Our theme this Lent and Easter is Convergence – a multi dimensional time of creativity combining art, film and spiritual reflections with key moments of devotion in Easter Week.
All welcome, wherever you are in your spiritual journey.
Christmas 2023 – looking back
Notice that Hope, Peace, Love and Joy are Enduring
Join us this Christmas at one of our services, take time to breathe, and take in the eternal offer of God’s hope, peace, joy and love, which can sustain us no matter the chaos that surrounds.
Blue Christmas Service, Wednesday 13th December, 7:30pm
A welcoming space for anyone coping with grief or stress for any reason this Christmas season. This service is reflective and recognises that for many of us Christmas is not full of joy and celebration, but is often tinged with sadness and disappointment. We’ll also have the chance to remember those who we’d like to have Christmas with but who won’t be with us.
Christmas Eve Morning, Sunday 24th December, 9:30am
A low key simple service with Leigh Newton, with time to view the nativity displays in the Church.
Christmas Eve, Sunday 24th December 7:30pm
Soak in the Christmas story with plenty of carol singing and bible readings.
Christmas Day, Monday 25th December, 9:30am
Simple Christmas Service focusing on the birth of Jesus, and what it means for us and our world.
Notice all the great people around our Bridgey Community
Take part in the first ever Bridgewater Christmas Sheep Hunt from 18th to the 25th December!
Children and families are encouraged to get an entry form from the Oak Community Centre verandah and then make their way along the trail to identify the whereabouts and name of each small toy sheep. Participating shops in Bridgewater will have a cute little sheep displayed somewhere in their business window. You will also see the sheep’s name in the window as well as a clue for the location of the next sheep.
Once the participant has located all sheep on the trail they can then drop their completed form back into the letter box of BUC – 407 Mount Barker Road, Bridgewater. All entries that have the correct names will go into the draw to win a family gift basket. Last entries will be received on Saturday 30th December.
Come and support your local community and see if you can find all the sheep!
Notice the people that could use your help this Christmas
In the Bridgewater Community – a food Co-op is located on the front verandah of the Oak community centre. Bread and other food from Coles is available every Monday and Wednesday morning. Fresh produce is also available in the Community Garden behind the Oak. If you have excess fresh produce to share bring it along and leave it any time!
In the Wider Community – The Mt Barker “Hungry No More” program is providing food hampers to individuals and families in need. The Hampers are distributed on the 17th December. If you would like to donate – please bring only those items listed below – by Sunday 10th December.
- Canned Ham or Turkey
- Canned Tuna
- Instant Mash
- Tinned Beans
- Tinned Vegetables
- Tinned Fruit
- Continental Pasta Pack
- Pasta Sauce
- Cereal
- Sauce – BBQ, Tomato, Soy
- Coffee / tea bags / milo
- Biscuits sweet / savoury
- Popcorn
- Long life milk
- Long life custard
- Long Life Juice
- Donations are also welcome via EFT: Mount Barker Uniting BSB 704095, A/C 207449, Reference HNM Hamper
In the World – The Everything In Common Gift Catalogue is filled with life changing gifts that help fight poverty and build hope – perfect for someone who has everything – or last minute gifts. Choose a gift card to send to your loved one, and in their name chickens, goats, pigs, school books, clean water, or a host of other things, will be delivered to people in communities where Uniting World is working in partnership with local churches to bring about lasting change through community development.
In the World – The National Council of Churches in Australia have an annual Christmas Bowl Appeal which is a trusted charity that goes towards supporting refugees all around the world.