Welcome to Worship Connections - Northern Beaches Uniting Church

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   Welcome to Worship
       Connections

January 2021 Edition
Lectionary reading
Christmas Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98; Heb 1:1-14; Jn 1:1-14
Sunday 27 December: Is 61:10-62; Ps 148; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:22-40
Sunday 3 January: Jer 31:7-14; Ps 147;12-20; Eph 1:3-14; Jn 1 1: 10-18
Sunday 10 January: Gn 1:1-15; Ps 29; Acts 19: 1-7; Mk 1:4-11
Sunday 17 January: I Sm 3:1-10; Ps 139: 1-6; 1 Cor 12-20; Jn 1: 43-51
Sunday 24 January: Jon 3:1-5, 10; Ps 62:5-12; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20
Sunday 31 January: Dt 18:15-20; Ps 111; 1 Cor 8:1-13; Mk 1: 21-28

Christmas 2020 Message
from the Minsters …

No doubt we have had an unprecedented year, which really started last year with
bush fires! I don’t think any of us might recall having more challenges than what
has been presented this year, and it appears it’s not over yet! And despite these
challenges, we can look back at the year gone by and think of what we actually went
through, not just on our own, but as a church on the Northern Beaches we abbreviate
so fondly as NBUC. Our church had to learn very quickly how to film and produce
on-line services, sing and produce songs in our lounge rooms, and in many ways, we
adapted and learnt new skills. We have even managed to launch new initiatives and
ministries and in going through the trials that none of us anticipated, we bonded
more strongly through our High5 groups, some of us learnt how to Zoom, and our
computers were running hot! We stayed close to each other and got closer to God
in unexpected ways.

Your Ministers would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge your bravery and
courage during this time, but most importantly, how your faith rose up to new
heights and sustained all our church members in different ways. We would also like
to acknowledge the contribution from the staff and leadership teams, it has
undoubtably taken its toll, we haven’t been in a physical war but there have been
some costs. In a profound and almost supernatural way, your leaders have drawn
together in a beautiful way that gives great testimony to not only their character
and leadership, but their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. We do indeed appreciate
the love and support you have given to us both in fulfilling our Ministry goals this
year.

Finally, as we have said a number of times over the last year, our physical sites might
have to close (again!) but as a Church we continue to remain OPEN to the ministry
opportunities that the Holy Spirit calls us into. We might finish the year somewhat
exhausted, but filled with the promise and anticipation of what lies before us. May
you locate the hope, joy, peace and love that is woven through this season of
Christmas, and stay safe.

                                        Blessing to you, your loved ones and families

                               Blessings from your Ministers Rev. Mata & Rev. John.

NBUC Worship Services
Due to the current outbreak on the Northern Beaches, the Regional Mission Council have
made the decision that no physical services will be conducted for the month of January
for any of our four sites (Cromer, Balgowlah, Freshwater and Manly). Whilst this is
unfortunate, we feel it is in the best interest of public safety and the safety of our
parishioners.

Online Worship Services:
The following online services will continue to be made available for NBUC:

Christmas Day Friday 25 December

Sunday 27 December

Sunday 3 January

Sunday 10 January

NBUC Worship Service Links

Website

Facebook Page

YouTube Page

Office Closure
Please note the office is unattended from Tuesday 5 January until Tuesday 2 February, all
urgent matters please contact Max Blacker on treasurer@nbuniting.org.au all other
matters will be attended to after 2 February.

Prayer Requests
Please pray for Heather Peterson and Barbara Easton from our Freshwater family, who are
unwell at the moment along with Eileen McEwan and Karlyn Johnstone-Hall from our Cromer
family who are recovering from recent surgery.
Please keep Robyn Poole, Allan and Glynis Woolcock, Heather Peterson, Nancy Purches,
Carolyn Benn, Trish Byrne, Margaret Huckle, Carolyn Benn, Joyce Todd and Jim Thwaites
in your thoughts and prayers.
Please continue to pray for our Northern Beaches communities.
Ruth and Steve Byrne’s contact number 9483 6487.

Balgowlah Mural Donations
As you will be aware the mural in now
complete. It was a great effort by the
artist and the church volunteers who
transformed the vision into reality. To
me the ambition of the vision has been
fully realised in the final product.

Now that the mural is complete it means
we now need to pay the artist and various
contractors who worked on preparing the
surface.

To all those church members who
indicated a willingness to make a special
donation in the survey form, or those
people who have been motivated to make
a donation having seen the mural, please see below an account where you are able to
electronically transfer your funds to.       Please use the word “Mural” in your
reference/description so we are able to differentiate the funds from general donations.
Many thanks for your support with this wonderful community ministry.
Blessings Max

NBUC Working Account
BSB: 634634
Account: 100045863

Manly Meditation

On Wednesday we have our last zoom meditation meeting for the year, continuing our
theme of Art in Advent. As it is our last meeting for the year, we thought we might share
some virtual Christmas cheer. Although we are not able to share at the same physical table
we will be able to share at our virtual table.

Manly Meditation will restart on Tuesday 2 February @ 7pm @ Manly Uniting Church and
we are hopeful it will be in person. This will be dependent on what covid restrictions are
be in place. All are welcome to join our group, if you are interested please email Carlo on
carlo.valpiani@gmail.com

Cromer Craft
Craft will be returning on Tuesday 2 February 2021 if we are allowed back on site. Please
check the Cromer page on the NBUC Website or contact Barbara via email on
wombat@smartchat.net.au for an update. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas
and safe New Year from the Cromer Craft Group.

School for Seniors Update
Please check our SENIORS on the NBUC Website for the latest updates on our return in 2021.
As we will need to clarify covid restrictions closer to our anticipated return date on Tuesday 2
February 2021.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family, stay safe, School for Seniors
Executive Team.

Notices
Please note annual leave times below for Ministers and staff:

¨ Rev. John Barker is on annual leave from Monday 11 January to Monday 8 February
  2021.

¨ Rev. Mata Havea Hiliau is on annual leave from Monday 28 December 2020 to
  Thursday 28 January 2021.

¨ Stephanie La Greca is on annual leave from Tuesday 5 January until Thursday 29
  January (back in the office on Tuesday 2 February).

¨ Dimity Betlem Wednesday 23 December to Monday 11 January 2021.

Pastoral Care
For pastoral support during Rev. John and Rev. Mata’s annual leave; Monday 11 January to
Thursday 28 January, please contact either Rev. Sisilia Tupou-Thomas on 0410 293 825
or Pastor Bob Durbin on 0458 005 280.

Offerings
We greatly appreciate your continual support with your online offerings made during these
uncertain times where our sites have had to close Please see our bank details below and
thank you again for ensuring our missions are able to continue.

  Site           Account Name                   BSB             Account Number

  Freshwater     Freshwater Giving Direct       634-634         100031353

  Cromer         Cromer Working                 634-634         100025865

  Manly          Manly Working                  634-634         100003165

  Balgowlah      Balgowlah Giving Direct        634-634         100025865

We Wish You a Merry Christmas
    We wish you a Merry Christmas

    We wish you a Merry Christmas

    We wish you a Merry Christmas

         And a Happy New Year

 Good tidings we bring, to you and your kin

    We wish you a Merry Christmas

         And a Happy New Year

         Be Safe
       Be Kind
    Be Careful