Our Vision

A Community Transforming Lives

Our Values Grace, Inclusion, Dignity,

Faith and Hope

Uniting Church in Australia

27th March 2016

Parramatta Mission:

Congregational life@ Westmead & Parramatta

& Hospitality, Community and Mental Health Services across Greater Sydney

and beyond

O U R

N E W S

Leigh

CONGREGATION

HAPPY EASTER! Warmest Blessings this Easter Sunday as we worship together & thank you to everyone who has supported our Lent and Easter programs this year, inc. those who participated in the Lenten studies with Clive, everyone who gave to Lent Event, all who went on the 'palm walk' on Palm Sunday, the team who organized dinner for our 'Tenebrae' evening on Maundy Thursday - plus participants and everyone, including visitors who have shared our Good Friday & Easter Sunday services . It has been an inspiring and special six weeks. Wishing everyone a happy and relaxing Easter weekend.

INTRODUCING OUR 2016 LEADERS' TEAM At last week's congregation meeting, reports from the congregation's various groups and committees were received, our 2015 leaders' team was thanked for their great efforts in the past year - and our new leaders' team was formed for 2016. Those elected were: Bruce Bennetts (Chairperson), Robyn Dunbar, Malcolm Dunbar, Liz de Reland, Samantha Vulawalu, William Mateo, Norma Weaver, Moses and Fiona Bennetts. A special welcome to new members: Norma, Moses & Fiona. A dedication of the new leaders' team will take place shortly and the first meeting of the team is scheduled for Sunday 1 May. Please pray for our leaders as they individually & collectively embark on another busy year working for our congregation. Thanks again to Ian Gray for his capable chairing of our meeting last Sunday and his dedicated, ongoing efforts with property and various management issues on behalf of the Leigh Memorial congregation and Parramatta Mission.

LENT EVENT FUNDRAISING Our final congregation fundraising total was $382. 25 .Wow - we exceeded our goal by over $130! Thanks to everyone for your incredible generosity throughout Lent and at our stall last Sunday. Money raised will be forwarded to UnitingWorld & will help humanitarian projects in Zimbabwe, Sri-Lanka, West Papua, South Sudan & the Pacific.

ELECTRONIC NOTICEBOARD Our electronic noticeboard, some years in the planning - finally arrived last weekend. We are looking forward to seeing it all 'lit up' before long! Many thanks to Jolame, Robert & others at Open Church for their many years of dedication in placing letters manually onto the old noticeboard. They did this task faithfully, in all weath-er, and despite occasional hazards - so a very heartfelt thanks from all of us.

EASTER AT SUNDAY SCHOOL Congratulations to all of our kids for their great work at the Lent Event Stall last Sunday & to Charlotte de Reland (year 12) who was chosen to represent her high school last week and meet the Governor of NSW, The Hon. David Hurley. Well done to our other Year 12 student, Lisa Wainqolo, who has commenced work on an outstanding HSC Visual Arts project. Please continue to pray for Charlotte & Lisa in their busy HSC year. Today at Sunday School we'll be having a very special 'Easter' morning, including our traditional Easter egg hunt! Next Sunday will be regular classes. Enquires: Sunday School team.

Happy Easter to all connected to our congregation, Parramatta Mission and the communities we serve. We pray that this might be a time of renewal in your lives-as you grow in relationship with God.

It was wonderful to have so many people with us last Sunday to say thank you to Trish as she moves from us to the new Chaplain at Westmead Hospital. We are sad that Trish is leaving as she has had such a strong connection for us with the Wesley Apartments and established Time Out Café. However we are also delighted for her in her new role and all that will mean for her and for the Hospital as we strengthen connections with them.

We will be forming a group who will look at reviewing the role that is now vacant, which includes the chaplaincy at the The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. We need to explore whether we do a simple replace for what Trish has been doing or whether there is a new way we can do things. This group will be doing the work in the next 3 months. Stay tuned.

On Monday 21st

some of the congregational leaders met with leaders from Uniting Hospitality to explore some of the changes which will happen for us as we plan for the new Play Group and other activities in a new Activity Centre (demountable). There will be some changes in the church and the addition of a new children’s playground. This is exciting and we will pass on more information when we know it. The conversation also included meeting two people from a property Development company who will be doing some work as we move towards redevelopment. We were reassured that the congregation and Lodge need to continue to be on site and functioning during this redevelopment however it will involve some change. We intend to have many conversations in the future about this.

We hope for the new congregational leaders executive to meet very soon so we can be much clearer on our direction and how we work together as a team with Rev Christine as she leads us.

It was also good to hear from Don who has been having some major health issues. He is not yet ready to play the piano for us again but is returning to health which is wonderful to hear.

Fellowship will meet on Tuesday 5th April at 2.00pm. All are welcome.

Please see Jean for further information. The Congregational Leaders’ Meeting will be on Tuesday at 5.00pm. DEEPENING FAITH Bible study Mondays at 2.00pm LIVING OUT OUR FAITH Time Out Café (TOC)- Tuesdays and Thursdays 11.00 - 1.30pm Open Door- Wednesdays 1.00 - 3.30pm Please note - there will be no Open Door on 13

th or 20

th April.

WESTMEAD

CONGREGATION

Fijian Congregation

Vunau Vunau Lesi Vunau

Vakarau

Tuvakarau

Veiliutaki

Tali

Vunau

3-Apr Vulavou Anare Vocea M.2

10-Apr Fil Kamotu Vili Kamotu Youth

17-Apr Rooty Hill Senitiki Qata Ini Foiakau M.1 M.3

Thank you

Sunday School, Connect and

Shake groups for leading

worship on Psalm Sunday.

May we challenge ourselves

to lay down our cloaks and

be open to be surprised by

God and his upside down

Kingdom.

Tuesday 29/3 - TRYABE Bible Study. Contact Fil for more information

Friday 1/4 - Youth in the Coffee Shop @ 7pm

Vulisere - E na kena gauna ga

시드니 조은 교회 Sydney Jo-Eun Church 14-13

부활주일 Easter of Sunday

개회 찬송 (Entrance Hymn) 예배를 위한 묵상

예배의 부름 (Calling) 인도자

송영 (Gloria)

사도신경 신앙고백 (The Apostle’s Creed) …………………………….다함께

찬양/찬송 (Chorus & Hymns)

기도 (Prayer) 다함께

주기도문송

성경 봉독 (Scripture Reading)

말씀 (Preaching)-전현구 담임목사

성찬및 봉헌 송 (Holy Communion & Offertory Hymn)

나눔과 알림 (Announcement & Notices)

폐회 찬송 (Final Hymn)

축도 (Benediction) 담임목사

새 5장 통 3장

새164장 통154장

새 268장 통 193장

고린도 전서 15:1-11

부활 신앙의 근본

새 635장 하늘에 계신 우리 아버지

새167장 통157장

수요기도회 :오후 7시

시편 66:1-9

새벽기도회 : 오전6시

누가복음24:1-레2:16

QT나눔 & 성경공부

오후4:00

할렐루야! 오늘 함께 예배드린 여러분에게 주님이 주시는 평안이 충만하시길 축복합니다

성령충만함으로 주께서 주신 사명 잘 감당하는 건강한 교회로 세워지길 기도합니다

한 영혼을 구원하는 전도에 자원하는 마음으로 열심히 동참합니다.

매일 성경으로 묵상하는 QT를 하고 적용하는 훈련을 합니다.

부활주일입니다 늘 새로움으로 살아가는 신앙이길 축복합니다

예수 부활 했으니

예수 십자가에 흘린 피로

이 천지간 만물들아

주일 오후 1시 30분

즐겁도다 이 날

새502장 통 259장 빛의 사자들이여 어서가서(1)

Luke 24:1-12 1 But on the first day of the week, at the crack of dawn, the women went to the tomb carrying spices which they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, 3 They entered the tomb, but they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And as they became perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes came near to them. 5 And as the women became terrified and bowed their faces to the earth, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has been raised. Remember how he spoke to you while still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of people who are sinners and be crucified and on the third day to rise again.’” 8 Then the women remembered his speech, 9 and returning from the tomb they announced all these things to the eleven and all the remaining. 10 And they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the rest of the women with them. They told the apostles these things. 11 But these words appeared to them as nonsense and they disbelieved them. 12 But Peter, rising, ran to the tomb and having stooped to peep in, saw the linen wrappings alone, and he went home wondering what had happened. (Translation by Keith Hamilton)

Reflection It is reassuring to realise that this first Christian sermon ever preached was met with scepticism; “The words appeared to them as nonsense”, or “some idle tale, and they did not believe them.” Nobody anticipated this story would turn out the way it did. The women returned from the cemetery on Easter morning bringing with them word of an empty tomb and astonishing news: "He is not here but has risen!" All Christian preaching and all Christian living begins here. It begins with an empty tomb and an Easter message. On Luke’s telling, Jesus began his movement with a sermon preached in a local synagogue, in which he laid out what he was going to do, by what authority he was going to do it, and what resources he would use. He quoted (4:14-21) a prophet (Isaiah) in declaring that “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, wherefore he anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor, he has sent me to proclaim release to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, and to send the oppressed away released, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour.” He sat down and said, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled.” That unleashed an uproar that still has not subsided 2,000 years later. Along the way, Jesus was put to death for doing exactly what he said he would. Sometimes movements die out with their leader. This movement is the more remarkable because not only did it thrive after his death, there is the terrifying news that he rose from the dead.

Anyone who follows in the way of Jesus, who takes a stand for justice, for peace and mercy, who gives of themselves to challenge and change unjust practices in society that prevent people living life to the full, knows that while the setbacks may be many, in some places some will go to prison for civil disobedience and some are put to death, nothing can stop this movement.

It was still dark when the women set out for the cemetery. They went sadly, with no great expectations of what they'd find. At most, these women hoped someone would roll away the stone for them, so they could enter the funeral chamber. The Lord they loved was dead. They made their way to the tomb with spices and perfumed oil, to anoint the body for burial. It was one last courtesy they could do for Jesus.

Imagine how perplexed the women were when they discovered that the stone had been rolled away, and they found the tomb empty. And then imagine what they must have felt when they turned around and messengers from heaven stood before them in dazzling brightness. They were bent over with shock and fear. They obviously recovered to return to Jerusalem to preach this first sermon.

The disciples couldn't bring themselves to believe it at first. They were curious, but not convinced, perplexed but not persuaded. It wasn't until they recognized Christ standing in their midst later that day that they realized He was risen indeed.

Jesus' resurrection was not a reprieve, resuscitation, a temporary delay of the physical death that comes to every human being. It was the fulfilment of everything the Lord had said and done. It was not so much vindication, as an expression of the upside down values of God. Those who wish to be great, do so by serving. Those who try to save their life will lose it but those who give their life in walking alongside people with a mental illness, journeying with someone who has been homeless, providing meals and social contact to those who are hungry and isolated, providing radical hospitality and extravagant generosity to those who cannot repay, discover in that ‘foolish way’ real life.

Luke’s telling of Easter Day begins with a “But on the first day of the week, at the crack of dawn . . .” There is always a new day, a fresh start. Death and failure are not the last words. Life, hope, good news are in the enduring words, “He is not here, he has been raised.” These are the words of the church spoken into every age.

Blessings, Keith Hamilton

Note: The devastating news of murder and mayhem in Belgium has saddened many around the world. The continuing slaughter in Syria, with much of the population on the move seeking asylum elsewhere, many dying in the waters of the Mediterranean, also fuels consternation. There are many causes, but social inequality born of greed is a contributing factor. We should pray, but not leave it there. What can each one of us do to reduce social inequality across the world, starting with in our street, suburb, country? KH

Pastoral message for this week….. The work for justice, mercy and peace

will encounter many setbacks But Easter says they will always arise

Foster your faith this week as you read: Acts 5:27-32 Ps 118:14-29

Rev 1:4-8 Jn 20:19-31

Parramatta Mission projects supported in the Uniting Church

Please pray for:

Living as a multicultural church.

Ministry with people in prison.

Ministry with hospital patients living with a mental illness.

Hospital chaplaincy with patients, staff & families.

e-Tree

e-Tree is a new online magazine for the congregations within the Parramatta Mission, Uniting Church in Australia. The first edition of e-Tree, produced by Clive Pearson is now available on the Parramatta Mission website. Our desire is to keep you aware of what is happening in the life of our congregations and the wider church. e-Tree will be published four times per year and will be available via the website or email subscription. Please follow this link for all e-tree news http://www.parramattamission.org.au/etree

SUNDAY SCHOOL @

LEIGH PREPARING

FOR THEIR LENT

EVENT STALL

‘PALM SUNDAY

WALK’

@ LEIGH

MEMORIAL

Our Congregations are committed to praying for our Congregations, Staff and the People we walk with in their journey of recovery:

For the worship, witness and service of: East Timor, Indonesia, Philippines Jamisontown Uniting Church , as they look towards the future with hope, in

service. UC congregations of the Cumberland Zone: Dundas/Ermington,

Northmead, North Rocks, Carlingford, West Epping, Centenary, Wentworthville, Holroyd, Greystanes, Grantham Heights, Parramatta Mission, Auburn.

PM Leigh Fijian: : For the families and friends affected by Cyclone Winston,

Wendy Morris as she seeks Volunteer Placement in Fiji, Dale Nawalevu, Kula Diqoliwasa, Niko Balavu, Bera Family. For the congregation, continuing the process of calling a new minister.

PM Leigh Memorial: Ken and Nell, Willamena.For Lynn Boorman and family

and friends following the death and funeral of Frank last week. PM Westmead: Robyne, Deidre and husband, Rajes (Sandra), Phyllis, Billie,

Vita, Satik, Nancy, , Mrs R, Olivia, Ruth, baby James and family, Michelle and family, Don, Soo Ling and family, Caroline A, Ashima and Anusha Saxena, Spencer and family, Scott and family and Paul and Eileen, Mr and Mrs B and family, E and his family.

PM UnitingHospitality; UnitingHope; UnitingRecovery; Pray for grace for

all, healing and wholeness, wisdom, patience, diligence and fulfilment in

work.

Prayers of encouragement for people around the world working for peace

and reconciliation.

Prayer Points

Worship Services at Parramatta Mission

Mon to Fri 9.00am - 2.00pm Open Church @ Leigh Memorial

Tuesday 1.10pm Holy Communion @ Leigh

Sunday 9.30am Leigh Memorial Congregation @ Leigh

9.45am Westmead Congregation @ Westmead

11.15am Leigh Fijian Congregation @ Leigh

1.30pm Korean Faith Community @ Leigh

7.00pm Praise, Prayer, Cake & Coffee @ Leigh

Senior Minister/Group CEO Rev Keith Hamilton 0417 487 446 Leigh Memorial Congregation Rev Dr Manas Ghosh 0429 892 548 Leigh Memorial Church 119 Macquarie St Parramatta

Leigh Fijian Congregation: 9891 2277

Westmead Congregation Rev Christine Bayliss Kelly 0409 925 607

Westmead Church 175 Hawkesbury Road Westmead: 98919354 Church Office: 9891 2277 Email : wecare@parramattamission.org.au

Contacts