multiplying the ways, the words and the works of Jesus.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Please pass this onto your pastoral contacts, especially those who don’t have access to email.
Thanks so much for taking part.
Your brother in Christ,
Benji
for 17 September 2023
Fruit in all seasons
It’s spring and I love going out into the garden and seeing the blossoms on the trees – aside from the whole hay fever that comes with it. The blossoms on the trees in the backyard mean for me one thing! Fruit in the summer. Apricots, nectarines, peaches and plums straight from the tree ohhh yeah!! I can almost smell the sticky, sweet, nectarine juice running down my arm and making a mess. This week we continue to look at the Ezekiel 47 vision of the river of life and focus on the trees lining this river that are nourished by the water of life and bear fruit of all kinds. Now when Ezekiel had this fantastic dream he would not have known about the abundant variety of fruit that God had created, from loquat and rambutan to mangoes and quandong. The smells, flavours, colours and shapes are so abundant and joyful. This the vision goes on to say that the fruits don’t just have one season a year but are in season all year round! Peaches in winter!
Now what does all this mean for us? Fruit and fruitfulness is a theme used throughout the bible. At the very beginning God created trees that will be known by their fruits! He blessed humanity with the instructions to “Be fruitful and multiply”. Fruitfulness became a metaphor of healthy growth both in character and in numbers. Jesus emphasised that just as a tree is known by its fruit (think how many trees are named after the fruit it bears) so are we to be known by our fruit. This fruit can either be good and loving or bad. The apostle Paul when reflecting on living the born-again life of a Christian wrote a list of ‘bad fruit’ and also the well known fruit that a life lead by the spirit gives : “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control” Galatian 5:22-23.
So let’s put this together. The water of life is the Holy Spirit working through the children of God that together make up a mighty transforming river of fresh water that gives life to the Dead Sea, is filled with fish of all kinds and banked by fruit trees that are always in season. That fruit is both a multiplying church and growing as disciples of Jesus who are increasing in good works and words everyday. They bless the world by flourishing in their love to others, their overflowing joy, their peace in a crisis, their patience in trials, their acts of kindness, their good deeds, their faithfulness, their gentle words and their amazing self-control. We are all part of that river. By the grace of God, we are all bearing that fruit even in the unexpected times. This is even more amazing than endless mangoes.
Thanks be to God.
Come this Sunday or watch online to celebrate together.
Your brother in Christ, Benji
BCUC News
Help Needed – Morning Tea at Marden Senior College
This Thursday, 21 September. This annual event organized by Tim Wells, Pastoral Support Worker at the College is a “Thank you” to all the teachers and staff for the great work they do for the students who attend Marden. BCUC along with the Austral-Asian Community Church supply the morning tea, set up, and then enjoy some time with the Staff. It is very much appreciated by the College. We need your donations of a plate of savoury or sweet food, i.e. sandwiches, scones, quiches, savoury muffins etc. and slices, biscuits, cake or fruit. Food should left at the Church kitchen by 9.00am on the 21st. Anyone wishing to help on the day would be very welcome. Please contact: Verna.
Hospitality Sunday
Registration ends this Sunday
Sunday 24 Sept. is Hospitality Sunday, a shared lunch in each other’s homes. This is an opportunity to spend a relaxing time with each other. Sign up sheets to either be a host or a guest will be available in the foyer this Sunday. The host will provide the venue, crockery, cutlery, tea/coffee and guests will be asked to help the host by bringing something to share.
Women’s Ministry
On Wednesday September 27th a walk is planned in Wittunga Botanical Gardens, Blackwood. We will meet at 9.30am in the BCUC car park to car pool. Non walkers will meet at 10.30 in the BCUC car park to car pool and join in at Blackwood Bracegirdles at 11am for coffee (and cake!). Please RSVP to Chris or Marlene.
Why “Breakthru Worship”?
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 with God’s 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 Worship
We start with Breakthru Worship this Sunday March 22nd.
Grab a cup of coffee. Dress up in your Sunday best if you want to. Then follow the link here or on the churches website for an exciting interactive experience.
We start at 10 am from our lounge room to yours. You can always log on later if you missed it.
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 Minis
We 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)
- 9:30am Breakthru kids (5 and up)
Click on and engage. Some of our kids ministry team will be online to interact 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 forms. The following is how we hope to provide Breakthru Care in the coming weeks:
- Spiritual: regular emails from us.
- Pastoral: phone calls utilising our Pastoral Contacts.
- Open church (Book a time with Stuart if you would like to come in and watch the service during the week or for prayer. This may change as regulations keep changing.)
- Printed worship (read over phone or delivered, please contact us if you or someone you know would like this service).
- Practical: food/ toilet paper/ hand sanitizer.
Breakthru prayer
This will be critical for us. Options include:
- regular email prayer chain: prayer@burnsidecityuc.org.au
- Wednesday Prayer group 9:30 am at BCUC
- 7pm daily call to prayer. Join an ecumenical, Australian wide movement of prayer encouraging us to pray at 7pm each day. Set your alarm now!
- Drop in prayer at church (please ring Stuart at the office to arrange).
Breakthru Easter
Normal Easter services will need to cancelled but we are quickly exploring some exciting and creative replacements for both Good Friday and Easter Sunday. You won’t want to miss out.
Breakthru Youth
We will keep you posted next week with some wonderful announcements.
Lastly… If you have an ideas or would like to be involved in any of these ministries please let us know. Also, please give us feedback about how Sunday went. We will keep being creative and want to provide worship that works best for all ages and all cultures.
Finally share these links and this email with others you know who are loosely associated with the church or need encouragement at this time. Can we be bold enough to trust that God could actually grow the church during this new season? I pray we can.
Your brother in Christ,
Benji Callen
Minister
Burnside City Uniting Church
benjic@burnsidecityuc.org.au
0427 792 869
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 Worship
We 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 Minis
We 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 forms. The following is how we hope to provide Breakthru Care in the coming weeks:
- Spiritual: regular emails from us.
Pastoral: phone calls utilising our Pastoral Contacts. - Open church (Book a time with Stuart if you would like to come in and watch the service during the week or for prayer. This may change as regulations keep changing.)
- Printed worship (read over phone or delivered, please contact us if you or someone you know would like this service).
- Practical: food/ toilet paper/ hand sanitizer.
- Spiritual: regular emails from us.
- Pastoral: phone calls utilising our Pastoral Contacts.
- Open church (Book a time with Stuart if you would like to come in and watch the service during the week or for prayer. This may change as regulations keep changing.)
- Printed worship (read over phone or delivered, please contact us if you or someone you know would like this service).
- Practical: food/ toilet paper/ hand sanitizer.
- Spiritual: regular emails from us.
- Pastoral: phone calls utilising our Pastoral Contacts.
- Open church (Book a time with Stuart if you would like to come in and watch the service during the week or for prayer. This may change as regulations keep changing.)
- Printed worship (read over phone or delivered, please contact us if you or someone you know would like this service).
- Practical: food/ toilet paper/ hand sanitizer.
Breakthru Prayer
This will be critical for us. Options include:
- regular email prayer chain: prayer@burnsidecityuc.org.au
- Wednesday Prayer group 9:30 am at BCUC
- 7pm daily call to prayer. Join an ecumenical, Australian wide movement of prayer encouraging us to pray at 7pm each day. Set your alarm now!
- Drop in prayer at church (please ring Stuart at the office to arrange).
Breakthru Easter
Normal Easter services will need to cancelled but we are quickly exploring some exciting and creative replacements for both Good Friday and Easter Sunday. You won’t want to miss out.
Breakthru Youth
We will keep you posted next week with some wonderful announcements.
Lastly If you have an ideas or would like to be involved in any of these ministries please let us know. Also, please give us feedback about how Sunday went. We will keep being creative and want to provide worship that works best for all ages and all cultures.
Finally share these links and this message with others you know who are loosely associated with the church or need encouragement at this time. Can we be bold enough to trust that God could actually grow the church during this new season? I pray we can.
Your brother in Christ,
Benji Callen
for the week of 8 March 2020
Digital Entertainment Book
Supporting Dr John. Visit here to purchase your subscription.
BCUC Netball Players Needed
BCUC 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 News
The 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.
Family Fun @ 5 – Saturday 14 March 5-7pm
FF@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 KCO
Monetary 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 News
KCO 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 Club
The 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.
for the week of 1 March 2020
Digital Entertainment Book
Supporting Dr John. Visit here to purchase your subscription.
BCUC Netball Players Needed
BCUC 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 News
At 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 News
The 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.
KCO
KCO registration closes on March 11. Any adults planning to attend must apply for and receive their WWCC before registering.
Seniors Second Sunday Lunch
Next Sunday, 8 March, 12noon until 1:30pm. Come and join us for friendship, fun and food.
Pancake Day
Sunday 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 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.
“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.
for the week of 23 February 2020
Digital Entertainment Book
Supporting Dr John. Visit here to purchase your subscription.
Family Fun @ 5 Saturday 14 March 5-7pm
FF@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 Tea
A 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 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.
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 Ministry
Each 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.
for the week of 16 February 2020
Digital Entertainment Book
Supporting 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.
for the week of 9 February 2020
Muffin Morning Tea
Sunday 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 Coming
Kids 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 Concert
Sunday 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 Club
The 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 Rescheduled
The 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 Fund
Please 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.
