News
Rev John Smith concludes his ministry placement at St Andrew's Uniting Church, Box Hill
Rev John Smith has finished his 3 year contract as part-time minister of the Word at St Andrew's. His last service here was held on 19 January, 2014. St Andrew's has been very grateful for John's wise, stimulating and warm ministry over the last three years. We will miss John and his wife Robyn and wish them both very well for the future. The St Andrew's congregation will be supported by supply ministers in the interim period before a new minister can be called. John has very kindly allowed for his material to remain on this website until the time when a new minister is in place.
New faith development article by Rev Smith
The article "Confessions of a Saboteur and Subversive Agent of the JLM" has been added to the list of faith development articles. It is a entertaining and thought provoking 'confession' from a follower of the Jesus movement - hope you enjoy the article!
The articles are intended to stimulate and challenge the reader and to aid her/his faith journey. To discuss the issues raised in these articles, you are very welcome to contact Rev Smith or to come along to a service!
Book release "New Life: Rediscovering Faith: Stories from Progressive Christians"
A new book sharing the stories and faith journeys of progressive Christians was released in September, 2013.
"The initiative for this book came when we were conducting the research for Why Weren’t We Told? We were privileged to share numerous individual spiritual journeys while we were gathering information on ‘grassroots’ group activities. We resolved that, at some time in the future, these courageous stories needed to be told as an inspiration to others never to give up searching and asking questions about matters of faith. As material from scholars studying the historical Jesus became publicly available, people asked the question: why weren’t we told? Some of these people went on to explore for themselves this scholarship and for many it resonated so strongly with their personal faith journey that they found it impossible to return to Christian orthodoxy."
John Smith and Rex Hunt, editors
The book may be ordered via the Mosiac Resources website or you may contact Rev Smith for more details.
Share Winter Appeal 2013
The 2013 Share Winter appeal is underway. "The SHARE Community Appeal funds UnitingCare, one of the largest providers of community services in Victoria and Tasmania, along with other worthy community service programs. SHARE does not directly provide services to people in need but directs the generosity of the community to enable people to transform their situation, guided by compassion, equity and dignity." (from the Share Community Appeal about us page).
Donations may be made via the Share website, by phoning free call 1800 668 426, by downloading a donation form or you can pick up a donation envelope from a local Uniting church. The money raised in the Share appeal supports many important community and social justice programmes in Victoria and Tasmania. More information on this important appeal can be found on the Share website.
New faith development articles by Rev Smith
The articles "Oh My God" and "The Future of Faith: Being an Authentic Christian in the 21st Century" have been added to the list of faith development articles.
The articles are intended to stimulate and challenge the reader and to aid her/his faith journey.To discuss the issues raised in these articles, you are very welcome to contact Rev Smith or to come along to a service!
An Easter message from the Uniting Church Moderator
The Moderator of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Isabel Thomas Dobson, shares an Easter message for 2013.
Hope you have the time to watch this short and very positive message.
Book release "Why weren’t we told? : a handbook on progressive Christianity"
A new handbook on progressive Christianity is to be released in the first week of January, 2013.
"This international collection (30 progressive contributors) of cameos and articles on the themes and issues addressed by ‘progressive’ Christianity, is a response to the often-heard cry: ‘Why weren’t we told?’” (From the Introduction by the Editors, Rex A E Hunt and John W H Smith). This wide-ranging collection is one you will return to often,while providing a valuable resource for use in small study groups.
The book may be ordered using the order form (pdf) or via the Mosiac Resources website.
Faith Development Group
A faith development/discussion group currently meets one Sunday afternoon a month at Rev Smith's residence in Doncaster. For more details, or if interested in participating, please contact Rev Smith or the church office. Hope to see you there!
Church Redevelopment
From 13 August 2012, the church premises will be undergoing a process of redevelopment/restoration in order to ensure the church premises are well maintained, accessible and suitable for community needs into the future. It is anticipated that the process will take around 12 months. (Update: the new expected completion date is in June, 2014).
The ongoing work means the church premises are unlikely to be suitable for events such as weddings, funerals, etc during the redevelopment. However please contact the church office to discuss further if required.
Services for the St Andrews congregation will continue on the premises during this time though some disruption is to be expected. Thank you for your patience and hope to see you there!