Greetings,
Last weekend Kathryn and I were privileged to attend the 16th National Assembly of the Uniting Church. The theme, Dwelling in Love, reminds us that we are all beloved of God and called to live in love with one another.
Here at Koonung Heights, Community Faith Groups have been one way that we have ‘dwelt in love’ with one another. However, after more than 17 years as part of our congregational life, the Community Faith Groups (CFGs) will come to an end from the beginning of July. This was decided at the Church Council meeting on 4 May and announced by Council chairperson Ray Michelle in church on the 8th.
Community Faith Groups (CFGs) began in 2005 as a way to get to know each other better in smaller and cross-generational groups. The four groups – Acacia, Banksia, Callistemon and Eucalyptus (later three, with Banksia and Callistemon combining) – met for social events, speakers, movies, barbecues, expeditions to other faith traditions. Members of other groups were always welcome.
These have worked well but the CFG leadership has recognised that our congregation is smaller and finding CFG leadership has become difficult. The leaders therefore recommended that, from July, we should disband the current structure and move to a program of all-church events. A single group will ensure that there is one all-church event each month.
Whilst supporting this recommendation from the CFG leadership, the Church Council acknowledges that some people will miss the connection to their long-term group. In addition, arrangements will be made for continuing fund-raising as desired.
The opportunities to continue ‘dwelling in love’ still abound. Small groups of other kinds will continue to form an important part of our congregation. Among those existing are the social justice group, chat and sew, the choir, the bushwalking group, the UCAF and stamp trimming, and the property working bees. In addition, there are two monthly coffee mornings each month. Without the CFGs, people may find they wish to form a new group, open to all, around some special interest. If so, please talk with me or with any elder.
Our thanks go to the leadership of the CFGs over the years. Existing leaders as we conclude are Alison Hatfield, Margaret Lord, Ann Pine, Voon Stokie, and Ray Michelle.
Blessings – Heather.