Weekly News 12/12/2024
Rev Allison’s Messages
Worship Sunday 15th December
Arthur Radford will lead and preach at the service this Sunday. Thank you Arthur!
This is the last week for this year of the Narrative Lectionary when our primary reading comes from the Old Testament. From next week until after Easter, we journey through the Gospel of Luke
Readings Isaiah 61:1-11; Luke 4:16-21
Christmas Bowl
It was 1949. Millions of refugees were still suffering in war-ravaged Europe. Methodist minister Reverend Frank Byatt believed that we have a responsibility to share what we have with others who need it (Mark 12:31). And as Frank looked at his heavily laden Christmas dinner table, the contrast between our relative abundance in Australia and the needs of others around the world could not have been more stark. So, he called on his congregation to “get a bowl to put on your Christmas dinner table as a Bowl of Remembrance and ask if you can get everybody around the table to make a generous gift so that you can share your good dinner with hungry children in other lands.”
This year marks 75 years since Rev Frank first invited his congregation to give. In our service on 22nd December we will learn a little more about the Christmas Bowl – and I’ll be inviting us to take a bowl to place on our tables this year.
But if you would like to learn more, and give before then, a Christmas Bowl will be placed at the back of the church for this Sunday, along with giving envelopes. There is also a facility for giving online in the name of our congregation, at this link: https://christmasbowl.actforpeace.org.au/46879
Prayer for Peace
Please see the Blog on this website
Notices for the Coming Weeks
A Sustainable Christmas
Every year, we are encouraged to celebrate a more sustainable Christmas. This year, I am using material from a Queensland Government website –https://www.desi.qld.gov.au/our-department/news-media/down-to-earth/top-tips-for-a-sustainable-christmas
Celebrations
Reduce food waste
Tackling food waste is a critical element of making your Christmas more sustainable. Carefully consider the quantity of food you’re preparing and be mindful of portion sizes to minimise leftovers.
Planning ahead and knowing how to store and repackage leftovers is also key. Take a moment to declutter your freezer, ensuring you have ample space to store and later enjoy those delicious meals that would have otherwise gone off in the fridge. Ask your guests to bring their own containers to take home any leftovers and avoid having to throw away any food.
To get the most out of your leftovers, download the free Saveful app(external link) which provides chef-tested recipes based on the food that is already at home.
Many food scraps can also be added to a compost bin. This environmentally friendly practice not only reduces waste but also contributes to nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Go reusable
Steer clear of disposable dinnerware like plastic plates and utensils. Use your regular utensils and if you need more, ask if any guests can bring some. If using disposable dinnerware is your only option, aim for biodegradable, like bamboo. When throwing these items away, make it easy for everyone by providing accessible bins to make recycling a breeze.
You can also cut down on other single-use items by choosing reusable coffee cups, water bottles, metal or silicone drinking straws, baking sheets, fold-up carry bags, and food wraps.
Look at swapping out paper napkins for cloth ones, which can be washed and reused.
Remember, once the festivities conclude, it’s important not to overlook what remaining waste can be recycled.
Leave up to the dishwasher
When it comes to the post-celebration clean up, leave the task to your dishwasher. A water-efficient dishwasher can save water(external link) compared to washing by hand. So, instead of rolling up your sleeves and scrubbing away at a mountain of dishes, consider the environmental benefits of letting your dishwasher do the work.
Not only will you save water, but you’ll also have more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones.
Don’t forget about batteries!
Many of the gifts we receive this festive season will contain batteries. It is important to be aware of the safe charging and appropriate handling of toys, power tools and other devices needing batteries.
When they reach the end of their life, loose rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries can be taken to collection points located in retailers such as Officeworks, Aldi, Woolworths and Battery World.
Christmas is a time for cherishing moments with loved ones, relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. Play your part in making this Christmas both joyful and environmentally responsible by incorporating these simple, sustainable habits that reduce excess waste.
Let’s all strive for a holiday season that warms our hearts and leaves a gentler impact on our planet.
Special Christmas Music
We are practicing our ‘Special” Christmas Music following the normal weekly practice from 10am this Friday, 13th, and next Friday, 20th December. Come along & join in! There are 2 songs to practice which will be sung during December.
Dates for your Diary
Singing Practice – Friday 13th December at 10am
Christian Meditation – Friday 13th December at 11am
Sunday Worship Service – Sunday 15th December at 9am – Arthur Radford
Prayer for Peace – Sunday 15th December in your own home
Christmas Eve Service – 24th December at 6pm – Rev Allison Forrest
Christmas Day Service – 25th December at 9am – Rev Allison Forrest
Jan’s Thought for the Week
” The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”
Prayers for the Week
Sunday
Let us pray for Rev. Allison and all those with whom we worship this day. Pray, too, for the people of Lake Macquarie who will be worshipping at other churches. In the words of one of our hymns, “all are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place”.
Monday
With so many people on the move – holidays, shopping, oh so many things, let us pray for travel safety whether it be by land, sea or air.
Tuesday
Toronto Uniting Church’s continuing and expanding outreach into the Toronto and Lake Macquarie area.
Wednesday
People facing challenges; and how these challenges can change as they are confronted.
Thursday
Our Toronto Uniting Church family – wherever they are and whatever they are doing.
Friday
May the mind of Christ live in us today.
Saturday
Let our prayers today cover all our local charities, large and small, attempting to make Christmas a happy time for everyone with whom they come in contact.