WEST EPPING UNITING CHURCH

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE

The Matthew passage chosen for this Sunday’s West Epping

Together Service was also the passage of choice for last year’s

60th Anniversary celebrations. It is certainly one of the most

well-known words of Jesus: “you are the salt of the earth... you

are the light of the world… don’t hide your light under a

bushel…” I’ll bet that as you’re reading this, the song “This Little

Light Of Mine” will start in your head – hide it under a bushel?

No! I’m gonna let it shine!

This passage is partway through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount,

as recorded by Matthew. We are faced with the insidious

temptation to hear Jesus’ first words as requirement rather than

blessing, as command rather than commissioning. But let us

take note; Jesus does not say, “if you want to be salt and light,

do the following…” Or, “before I call you salt and light, this is

what I need from you…” Rather, Jesus says simply and directly,

“you are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world.”

Like the Beatitudes that preceded this passage, Jesus’ words

are sheer blessing, commendation, affirmation and

commissioning.

It is only after Jesus affirms us in this way that He offers the first

imperative of the sermon: “let your light shine”, and instantly the

sermon shifts into a different gear. Let your light shine… how?

Light is a wonderful thing, as long as it illumines something else.

Light by itself can be pointless, even destructive. This is why

Jesus says we are to let our light shine before others, not just

ourselves, so that glory may be given to God.

This is a subtle but important nuance: you are the light of the

world, but you are called to be the light of the world for the

sake of others, so that others may see the way of God. In the

end, it isn’t really even our light that shines after all; it is God’s

light.

These well-known words of Jesus actually hold some very deep

truths about what it means to be disciples of Jesus. When we

feel that grace is a ticket on the bus out of hell, when we feel

that our Christianity is but one of the defining characteristics of

who were are, when we convince ourselves that our faith is

more about how much better we can be than someone else

by following more rules – then we begin to hide our light under

the bushel.

Friends, let us not fall into the trap of the scribes and Pharisees

whose righteousness was measured on the tally board of rules

followed and rules broken. We are the light of the world. May

we light the way of the One of whom the prophets could only

dream. May we be such lights that people are dazzled by the

brilliance of Christ, not ourselves.

Radhika Sukumar-White

Sunday 29 May 2016

Welcome 환영합니다

സ്വാഗതം 欢迎

Ki ora Malo elelei

Our Vision We are people sent to share the love,

hope and compassion of Jesus Christ with

all the world

Prayer Points

In this Week of Prayer for Reconciliation, we pray for

our Indigenous sisters and brothers. God of all

peoples, we acknowledge the original inhabitants

of the land upon which we gather. We pray for

reconciliation among all peoples of Australia;

guide our political leaders, Indigenous leaders, the

Church, and other parties to seek true

reconciliation and justice.

Pray for those who live in darkness. Light of the

world, we pray for those in the darkness of grief, of

depression, of debt, of loneliness, of abuse, of

homelessness, of hunger, of insecurity. May we

bear light and hope to all.

Give thanks for a successful Women’s Retreat Day

held yesterday. Amasing God, thank you for your

faithfulness, and for providing spaces and places

for us to rest and refresh. We give thanks for all the

women at West Epping.

Pray for the Cumberland Zone of the Parramatta-

Nepean Presbytery. Loving God, we lift up our

sisters and brothers at Carlingford, Dundas-

Ermington, Grantham Heights, Greystanes,

Northmead, North Rocks, North Parramatta

Centenary, Parramatta Mission, Wentworthville, and

Westmead Uniting Churches.

Pray for those in need. We lift up Lorraine Jones,

Peter Brewin, Hae Ran Paik, Ron Marks, David Bell,

Bob MacArthur, Alberta Noble – and all those who

are ill, lonely, housebound, grieving, or facing life

changes. Loving and compassionate God, be

with and comfort those who are sick and grieving

with the knowledge that you are always with them,

and will never leave them.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the

land upon which we gather, the Wallumedegal

people of the Eora nation and give thanks for their

care of the land over many generations.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Perfect Light of revelation,

as you shone in the life of Jesus,

so shine in us and through us,

that we may become beacons of truth and

compassion,

enlightening all creation with

deeds of justice and mercy.

Amen

RAMADAN

The month of Ramadan begins next week on 6th June and concludes

30 days later. During this period Muslims fast during daylight hours.

Ramadan is considered the holiest season in Islam as it commemorates

the time when the Qu’ran is said to have been revealed to the Prophet

Muhammad. Ramadan ends when the first crescent of the new moon is

again sighted as the feast of Eid-al-Fitr is celebrated with much feasting

and joy.

Islam is the fourth largest religious grouping in Australia. Approximately 2%

of the Australian population is Muslim while approximately 3.5% of

Sydney’s population is Muslim. This comprises about half of Australia’s

Islamic population.

I wish to thank the West Epping Church

family for their prayers, get well wishes

and visits during my recent stay in

hospital.

David Bell

SINGING AT ARRUNGA ~ Join us at

Arrunga Aged Care Facility at 2pm on

Tuesday 7 June to sing and have fun with

the residents. We will also be going to

Wesley Rayward on Tuesday 21 June.

Theme: The Leaves are Falling.

We have not been to either

facility for 2 months and have

been surely missed.

Everyone is welcome to join us.

Contact: Norma Perry or Jean Chapple.

MYSTERY COACH TOUR ~ Saturday

24 September. Cost to be advised For

advance bookings see Dorothy, Joan,

Jenny.

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 27th May – 3rd June

Did you know that May 27th marks the anniversary of

the referendum in 1967 when the Australian electorate

voted to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

in the national census and to give the Commonwealth

Government power to make laws for them?

Are you also aware June 3rd commemorates the High Court decision in

1992 which recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have a

special relationship to the land? Known as Mabo, this recognition paved

the way for Native Title.

National Reconciliation Week recognises the journey of reconciliation we

are all called to share in. This involves recognising the history of settlement

in Australia that has had a devastating impact on indigenous people. It

also involves a commitment to ensuring these wrongs are never repeated

in the future.

Reconciliation forms a significant part of Australia’s story. Each one of us is

invited to make reconciliation a priority as we journey into the future.

See www.reconcilation.org.au/nrw for details of various events taking

place during this week.

God of all ancient peoples, Lord of all tribes, show those of us who are

more recent arrivals in the Great South Land how best we can support

Indigenous Australians to live with dignity, and to

make their rich contribution to our growing nation.

We long to undo the many wrongs. But how do

we start, Lord? Where do we start? Lord, hear our

cry! by Bruce Prewer (adapted)

Community News

WANTED ~ A mix-master to use at the

lamington drives. If you have an unused

mix-master (in working condition) that

you’d like to donate to Ladies Fellowship

please contact Joan Ross.

MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP ~ Wednesday

1 June at 10am.

Guest Speaker: Wendy Morris who is

going as a Volunteer to Fiji in July

Enquiries: Jan Dunstan 9876 3344

DISCIPLESHIP MONTH

Commencing with a West Epping Together Day here at West Epping on

Saturday 30th July and then involving a series of five studies during the

month of August, we shall explore the Five Practices of Fruitful Living.

Radhika and John are preparing worship resources, sermons and studies

for small groups and for Sunday worship.

Week One: (Sunday 31st July) Radical Hospitality

Week Two: (Sunday 7th August) Passionate Worship

Week Three: (Sunday 14th August) Intentional Faith Development

Week Four: (Sunday 21st August) Risk-Taking Mission

Week Five: (Sunday 28th August) Extravagant Generousity

The series will conclude on Thursday 1st September with a Small Groups

Connect Night in West Epping at 7.30pm where will come together to

share learnings and experiences.

Put these dates in your diary and plan

to be there!

KNOW YOUR BIBLE (KYB) ~ meets in the

Cottage fortnightly on Monday mornings

at 10am. Our new study on PROVERBS

will commence on 20 June.

All ladies welcome.

Enquiries: Margaret 9876 1961

OFFERING ENVELOPES ~ New sets of

envelopes will be available in June. If

you are not using envelopes, and would

like a set, please contact Morris Ross

9873 3713.

MENS FELLOWSHIP ~ Monday 6 June

(meet on 1st Monday due to the long

weekend) at 6.30pm for dinner followed

by the speaker at 7.45pm.

Guest Speaker: Parramatta Councillor

Lorraine Wearne

Topic: What is happening with local

councils in the future

Dinner bookings to:

Bruce Elliott 9869 7633 or

David Newton 9876 1890

Sunday Morning Worship

8am and 10am

에베소서 5장 7-14절 (Ephesians 5:7-14)

7그러므로 저희와 함께 참예하는 자 되지 말라 8너희가 전에는 어두움이더니 이제는 주 안에서 빛이라 빛의 자녀들처럼 행하라 9빛의 열매는 모든 착함과 의로움과 진실함에 있느니라 10주께 기쁘시게 할 것이 무엇인가 시험하여 보라 11너희는 열매 없는 어두움의 일에 참예하지 말고 도리어 책망하라 12저희의 은밀히 행하는 것들은 말하기도 부끄러움이라 13그러나 책망을 받는 모든 것이 빛으로 나타나나니 나타나지는 것마다 빛이니라 14그러므로 이르시기를 잠자는 자여 깨어서 죽은 자들 가운데서 일어나라 그리스도께서 네게 비취시리라 하셨느니라 마태복음 5장 13-16절 (Matthew 5:13-16)

13너희는 세상의 소금이니 소금이 만일 그 맛을 잃으면 무엇으로 짜게 하리요 후에는 아무 쓸데 없어 다만 밖에 버리워 사람에게 밟힐 뿐이니라 14너희는 세상의 빛이라 산위에 있는 동네가 숨기우지 못할 것이요 15사람이 등불을 켜서 말 아래 두지 아니하고 등경 위에 두나니 이러므로 집안 모든 사람에게 비취느니라 16이같이 너희 빛을 사람 앞에 비취게 하여 저희로 너희 착한 행실을 보고 하늘에 계신 너희 아버지께 영광을 돌리게 하라

Ephesians 5:7-14

Therefore do not be associated with them. For once you

were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as

children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is

good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to

the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but

instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention

what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by

the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes

visible is light. Therefore it says,

‘Sleeper, awake!

Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’

Matthew 5:13-16

‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how

can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for

anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot

be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the

bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all

in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before

others, so that they may see your good works and give glory

to your Father in heaven.

Bible Readings

THEY ARE HERE AGAIN! ~ Time to buy your 2016/2017

Entertainment Book. All funds raised by the sale of these

books will be going to help The Advent Program here at

West Epping. The cost of the books is the same as last

year with more great offers. Sydney Greater West

(Parramatta Hills and Surrounds) is $65 and the Sydney/

Sydney North edition are $70. Sample books are in the

hall. Thank you for the sales already.

Please see Robyn Harris or telephone: 9688 1909 or

0429 881 909

Ephesians 5:7-14 Matthew 5:13-16

WESLEY GIANT GARAGE SALE

Where: In the Wesley Uniting Church grounds at

32 Showground Road, Castle Hill.

Dates/Times: Friday 3 June 2016 (8am to 1pm)

Saturday 4 June 2016 (8am to 1pm)

Sale items/Stalls will include Books, Records, CDs, DVDs,

Clothing, Electrical, Jewellery, Plants, Toys, Furniture,

Manchester, White Elephant, Fine Art and China etc.

We will also be providing refreshments, tea and coffee

during sale hours, together with a Sausage Sizzle for

lunch on both days, and Bacon and Egg rolls for

breakfast on Saturday morning.

Enjoy the friendly atmosphere,

and pick up a bargain (or two)

knowing you are helping those

famil ies who need our

assistance within the Hills area.

NEW!

Cottage Café

Are you tired of watching afternoon TV?

Would you enjoy some company?

Come and have a cuppa and a chat!

2nd Thursday of the month

2.00pm to 4.00pm

Meet in ‘The Cottage’, West Epping Uniting Church,

35 Orchard St, Epping

Bring your friends ~ it is a place for everyone

If you wish ~ bring a small plate of food to share

Any questions? Contact Adele Booth 9868 7185

First meeting 9 June at 2pm

Monday 30 May 10.00am 10.00am

English Conversation Class KYB

Tuesday 31 May 9.30am Men’s Shed at Arrunga

Wednesday 1 June

9.30am 9.45am

10.00am 7.30pm

Men’s Shed at Arrunga mainly music Missionary Fellowship Choir practice

Thursday 2 June 9.30am 9.30am

10.00am

Men’s Shed at Arrunga Playgroup Thursday Craft

Sunday 5 June 8.00am

10.00am Worship HC Worship HC : JAM for kids

Ministry Team Rev John Barr 0457 879 099 Rev Radhika-Sukumar-White 0423 823 363 Pastor Lois Rees 0408 460 050

Office Administrator Helen Tattersall 9868 3574

Safe Church Contact Person Erica Harrison 9873 3989

Church Office 35 Orchard St Epping 2121

Office Hours Monday to Thursday 8.30am—3.00pm Friday 8.30am—12.30pm Email weppinguca@gmail.com Website weppinguca.org.au Facebook facebook.com/weppinguniting Phone 9868 3574 WEUC Bank Account Westpac BSB 032 081 Account 961263

What’s on this week!

Serving Next Sunday 5 June 2016

The West Epping Uniting Church uses information and news provided by its members, adherents and officers for the

purposes of conducting its pastoral ministry. In the course of that ministry, material published in this bulletin may reach an audience wider than the membership of the congregation.

Worship Workshop: 25 June

West Epping All-Together Day: Saturday 30 July

Discipleship Month: Sunday 31 July to Sunday

28 August Theme: Five Practices of Fruitful Living

Small Group Connect Night: Thursday

1 September at 7.30pm

Spring into Action: Sunday 11 September

Mystery Coach Tour: Saturday 24 September

PASTORAL CARE:

For Pastoral Care needs

please contact:

Rev John Barr 0457 879 099

Rev Radhika Sukumar-White 0423 823 363

Pastor Lois Rees 0408 460 050

West Epping Uniting Church is a member of an Ecumenical

Covenant with the Anglican Parish of Epping,

the Catholic Parish of Epping and Carlingford, Epping

Baptist Church and Epping Uniting Church.

8.00am 10.00am

Welcomers Anne Jeffery, Jan Watson

Lorraine Jones Elva Harris

Helen Elvery

Stewards John Planner Brian Walton

Morris Ross, Anne Vorobieff So Young Paik

Ministers Assistant Glennis Endicott Jean Chapple

Communion Assistants

Bev & Brian Walton Margaret Tumeth

Ian West, Margaret Gibbons Erica Harrison, Lois Rees

Reader Margaret Tumeth

Prayer Ministry John Planner Shirley Brown

Sound Nick Ostle

Computer Brian Essex Tony Lee

Flowers Glennis Endicott

Grounds 11 June Ivan Drury

Leisure Ministry Outing ~ In addition to our next

Mystery Coach Tour we are inviting expressions of

interest in an outing on The River Boat Postman, in

August or October. The Tour departs Brooklyn at

10am, returning at 1.10pm, on Mondays to Fridays.

Morning tea and lunch are provided. Cost is $45 for

seniors, $55 adults. Travel to Brooklyn by car-pooling

or by train from Epping. Anyone interested should

see Dorothy, Jenny or Joan.