Our Vision

A Community Transforming Lives

Our Values Grace, Inclusion, Dignity,

Faith and Hope

Our News

1st March 2015

Uniting Church

in Australia

Parramatta Mission:

Congregational life@ Westmead & Parramatta

& Hospitality, Community and Mental Health Services across Greater Sydney

and beyond

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. 2 And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, 4 “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 15 God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” (NRSV)

Reflection The story of Abraham and Sarah is a story of hope, and humour. Abraham is 99 when God says to him that he and Sarah, also about the same age, will have a multitude of descendants. To this point Sarah has not had any children. God repeats the promise and Sarah and Abraham fall over laughing. God clearly has a sense of humour was well and says in effect, well may you laugh, but when the child is born, call him Isaac, which means laughter. Sure enough, Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah.

The story is a powerful story to a people who were in exile, having been carried off from their homeland, were stateless and homeless, and thought they had no future. They had just about given up hope. Indeed, many had given up hope. They were fearful of both the future and the present. Fear and hope were opposites. But God had not given up on them nor given up hope. There was a future for this people beyond their lifetime. Today Christians and Jews number themselves among the “faith” descendants of Abraham and Sarah.

Ultimately, the story of Abraham and Sarah is a story of a special relationship or covenant between God and this aging couple that becomes a model of a covenantal relationship that people today might have with God. The change of name from Abram to Abraham, from Sarai to Sarah indicates a new language, new culture and a new relationship with God, initiated by God. A special relationship does not mean that everything goes well. It does mean that in God there is a future. (continued inside back page)

Leigh Congregation THE LENT EVENT RAINBOW - 1 March

Today's colour is ORANGE & our focus is SRI-LANKA & the issue of caring for people who are living with disabilities. The Sunday School's starting fundraising goal for Lent Event is $200.00. Children are being encouraged to bring a gold coin to Sunday School each week during Lent to help us reach or exceed that amount & contributions from the congregation are very welcome. Please see the children's 'Lent Event' prayers in this week's newsletter, with thanks to all the kids for their writing efforts and to Osheen (Year 6 ) for being our dedicated editor!

THANK YOU - COMMUNION HELPERS/ STEWARDS Many thanks to all our Leigh Memorial Communion helpers/ set-up team/ stewards, whose efforts each month ensure that we share a meaningful time together in worship. Thanks also to our Open Church team who set-up for Tuesday's services with care and dedication. PASTORALCARE The new Roll is now in use. Please convey all pastoral care needs or contact/ visitation requests directly to Manas or via the congregation leaders. WORKING WITH CHILDREN/ YOUTH - CLEARANCE NUMBERS The process of our PM Sunday School volunteers obtaining their 'Working with Children' clearance numbers is progressing well. Volunteers are also reminded to attend 'Safe Church' workshops every few years in order to update their understanding of the latest protection guidelines for vulnerable people, inc. children, the elderly & those with special needs.

SUNDAY SCHOOL @ LEIGH - 'GODLY PLAY'

Today, our Sunday School's 'Gumnuts' & 'Cool Koalas' kids & teachers will be having a special 'Godly Play' lesson with Danielle. Sounds like a lot of fun - thanks Danielle!

GROUPS MEETING THIS WEEK - OR SOON! Couples & Friends, LEAP (Leave Everything & Pray), Lenten Bible Study & SPOW. Check the newsletter for further information on these and other Leigh Memorial activities - or speak with group leaders. New members are encouraged and welcome to come along to all of our programs. LEADERS' MEETINGS: Next Sunday, 8 March - LM Congregation Leaders: 11.30am - 1.30pm in the Coffee Shop + Heritage Committee: 1.30 - 2.30pm in the Ministers' Vestry.

Westmead Congregation

Here we are into the first Sunday of Autumn, and of course, the Second Sunday of Lent. Last Sunday we were taken into the first Sunday of Lent when Inise Foiakau led the service at Westmead. Thank you Inise for a meaningful time of worship. A very pleasant surprise was in store for the congregation when Rev. Veitinia came along with Inise. Everyone very happy to see her, and to see how well “retirement” is suiting her. Sorry to hear that Joseph Rashiah, and Vita Terrado are in hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with them both, and hopefully they will each be feeling better. Clyde informed us that Don Needham is in hospital in Strathfield, where he underwent bi-pass heart surgery this week. Kerry has come to be by his side. Thinking of you both, and speedy recovery Don. Rev. Christine Bayliss-Kelly will commence her ministry at Westmead after her induction on 19th April, 2015 - Sunday afternoon (time to be confirmed). PLEASE KEEP THIS DATE FREE, and it would be wonderful to have as many people as possible attend, to welcome Rev. Christine. Until this time, there is a wonderful band of people who will be attending Westmead to lead the worship services. Next week, we will have the pleasure of SOSI TOA who will be the preacher, and Trish Rooney will prepare the order of service. Thank you to both of you for your support. WORLD DAY OF PRAYER ON FRIDAY 6TH MARCH, 2015. This service will be held at Leigh Memorial Church this year. Please come along for morning tea from 10 a.m. Service will begin at 11.00a.m. ALL WELCOME. (711 bus or transit bus to Parramatta Station - short walk to Leigh Memorial Church in Macquarie Street, Parramatta. ALL WELCOME. Always a busy week, the first week of the month. MONDAY BIBLE STUDY 2.00P.M.. TUESDAY ADULT FELLOWSHIP 2.00P.M. “Great Deeds of Great People” WEDNESDAY OPEN DOOR 1.00 - 3.30P.M. FRIDAY TAI CHI 10 - 11A.M. TUESDAY AND THURSDAY TOC 11A.M. - 1.30P.M.

FRIDAY

6th March All Welcome

Leigh Memorial Church

10am Morning Tea

11am Service

This is a meeting for men and women. The program has

been prepared by the women of The Bahamas and will be

celebrated throughout the world.

Speaker will be Ali Atkins.

Foster your faith this week as you read:

Ex 20:1-17 Ps 19 1 Cor 1:18-25 Jn 2:13-22

SUNDAY SCHOOL @ LEIGH: PRAYERS FOR OTHERS - LENT EVENT

(written/ compiled by the children themselves) ‘Cool Koala’s’ Prayer (Children aged 7 – 11)

“Dear God, please help the poor people in other countries and help us to think about their problems, like being sick with Ebola. Please help the nurses, doctors, midwives and babies and help us to work against racism and war. We want to love God, love everybody, follow God’s rules, do the right things, help people who are blind and pray for people who have cancer. Please help us at school and please help people who are homeless. Amen.”

Year 6/ High School Prayer (Young People aged 12 – 16) “Dear God, Lent Event is 40 days of worship, prayer and giving money to people less fortunate than us. Lent Event is also about raising awareness. When we learn about children who have problems or who are hurt in war, like Dharuna from Sri-Lanka who lost her eye due to shrapnel, we feel sad, and very disappointed in humanity. We feel lucky because we have a home and family and we can go to school. Our questions to ourselves and others are: What can we do to make things better for people like Dharuna? What are our priorities? How much is in our fridge today and how much do we have compared with others? Have we thought of others recently or tried to walk in their shoes?” It’s time to act!!!!!! Amen.”

Sunday School @ Leigh Lent Event RAINBOW - Fundraising We have a starting goal of $200. To reach this, kids are being encouraged to bring a gold coin to Sunday School @ Leigh each week during Lent Event. Congregation members are also welcome to also make some coin contributions. Let’s try & go past this goal and make a big difference to others’ lives!

Further information: Sunday School teachers/ www.lentevent.com.

COUPLES AND FRIENDS CLUB

Monday 1st March at 7.30pm In the Coffee Shop.

Interesting Guest Speaker - John Hain He will tell of his amazing experiences whilst

recently training teachers in Bangladesh. Reminder that the final payment for our Bus Trip to Mt Seaview Resort is due.

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

Pastoral message for this week…..

Embrace Hope today

To create a better tomorrow

One Billion Rising event to raise

awareness about and work towards reducing the one billion women

worldwide who experience abuse raised $18,230 for Thelma Brown

Cottage - our refuge for women and children seeking refuge from

domestic violence

Building Community Leadership Saturday 14th March Starts at 9am – 5pm Wesley Lodge Building Community Leadership is the theme of two gatherings of leaders from our Parramatta Mission Church Council and sub-Committees and our three Congregation Leaders Meetings. This is a journey of learning and growing together. Some have been leaders a long time, others are beginning this calling, together we can learn from and encourage each other as leaders of our church. Building Community Leadership is part of a strategy to develop and encourage leaders from across the whole of Parramatta Mission. Our vision and values were inspired by our faith in God. Our vision is a community transforming lives, it is through our leaders that our vision and values permeate our church, and effect change in society. This is a rare opportunity to meet together to work on the enhancement of the ministry gifts God has given each one. The benefits to all Congregational Leaders, Ministers, Members of the Church Council, the Board and Group Executives and to Parramatta Mission are enormous. The day will focus on:

Our roles & responsibilities regarding our Risk Management Framework Health & Safety Educational plenary on leadership and emotional intelligence

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

Please register your interest in attending by 6th March or for more information, please contact Jen White, Head of People & Culture:

jenniferwhite@parramattamission.org.au or phone 9891 2277

An update from Parriss McDougall Please note I have changed my home phone number and my mobile number. Home number is 8677 3228 and mobile number is 0451150861. Thanks

Leigh opens its doors wide to rejoice with an Indian Couple. This beautiful young Hindu Couple from Parramatta celebrated their fourth

wedding anniversary on 20 February By renewing their marriage vows in a service conducted by Manas in the

presence of another two couples . A Christian message on love was given, and well received by them.

Congratulations and Blessings to Neelima and Sumon!

UCMH Services

UCMH delivers a wide range of mental health services to clients across a

number of geographical regions. The services within UCMH include:

More services to follow each week

UCMH Counselling Services

UCMH Counselling services, formerly known as Lifeline Counselling Services,

provides a range of counselling services delivered by tertiary trained

counsellors, financial counsellors and psychologists to members of greater

Western Sydney, South Western Sydney, Northern Beaches and Central

Coast communities. Assistance is provided across 3 domains: General

Counselling, Problem Gambling Counselling and Financial Counselling.

The general counselling service is available to anyone over the age of sixteen,

who would like to engage with a professional counselling service. Clients may

seek assistance with relationship issues, anxiety and depression, and many

other areas of concern. Clients can be individuals with or without a diagnosed

mental illness, or families or couples who are experiencing challenges. The

service operates with a sliding scale of payment, making it affordable to all

The Problem Gambling Treatment Service provides help for anyone affected

by problem gambling, including the partners and families of gamblers. It is a

free and confidential service funded by the NSW Responsible Gambling Fund.

Interpreters can be arranged for other languages if needed. Business hours

and after hour appointments are available. Services are available at

Parramatta, The Hills, Fairfield, Bankstown, Warringah, Gosford.

The Financial Counselling Service assists clients who are experiencing

difficulties through debts incurred. This can include improving financial literacy,

budgeting assistance and negotiations with debtors. Services are available at

Parramatta, Castle Hill, Rouse Hill, Pittwater/Warringah, Fairfield, Bankstown.

시드니 조은 교회 Sydney Jo-Eun Church 13-09

두 번째 사순절 주일 (2nd Lent 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

성찬 및봉헌 찬송 (Holy Communion & Offertory Hymn)

나눔과 알림 (Announcement & Notices)

폐회 찬송 (Final Hymn)

축도 (Benediction) 담임목사

새 1장 통 1장

새 12 장 통 22 장

새 536 장 통 326 장

새 251 장 통 137 장

고린도전서 7:25-35

신앙이란 무엇인가?

새 635 장 하늘에 계신 우리 아버지

새 438 장 통 495 장

수요기도회 :오후 7시

시편 49:1-20

새벽기도회 : 오전6시

시편 47:1-51:19

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. 오늘은 사순절 둘 째 주일입니다. 신앙의 본질은 하나님께 영광이 되게하는 일입니다

죄 짐에 눌린 사람은

다 함께 주를 경배하세

놀랍다 주님의 큰 은혜

만복의 근원 하나님

주일 오후 1시 30분

내 영혼이 은총 입어

새502장 통 259장 빛의 사자들이여 어서가서(1)

The ZEST Awards are the annual celebration of innovation and creativity of the Community Sector and has a rich history of recognising the great outcomes achieved in Greater Western Sydney.

The ZEST Awards showcase the great work of the Community Sector across the region, promoting a positive image of Greater Western Sydney region through highlighting our assets, our diversity and our creative and innovative work. This region includes Auburn, Bankstown, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Holroyd, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith, Hills Shire, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee.

What

are

the

ZEST

Awards ?

The ZEST Awards culminates at the Awards Ceremony, which has quickly established itself as the premier event for the Community Sector in Greater Western Sydney. All nominees are invited to attend, with over 600 people expected to gather to celebrate the Community Sector in 2015. The ZEST Awards relies on nominations from the community to ensure that these inspiring individuals and projects are recognised

115 inspiring individuals and projects were nominated from all corners of Greater Western Sydney, reflecting both the diversity of activities in the region and the great outcomes achieved by the Community Sector. In total the Zest awards have recognised 576 outstanding individuals and projects since its inception, with each nomination serving to highlight the many positive things happening in Greater Western Sydney

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

Fijian Congregation Tomani tiko na macawa ni LENT; ena masumasu kei na lolo. Kerei

me masulaki na lalawa ni veiqaravi vaka-i-Talatala Youth is leading Multicultural Worship Sunday, 8th

March Ena vakavakarau ni Koniferedi i Brisbane ena 2016, lokuci e dua na

Workshop e Rooty Hill ena Siga Tabu 8 ni Maji ena 4pm. Kids Camp Out 14-15th March @ Wedderburn Working with Children Check—solia mai na nomu naba! Ke sega,

ko na sega ni rawa ni veiqaravi vei ira na gone mai na 31/3/2015

REPORT FROM CONNECT The program Connect was really fun, both physically and spiritually. On Friday afternoon 20/2, years 7 and 8 were invited to the CoffeeShop for the first Connect program. Connect is a program for kids in early high school to be a disciple of the Lord in a fun environment. Our leaders in Connect on Friday were Phil, Ofa and Tau. The atmosphere was great with young adult leaders helping us with activities; we played and enjoyed the nice curry Yani made. The idea of putting the early high schoolers with young adults is great because we could relate better with each other. They also knew how to keep our noise down and how to keep it simple for us when talking about God.

Vunau Vunau Lesi Vunau Vakarau Veiliutaki Tali Vunau

8-Mar Fil Kamotu Sosi Toa Youth

15-Mar Rooty Hill Anare Vocea Akisi Alison M.1 M.3

22-Mar Niko Balavu Senitiki Qata M.3

Overall, Connect is a great, simple and fun program for early high schoolers to learn about our great God. By Henry Seru—Year 7

(reflections continued)

Ultimately, the future does not depend upon us. It depends upon God, and as the Bible from start to finish declares God is dependable. This is useful in a time of uncertainty and terror. The word terror comes from the Latin, to frighten. Its antonym is to calm or be calm. There seems to be a lot of public talk about fear. Sometimes the word fear is not used, but the tone of the speech, the emotional delivery, and the physical gestures of the speaker communicates that the speaker is about fear.

It is understandable that we should be warned about matters of personal and national safety. One of the three pillars of trauma informed care is safety. On the other hand, engendering fear is not creating a safe place or space.

It is natural to be fearful of the person who is different, though curiosity can overcome that apprehension and even fear, and it is natural to be apprehensive even fearful about how to progress a project to its conclusion. We can be fearful of failure. That might motive us to put in the effort required. It might also paralyse us to incompletion and of non-achievement. Fear of being hit by the oncoming train might quicken us to get out of the way, or it might leave us frozen to the spot. Fight or flight can be a powerful driver, but not always produce the best outcome.

When speaking about fear, I am reminded of the writer of the letter in the Bible called 1 John. He says perfect love casts out fear. An intriguing thought. Fear and love are opposites.

Mark’s gospel, the gospel for the church this year, explores the theme of fear and faith. Indeed, Mark seems to suggest that fear and faith are opposites. He also spoke about what we should have every reason to be in fear. And here Mark plays with the word fear. Is it fear or awe? Ultimately Mark, written in a time of great social upheaval, and with political and religious uncertainty, with the possibility of terror raining down upon the people, makes clear that faith in the God who came as Jesus enables us put fear in its rightful place. Fear of people is secondary to awe of God. A thought expressed in Psalm 22: 23 “You who fear the Lord, praise him!”

Ched Myers (Binding the strong man: A political reading of Mark’s story of Jesus, 1988, p 256) wrote: “Prayer is the intensely personal struggle . . . to resist the despair and distractions that cause us to practice unbelief.” “To acknowledge that we are impaled on the contradiction of our belief and unbelief is to take the first step toward healing.” Myers is speaking about a constructive way of dealing with the tension between fear and faith. Dealing constructively with fear, which means not allowing it to control us, allows love, faith and hope to abound and people to thrive. Of course it will take more than 500 words to do that, but we can make a start and continue the journey.

Blessings, Keith Hamilton

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: Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino 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: Lidcombe Samoan Parish UC. Give thanks for the splendid facility this congregation has developed. Pray that they will use it for mission as God leads them.

P M Leigh Memorial: Fred; Frank & Lynn.

P M hospitality, Community and Mental Health Services: Sharon recovering from surgery. Charlotte (2 y/o), niece of staff member Beau, who has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer; Mark, brother of Kaylene (Payroll Manager) who has liver cancer.

P M Leigh Fijian: Sai Vute, Kula Diqoliwasa, Niko Balavu, Bera family. Sam Sadrata as he starts Theological studies at UTC this week.

P M Westmead: Eva Banks, Phyllis, Joseph, Vita, Satik, Nancy, Faith, David

Westmead Congregation Leigh Fijian Congregation: 9891 2277 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 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