WORSHIP.

We began the meeting by sharing in worship, which was themed around ‘reconciliation’ and the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’. The worship commenced with a video featuring stunning imagery of Uluru and the Northern Territory, accompanied by a remixed Yothu Yindi track.

Once centred on the theme, we heard from Rev. Ben Gilmour, the Minister at Paddington Uniting Church, who delivered a fantastic homily.

PADDINGTON UCA.

Embracing faith, inclusiveness, justice and creativity.

Leonard Chin, the Chair of Paddington’s Church Council, walked us through a quick history of the church, as it was the 140^th year of the site’s witness and community engagement.

We learned that there are two congregations sharing the worship space at Paddington, the Sunday morning service, which is kid-friendly, relaxed and social. And the evening service, which sits within a more “contemporary liturgical and musical setting.”

We also heard an overview of Paddington’s programs, which include, Paddington Markets and the Children’s Centre. We were given a snapshot of the recent development adjacent to the church in what was previously an empty lot, now featuring high-end apartments, a multi-level car park and a grocery store; all of which deliver significant revenue and opportunities for engagement to the church.

As a result of this influx of revenue, Paddington UCA is currently involved in a mission-planning phase. The Presbytery eagerly awaits more information on how Paddington will approach this next chapter of its journey.

For more information on the life and work of Paddington Uniting, please visit: https://paddingtonuca.org.au

Worship.

We began the meeting by sharing in worship led by deputy chairperson Rev. Vinnie Ravetali. We were also blessed and challenged by Rev. Fie Marino (Multicultural Ministry Consultant for NSW/ACT Synod) who shared a sermon on the story of the Syrophoencian Woman in the Gospel of Mark. We also shared together in the sacrament of Holy Communion before beginning the business of the day.

BURWOOD/CROYDON UNITING CHURCH: Areas of Mission Overview.

Members of the Burwood Croydon congregation gave an impassioned overview of their areas of mission. Here are some of the highlights.

Over the last year, BUCA has had over 300 visitors through their support & outreach programs!

Music Connections is a life-changing music therapy program for children & their parents/carers. The program helps children build social skills - while providing a support network for their parents and carers.

Uniting Care Burwood Preschool currently has 80 regular kids come through its doors each week. 30 of these kids come from low-income families (which means a combined income of less than $42K per year).

Community Engagement & Social/Cultural Inclusion programs are a big part of BUCA's missional focus.

• English conversation classes, running since 1989 & completely free.

• Burwood Arts, involving music, art and drama programs.

• Café ministry + Pancake Day + Aboriginal Family Fun Day + Burwood Festival / Christmas in the Park.

BUCA Development Project: Towards an 'Enlivened Town Centre'.

This exciting development project will involve a complete remodelling of the church hall, offices and grounds. This project will increase BUCA's ability to help create social impact in the local community and generate revenue for areas of mission.

The project has been signed off by the congregation. Next steps: Presbytery and Standing Committee sign off.

http://burwood-croydon.unitingchurch.org.au/