June – July 2023 Newsletter
St. Andrew’s Uniting Church, Longueville
June – July 2023 Newsletter
What Is a Church?
On the occasion of the UCA Anniversary
Gandhi once said: “I regard Jesus as a great teacher of humanity. I love your Christ, but I hate Christians because Christians are unlike Christ”.
For him, Jesus was the highest example of one who wished to give everything. Then he said: “Keep your Christianity to yourselves, but give us your Christ”.
So, is it possible to be a Christian and a follower of Jesus and not be part of the Christian community? What does going to church mean? What is a church?
For some, the church is a denomination, for others it is a building. But the heart and the essence of the church is something beautiful and amazing. We should be ready to accept that it is not a matter of liking the church or going and joining the people there, the main issue is to love the church.
According to Gandhi Jesus Christ was a great example for humanity; He did everything one can imagine.
But what about the church? Who are we? “What is the church?”
1. The church is the People of God.
The Christian faith involves a vertical relationship which is with God and a horizontal relationship which is with all people around us. Any church is part of a community which began with the call of Abraham and is continued through us. All of us are part of the Universal church which consists of all those who profess and have professed the name of Christ. By doing that they became the members of the church. Not by birth, but by new birth. To become part of that church, we repent and have faith, God gives the Holy Spirit, and the Church baptises obeying to what Jesus has told. Baptism is a visible sign of what it means to be a Christian. It also signifies washing, cleansing, receiving the Holy Spirit and dying and rising with Christ. Being baptised means being into Jesus. What happens to Jesus happens to us. When Jesus died on the cross, we died with Him; we were buried with Him. And when Jesus rose from the dead, we rose with Him and started a New Life. That makes us different from others. Statistics shows that everyday 10,000 men and women become Christian in the world.
Paul established many churches around Asia and Europe. Some were small and others were large and others bigger. The people of God should have confidence and joy leading them to have hope for the world.
2. The church is the Family of God
We are a family, brothers and sisters. We can choose our friends but not our families. We are born into the family of God. If we look around, we will see our brothers and sisters. In the case of family sometimes the members do not see each other for a length of time, but their relationship stays for ever. The history
of the church tells us that there was division within the church. The church is divided on every issue. But Jesus prayed for the church to be one so that the world will believe. So, it is up to the church to make people believe in God. Love unites the church, the big family, where the members need each other. One cannot be a Christian on his/her own. So, the members should regularly come together for fellowship.
3. The church is the Body of Christ
Jesus left behind the church to carry on what He had started. Jesus left behind a community to represent Him in the world. We, the church, should do things as Christ does. As the body the members are not the same; they are different, and each has a unique contribution to bring. So, the members should not be consumers but contributors, not attenders but members. The church needs us, and we need the church.
4. The Church is a Holy Temple
God lives in us, because we are the temple. In the New Testament there were not any church buildings, but people still came together to pray, sing, read and hear the Word preached. But for people, the buildings matter much.
We are the temple where God wants to live. He wants to fill us and act through us. He dwells in us by His Holy Spirt and urges us to act on His behalf and play our role as His agents in this world.
5. The church is the Bride of Christ
Jesus loves the church. The heart of Christianity is love; Jesus has that love for us. He accepts us as His bride, who comes prepared and dressed up to the groom who waits anxiously with open arms.
The church belongs to Christ and is loved by Him.
We are the church. We are the People, the Family, the Body, the Temple and the Bride of Christ.
We want God to be merciful for us, to say that you are my people, my family, my body, my temple and my bride. In you is my Spirit.
What a privilege. We are called to be that Church.
46 years ago, the Methodist, almost all the Congregational and majority of the Presbyterian churches took an important step to come together with the Basis of Union, forming the Uniting Church, an inclusive and multicultural church. They faced many challenges during the process and after many years of consultation, struggle, hard work and great effort, the founders took the brave step and on 22 June 1977 established the Uniting Church of Australia.
Today, as we look back on the many years of dedication and commitment, we salute all those who were the leaders of this initiative.
But the question today we should ask ourselves is: Are we the church we were supposed to be? Do we really represent the body of Christ, which is a loving and caring group of people.
Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian
Charles Spurgeon Quotes About Church
I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church.
My friends, it is one thing to go to church or chapel; it is quite another thing to go to God.
The day we find the perfect church, it becomes imperfect the moment we join it.
If I had never joined a church till I had found one that was perfect, I should never have joined one at all; and the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us.
Some go to church to take a walk; some go there to laugh and talk. Some go there to meet a friend; some go there their time to spend. Some go there to meet a lover; some go there a fault to cover. Some go there for speculation; some go there for observation. Some go there to doze and nod; the wise go there to worship God.
If you simply take the name of Christ upon you and call yourself His servant, yet do not obey Him, but follow your own whim, or your own hereditary prejudice, or the custom of some erroneous church – you are no servant of Christ. If you really are a servant of Christ, your first duty is to obey Him.
You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, and training them up in God’s fear, and minding the house, and making your household a church for God, as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of hosts.
In proportion as a church is holy, in that proportion will its testimony for Christ be powerful.
Neglect of private prayer is the locust which devours the strength of the church.
If there be any one point in which the Christian church ought to keep its fervour at a white heat, it is concerning missions. If there be anything about which we cannot tolerate lukewarmness, it is the matter of sending the gospel to a dying world.
If the devil never roars, the Church will never sing! God is not doing much if the devil is not awake and busy. Depend upon it: a working Christ makes a raging devil! When you hear ill reports, cruel speeches, threats, taunts and the like, believe that the Lord is among His people and is working gloriously.
The Bible is not the light of the world, it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible, the world reads Christians! “You are the light of the world”.
CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT
A small group of intrepid travelers have just returned from a memorable week in the Narrabri region. It was Bob Minton who suggested this destination, so we insisted he join us. We booked 4 cabins in the very comfortable Narrabri Big Caravan Park. Chris, Ian and Alice in one, Wendy, Ken and I in another and the two men, Bob and Krikor were on their own. We gathered each evening for happy hour and checked out local eateries and the park’s own BBQ facilities for our evening meals. While St. Andrew’s Uniting folk joined with the St. Aidan’s Anglican congregation to celebrate Pentecost, we joined the Narrabri Uniting Church, with the service prepared by Krikor. Bob Minton preached. The service was followed by morning tea then four huge pots of soup were brought out – great country hospitality.
The cotton harvesting was just about finished so we were unable to see the big machines in action. There were a lot of young lambs, including twins, but the locals said the ground is very dry, so it does not look promising for a winter wheat crop. It was obvious that there is a shortage of staff in shops and restaurants and some museums were closed.
Highlights of our travels include the view from Mount Kaputar (the 360-degree panorama gave us a vista of almost one tenth of NSW), the CSIRO Radio Telescopes, Sawn Rocks (which looked like organ pipes) and the sight of Bob climbing over a property fence to get some cotton for display in our church.
We travelled to and from Sydney in a 12-seater bus and Krikor did ALL the driving! Bob was in the co-driver seat and was very helpful with local directions and information. On the way home we had coffee with the Moderator, Rev. Simon Hansford, at the Golden Guitar café in Tamworth.
To celebrate the anniversary of the Uniting Church, which falls on 25 June, Lane Cove UC will join us for worship service. Their new community chaplain, Liam McKenna, will preach.
We are planning a special service on Sunday 10 September to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the laying of our foundation stone of our beautiful church building. We have also booked the display window in Lane Cove Library for the month of September. Please look at home for any memorabilia suitable for display and include names on any photographs. We will need to hand our display items over to Naomi at the Library in mid-August. All items will be returned.
At our congregation meeting following the Sunday Service on 12 February it was a unanimous decision to again raise $3,000 to support the Artsakh appeal. (We had previously supported one family for two years). You can contribute with a direct deposit or cash, in the offertory plate.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those undergoing, or recovering from, treatment and those feeling sadness at the loss of a loved one. We also remember those affected by the trauma of war in Ukraine and Artsakh.
Penny Goodley
ANZAC DAY WORSHIP SERVICE
On Sunday 23 April, we dedicated our Service to commemorate the ANZACs. We played the Last Post paying our respects, said special Memorial Prayers, Responsive Readings and sang hymns. The topic of the sermon was “Burning Hearts” based on the experience of the two disciples walking with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. At the conclusion of the message Krikor said:
Today we commemorate Anzac Day and reflect on the great sacrifice of those who gave their lives for Australia and those who died for the freedom of all people. We remember those who still sleep amid the ridges of Gallipoli, in our land and unknown resting places in every sea and land. We ask God that we and our successors may prove worthy of their sacrifice.
Jesus was sacrificed, as were those many who were ready to give their lives for the freedom of us all, but He is well and alive today, to encourage us and give us hope for a better life.
The same way, though the ANZACs are not alive, their message and legacy has passed to us, and our hearts should be on fire not only to remember and commemorate, but to follow their trend and give our best for others.
And to do that we need to have “burning hearts” within us to play our role and do our part with the same attitude and passion. Let our hearts burn within us!
At the end of the service Penny laid a wreath at the Communion Table to honour the ANZACs.
Lest We Forget!
MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH – 7 MAY
In response to popular demand, we had a middle eastern feast, organised by Krikor, followed by sweets kindly made by Adrienne. Every lady was spoilt (of course) with nicely wrapped gifts of hand cream and chocolates. The 2023 Lucky Mother was Ivy Lee. Then there was a competition to determine how many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren each mother had. Congratulations to joint winners Nicky Thorpe and Joan Bridger. Each went home with a pot plant.
“Perfect mothers do exist – they are the ones who have not had children!”
(Thanks to ‘The Bookery’s’ Blackboard)
LANE COVE MUSIC
Concerts resumed in Lane Cove Mowbray Anglican Church, 19 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove in March 2023. All concerts start at 7.30pm.
Remaining concert dates for 2023:
20 June – Saxophonist Nick Russoniello and the Golden Age Quartet
8 August – Harpist Verna Lee and Flautist/baritone Philip Murray
10 October – Sydney Eisteddfod/Pollard Awards
28 November – Taverner Consort of Voices
Ticket bookings can be made in advance via our website:
www.lanecovemusic.org.au or tickets $30 cash at the door.
Enquiries: Chris Butters 9428 4287, Penny Goodley 9803 1735
TIME 4 U, Wednesdays at 10:00 am
Time 4U is held every Wednesday from 10-12 noon. We are pleased to continue viewing the excellent series Backroads.
Cost: $5 for home-made morning tea and a welcoming and friendly morning amongst friends.
PIZZA AND MOVIE NIGHT – First Tuesday of the month
On 4 April the movie will be The Italian Job (1969) – British comedy about a gang of ex-cons attempting to steal gold bullion being transported through the city of Turin, Italy, climaxing with the famous 3 Mini Cooper car chase. Starring Michael Caine, Noel Coward, Benny Hill and Rossano Brazzi (99 mins)
On 2 May the movie will be The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015) – biographical drama about the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, born in poverty in Madras, India, who earns entry to Cambridge University during World War 1. Starring Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons and Stephen Fry (108 mins).
On 6 June the movie will be Jane Eyre (2011) – Romantic drama based on Charlotte Bronte’s 1847 novel starring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender and Judi Dench (120 mins)
Come along and enjoy the best value dinner and movie combo in town! Cost $10. Please bring your own drinks.
Bookings essential: 9428 4287 or 9427 4740
BUS TRIP – WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE.
A big thank-you to Rev. Gaby at Bankstown Uniting Church for offering their bus for a day trip. We will travel to Palm Beach on Wednesday June 14. The bus will leave from our church at 9:00 am. Please add your name to the list if you wish to come as spaces are limited. Lunch will be at a local eatery at your own expense.
PIZZA AND MOVIE NIGHT – First Tuesday of the month – since Dec 2011!
On 6 June the movie will be Jane Eyre (2011) – Romantic drama based on Charlotte Bronte’s 1847 novel starring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender and Judi Dench (120 mins).
On 4 July the movie will be The Lavender Hill Mob (1951) – British comedy about a bank clerk who decides to rob his own bank, starring Alec Guiness, Stanley Holloway and Sid James and brief appearances by Audrey Hepburn and Robert Shaw in their first film roles (81 mins).
Come along and enjoy what must be the best value dinner and movie combo in town!
Cost remains at $10 in June, we are having a price rise to $12 in July. Please bring your own drinks.
Bookings essential: 9428 4287 or 9427 4740
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.
STAMP NEWS
Please continue to save stamps and give them to Virginia or Frank.
JUNE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
June 4, Sun 9:30 am – Trinity Sunday Service – Communion
June 6, Tue 6:30 pm – Pizza/Movie Night – “Jane Eyre”
June 7, Wed 10:00 am – Time 4U and every Wednesday
June 14, Sun 9:30 am – Bus Trip – Palm Beach
June 21, Wed 12:30 pm – Elders/Church Council Meeting
June 25, Sun 9:30 am – UCA Anniversary Combined Service wit LCU here, at St. Andrew’s.
JULY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
July 2, Sun 9:30 am – Sunday Communion Service
July 4, Tue 6:30 pm – Pizza/Movie Night – “The Lavender Hill Mob.”
July 5, Wed 10:00 am – Time 4U and every Wednesday
July 12, Wed 12:30 pm – Elders/Church Council Meeting
AUGUST DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
Aug 1, Tue 6:30 pm – Pizza/Movie Night – “Saving Mr. Banks”
Aug 5, Sat 8:00 am – MARKET MORNING
Aug 6, Sun 9:30 am – Sunday Communion Service
St. Andrew’s Uniting Church
Corner Kenneth and Christina Streets Longueville
MARKET MORNING
Saturday 5th August 2023
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
COVID-19 SAFE and SOCIALLY DISTANCED
Plastic Bag Free Event
Stalls include:
Cakes, Jams and Pickles, Quality Corner, White Elephant, Books, Fresh Flowers, Children’s Toys and Games, CDs, DVDs, Pick-a-Bottle or a Bag, Homemade Sausage Rolls, Hamper, BBQ and Morning Teas!
Everyone gets a bargain!
Certain of moneys from the Market Morning will be used to assist the homeless through Exodus Foundation
Enquiries: Virginia Knowles Phone: 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.org.au