Advent & Christmas in the Network
The Banyule Network is offering different ways to worship, to reflect and gather as a (COVID-safe) community during this Advent and Christmas period.
This page will be updated as details are finalised, but if you want further information about any of the events featured, please use the contact form below.
Christmas Labyrinth
Heidelberg Scots UC, 187 Burgundy Street
‘Let the Christmas Story Touch Your Story’
You are all invited to take part in a personal prayer walk with guided meditations at the Christmas Labyrinth. Life-size Nativity figures will accompany you on your journey!
| Thursday 10 December 2020 | 10am – 1pm & 7.30 – 9pm |
| Friday 11 December 2020 | 10am – 1pm |
| Sunday 13 December 2020 | 10am – 5pm |
Community Picnics
Sunday 13 December 2020
A number of Banyule Network communities are gathering for worship and fellowship outdoors.
BYO everything!
You are welcome to join us.
| Common Ground – 10am | Heidelberg Scots UC Garden, 187 Burgundy St |
| Rosanna Congregation – 12.30pm | Courtyard behind Rosanna UC, 21 Arden Cr |
| Gresswell Congregation – 2pm | Gresswell UC, 76 Greenwood Dv Bundoora |
| Messy Church – 4.30pm | Heidelberg Scots UC Garden, 187 Burgundy St |
Blue Christmas
Thursday 17 December at 7.30pm
2020 has been an unusually difficult year for many of us – but particularly so for some.
If you have struggled this year, with bereavement, with mental health issues, with illness or anything else, then this Blue Christmas Service is an opportunity for you to reflect on the Christmas Story in a peaceful, contemplative way.
This service is particularly for anyone feeling ‘blue’ and in need of some space to acknowledge their pain this Christmas time.
We will meet in the gardens at the rear of Scots Church. If you are able to bring a folding chair or picnic rug, please do – if not, we will find a chair for you. If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Brodine.
Indoor Worship Service
Sunday 20 December 2020 at 10am
This will be the first chance for the members of the Network to meet for an indoor worship service since early March! We are gathering at Ivanhoe Uniting Church, 19 Seddon Street, Ivanhoe.
To meet COVID-safe regulations, you will need to book in using our Online Booking System, via email or on 0426 132 342 .
Face masks will need to be worn during the service and entry will be from the carpark only. There will be no morning tea after the service.
Carol Service
Sunday 20 December 2020 at 7pm
Come and celebrate God’s gift of Jesus as we remember his birth at this special time of year.
The service will be held outdoors at Cross Generation, cnr Edwin and St Hellier Streets, Heidelberg Heights, on the front lawn of the church.
We will need to keep 2 metres between household groups, in line with Government COVID-safe recommendations for singing outdoors together. Please let Cathie Clarke know (via email or on 0411 883 904) if you intend to come and bring your own chair, if you can.
The Carols will be available via Zoom for those unable to be there. Please contact Ian Gordon for the Zoom link.
‘Carols on the Forecourt’
Tuesday 22 December 2020 at 6pm
Come and celebrate the birth of Jesus by singing carols with us.
We will be meeting outdoors in the forecourt of Ivanhoe Uniting Church, 19 Seddon Street, Ivanhoe.
We will need to keep 2 metres between household groups, in line with Government COVID-safe recommendations for singing outdoors together.
Please bring your own chair.
Christmas Eve ‘Carols on the Lawn’
Thursday 24 December 2020 at 7.30pm
Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus through carols and readings.
We will be meeting outdoors on the lawn in front of Rosanna Uniting Church, 21 Arden Crescent, Rosanna.
We will need to keep 2 metres between household groups, in line with Government COVID-safe recommendations for singing outdoors together.
Please bring your own chair or picnic blanket (although chairs can be provided).
Online Christmas Eve Service
Thursday 24 December 2020 at 7pm
Please join us as we wait quietly for the birth of Jesus with an online Christmas Eve Worship Service, which will be featured on the Banyule Network Facebook and Vimeo pages.
It will include contributions from colleagues from the Transcona Memorial United Church of Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as well as from members of the Manningham and Banyule Networks.
The service will include music from Canada and Australia, as well as capturing something of what it is like to celebrate Christmas in the dark and in the light.
Christmas Day Online Service
Friday 25 December 2020 at 9am
There will be a wonderful Livestream Worship Service at 9am on Christmas Day on the page.
(The video of the service will be available on the Banyule Network Vimeo page for those who do not like to use Facebook.)
The service will feature music composed by members of the Network, songs by the Network Choir and the North Ringwood Uniting Church Choir and a video made especially by the Messy Miners telling the Christmas story.
Christmas Day Outdoor Service
Friday 25 December 2020 at 9am
We will gather outdoors, under the trees, at Gresswell Uniting Church, 76 Greenwood Drive, Bundoora to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
We will be taking a collection for the Uniting Christmas Bowl.
Please bring your own chair or picnic blanket.
