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A Community Transforming Lives

Our Values Grace, Inclusion, Dignity,

Faith and Hope

Our News

12th July 2015

Uniting Church

in Australia

Parramatta Mission:

Congregational life@ Westmead & Parramatta

& Hospitality, Community and Mental Health Services across Greater Sydney

and beyond

Part 2: Leigh's Mission commences... After being warned by Methodist layman Edward Eagar that the Governor may not accept his presence in the Colony (due to fears of possible 'sectarian' trouble stirred up by denominations other than the 'Established'/ Anglican Church - and primarily stemming from memories of the Irish Catholic convict rebellion or Battle of Vinegar Hill) - Leigh approached his first interview with Macquarie feeling understandable trepidation. However, after reassuring the Governor of his respect for both the NSW Government and the Anglican authority and displaying pious good intentions by refusing the offer of an alternate secular position/ financial profit - Leigh managed to convince Macquarie that his presence would be an aid to the dissemination of Christian teachings among indigenous and non-indigenous people within the towns of Sydney and Parramatta - and beyond. The nature of Leigh's proposed ministry was also set out clearly from the start, as due to a mistake in the early, long distance instructions/ correspondence, Leigh had mistakenly brought "furniture" (ie. saddle/ bridle etc) for a horse rather than a house. It automatically made him into a travelling or 'itinerant' preacher and encouraged the formation of a vast Parramatta Circuit which was at least "150 miles" wide and originally included the Hills, Blacktown and other growing areas further west. Between 1815 and 1818, Samuel Leigh would accomplish a great deal for the Wesleyan cause, including establishing the first Circuit, making breakthroughs with local Aboriginal people, plus genuinely be-friending Gov & Mrs. Macquarie and Rev. Samuel Marsden (who were, themselves, rivals). The early days of Leigh's tenure at Parramatta were certainly punishing and it was little wonder that the missionary's schedule soon began to take a serious toll on his mental and physical health. In light of this, the London Committee soon decided to send a second Wesleyan Missionary to Sydney in order to help support Leigh in his important work. The man chosen for the task was young Cornishman Rev. Walter Lawry, who arrived in 1818. While embracing Lawry enthusiastically at the start, the men's impending rivalry over Parramatta's most eligible young woman, Mary Hassall (Australian-born and the daughter of Missionary Rowland Hassall) - would soon cause issues for Leigh and deep-seeded ripples for all involved. Next week: Our Chapel...Images from left: Leigh, Macquarie and Lawry.

SUNDAY SCHOOL @ LEIGH is back next week! On Sunday 19 July, our Sunday School classes will resume for Term 3! During this term, our theme will be 'God's Creation' - plus we'll be participating in the Samuel Leigh 200th Anniversary program in August and having a very special Fathers' Day 'gardening' morning in September. Sunday School @ Leigh caters to children aged 0 - 16 years and operates on Sunday mornings during school terms. Our goal is to provide an educational environment for toddlers, school-aged children and young adults which is also creative, challenging and supportive - and one in which our congregation's youngest members can develop a vibrant & lasting faith - and lasting friendships. New kids & families are always welcome. Enquiries: Liz, Samantha, Anne, Alan, Ken & Jo - plus our generous helpers. Photo: Fun games & craft @ Sunday School!

WINTER TRAVELLERS! All those from our Leigh Memorial congregation who are - or have been - enjoying school holiday trips, winter breaks on the coast/in the mountains or travelling overseas of late, report having a great time. For those currently preparing to go - our prayers for safe & happy travels, moments of inspiration/relaxation & a safe return. Photos: 1) Emma & Margie battling the UK's "heat wave" last week?! 2) Callum & Grandad Col in Woy Woy. If anyone else has winter 'holiday snaps' of their own which they'd like to share via next week's newsletter, please email them to Liz by mid-week.

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SUNDAY 19 JULY - MEETINGS: High Tea planning committee after 'Take 10' in the Coffee Shop + 'Messy Church' planning meeting, 4 - 5pm in the Minister's Vestry.

WESTMEAD CONGREGATION

Westmead has had a great week in lots of ways. Some of the leaders and Rev Christine met with Belinda and Trish in the Wesley Apartments last week to see the wonderful changes in the downstairs area. On the page opposite we have attached some photos of the new area which includes a veggie garden, a reclaimed water tank now serving as a ball area with slide, and a great undercover room which enables all sorts of activities in all sorts of weather. Thanks to Belinda especially and the wonderful work of Terry, who has put countless hours into working on this area and making it so wonderful for the families in the Apartments. The hospitality continues to touch people’s lives- through our different activities- and this week we had Rev Noreen Towers speak at the Fellowship meeting. It was wonderful to hear of her work with homeless men and women over many years, and to discover more of a person who, although retired, continues to serve in our Presbytery through leading worship in many places. Our thanks and prayers are with Noreen for her generosity.

Our thanks to Rev Deborah and Trish for leading our Communion service today.

And a reminder of our 24th anniversary next Sunday at worship. Rev Christine is in Perth at the National Assembly this week so for any concerns please contact Jan or Lorna, and we ask for continued prayers for Rev Christine and the leaders of our church in Perth. We look forward to her return. We also rejoice that Ashlee, Mere’s daughter-in-law, is finally home with her family and baby Mere. Thanks be to God. Deepening faith Bible Study- Mondays from 2.00-3.30pm Hospitality and support Time Out Café- Tuesday and Thursdays 11.00-1.30pm Open door- Wednesdays 1.00-3.30pm Tai Chi- Fridays 10.00-11.00am Leaders meeting Tuesday 6.30pm

PARRAMATTA-NEPEAN PRESBYTERY ADULT

FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE

INVITES YOU TO OUR

PRESBYTERY GATHERING

Where: BLACKTOWN UNITING CHURCH

61 Bungarribee Road

Date: SATURDAY 18TH JULY, 2015

Time: Morning Tea 10.00am onwards SERVICE 10.45am

Speaker: Rev John Dacey will share with us

about the work at Bidwill Uniting

Lunch Bring your own Tea/Coffee/Cold Drinks provided

AFTERNOON PROGRAM 1.00pm to approx 2.15pm

Will be arranged by the Blacktown UC TONGAN CONGREGATION

More information from Mrs Jan Dunstan

34 Chelmsford Avenue EPPING 2121

Telephone 9876 3344 email: dunstan7@tpg.com.au

HOW TO GET TO BLACKTOWN UC - Coming by car – see Street Directory Coming by Public Transport -

Train to Blacktown Station, then catch the Blacktown & Prospect Loop 722 Bus from stand 8 at 9.50am to Bungarribee Rd just before Panorama Pde, Blacktown,

then walk along Bungarribee Road, cross at the lights and the church is on the left hand side about a 5 minute walk from the bus

Pastoral message for this week…..

Who Am I When Nobody is Watching

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

Foster your faith this week as you read:

2sm 7:1-14a Ps 89:20-27 Eph 2:11-22 Mk 6:30,53-56

Just a reminder of the office hours for Parramatta Mission

Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 4.30pm Friday 8.30am - 3.00pm

If you require any administration assistance for weekend services please advise by Thursday close of business.

Keith & Julie Hamilton are on holidays returning Monday 13th July.

During Keith’s absence Karen Burns will be the acting Group CEO.

REFLECTIONS

Mark 6:14-29 14 And King Herald heard of it; for Jesus’ name had become manifest; and they said, “John the baptiser has been raised from the dead, and therefore these powerful deeds operate in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And yet others said, “It is a prophets, like one of the prophets (of old).” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For Herod himself had sent and seized John and bound him in prison, because Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he married her; 18 John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you your brother’s wife. 19 Now Herodias had a grudge against him, and desired to kill him, but she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and kept him safe, and when he heard him, he was greatly disturbed, yet gladly hear him. 21 But a suitable day came when Herod, on his birthday celebration supper made for the people of high status and high ranking military officials and the leading people of Galilee; 22 and when the daughter of Herodias entered and danced, she pleased Herod and those reclining with him. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you wish and I will give you, even up to half of my kingdom. 24 And she went out to her mother and said to her, “what shall I ask?” And she, “The head of John the Baptiser.” 25 And she went in immediately with haste to the king and she asked, saying, “I desire at one the head of John the Baptist on a plate.” 26 And the king became deeply grieved, and because of his oaths and those who reclining, he did not wish to reject her. 27 And immediately the king sent for the executioner and gave the order to bring his head to him. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a dish and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 And when his disciples heard of it, they went and took his corpse and put it in a tomb. (Translation by Keith Hamilton) It can be very interesting when public figures make use of the Bible to justify a particular stand on an issue. It can come as a surprise, of course. Now and then the present Prime Minister may speak of a “Come to Jesus moment: or invoke “God’s blessing” on a security measure – but such practice is rare. Our public sphere is much more like the advice Tony Blair received when he was told “We don’t do God”. The comparison can be made with the US where occasional references in campaign speeches are expected – and, if they are not there, then that is “noticed”. One sociologist observing this pattern of behaviour has spoken of how public figures often “cite a text and run”, meaning that there is no attempt made to interpret Scripture in its own critical context.

There is often much more to a Biblical text than first meets the eye. Take the gospel reading for today. It is all about Herod Antipas having John the Baptist put to death and having his head delivered on a platter. The request for this line of action to be taken is Herod’s own wife, Herodias, by way of her daughter. She danced before him and greatly pleased him – so much so that he accedes to the request or John’s head on a platter. This reading almost has an IS quality to it with a beheading and the complicity of an innocent child in the spectacle that follows. This story of John the Baptist is tailor-made for a social work case. It almost has the feel of an episode of the Jerry Springer Show where one convoluted set of family relationships after another is excruciatingly exposed.

How well this story is known in the wider public beyond the worshipping congregation is a moot point. Throughout history there have been great paintings which have captured this scene. But it is more than likely these images cannot compete with today’s audio-visual YouTube clips and sound-byte system of conveying “news”. It is also arguably the case that someone might ask why we need to know about this kind of story anyway. It deals with “events” a long time ago and another place. And, while we’re at it, the same could be made for the Bible as a whole .....

We live in a time where the legacy of the Bible is often implicit. It is not recognized how so much of our great literature, music, architecture and art is indebted to Biblical inspiration. It may come as a surprise to put it this way – but had there been no Bible, there would have been no Parramatta Mission. There would have been no Samuel Leigh. Elizabeth de Reland could write about something else other than the history of Leigh. The work done in the name of the congregations and the Mission itself would not have existed. There would have been no hostels, no mental health care, no meals-plus, no worship done on these sites. Food for thought.

There is something important and unique about the way in which the Uniting Church views the Bible. The Basis of Union – the foundational document of the church – says we “receive” the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament and that we expect them to be “interpreted” in the light of fresh insights and new knowledge. It is a much more open-ended stance than someone who is only prepared to say “But it’s in the Bible” or “The Bible says”.

For the Bible to be explicit in our day and age it needs that interpretation. And that kind of work can help us better understand the place of worship and the work of the Mission. It is all derived from Scripture. .... And, as for that story of John the Baptist, it prefigures the fate of Jesus who will also be put to death by those who exercise great power.

Clive Pearson

Loving yourself into being: A Retreat at Leura Uniting Church, cnr Megalong St and Grose St, Saturday 18 July, 10am – 3.30pm

Retreat Leader: John Bleyerveen Theme: Loving yourself into being How do we love ourselves well? Love is the beginning and end of the spiritual life. Jesus tells us that the love of God and others is all interconnected with the love of self. The self has often been the subject of derision in Christian history. Often, in the past, people have been warned against the sin of pride and urged to be selfless. This retreat explores how love of self can be one of the creative channels through which God’s grace pours into our life. How do we claim back our own true self without becoming selfish or narcissistic? We will explore Gustav Klimt’s image ‘the kiss’ as a holy icon of love. The retreat will have a variety of special moments formed with different inputs and include personal meditation, creative prayer exploration, small group work and whole community conversation. We actively seek people from a broad variety of backgrounds and God always blesses us with the richness of gifts in the people attending. We hope to be an authentic experience of the communion of the Holy Spirit. Start 10am and finish about 3.30pm at Leura Uniting Church. Tea/coffee, cake and fruit will be provided, but please bring lunch or buy it locally. There is a suggested donation of $20 (for earners). Remember to enjoy the wonderful natural environment and make your traveling to Leura part of your whole prayer journey for the day. NB. Numbers may be limited so please ring and register your intention to come. For reservations contact Carolyn Craig-Emilsen on 0413 993 368 or carolyn.craigemilsen@gmail.com For other information contact John Bleyerveen 0416307133

Do you care for someone who is living with a mental illness?

Are you concerned about the future and how they will manage once you are no longer caring for them?

The Family & Carer Mental Health Program will be hosting a FREE seminar on legal and estate planning for the future and are pleased to announce that Stephen Booth (Principal, Coleman Greig Lawyers) will be the keynote speaker. Stephen has parti ular exper� se on the legal issues relating to intellectual disabiliti s and has published arti les in various journals and a book, When I’m Gone, which is a plain English guide to will-making for parents of children with an intellectual disability. At the request of the Federal Government, he has wri� en plain language guides (Planning for the future, Ge�� g things sorted) to estate planning and special disability trusts for people with a disability, and their families. The seminar will cover many aspects of wills, guardianships and future planning including questio s such as:

• Is it prac� cal to leave your house to your son or daughter with a disability or mental illness? If not, what are the other housing optio s and can you set those up or will your trustees need to do that? • Is your son or daughter vulnerable to being exploited by others, and how can you manage that risk in your will? • Should you be discussing these issues with other people in the family, or other people who may be involved in looking aft r your son or daughter? • How do you balance things (both spli�� g up your property and money, and allocati g responsibility and obligati ns) to be fair to your son or daughter with a disability or mental illness, and also to your other children? • and more...

Venue: Lifeline Training Room, Parrama� a Mission

119 Macquarie Street, Parrama� a Date: Tuesday 25th August

Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm A FREE lunch of hot soups and rolls will be provided.

Registra� ons are essen� al Please contact the Family & Carer Mental Health Program

Uni� ngCare Mental Health 8599 4880 | fcmhinfo@ucmh.org.au

Parking available at Council Carpark 1 Horwood Place Parrama� a

Representatives of the stitch and yarn group at St Mary's Uniting Church handing over blankets to Parramatta Mission

Over the past few years the stitch and yarn group have made many beautiful blankets that have gone to PM programs to keep people warm.

Well done and thank you.

WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN A PM UMBRELLA?

Parramatta Mission has the opportunity to place an order for red and white umbrellas with our logo displayed in 2 places. The umbrellas will be ‘golf umbrella’ in style with red and white alternating panels.

Before we order we would like to gain an expression of interest of people interested in purchasing a PM umbrella. Cost will be approx $30 each however with a larger order the unit price will be reduced. If you would be interested in purchasing a PM umbrella please email us your thoughts to fundraising@parramattamission.org.au

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS FROM PLAN Six wonderful volunteers joined us at Wesley Apartments last week helping us to mulch and weed the gardens and paint a new area ready to be converted into a quiet space for parents. The team did a wonderful job and had a great day. It was fantastic to be able to share the apartments with them and help them learn more about the important service. Their enthusiasm was great and resulted in them creating an extra garden bed and even purchasing us some plants for in this garden area.

시드니 조은 교회 Sydney Jo-Eun Church 13-28

여덜 번째 성령강림주일 (7th Pentecost 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

봉헌 찬송 (Offertory Hymn)

나눔과 알림 (Announcement & Notices)

폐회 찬송 (Final Hymn)

축도 (Benediction) 전현구 담임 목사

새 3장 통 2장

새8장 통 9장

새179장 통167장

새151장 통138장

계22:12-17

보라 내가 속히 오리라

새 635 장 하늘에 계신 우리 아버지

새242장 통233장

수요기도회 :오후 7시

출애굽기21:12-27

새벽기도회 : 오전6시

출애굽기 20:18-22:31

QT나눔 & 성경공부

주일 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. 주님과 함께 동행하며 기뻐하고 즐거워하는 한 주간이 되시길 축복합니다

주 예수의 강림이

거룩 거룩 거룩

만왕의 왕 내 주께서

성부 성자 성령께

주일 오후 1시 30분

황무지가 장미꽃같이

새502장 통 259장 빛의 사자들이여 어서가서(1)

Fijian Congregation

Veika e so 26 ni Jiulai - eda na tausoli kina me

baleta na coniferedi I Viti. 1 ni Okosita, 6pm - E na marautaki

kina na yabaki 21 nei Amelia Qata. Eda sa sureti tiko kina nai vavakoso lotu.

Ena vula o Okosita eda na marautaka vata kina nai vakananumi ni yabaki 200 ,ai sevu ni veiqaravi i Parramatta, nei Rev. Samuel Leigh

Eda na Lotu cokovata kei Leigh Memorial ena 9 kei na 16 ni Okosita. A sa veisoliyaki na porokaramu ni Bicentenniel Celebrations.

Winter Camp Refle � on. Personally, it was a great experience for me transiti ning from KCO to att nding youth camp. It was more of a learning and re� ecti e ti e rather than playing around and ge�� g in trouble with Junior. We did have fun as well. The overall theme of the camp was “Treasures in Jars of Clay”. I learnt and began to understand that we are like clay pots, created for di� erent purposes, and that God is like the � re that moulds us into what we have become. It was a great journey throughout the weekend as I partic pated in things I have never done before in a camp, like overly thinking and re� ectin . And I hope I will get to experience more of that in the future.

- Julia Foi’akau

Vunau Vunau Lesi Vunau

Vakarau Tuvakarau Veiliutaki

Tali Vunau

19-Jul Rooty Hill Anare Vocea Senitiki Qata M.1 M.3

26-Jul Fiji Parish Fil Kamotu Sosi Toa M.2 M.1

2-Aug Vulavou Josefa Foiakau Youth

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

We pray for healing & wholeness for these people & places: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama UC congregations of the Cumberland Zone: Dundas/Ermington, Northmead,

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

For the worship, witness and service of: Rooty Hill UC.

P M Leigh Fijian: Dale Tonawai & Silo, Sai Vute, Kula Diqoliwasa, Niko Balavu, Bera family. For the congregation beginning the process of calling a new minister

PM Leigh Memorial: Frank & Lynn; Ken.

PM Westmead: Doreen and David, Robyn and Greg, Deidre and husband, Rajes (Sandra), Phyllis, Billie, Vita, Satik, Nancy, baby James and family.

PM UnitingHospitality; UnitingHope; Uniting Care Mental Health; Pray for grace for all, healing and wholeness, wisdom, patience and diligence. For staff of UnitingHope and UnitingRecovery working on the new structure and lines of reporting to Karen Burns; and the work of implementing new programmes.

PM: Family members of congregants and staff living with illness and uncertainty. People from PM overseas on holidays. CA holding its triennial Assembly meeting this week in Perth; Christine and Fili from PM are attending.

Westmead Congregation Rev Christine Bayliss Kelly 0409 925 607

Westmead Mission Worker Pastor Trish Rooney Mobile: 0478 301 698

Westmead Church 175 Hawkesbury Road Westmead: 98919354

Leigh Memorial Congregation Rev Dr Manas Ghosh: 0429 892 548 Leigh Fijian Congregation: 9891 2277

Leigh Memorial Church 119 Macquarie St Parramatta

Church Office: 9891 2277 Email : wecare@parramattamission.org.au

Senior Minister/ Group CEO Rev Keith Hamilton M: 0417 487 446

Prayer Points

Contacts