St Andrews Longueville: What’s Happening?
St. Andrew’s Uniting Church, Longueville
June – July 2021 Newsletter
The following reflection is from a colleague minister Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian from Boston USA.
Giving Encouragement:
We like to be with people who encourage us – who “put courage in” us, who come alongside us and give us courage to persist, inspire us to try one more time, rise up when we fall. An encourager is a person who we feel good being around. An encourager is a person who is willing to give us a second, a third, a fourth chance and sees everyday challenges as opportunities not as obstacles.
Being encouraging is a God-given gift given to some of us as Christians. Those who have the gift of encouragement live for others and build them up. Their aim or purpose in life is to be a blessing to others! The apostle Paul, as he writes to the Christians in Rome, says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us … If your gift is to encourage, then give encouragement” (Romans 12:6a, 8a). Based on this verse, only some of us, who have this God-given gift, can “give encouragement” to others. People have encouraged us in the past and now it is our turn to encourage them. The Christian life is a two-way street – we give, because we have been given.
There are many things in life that cause us to experience discouragement – sickness, a financial crisis, unemployment, or death of a loved one. So, how do we encourage one another? What are some practical ways that we can be encouragers to those around us? Let me offer three specific suggestions:
- Allow people to grow. Give confidence to the fact that God is working on people and that their spiritual maturity is not static. Trust that people change and do better, as God through His Spirit, works on them and on us by allowing them to grow and mature spiritually and relationally.
- Affirm the ability you see in others. See the growing ability in others, affirm it and express your support. Great things are achieved by great people and great people are supported by significant others who have spoken affirming words of courage and inspiration into them.
- Be committed to Christian community. To be Christian, according to the New Testament, is to belong to a fellowship of believers. The practice of coming together with fellow Christians is stated as an act of mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:25). One of the ways we encourage each other, as Christians, is to gather together with other believers. It’s like two burning hot coals within a fireplace. Each gives off and each receives heat from the other. One of the sad tragedies about present day Christians is their dominant attitude: “What’s in it for me? If my personal needs have not been met why bother to go to church?” Being Christian is about belonging to a Christian community of faith where church members encourage – uplift each other up. Being Christian is not just “Me and Jesus”. It’s more correctly “We and Jesus”.
William Arthur Ward, a most quoted inspirational writer, said, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”
Everybody needs encouragement! So, if your gift is to encourage, then give some encouragement to all those you can.
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CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT
We are so fortunate, here in Australia, that we are able to worship together (even though sometimes we have to wear masks and cannot sing) and enjoy our activities in the Memorial Hall. We will continue to follow NSW government health guidelines and record attendance as directed.
On May 19 Krikor and I were invited by Trent Zimmermann to attend a ‘Q & A’ morning tea with Josh Frydenberg. There was quite a large gathering with representatives from a variety of community groups. It was interesting to see both Trent and Josh close up as we were in the second row.
You will be pleased to know that the solar panels are working well as we have had a dramatic reduction in our latest electricity bill.
A big thank you to Chris, Ian, Penny and Dianna for the work they did in the front garden. Chris also attacked the small back garden – weeding and planting new herbs.
The photography group is back, the singing group has found a new home and the exercise group has not met first or second term as they had no instructor. Rental monies from the manse and the small hall have continued. TIME 4 U and Pizza/Movie nights continue each month.
September will bring extra activities – Council Elections on Sept 4 and we have invited Trent Zimmermann to an evening meeting, as part of the Lane Cove Festival, to answer any questions you may have. We will let you know the date closer to the event.
The news of COVID19 second waves, natural and man-made disasters in various countries around the world is distressing but it is comforting to know that we can help and support one family in particular. The Demirchian family in Artsakh consists of the mother and 9 children, the father was killed in the war.
Our aim is to provide $3000 to assist them for 12 months and we are halfway to our target. If you are willing and able to donate to this family you can do so via EFT, cash or cheque. We will give you monthly updates on the total raised.
Thank you for depositing money into the church bank account by EFT. If convenient for you, you are welcome to continue. We bank with Westpac BSB 032 085, a/c 810147.
Penny Goodley
ON A PERSONAL NOTE
We were all saddened to hear of the death of Don Murden on 29th April. Our thoughts and prayers are with Margaret his wife of over 50 years, and his children Karen and Mark, and grandchildren Lucy and Daniel. Don attended St. Aidan’s Anglican Church but was a very interested and keen supporter of St. Andrew’s, particularly for Market Morning each year. Don was much loved and will be greatly missed.
We are also saddened to hear of the death of Lindsay Burgess on Tuesday 18 May. Our thoughts and prayers are with Val, his children Kerry, Robyn and Warwick, and his extended family. Lindsay was a faithful member of St. Andrew’s for many years. His Funeral and Thanksgiving Service will be held on Friday 28 May at Northern Suburbs Cemeteries and Crematorium. Lindsay was much loved and he will be missed.
LANE COVE MUSIC
Our first concert for 2021, and our first concert for over 18 months, will be held at 7:30 pm on Tuesday 22 June in Lane Cove Mowbray Anglican Church with brilliant clarinettist Mark Walton, his accompanist, Sumiko Yamamura and some of his students. The programme will include music by Bach, Verdi, Bizet and Walton.
Our Annual Subscription for the 4 concerts this year is $60 and concession $40. Subscriptions can be paid online, or by cheque to the Treasurer, Penny Goodley. Tickets can no longer be purchased at the door. Ticket bookings will be open from 1st June through Trybooking.com on our website: www.lanecovemusic.org.au
Enquiries: Chris Butters 9428 4287
TIME 4 U
With COVID restrictions in place we are able to meet, but we are meeting on Wednesdays only. Thanks to Krikor’s daughter, Lori, we have access to all the episodes of ABC’s Backroads, so we are showing one or two episodes each day. Of course, there is always time for a cuppa and a chat. If you have a favourite town you’d like to re-visit, let us know and come along!
If you are able to help with morning tea, please let Chris or Penny know.
MOVIE & PIZZA NIGHTS (with COVID rules)
Tuesday 1 June at 6:30 pm ‘No Reservations’ (PG 2007) – A perfectionist chef struggles to raise her late sister’s little girl while a new high-spirited chef threatens to take over her kitchen with his free-wheeling ways. Starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart.
Tuesday 6 July at 6:30 pm ‘Downton Abbey’ (PG 2019) – Robert and Cora Crawley are informed that they will be visited by the royal family. However, the visit does not go as per plan and drama ensues. Starring Michelle Dockery and Maggie Smith.
Tuesday 3 August at 6:30 pm ‘Breathe’ (M 2017) – After contracting polio at the age of 28, Robin Cavendish is confined to bed and given only months to live. But with the help of his wife Diana and her twin brothers, and the ground-breaking ideas of inventor Teddy Hall, Cavendish emerges from the hospital ward and devotes the rest of his life to helping fellow patients and the disabled. Starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy.
ZONE MEETING – Sunday 6 June at Willoughby Uniting church
12:00 pm for lunch followed by a business meeting. It will be important to have representation from each of the churches in the zone.
EXODUS FOUNDATION – June Collection
During the month of June, we will be collecting monetary donations to support the mission of the Exodus Foundation to the less fortunate. Give generously. The raised funds will be forwarded to the Foundation by the 30th of June.
STAMP NEWS
Please remember to save your stamps. You can place them in the box at the entrance to the church or give them to Virginia.
MARKET MORNING – Saturday 7 August, 8:00 am to 1:00pm
Stalls include: Cakes, jams and pickles, fresh flowers, plants, quality corner, white elephant, books, children’s toys and games, pick a bottle, CDs and DVDs, art supplies. To eat: home-made sausage rolls, morning tea and Sausage sizzle.
Donations to all the stalls are most welcome, but please make arrangements for deposits. Wednesdays during TIME 4U (10:00 -12 noon) are preferable. If that is not convenient, please phone Frank & Virginia on 9427 3215 or Krikor on 9427 4740 for access to the Hall.
Please do not bring clothes, electrical goods, encyclopaedias, magazines or damaged goods. Polystyrene boxes will be returned to you!
Please liaise with Frank and Virginia about times and days for helping to set up in the week before, during and after this fund-raising event. Phone 9427 3215
Uniting Church – Lower North Shore Zone
Combined Study Series
The Good Shepherd
by Dr. Kenneth Bailey
Wednesdays
14, 21 and 28 July,
4 and 11 August
7:30 pm
Willoughby Uniting Church
Clanwilliam Street
Enquiries Krikor 0418 417 411
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JUNE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
June 1, Tue 6:30 pm – Pizza/Movie Night ‘No Reservations’ (2007)
June 2, Wed 10:00 am – Time4U – Every Wednesday only
June 6, Sun 9:30 am – Sunday Communion Service
June 6, Sun 12:00 pm – UC Lower North Shore Zone Lunch & Meeting
Willoughby UC
June 22, Sun 9:30 am – UCA Anniversary Combined Sunday Service
with Lane Cove Uniting here in Longueville
June 30, Wed 12 noon – Elders/Church Council Meeting
JULY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
July 4, Sun 9:30 am – Sunday Communion Service
July 6, Tue 6:30 pm – Pizza/Movie Night ‘Downton Abbey’ (2019)
July 7, Wed 10:00 am – Time4U – Every Wednesday only
July 14, Wed 7:30 pm – Lower North Shore Uniting Churches Zone Study Series ‘The Good Shepherd’ – over 6 Wednesdays, till 11 August at Willoughby Uniting Church.
July 28, Wed 12 noon – Elders/Church Council Meeting
AUGUST DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
Aug 1, Sun 9:30 am – Sunday Communion Service
Aug 3, Tue 6:30 pm – Pizza/Movie Night ‘Breathe’ (2017)
Aug 4, Wed 10:00 am – Time4U – Every Wednesday only
Aug 7, Sat 8:00 am – MARKET MORNING
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MARKET MORNING – SATURDAY 7th AUGUST 2021, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Plastic Bag Free Event!
Stalls include:
Cakes, Jams and Pickles, Fresh Flowers, Plants,
Quality Corner, White Elephant, Books, Hamper,
Children’s Toys & Games, Pick‑a‑Bottle or a Bag,
CDs and DVDs, Art Supplies, Morning Teas,
Home Made Sausage Rolls and Sausage sizzle!
There will also be a raffle with wonderful prizes.
Everyone gets a bargain! Your help on the day would be most appreciated.
Enquiries: Virginia Knowles Ph: 9427 3215
To contact Krikor call on 0418 417 411
standrewsunite@tpg.com.au
Church Office phone: 9427 4740
Church Website: http://www.longueville.unitingchurch