Baptism of Matthew Phythian
Next Sunday we join with Mark and Elizabeth and their families as we celebrate the Baptism of Matthew.
Billabong @ Zone 3
Next Sunday 14th. from 2.45-4pm the Billabong Youth (High school Teenagers) meet at Zone 3. If you are planning on coming along and haven’t let Mark know then you need to do so today so you can be booked in. The Cost is $20 per person for the session. Zone 3 is a fun loving game that encourages peace and harmony. We hope to see you there!
With Love to the World
This is a daily devotion guide that follows the readings for our worship each week and is available in the foyer for $4. Published by the Uniting Church it is a good resource for anyone wanting sound biblical reflection throughout the week. The latest copy is available today.
Spring Getaway
If you didn’t get a registration form last Sunday, you might like to grab one from the foyer today!
The Spring Getaway for our church promises a warm and relaxing weekend in the picturesque surrounds of Fitzroy Falls with the sweet lilting song of native birds, the soothing hush of breeze through the eucalypts and the refreshing taste of freshly picked tea leaves brewed in the tradition handed down from one generation to another… the tea bag!
All this… and more… as we share in community together. 18th – 20th November!
Black Stump
The Black Stump Music and Arts Festival in on again this year, and it’s returning to its home at Appin. BLACK STUMP 2011 will run from Friday 30 September until Monday 3 October. It promises to be a weekend filled with music, worship, Slum Survivor, and the NRL Grand Final on the big screen. For more information visit www.blackstump.org.au
Minister’s Retreat
Mark will be away this week on the Presbytery Minister’s Retreat. Each year the Presbytery organise a retreat for Minister’s at St. Clements Monastery at Galong and with the exception of last year, Mark has attended each year. The retreat is led as a time for reflection, silence, and collegiate support.
Working Bee
Chris Dodd has already spoken to people about a Working Bee on Saturday 13th August to lay turf for a small lawn out the front. We would like to expand the work to include some concrete work near the shed and under the side gate. If you can help please talk to Chris, or Steve Sweet.
Directory 2011
Our new Gungahlin Uniting Church Directory is out! Please pick up your copy of the bright orange directory in the foyer. You are also able to access it online here.
Forum on Family Groups – Moving Forward
Thankyou to everyone who was able to attended our conversation about Family Groups, small groups and the way we care and support each other. It was wonderful that so many people felt they could speak and express ideas and opinions. A number of people apologised that they were unable to be there, but reaffirmed their support of the conversation.
Firstly we talked about Christian Community and the way small groups in a larger congregation help people connect. The purpose of ‘small groups’ is not primarily to teach, or provide social occasions, or for mission, but through our understanding of God’s relationship with us, to enable true ‘Christian Community’, while these other elements may also be a valuable part of any small group.
We also talked about our own Family Groups and the feelings from the conversation are as follows:
- That the name ‘Family Groups’ does not represent the groups well. We will use the name ‘Home Groups’ instead and we will have to actively work at changing this as part of our church culture.
- We reaffirmed the place of our Home groups and will continue with them, while actively working to make them more open and adding to our other small groups.
- Each year when we put out the volunteer lists (September), each Home Group will be put out too, as an empty list, and people can put their names down to belong. This gives people the opportunity to remain in one group long term, or to change groups, and for others to easily join in. This means that there may be some change to some groups each year, but we will accept this as part of what it means to be community.
- We will look for 2-4 new leaders to begin a new group.
- Home Groups will continue to shape their own life and content.
- Home Groups are always encouraged to invite new people along.
- An ideal size for a Home Group is around 10-15.
In addition…
We will seek to add to our other small groups (Book Group, What Women Want, Spice Kids etc) and look for new groups, leaders, etc. It is important that these groups advertise well and meet regularly.