Sunday 3rd February 2019
Greetings and welcome to this week’s newsletter
A Note from Linda
Greetings! The summer break is coming to an end, the church office has re-opened and it’s time for our weekly newsletters to re-commence.
A huge thanks to Jan who is continuing on as our Editor – we think this is her 12th year in the role! Jan is a great example of someone who has found a role that she enjoys, where she can use her gifts and that is used for the common good.
“God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!
The variety is wonderful.” (1 Cor 12:4 MSG)
As we work through Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians I hope it is giving you the opportunity to think and pray about what your unique gifts are, what roles you are called to fulfill and how these can be used for the common good.
Blessings, Linda
Sunday Feb 3rd at 6pm
Please join the Sounds of Silence team and ‘the young people’ on the deck (weather permitting) for a Contemplative Service inspired by the theme of “Let go of the old – turn to the new – live out our lives with love”
Music by the “Fry” girls and special stories from Meg and Victoria about turning points in their lives.
We would love to see you there.
Coming Sunday evenings at Athelstone Uniting Church
3 February – 6pm – Contemplative Service at Church – on the deck
10 February – 4-6pm including dinner
Messy Church is back! This service is for all ages
You are on the VIP list to the biggest party ever! But where is this party? Come along to find out more about God’s Kingdom and the most important invitation we will ever receive
17 February – 6.30 for 7pm – Spirited Sundays are back! Our first speaker for the year will be Ivan Copley
24 February – 6pm – Prayer Walk
All are welcome to any of our Sunday evening activities, and as usual are welcome to join us for dinner or a cuppa each Sunday night at The Rezz after our service.
Looking ahead to Lent
During Lent (commencing in March) our preaching series will follow the book “Being Disciples” by Rowan Williams. All are invited to join in further by reading the book as part of your own personal devotions or joining a small group to unpack it together. An order form and more information will be available in next week’s newsletter. Existing small groups are invited to use the book for your studies. Linda will also be hosting a new small group to read this book together. Alternately, there will be a Lent Event bible study available which can also be used by small groups.
Book Club is on next week (9 am Tuesday 5th) at the café across the road
Threads also starts up again (2.30pm Tuesday 12th) at the café across the road)
Church Council News
The Church Council met for the first time this year on Tuesday 29 January.
The Council is comprised of the following people.
Linda Driver, Jeff Dry, Dianne Curtis, Chris Pritchard, Eric Hurrell, Glen Luestner, Bob Stevenson, Robyn Fry, and Ann Brown
The following were elected as Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary:
Chairperson – Jeff Dry, Treasurer – Glen Luestner, Secretary – Ann Brown
A Commissioning Service to affirm the Council members in their ministry will be held on Sunday 10 February at the 9.30am service.
ToFs will be resuming this Tuesday 5th February at 2 pm.
We will meet at St Georges Bakehouse, 272 Montacute Rd, Rostrevor, but if you need transport please let Jenny or Ros know.
Tuesday on Fox (ToFs) is a social group for both women and men that meet on the first Tuesday of the month (unless otherwise arranged) for a cuppa, chat and occasional special event.
Everyone is welcome to come along and get to know new friends or discover more about the people sitting alongside you in church. If you have any questions regarding the group please speak to either –
Jenny Riggall 0438 848 112 or Ros Howland 0421 040 526
Who, what, is/are triple c’s??
Simply …COFFEE, CHAPS and CHAT.
1st meeting Wednesday February 13th
Where? different coffee establishments in the general area.
Why? Get to know your fellow man for a laugh, discussion on things general, info on
how to make or do something, just a general chat.
How long? Til we get kicked out……..No about 2 hours, including from and return home. Should make getting a leave pass pretty easy!!. Maybe a cheer or 6!!
Where on Feb 13? Cannot reveal everything, but watch next week’s bulletin.
Need extra info. or perhaps a lift? Contact Bob Stevenson or Ray Walter.
Stay and Play Playgroup
DATES for 2019
Term 1
5th February, 19th February, 5th March, 19th March, (2nd April – possible cancellation)
Term 2
7th May, 21st May, 4th June, 18th June, 2nd July
We start 2019 with healthy numbers of children but with a reduced number of team helpers. The waiting list will be in operation for over 20 children and sessions will need to be cancelled until we can increase the team.
Please seriously consider how you can support Stay and Play so that this valuable outreach can continue.
People who set up, pack away, cut fruit, wash dishes and interact with carers and children, are all of great benefit to the already committed team.
“Let’s Talk Together” in 2019 and celebrate the International Year of Indigenous Languages.
Bruce and Joy Stewart – Phone: 83362671 or Email: bruceandjoy@bigpond.com
With Love to the World
The latest edition has arrived – it is due to start on the 4th February. Please pick up your copy in the church main foyer – there will be, as usual, an envelope attached in which you may place your payment in the offering bowl.
We have ordered an extra few copies if you would like have a devotional resource over the next 3 months.
The cost is $5.00. Thank you – Sharyn
“Kiribati Fresh Water Project
The Kiribati Drinking Water Supply Project was initiated 3 years ago by this church in response to a call from Naracoorte UC to assist in freshwater supply to the Arorea Island community.
Kiribati, situated on the equator and just this side of the International Dateline, has a population of 50,000 people living on small islands and atolls. Rising sea levels and storm events has caused salt water contamination of the fresh water springs requiring alternative water supply.
Our very enjoyable South Pacific Evening held in July last year, along with generous donations, has raised $3100. Together with funds raised in previous years a total of $8450 has been raised.
Various approaches to supply fresh water were considered and tested. The old technique (used by army corps, scouting groups and on remote camping trips) of raised tarpaulins to collect rain and drain to storage tanks has proven to be the most realistic and simple to transport, install and maintain.
The above funds have now been spent to purchase 24 (2 x 4 metre) food grade ‘Australian Made’ tarpaulins and these have then been packed with tie downs and transported to Kiribati.
The local member for Areaoa, and former Deputy Prime Minister (Mrs Teima Onorio), has acknowledged the gift, expressed deep appreciation and undertaken to ensure delivery to the community. Photos are expected in due course. This concludes AUC 3 year commitment with Naracoorte UC for this project.
Thank you to all those who have contributed and supported the project with enthusiasm and generosity.
The Wider Mission group are proposing that the AUC Wider Mission ‘Special Project’ for 2019 be brought closer to home with a focus on assisting a church community in Outback/Regional SA with a project. This focus could involve direct support through visitation.
We are in contact with various individuals and agencies seeking suggestions for consideration and recommendation to Church Council in March. If you have a suggestion please advise – Brian, Friederike, Julie or Mike
Wider Mission Team
Electronic Giving – Forms are available or speak to Treasurer Glen Luestner for more information.
Pastoral care – Please contact a member of our Pastoral Care Oversight Team for assistance:
Rev Linda Driver 0458 500 656 Bob Stevenson 0400 641 242
Brenton Summers 0400 632 829 Ann Brown 0413 581 554
Prayer Requests – Can we support you in prayer? Here’s how:
Prayer Chain – send an email to, or call Brenton Summers, who will pass your prayer request on to a group of people who faithfully pray in response to Prayer Chain emails.
Confidential Prayers – if the issue is more personal you are invited to contact Linda for individual prayer or one the members of the Pastoral Care Oversight team (Brenton Summers, Ann Brown, Bob Stevenson and Linda). All prayer requests going to the team will be kept strictly confidential within this team.
Prayers for Others (Sunday Worship) – Linda provides our Worship Leaders with prayer points as appropriate. Prayer points are also sourced from the Prayer Chain. If you have something you would like to be included in Prayers for Others, please contact Linda. “We are all called to pray for one another, and so we are all encouraged to offer to pray for, or with others, especially if they share a concern with you.” (James 5:13-16
Wider Church News- Please use the link to UC e-news at http://sa.uca.org.au/uc-e-news/
Website – We encourage you to visit our website: www.athelstonechurch.org.au
Newsletter contributions – Please email newsletter@athelstonechurch.org.au by 5pm Wed.
Lectionary readings
3rd February – Jer 1:4-10; Ps 71:1-6; 1 Cor 13:1-13; Lk 4:21-30
10th February – Is 6:1-8 (9-13); Ps 138; 1 Cor 15:1-11; Lk 5:1-11
Roster
| 3rd February | 10th February | |
| Preacher | Linda | Linda |
| Worship Leader | Robyn | Jeff |
| Singers | Bob/Lynton N/Ann | Jeanine/Allan/Janet |
| Keyboard | Shelley | Di |
| Guitar | Chris/Dave | Chris/Shelley |
| Data Projector | Samantha | Dave |
| Flowers | Jenny R | Raelene |
| Door Stewards & Offering | Jayne & Lynton | Winsome & Brian |
| Notices | Don B | Don B |
| Scripture Reader | Jai West | Jayne |
| Offering Count | Jeff/Lynton | Ray/Gus |
| Tea & Coffee | Marie H & Friederike | Winsome & Brian |
| Sound | Noel | Don |
| Building Steward | Noel | Richard R |
What’s on 4th – 10th February
| Monday | 4.45-6.45 pm | Waratah Calisthenics College | Auditorium |
| Tuesday | 9.00 am | Book Club | Coffee Shop |
| 9.30–11.30 am | Pilates | Top Hall | |
| 10.00-11.30 am | Stay & Play | Lwr Hall & Decking | |
| 10.00-11.00am | U3A – Yoga | Auditorium | |
| 2.00 pm | Tof’s | St Georges Bakehouse | |
| 6.30-7.30pm | Reach your Feat | Top Hall | |
| Wednesday | 6.00-8.00 pm | Waratah Calisthenics College | Auditorium |
| 6.30-7.30pm | Reach your Feat | Top Hall | |
| Thursday | 5.30-6.30pm | Reach your Feat | Top Hall |
| Friday | 10.00-12.00pm | Friendship Club | Auditorium |
| Saturday | 9.30-11.30am | Pilates | Top Hall |
| 10.00-11.00 am | Waratah Calisthenics College | Auditorium | |
| Sunday | 9.30am | Worship | Auditorium |
| 4.00-6.00pm | Messy Church | Auditorium/Kitchen |
Save the Date
The Metropolitan Male Choir of South Australia presents
Songs of Faith
Sunday 7th April 2019 – 2.00 pm at Wesley Uniting Church, Kent Town
(Friends of the Choir enjoy a loyalty benefit; Friends pay only $25 per ticket purchased before 28th Feb)
To purchase tickets for $25 call 0401 204 634
Not a Friend yet? Joining is Free at their website: www.mmcsa.org
Tickets available online for $30 at Trybooking.com from 1st March 2019