Welcome to Gungahlin Uniting Church for the year ahead!
(a few words from the Minister – Rev. Mark)
Welcome to everyone who is with us today. If you are new, or have been a part of this congregation for longer, a warm welcome to you all. At Gungahlin Uniting we seek to be inclusive of all people and this is reflected in the diversity of the congregation. We are made up of many people of all ages, backgrounds, different languages, nationalities and theology. Part of the richness of this congregation is welcoming each other, talking to one another, and finding out where people have come from to be here at this time in their life!
Because of our diversity and the task we have of being church in creative and relevant ways, each Sunday at Gungahlin Uniting is slightly different.
First Sunday of the month – Rev. Mark meets with the Billabong Youth in the first half of the service with morning tea served in the middle of worship. Following there is a message for youth/adults reflecting on the scriptures. In the second part of worship, Oasis also meets (our primary school aged children’s group).
Second Sunday of the month – We all meet together as one for contemporary worship, which also includes communion. Morning Tea and a light BBQ lunch follow worship.
Third Sunday of the month – All age worship to begin, with morning tea served in the middle of worship. Following there is a message for adults reflecting on the scriptures. In the second part of worship, Oasis also meets (our primary school aged children’s group). Billabong (youth) also meet as a group with a leader in the second part of worship.
Fourth Sunday of the month – All age worship to begin, with morning tea served in the middle of worship. Following there is a message for adults reflecting on the scriptures. In the second part of worship, Oasis also meets (our primary school aged children’s group). Billabong (youth) meet with their mentors on this week.
The year ahead for us is both exciting and a little challenging. This year I believe we need to recapture our vision for the future and the direction we believe God is drawing us towards. I think there is opportunity to bring to life a Sunday afternoon Bible Study/Prayer group and a further opportunity for youth to gather. As well, in the coming week, we will be putting up the “Tree Lists” of our Home Groups. Each group has been named after a Biblical Tree and when they meet provide opportunity for community and fellowship. I also hope there will be other times of fellowship too this year, just as we had with our Curry Night and Spring Getaway in 2011.
Again I wish to express my thanks to everyone who supports the life of this congregation in so many different ways. This congregation relies on people taking up tasks, big and small, and in doing so encourages us in our work as Christian community.
Remember too, that if you wish to talk about anything, or need prayer and reflection, then please don’t hesitate to come and see me.
May 2012 be a blessed year for us in God’s presence as a Christian community.
Children’s Groups @ Gungahlin Uniting on Sunday!
Oasis and Puddles
On most Sunday’s we offer a group for children who are Primary School age, which we call Oasis. Oasis meets in the second half of worship and is being led this term by Jenelle Martin. We need more leaders to help with the group on a term about basis, so if you would like to help then please see Jenelle or Mark.
We used to offer a toddler group in our church too, which we called Puddles. Perhaps as our toddler numbers grow it would be good to begin this group again in 2012. If you would be willing to help lead a Puddles group, again please see Mark.
First Sunday Café Tonight…
For year 9 Youth and Up!
6pm – 7.30pm Zeffirelli’s Pizza
(Wooley St. Dickson)
Recharge 2012
9:00am, Saturday 4 February 2012
Wesley Institute Theatre, 5 Mary Street, Drummoyne (free parking on Campus and adjacent local streets)
All registrations $10 (Lunch and resources provided).
Book online at Wesley Institute or call Jane at Logosdor on 02 94773961 to register today.
Recharge 2012 will explore effective outreach and discipleship strategies for children and youth in your community. It will include discussion of how to use major sporting events, such as the 2012 London Olympics and the 2015 Cricket World Cup – Australia, for outreach.
Our key note Speaker, Terry Williams (SU QLD & International), will be exploring these strategies and will provide working examples of global Christian partnerships, combining the gospel and sport. Hear from Simon Hood and Roy Meredith via video about the significant impact of sports on children and youth ministry. In the specialist workshops, you will have an opportunity to dig deeper and discover the strategies and resources that will serve your ministry age group. Terry Williams (SU QLD and International) will be leading sessions on local partnership strategies including KidsGames. Jane Dixon (Logosdor Ltd) will be leading sessions on Discipling Children 5-12 years, including activating the mind to help children learn.