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Our Vision

A Community Transforming Lives

Our Values

Parramatta Mission values

Grace, Inclusion, Dignity, Faith and Hope

20th April 2014

Foster your faith this week as you read: Acts 10:34-43 or Jer 31:1-6 Ps 118:1-2, 14-24 Col 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43 Jn 20:1-18

Matthew 28:1-10 1 But after the sabbath, at the dawning of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to view the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his dress was as white as snow. 4 And the guards, out of fear of him, were shaken and became like the dead. 5 But the angel, answering, said to the women, “Do not fear; for I know that you seek Jesus who has been crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come; see the place where he lay. 7 Then quickly go and tell his disciples that he has been raised from the dead, and know this, he goes before you to Galilee. There you will see him. Listen! I have told you.” 8 And they went quickly from the tomb with great fear and joy and ran to inform his disciples. 9 And listen, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they approached him, and held his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said, “Fear not. Go, inform my brothers and sisters that they may go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” Translation by Keith Hamilton

Leigh Congregation "New Life...He is Risen!" Wall Hanging -

Our Children's Easter Message

Thank you to the children of our combined Leigh Memorial and Leigh Fijian Sunday Schools for their wonderful handiwork in creating our church's Easter wall hanging for this year - with it's empowering message of unity and hope. "Happy Easter" to everyone!

Lent Event Thank You Many thanks to Rebecca, our Lent Event Co-ordinator for 2014! We've valued Bec's dedicated leadership during the past 6 weeks and her assistance at Sunday School. Thanks also to the Sunday School team and all our kids and young people for creating the 'Lent Event Corner' in the coffee shop and their inspiring & educational Lent Event craft projects. Lastly, thank you to our Sunday School children and families who have "given something up" for Lent Event to help raise important funds. Liz.

Parramatta Mission Heritage Committee - An Easter Sunday message

Our local, Parramatta newspaper reported that in 1902: "Special services were held in the Parramatta Wesleyan Church (that's us!) on Easter Sunday - the preachers being Rev. Dr. Sellors in the morning service and Rev. Atkinson in the evening. At the morning service, the choir sang the anthem 'The Resurrection Morn' (Dr. Vincent) - Mrs. Pearce taking the soprano solo. The evening anthem was 'On the First Day of the Week'. During the offertory, Mr. Piddock the Organist played Batisto's 'Andante in G'. The 'Hallelujah Chorus' (Handel) was played at the close of each service." There are a number of interesting aspects to this snippet from our past - including the fact that music - notably brought to the congregation and community via the well known Leigh Memorial Choir and Leigh Memorial organ - was utilized on that special Easter Sunday as it has been throughout our church's history. 112 years later and the congregations of Parramatta Mission are still worshipping on Easter Sunday and praising God - plus enjoying each others' company, the talent of our various singers and musicians, and cherished time with friends and family. "Easter Blessings to all" - Liz for the PM Heritage Committee. Event Reminder/ Diary date: Heritage Sunday this year will take place on 22 June, with morning services at both Leigh and Westmead, followed by a combined Brunch at Westmead.

Westmead Congregation

News from our Karen, Volunteer Prison Chaplain Karen has had an opportunity over last week and this week to becomes more familiar with the role of chaplains in the gaols. She spent last Thursday and Sunday shadowing one of the chaplains at the large men's gaol at Silverwater and will spend this coming Thursday with the chaplain at the women's gaol. Last Thursday involved observing the chaplain as she spent time explaining her role to men who were in gaol for the first time and listening to their concerns, as well as visiting and speaking with other inmates in the various areas of the gaol where they are accommodated. On Palm Sunday she helped with Holy Week services that the chaplain conducted for three different groups of inmates. Since the inmates will not have the chance to attend a Holy Thursday or Good Friday service, the liturgy covered from Palm Sunday through to Good Friday, ending with the discovery of the empty tomb. A highlight of each service was the opportunity for each of us attending to wash our neighbour's feet (or actually just one foot!). Karen went home with a very clean right foot! This coming Thursday Karen will spend the day with the chaplain at the women's gaol at Silverwater. The day will include participating in the Holy Thursday

Special Open Door on Wednesday 30th to celebrate its 13th

anniversary. Sue and Georgie are well into their preparations so

please don’t disappoint them. Register at the front desk to help

catering.

No Tai Chi on Anzac Day, 25th April. Next Tai Chi day will be

Friday, 2nd May, 2014

Have a blessed Easter! Winter has arrived early, so keep rugged up!

The Joint Nominating Committee has requested that a special congregational meeting for the Leigh Congregations be held on Sunday 27

th April immediately

following the morning service.

The purpose of the meeting is:

To receive the report and recommendation to call anew minister for the Leigh Congregations To be introduce the nominee and hear a little of his faith journey To engage in a question & answer time regarding the J.N.C.’s recommendation To vote for or against the recommendation by secret ballot

Stations of the Cross exhibition: A cooperation of Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School & Northmead UCA. Contemporary art to a traditional theme, involving 15 of Australia’s leading artists. Opening 6:30-8:30pm Friday 4 April at Northmead High, Campbell St Northmead. Exhibition open each day Saturday 5 April until Sunday 20 April. Tours @ 2pm each weekend, or by appointment. For info or bookings: School: 96304116, Church: 98905814

Keith and Julie Hamilton will be away on leave this week. All pastoral needs should be directed to the congregation leaders, Karen, Darlene, Samantha, Joan, Liz, Bruce, William.

Leigh Memorial congregation meeting on Sunday 27 April to meet with and vote on the call to a Minister of the Word

The Finance and Administration Committee will meet on Tuesday 29 April 4-6 pm

The Community Care Network Board meets on Tuesday 29 April 6:30-9:30 pm at Wesley Lodge

More Fijian News………………..

Basa Vukelulu, 23 Epereli, 8am. Eda sauma e $3 ki na Parramatta Council ka a rawa kina e $400. Nai yaya ni Basa e kau kece mai nai Vavakoso mai Westmead.

,Na noda “Social & Curry Night” e na Vakaraubuka oqo, 25 Epereli, 7pm. Kerei na marama meda yadua mai na kuro kari..

Veisau Vunau - Fiji Parish, 27 Epereli. Vunau Vakarau: JSFoiakau, Tu-Vakarau Veiliutaki & Tali Vunau: Waasewase Naba 1, Vunau Lesi: Senitiki Qata.

Pastoral Team message for this week…..

With a death, there is no wake, don’t give up; Easter is the birth of HOPE

Best Wishes for Easter

Tracey & Coral

EASTER @ SUNDAY SCHOOL 2014!

Sunday 6th April

Sunday School @ Leigh Combined ‘Preparing for Easter – New Life!’

Program with the Fijian Sunday School,

including music, craft & Easter eggs!

Please note the later finish time: 9.30 – 11.30 - 11.45am

Sunday 13 April – Palm Sunday

Sunday School @ Leigh special program for Palm Sunday + Round-up/

Close of Lent Event 2014 - during regular Sunday School time.

**********************************************

** Please consult the church newsletter for information re Easter church

services/ additional activities being held @ Leigh Memorial.

PARENTS/ CARERS please note:

There will be NO Sunday School classes on 20 and 27 April.

Sunday School will resume for Term 2 on Sunday 4 May.

“EASTER BLESSINGS” FROM ALL OF US AT SUNDAY SCHOOL @ LEIGH!

LEST WE FORGET: ‘Sacrifice – Peace – Salvation’

2014 marks the Centenary of the commencement of World War 1 - a

conflict which involved a number of our own congregation and took the

lives of four, who are remembered via the wooden memorial scroll and

stained glass windows at the left, rear corner of Leigh Memorial. Those

who died were James Tamsett, Stephen Booth, Clive Wooster and J.

Morris Hunt – all young men of our congregation. They were also the

sons, brothers, friends and partners of some of our longest serving

church families – all of whom would never completely recover from

their loss.

In addition to those engaged in active service, many Christians during

WWI - inc. those of the Methodist denomination - were also actively

involved in the Pacifist movement and advocated/ conscientiously

objected to both conscription and Australia’s participation in the conflict

in general. Conscription was a hot topic during two (ultimately defeated)

plebiscites in 1916 and 1917 and Australians were fairly evenly split as

to their point of view on the matter. However, it is clear that a majority

of Australian Christians and Christian Ministers were strongly devoted

to ‘King and Country’, and believed in Australia's involvement in the

war. They actively encouraged young parishioners to enlist and used

their churches/pulpits as recruiting platforms for the cause – usually with

flags and banners blazing. Photographs in the Leigh Memorial archives

attest to this, as does the wording chosen for our WWI memorial

windows and memorial board.

Retrospectively, many church figures and congregation members

regretted their initial ‘pro-war’ stance. Among these was Victorian

Methodist Minister, Rev. Hubert Palmer Phillips, who, on hearing the

horrific, first-hand accounts of returned servicemen in the 1920s,

subsequently became a dedicated pacifist and a vocal, anti-war activist.

Our Ministers at Leigh Memorial during WWI were Revs. Harding,

Holmes and Flemming - and while their specific stances on the war/

conscription are unknown – they were likely to have been conservative

and pro-conscription ones. We can deduce this from their influences,

inc. the vocally pro-war NSW Methodist Conference of the time and the

presence of politically conservative figures within the Leigh Memorial

congregation, inc. Joseph Cook. Member for Parramatta 1901 - 21,

Australia’s 6th Prime Minister 1913-14, and a firm advocate of the war/

conscription, Cook attended Leigh during at least some of his period in

office and therefore exerted considerable influence on local opinion.

Mrs. Cook was also very active within our church and the local

community and led a number of fund raising programs for the Red

Cross during WWI. Funds raised from at least one of Leigh Memorial’s

musical performances at the time was also donated to the Red Cross at

Mrs. Cook’s request.

Rev. James Carruthers (1848 – 1932) (Senior Minister at Leigh

1897-99 and powerful NSW Methodist leader/ Editor of ‘The

Methodist’) - was also a devoted patriot of the British Empire and a

staunch advocate of conscription. While still asserting considerable

influence within the Parramatta Circuit, Carruthers’ election as

President-General of the 1917 NSW Methodist Conference enabled him

to further perpetuate his pro-conscription beliefs. His keynote speaker of

choice at the Conference was fellow, senior Methodist Rev. Henry

Youngman - who readily stirred those assembled with his high praise of

the combined Imperial Forces and a re-affirmation of loyalty to England

and the cause of war. This zeal on the part of NSW Methodists was in

opposition to some of their fellow Ministers in other states - and in

direct opposition to the country's Catholics of Irish descent.

This very enthusiastic lobby group, led by Archbishop Mannix (and with

traditional Anglo-Irish rivalries fuelling their stance) - were ferociously

opposed to Australia’s war involvement.

In later years, Methodist rhetoric on war/ conscription certainly became

more subdued and diverse, however certain, influential Methodists -

such as Carruthers - retained strong views on the church's need to stand

with the Crown until the end of their lives.

In terms of benevolent contributions to the war effort by Leigh

Memorial congregation members - various charitable activities were

undertaken, including members contributing food, goods and volunteer

services to community/ relief / peace advocacy organizations such as the

Red Cross, the Women's Peace Army and the Women's Christian

Temperance Union. Church services also offered encouragement,

comfort and prayer during war time - and grieving families of the

congregation were undoubtedly well supported. During WWII, women

of the Leigh congregation contributed food and organizational assistance

to local community venture ‘The Soldiers’ Hut’ or simply ‘The Hut’ -

which was situated near Parramatta Town Hall and acted as a crucial

‘drop in’ point for soldiers.

During war time, belt-tightening meant that church festivals, parties,

anniversary celebrations and any unnecessary expenditure was reduced

or suspended - and church record keeping (as evidenced by the lack of

documentation in our archives for the periods during and between the

wars) was clearly not a high priority. Just ‘keeping the home fires

burning’ and surviving the realities of rationing and personal/

community grief were more than enough to handle in most instances.

That said - as evidenced by newspaper articles in ‘The Cumberland

Argus and Fruit Growers Advocate’ during the war years, 1914 – 1918 -

Leigh Memorial Choir’s famous, annual performances of ‘The

Messiah’ (conducted by Mr. Robert McNair Ferguson) were largely

maintained and undoubtedly helped to boost community morale.

As we mark the start of WWI Centenary acknowledgements this year

and commemorate the 99th Anniversary of the ANZACs – let us

solemnly remember the sacrifices of those who served and died – both

from our congregations and from the broader community. At the going

down of the sun and in the morning – we will remember them.

Let us also solemnly commit to advocating for peace, love, tolerance,

forgiveness and non-violent solutions to the local, national and

international conflicts of our own time. Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called the children of God. (Mathew 5:9).

-Lest We Forget -

Article by Liz de Réland

Parramatta Mission Heritage Committee.

(Copyright: Parramatta Mission 2014)

LADIES HIGH TEA

SATURDAY 17TH MAY, 2-5PM

COFFEE SHOP AT LEIGH MEMORIAL CHURCH, PARRAMATTA MISSION

THEME—SELF-CARE

The afternoon will include speakers, workshops, high tea and of course lots of talking…..

We would welcome a plate of food to share & also this year we will be asking for a $5 contribution to sponsor one young woman from each of our congregations to attend the Uniting Women Sydney Conference in

September 2014.

Please RSVP to Julie Hamilton on 0428 334 680

or via email julie.hamilton5@det.nsw.edu.au

by Saturday 12th May

시드니 조은교회 Sydney Jo-Eun Church 14-16

교회소식(Notices) 할렐루야! 주님이 주시는 참된 평안이 마음과 가정, 그리고 삶의 현장 가운데

늘 함께 하시실 축복합니다.

1, 주일 예배에 참석하신 모든 분들을 주님의 이름으로 환영합니다

2, 1년 동안 전도할 대상자 선정해서 중보 기도합니다

3, 신앙의 열매를 위해/ 전도를 위해 거룩한 부담을 가지고 기도합시다

4, 매일 성경읽기를 통해서 Q/T하시고 주님과 교제하시는 하루가 되십시오

*Wednesday Worship (7:00pm)

* MT 30:1-12

* 수요기도회 (오후7시)

마태복음 30:1-12

* QT 나눔/ 성경공부(주일오후 4시)

* Early Morning Service

(Tues-Sat 6:00am)

Daily Scripture Readings:

MT 28:11-33:22

*새벽기도회 (화~토 새벽6시)

마태복음 28:11-33:22

부활절 주일 Easter of Sunday (주일 오후 1시 30분)

* 개회찬송(Entrance Hymn)…….....(예배를 위한 묵상)…….….…...다함께

* 예배의 부름(Calling)…………………………………………………..다함께

* 송영(Gloria)…………...…만복의 근원 하나님 (1/1).....……………..다함께

* 사도신경 신앙고백(The Apostle’s Creed)………………………….다함께

* 찬양/찬송(Chorus & Hymns)…………(앉아서)…………...…….다함께

예수 부활했으니(164/154) 할렐루야 우리 예수(161/159)

죄에서 자유를 얻게 함은 (268/202)

* 기도 ( Prayer) ……….…………………......…….………………..…....다함께

* 말씀 (Preaching)……….….….………….........전현구목사 Rev, H. G Jun

“요한복음 20:19-29”

“보는 믿음, 듣는 믿음”

* 세례와 성찬(Baptism & Holy Communion)…...............................담임목사

* 찬송(Hymns)….…………...즐겁도다 이 날 (167/157).........................다함께

* 봉헌(Offertory)………………………………………..….……..….…..다함께

* 나눔과 알림(Announcement & Notices)……………….….……….다함께

* 폐회찬송(Final Hymn)...빛의 사자들여 어서 가서(502/497)…….....다함께

* 축도(Benediction)………………….………………………….…...담임목사

Thanks to our children and teachers for the many hours of rehearsals that culminated in their leading worship, preaching, praying, singing, dancing and performing a Palm Sunday-Passion Skit. Thanks Mums and Dads for the lovely lunch and your unwavering support.

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More Fijian news on previous page ….

Reflections from Lent Event 2014

UnitingWorld offers a sincere Thank You to all who recently participated in Lent Event. As we rejoice in the renewal that is celebrated at Easter we also rejoice in the generosity that you have shown by donating to support the church’s overseas partners who live on less than $2 a day. Your sacrifice during Lent will help support the relief and development work of UnitingWorld. It is time to send any remaining Lent Event donations on their way. Please give your donations to your Lent Event Coordinator, make an online donation or post a cheque directly to UnitingWorld by 16th May. Tax receipts will be issued forthwith. All the necessary donation information can be found on the brochure and Giving Envelope, Money Box and at the Lent Event website www.lentevent.com

……………………………………..

Reflection

The Good News the church proclaims is Good News because of Easter. We ‘read’ the life of Jesus differently because of Easter. His healing and teaching ministry, word and deed, is the in-breaking of the reign of God. This Reign of God is embodied in Jesus in his life, death and resurrection. It is incomplete without Easter, and it is richer because of the life of Jesus. The barriers that keep people trapped, bound and captive are released and removed in the era that is at hand in Jesus and comes through the cross and resurrection. The passion of Jesus in the Good Friday crucifixion, Easter Saturday tomb and Easter Day shout “he is not here, he has been raised” is the exodus event for people. It is the exodus event for people in anxiety and loneliness, separated from God. Our unhealthy fears, anxieties and loneliness – all of which are expressed in human brokenness, warfare and greed are indicators of separation from God. Those barriers are now broken. God is with us even in the deathly places bringing liberation and freedom. The new exodus leads people out of separation from God. Easter Day is a grand day of celebration. A celebration that redefines every Sunday as a day of celebration, and in turn defines every day as a celebration of the liberating presence and work of God in Creation. Blessings, Keith Hamilton

Worship Services at Parramatta Mission

Mon to Fri 9.00am - 2.00pm Open Church at Leigh Memorial

Tuesday 1.10pm Holy Communion @ Leigh

Sunday 9.30am Leigh Memorial

9.45am Westmead

11.15am Fijian @ Leigh Memorial

1.30pm Korean Faith Community @ Leigh

7.00pm Praise, Prayer, Cake & Coffee

We pray for healing & wholeness for these people & places: World Council of Djibouti, Somalia UC congregations of the Cumberland Zone; Dundas/

Ermington, Northmead, North Rocks, Carlingford, West Epping, Centenary, Wentworthville, Holroyd, Greystanes, Grantham Heights, Parramatta Mission, Auburn.

For the worship, witness and service of St Clair Uniting Church. Thank God for this bi-cultural, English- and Hindi-speaking congregation. Many in it, particularly among the Hindi speakers, are time-poor due to the demands of jobs, mortgages and family life. This is a feature of life across the Presbytery. Pray for guidance and help in alleviating this pressure in the lives of many in our congregations, and for Sef as she exercises a supply ministry.

The three Congregations, one faith community, 400 staff and 350 volunteers of Parramatta Mission.

Eileen, Tiffanies grandmother; Dianne

Westmead Church Cnr Queen &

Hawkesbury Roads Rev Veitinia Waqabaca

Ph:9682 3422

Westmead Mission Worker

Pastor Trish Rooney Mobile: 0478 301 698

Leigh Memorial Church 119 Macquarie Street

Parramatta Rev Keith Hamilton M: 0417 487 446

Church Office Ph: 9891 2277 Fax: 9891 4577

E: wecare@ parramattamission.org.au

2014 Living is giving - Our Parramatta Mission congregations direct giving to these projects as part of our support in the work of the Uniting Church. Please pray for:

Hospital chaplaincy with patients staff & families

Living as a multicultural church

Ministry with mental patients and prisoners

Our Prayer Points

Leigh: Pat; Fred; Frank & Lynn; Ken & Nell. Leigh Memorial congregation meeting on Sunday 27 April to meet with and vote on the call to a Minister of the Word Fijian: Ditau @ Westmead, Niko Balavu @ Blacktown Hospital. Westmead: Wesley Apartments’ families, Flora, Frank, Ross, Kevin, Naomi, Jakob, Vicki, Joseph, Vita.