Advent and Christmas @ Gungahlin Uniting
Today is the third Sunday in the season of Advent; that time in the life of the church when we ponder the ‘waiting time’ before we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Oasis group will lead us for part of worship on 12th.
This year we will have combined community carols and BBQ with the Salvation Army and Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Sunday 19th. December, starting at 6.30pm, in the paddock outside the Gungahlin Uniting Church and Community Centre.
Christmas Eve worship will be here at 9.30 pm
Christmas Day worship will be at 9.30 am
All friends, family, strangers, young and old are welcome!
Used Stamps
The UC Stamp committee help quite a few charities from the sale of used stamps. Please save stamps, either still on envelopes or with a good bit of white paper around them, and hand to Pam Thompson. Thank you.
Holidays for Mark
Our Minister Mark will be away for the month of January. Of course if you have any needs at this time please phone Shirley (62419563) or Ron (62623677).
Help needed this week
If you have some time at 10am on Thursday morning this week, we need a group to print, staple and fold the carol sheets – make some candle holders – etc. Also if you are able to be here at 4ish next Sunday to help set up for the carols… wonderful!
Church Keys
The security alarm system of the church is now connected to the security company SNP Security. The following people have keys to the external doors of the church and have been allocated security codes to enable them to disarm the alarm system: Mark Faulkner, Steve Sweet, Frank Thompson, Mark Phythian, Keith McCrorie, Liz Warren, Ron Reeson, Shirley Williams, Chris Martin and Cassandra Nokham. These people can either open and close the building for groups or provide their key, and security code, to a responsible person. The temporary security code that was in use is no longer active. The security company records which security code is used to disarm the system. If any group, or individual, believe that they require a key allocated to them they should contact Mark Faulkner.
In general, most internal doors will not be locked or keys will be kept in designated places, known to the people that require them. The Building Maintenance & Property Committee is currently developing a lock-up check list to ensure that the building is left secure, tidy and in a “low energy state” (lights out, heaters/coolers off) when people leave.
If people require access to the building outside “normal” hours (08:30 – 22:00) SNP Security need to be advised.
Any suggestions to improve building security will be welcomed by the Building Maintenance & Property Committee.
Three ways to give to others through this church this Christmas
#1 Angel Tree
This year at Gungahlin Uniting we will continue to support Angel Tree. This means that we will be asked to buy a few specific gifts that will be sent to children and families on behalf of a loved one who will be spending this Christmas in prison. Information is in the foyer or see Gavin Kellett 6255 0910.
#2 Everything in Common
Buy your Christmas gifts today at the stall or through the Everything in Common catalogue available in the foyer. This is part of the work of UnitingWorld and supports people in need in many countries. See Margaret Reeson 62623677.
#3 Christmas Bowl
Use the envelope in today’s bulletin, and also available in the foyer, to make a donation towards Christmas Bowl. Christmas Bowl is a programme run by many denominations who make up the National Council of Churches in Australia. The Uniting Church is a member of the NCCA. Your donation will be used to provide support amongst different people throughout the world.