Posts from March 2020

Posts from March 2020

Learnings from Uniting Neurological Support Services (UNSS)

Six months ago I started with Uniting Neurological Support Services (UNSS) in a pastoral care role. At the time I wondered how it would fit in with my role at MUC, and what challenges I might face. The role at UNSS is quite different, and involves me meeting with and interacting with residents and staff at two locations in Burwood East and Glen Waverley. There are 36 residents who live at UNSS and each has different needs. Let me reflect…

‘When the going gets tough’

When I began as a Home Missionary, long ago, last century, we were appointed for a maximum of three years and there was a saying at the time amongst us to describe the experience of those three years which went: First Year – IdoliseSecond Year – CriticiseThird Year – OstraciseNo wonder we rarely got a fourth year!! I guess Jesus must have been in his second year in the reading John 6:1-13. He went to his home town and, as…

Lent Reflection (week 6)

Reading Our reading this Sunday is Mark 11:1-11, Palm Sunday. (see bible reading here) Our symbol is obviously palm leaves This is the beginning of what we call Holy Week and reminds us of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, a welcome which contrasts Good Friday. Palm Sunday is when people march for refugees – however this will not be happening this year given the COIVD-19 situation. However, Rev Claire has written a prayer march which you can do from your own…

Now and Not yet Breakfast packs

Did you know that local Warrandyte Social Enterprise Cafe ‘Now and Not Yet’ is currently providing housing for women escaping domestic violence, the homeless and asylum seekers?

We’re going on a bear hunt

place a bear in your window Many Australian children know and love the book “We’re Going On a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen. In these times of social / physical distancing it’s turn it into a neighbourhood game! Put a teddy in a front window of your house for local kids to spot on their neighbourhood walks or drives. Teddies in windows likely to bring some much-needed smiles in what is a very difficult time for many. Don’t have a…

Melbourne Museum at Home

With Melbourne Musuem being closed, you might like to explore their museum at home project you can connect, explore and learn more from your favourite museums every day. Links include Melbourne Museum at home Scienceworks at home Immigration Museum at home Delve in to the digital channels and enjoy this all with them. Check out the website: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/museum-at-home/

20 days of play at home

Playgroup Victoria have compiled a list of home play activities. These activities can be done in the home, in the backyard or at the local park. Check them out here: https://www.playgroup.org.au/news/20-days-of-play-at-home/ Feel free to share your activities – send photos or videos to communications@manninghamuc.org so we can share your creations with the community

Giving in a time of Crisis

We are all facing difficult times and some more than others. Even though we are not meeting physically we are doing many different ways to keep in touch. Some, who are in a position to do so, have indicated that they would like to keep on giving. Some who are better off at this time have indicated they would like to give more generously. This may even lessen the burden on others.

Earth Hour – 28 March 2020

What do you love most and not want to lose to climate chaos? Introduction Reading – Genesis Chapter 1 & 2 Lights If you can, please, turn off your lights to as a symbolic gesture that you are connected with a world wide earth hour community Welcome A Litany of Confession Response Except for the lone wave by Grace Nicolls Like a heiress drawn to her light-reflecting jewels, Atlantic draws me to the mirror of my oceanic small days and…

PRAYERS FOR THIS SEASON

The President and Moderators have prepared a weekly cycle of prayers for use by congregations and in people’s personal devotions, as a way of connecting Uniting Church members. as we pray each day for one another and the life of the Australian community. We hope these prayers nurture and encourage you. Read the prayes from the Assembly website: https://assembly.uca.org.au/component/k2/item/3150-prayers

Prayer resource

This prayer resource is offered in the hope that it will sustain you whilst we are worshipping in different places. Just because we are not gathering together in one place as we would usually do on a Sunday morning, it doesn’t mean we aren’t gathering together as a community of faith and prayer. We will be adding to this resource over the next few days as members of our community write their own prayers and reflections. Please keep in touch…

In my back yard

Just been out to feed the animals and let them out in the paddock.  It’s so lovely how they are consistent every single morning – the hens are clucking away waiting the scraps and peelings, the bunnies are hopping around pleased they’re about to be fed and the pony is kicking the bottom fence panel as he feels he should be fed first.  Nothing changes in my backyard as far as they are concerned – situation normal in the midst…