Surfcoast Uniting Churches Newsletter Sunday 9 .12. 2018

Items for this Newsletter pajventer@bigpond.com

Aireys Inlet Anglesea Bellbrae Torquay

Bellbrae Bric-A-Brac and Bookroom

sorting each Tuesday from 1pm – 4.30pm

helpers are very welcome.

Opening Times Thursday, Friday 10am–4pm

Saturday 10am–1pm

This week at Torquay Beaut Beanies - Tuesdays 10.30am-noon, Torquay Uniting Church Foyer.

Coffee & Kids - Thursday & Friday from 9.30 to 11.00. Helpers are always welcome. Torquay Church Choir - For the 2nd Sunday in Advent the choir is again singing from the Holy Boy Cantata. It is a lovely song called "Shelter me Friend", about the journey to Bethlehem. Joseph knocks on every door but there is no shelter. "Mary is now afraid". Finally, there is a "reluctant answer" and "down there we have a cave". Christmas Service – There will be no service on the 24th December at Torquay. A service will still be held at Bellbrae at 11 pm. Uniting Concern - No Christmas items needed, just basic food items and maybe some chips or popcorn to make it festive. Please put items in the box in the foyer underneath the table where Newsletters are.

Church Services

Today Anglesea 9:00 Kenneth Ralph Torquay 9:30 Rev Suzie Castle Aireys Inlet 10:30 Kenneth Ralph Bellbrae 11:00 Rev Suzie Castle Next Week Anglesea 9:00 Rev Suzie Castle Torquay 9:30 Chris Machar Aireys Inlet 10:30 Rev Suzie Castle Bellbrae 11:00 Chris Machar

Minister Rev Suzanne Suzie Castle Ph: 0421 023 197 Email: suzie.castle@gmail.com Address: 34 Lightwood Street, North Torquay 3228

Bellbrae Bric-a-Brac volunteer roster 2019 Please let me know of any changes that need to be made to the next six-month roster. If you know of anyone who would like to volunteer, please let me know. All that is required is a Working with Children Check, forms available from me. The Opp shop will re-open Thursday 3 January 2019. Helen Gaylard helen.c.g@bigpond.com mobile 0438639609.

Christmas Bowl Appeal 2018 On this 2nd Sunday in Advent we light a candle for Peace. In today’s readings from Luke’s Gospel, the priest Zechariah speaks about his newly born son John Saying that the child would be a prophet who prepare the way for the One who would “give light to those who sit in darkness, and who would “guide our feet into the way of peace.” Envelopes are now available at each church and you are invited to bring your gift as part of offering on Christmas Day. Envelopes can be placed in the offering plate on any Sunday. You have generously supported this appeal in the past. Please consider making your contribution once again.

Surfcoast Uniting Churches Newsletter Sunday 9 .12. 2018

Items for this Newsletter pajventer@bigpond.com

Dear Baptised Members, My preferred method of serving Holy Communion is by Intinction. This is done through one common cup and one loaf of bread. A second cup and gluten free option will also be made available. The process is explained here following my theological reflection on why I prefer Holy Communion through Intinction. I grew up in the Presbyterian Church where the small glasses and cut up piece of bread was distributed. I never felt I connected with this holy sacrament as there was limited physical participation from myself, I simply sat and was served. As I grew deeper in my faith and Holy Communion became an important part of nourishment for my journey, I reflected on our servant King's traits of generosity, hospitality and humility. I wrestled with my response to receiving Communion through sitting and being served. In listening to the litany, I understood that our Lord had prepared a meal for us and had invited us to join him at the table. If a friend invites me to dinner, I respond by getting in my car, driving over to their home and sit at their table awaiting the meal they have prepared. Intinction is about the physical response. It's about hearing the invitation from God. It's about responding to God by coming forward to the table to receive but also share in the meal that nourishes and strengthens us. It's about a personal reminder from those who serve you, that Christ's body was broken, and blood shed for us. Process At this stage the bread and wine will be held by myself and one server. You will be invited to come forward to the Communion elements. You move from your seat once you feel you are ready to receive. As you approach the bread server we will say “The body of Christ broken for you”, you can respond with Amen if you choose. Rip a good piece of bread from the loaf and move to the cup where the server will say, the blood of Christ shed for you”. Dip the bread in the wine without letting your fingers touch the liquid. One reason why we encourage taking a large piece of bread. Again, you can respond with Amen. You can partake in your meal at that moment or return with it to your seat for prayer and reflection before eating it. If you are unable to come forward, then we will come to you where you sit. This is a moment in time when you gift us the responsibility to serve you. I look forward to this Sunday and sharing in the sacrament of Holy Communion by Intinction at Torquay and Bellbrae. Peace be with you Rev Suzie