December 2024 – January 2025 Newsletter
St. Andrew’s Uniting Church, Longueville
December 2024 – January 2025 Newsletter
Hope for Peace!
As we prepare for the Christmas Season, soon farewelling 2024 for a fresh start in 2025, it’s once again that time to look back and reflect on what has happened this past year; be it personal, family, community and worldwide. Surely, we will be able to pinpoint some good things as well as bad things. We know that life goes on and we cannot stop it. There are things we can change but there are other things which are inevitable and unchangeable.
It is time to leave behind the year and start a new one. The year ahead may be somewhat like the one we will soon finish. Surely there will be some surprises and unexpected developments. Naturally we will be facing the pain of losing people on the way, but as we move on, we will need God’s support and guidance. Without His care, support and presence, our daily life will be hard to face, especially when we cannot control the natural flow of the daily routine. We will be challenged and may find ourselves in tough situations. Beside the natural flow of the days, the months and the year ahead, we may, day to day, feel exhausted and weaker.
Since September 2022, we have seen and heard a lot about wars, violence, terror, occupation, deportation, destruction, hopelessness and desperate need of peace. While war continues in Ukraine, causing havoc, first, Azerbaijan invaded and occupied Artsakh and violently forced around 150,000 indigenous Armenian population to leave everything behind to become refugees in Armenia. Then war erupted in Palestine and Israel, which went on and on for more than a year, almost wiping the Gaza strip from the face of the earth and escalated to extend beyond into Lebanon, in particular South Lebanon, overall causing hundreds of thousands of deaths and injuries, loss of property and displacing thousands of helpless people. After a few days of finally reaching an agreement to ceasefire, the terror shifted to Syria and mainly to the city of Aleppo, which fell into the hands of the rebels, leaving innocent people in limbo, not knowing what will happen next.
It is easy to conclude that nothing changes in life and that history repeats itself. But in reality, things change in life, and we face new challenges as well as receive many more new blessings. And the simple reason is that “God is in control” and He is the source of life, hope, peace and all goodness. He is the Father who cares for His children and looks after them, no matter what happens. He is the One who stands by us when we are in danger, facing pains, ill-health and suffering, because He knows and understands our situation. He has promised us through His Son to be with us until the end of time.
It is not easy to see the good that God gives to us when we look around and see what is happening in the world. On one hand we hope for the best and seek
peace in the world, but we see images of people causing death and destruction. We see the hatred in their eyes and the plot to harm and cause much pain by taking innocent lives. However, we should try to see the good that many people do by showing compassion and love for the vulnerable and the weak as we have done and do. Sometimes a gesture and a helping hand brings happiness and joy. The support that we give to those who are in need, a hand that we put on the shoulder of those who are suffering and mourning a loss or being with those who have the feeling that they are neglected, and no one cares for them. All these prove that we can still look to the future with hope and anticipation expecting better things to happen and establishment of peace.
Dear friends, Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christ in whom our forefathers believed and entrusted their lives and believed that He is the Lord of Peace. In the gospel of John, we read: “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind”. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us remember that He is our light, strength and hope; and without Him and in the quick pace of life, we will lose control and in no time feel that everything has passed so quickly, without giving us a break to stop, reflect and revive.
Let this Christmas and the New Year be a perfect opportunity for all of us to renew our commitment and pledge to continue the good work that we have done in the past and do it again with the same conviction and dedication.
Let the year ahead be full of good things, joy and many surprises, as well as with many opportunities to keep up, preserve and to endure with the quick pace of time and do all this for His glory.
Let the year ahead be a time to trust our Heavenly Father as we face uncertainty about the future of our church beyond 31 May 2025. Let us hope that God is and will be in control and do the best for us as a congregation and people of great faith and hope.
As we celebrate Advent and Christmas let us put all our trust in Him, the One who came as a child and will come again as the great Lord and King to establish His Kingdom forever.
So, as we come to the close of this year, we look forward to another year which will be full of challenges and hard days to face, but also filled with the hope for the best to happen and a readiness to say that God is with us and in control.
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas and a New Year, let us say in words of the hymn: “Our God our help in ages past, our hope for the years to come”.
I wish you all the best and hope for better things to happen!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Rev. Dr Krikor Youmshajekian
CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT
Christmas is the season of giving. Thank you to everyone who has generously given to the Bill Crews Foundation for the homeless and those struggling. Rev. Bill said they will be hosting around 2,000 for lunch at Ashfield on Christmas Day. There are 17 other locations offering help – including meals, medical and dental consultations, financial guidance, alcohol and drug addiction. All Australians are suffering from ‘a cost of living’ crisis so any support you can give will be very much appreciated.
Thank you to those who attended the screening of the documentaries of the series called “Map of Gratitude”, which tell stories of European, American and Australian humanitarian assistance to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
We were glad to have the UCA President attending the screening of the third Documentary “The Golden Chain of Mercy”, which is a film focusing on the story of ANZAC soldiers and Australian and New Zealand missionaries from the reformed Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Church, currently known as the Uniting Church in Australia, who helped the suffering Armenian people at the time of the Armenian Genocide. This film has already received more than 62 awards from International Film Festivals.
Krikor attended IFFA, the International Film Festival Australia, Awards Ceremony in Melbourne last month and despite being on a short list of finalists, did not win.
On Sunday 1 December 2024 during Morning Tea, the Official Portrait of King Charles III was unveiled by our guest Rev. Bill Crews and one of our members, Heather Astle, replacing the temporary portrait. The portrait was reframed in the same frame, that previously held the portrait of QE II by our dear friend Fayez Mousa Oghli. Many thanks to Fayez.
Our numbers are shrinking but we still soldier on. There is to be a discussion about the way forward post 31 May 2025, when Krikor retires, at our congregation meeting on December 8.
You may see surprises on the rosters – I am trying to spread the load amongst everyone. If you can’t make any date or task, then just do a swap! I am happy to fill in if someone is absent. The flower roster has disappeared, but everyone is welcome to provide the flowers any week that you choose.
Penny Goodley
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR REV BILL CREWS FOUNDATION
We were delighted that Rev. Bill Crews preached at our worship service on December 1 and stayed for morning tea and a serve of Haggis! He had 4 of his books for sale – they all went! If you would like a book, personally signed by Bill, please contact Krikor or Penny. Krikor will give the orders ($35 cash please) and collect the books when he delivers the Christmas gifts on Monday or Tuesday December 16/17.
We also gave Bill a cheque for $500, proceeds from the Fashion Parade.
The closing date for your Christmas donations is Sunday December 15.
The Reverend Bill Crews
Now today is most important and we knew that we should choose
Someone very special, like the Reverend Bill Crews.
So, Bill your prompt acceptance really gave us all a thrill
to know you’d preach the message at St. Andrew’s Longueville.
We’re grateful that you’ve made the time, delighted you agreed
for we know you dedicate your days to helping those in need.
Your Foundation helps the homeless and those who are distressed.
May your service to the destitute continue to be blessed.
Ian Butters (1 Dec 2024)
REV. BILL CREWS
Bill Crews studied electrical engineering at the University of NSW and worked in microelectronic research with a particular interest in silicon. In 1969 he visited the Wayside Chapel and by 1971 he was working there, full time. In his initiation into crisis ministry he learned that the church is an institution like a bank. If you want to find love, you find it in individuals not in institutions
While at Wayside Bill set up a program to reunite adopted children with their birth parents, assisted parents faced with the challenges of child cruelty and in 1978, with Ted Noffs, set up the first Life Education Centres, to address drug rehabilitation.
In 1983 he left Wayside to study theology. In 1986 he set up the Exodus Foundation.
The Foundation is situated in Ashfield at the intersection of two of Sydney’s major roads – Parramatta Road stretching via the Great Western Highway through the Blue Mountains to Bathurst, and Liverpool Road, which becomes the Hume Highway down to Melbourne.
Today the Foundation feeds the hungry at the Loaves and Fishes restaurant and Crews Café, provids food hampers, supports single mothers (especially when they are escaping family violence), provides dental and GP services, drug and alcohol counselling, supports people when discharged from hospital and has a literacy program for young people.
Rev. Bill founded the organisation and is an ordained Uniting Church Minister.
He wears many hats: Superintendent, Ashfield Parish Mission; Chairman & CEO, The Bill Crews Charitable Trust; CEO, the Exodus Foundation. He is also a broadcaster on 2GB on Sunday evenings.
Bill has recently celebrated his 80th birthday.
ST. ANDREW’S DAY CELEBRATION and LUNCH
We were delighted to see Virginia at church on December 1. She has ‘owned’ this day for many years and we know it is special for her. Wendy delivered a ‘doggy bag’ of Haggis, tatties and neeps in the afternoon. Virginia enjoyed this for her evening meal and sends her love and thanks. After unveiling the King Charles III new portrait, we were invited to the War Memorial Hall, which was set out with Scottish flags and Tea Towels on the walls. Robin Cumming piped the traditional Haggis as Ian Butters carried it in. After addressing the Haggis, he welcomed our guest Rev. Bill Crews with two verses of a poem he wrote for the occasion and invited him to say grace. Everyone enjoyed the Haggis, tatties and neeps with a ‘wee nip’ of scotch and later on the meal which was catered by Charlie’s Chicken.
After the meal, those who were lucky won the gifts of the raffles and the lucky door prize went to Patrick Bridger. We were entertained with music played by Zela on piano and Adam on percussion, which included some of Zela’s own compositions. Then the program concluded with the singing of some traditional Scottish songs.
Krikor, Dee, Lori and sundry helpers did a sterling job providing our feast. Thanks to every one of you for serving us so willingly. Thanks also to Zela and Adam for their music.
TIME 4 U, Wednesdays at 10:00 am
Time 4U’s Christmas morning tea will be held on Wednesday 11 December. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Cost: $5 for home-made morning tea and a welcoming and friendly time amongst friends.
PIZZA AND MOVIE NIGHT – First Tuesday of the month – since Dec 2011!
6:30 pm Pizza, 7:15 pm movie! BYO drinks!
Tuesday 3 December. Charade (1963) Romantic comedy/mystery. Expect the unexpected in this cinema classic tale of cat and mouse, starring Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Walter Matthau and James Coburn. (113 mins)
Come along and enjoy what is the best value dinner and movie combo in town!
Cost: $12.00
Bookings essential: 9428 4287/9427 4740
LANE COVE MUSIC
Our final concert for 2024 was Tuesday 25 November at 7:30 pm in LCM Anglican Church with the Sydney Male Choir. Membership bookings for the 2025 season will open on 2 February 2025. This will be the 80th year of bringing affordable, quality, music to the Lane Cove area. We have a very exciting program lined up with world class performers, including Simon Tedeschi and flautist, Jane Rutter. You can see the details on our website.
$90 will buy you a membership ticket for all of the 6 concerts for 2025, $55 if you have a valid pension card. Check all the details on our website
Enquiries: Chris Butters 9428 4287
OUR BANK DETAILS
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.
PAPA NED’S QUEST TO BUILD HIS OWN GARDEN WORKSHOP FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS
Ned Cholakyan, aged 93, is a Lane Cove local having down-sized eight years ago from a family home in Chatswood that he shared with his wife and three children.
A broken (rectangular) water heater in their new home sparked an idea, continuing Ned’s lifelong passion for upcycling, and over the last few months, he completed the building of a brand-new workshop.
All made from recycled material, nothing went to waste! Ned got to work and built the walls for his workshop with an internal footprint of 1380 mm by 920 mm. He opened up the hot water tank to form an L shape and utilized part of external house wall for the other two walls that enclosed the workshop (pictured).
Leftover patio roofing became the workshop roof and spare pieces of timber and brackets serve as the framing.
Ned, who was born in Syria in 1932 and is of Armenian heritage, migrated to Sydney in 1963 where he established a career as a photographer.
He recalls his earliest attempts at making and upcycling. “After WWII when everyone was suffering shortages, I wanted a bouncing ball, so I went to the local cobbler and asked of offcuts of synthetic soles. I put them in gasoline and when they became soft, I formed them into a ball and had fun”, Ned said.
“I used to lay metal articles on the railway track and wait for the train to pass over them and get pretty pressed images on them. Later, my parents warned me not to do this as it was dangerous” he laughs.
The workshop is another project in a long line of creative endeavours. When he was young, Ned created a scooter from a sofa, built a box camera with his father’s reading glasses (for which he was in trouble again), built his own darkroom in Sydney, a treehouse for his children in a mango tree and remodelled the kitchen, lounge and dining area in their Chatswood home, all with recycled materials.
The only thing Ned purchased to make his workshop in Lane Cove was marine grade timber to make the weatherproof door and some corflute to line the interior walls.
Papa Ned, as he is called by his five grandchildren, is, they say, an inspiration to his family, and no doubt an inspiration to all.
(Village Observer Issue 342 – December 2024)
DECEMBER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
Dec 1, Sun 9:30 am – Advent 1 and St. Andrew’s Day Service and
St. Andrew’s Day Lunch
Dec 3, Tue 6:30 pm – Pizza/Movie Night “Charade”
Dec 8, Sun 9:30 am – Sunday Communion Service
Congregational Meeting
Dec 11, Wed 10:00 am – Time 4U Christmas
Dec 11, Wed 12:30 pm – Elders/Church Council Meeting
Dec 15, Sun 9:30 am – Carols Service
All gifts in for Rev. Bill Crews Foundation
Dec 24, Tue 7:00 pm – Christmas Eve Service on the Lawn
Dec 25, Wed 9:00 am – Christmas Day Service
JANUARY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
Jan 5, Sun 9:30 am – Sunday Communion Service
FEBRUARY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
Feb 2, Sun 9:30 am – Sunday Communion Service
Feb 4, Tue 6:30 pm – Pizza/Movie Night TBA
Feb 5, Wed 10:00 am – Time 4U and every Wednesday
Feb 5, Wed 12:30 pm – Elders/Church Council Meeting
MAY DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:
May 25, Sun 11:30 am – Krikor’s Closure of Ministry Service
May 25, Sun 1:00 pm – Farewell Lunch – More details later
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May the year 2025 be full of God’s blessings!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
To contact Krikor call on 0418 417 411
standrewsunite@tpg.com.au
Church Office phone: 9427 4740
Church Website
http://www.longueville.unitingchurch.org.au