Jesus Calls His Disciples to Follow Him

This Sunday 5 February 2023 is our first Messy Church for 2023!

We’ll meet from 4:30 – 6:30 at Ivanhoe Uniting Church, Seddon St, Ivanhoe.

Our story will be about Jesus calling to his disciples to follow him and we’ll wonder what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

There’ll be lots of activities, crafts and games, our  celebration time and a shared meal. It will be great to be together again!
If you have friends who you think would like to join us at Messy Church, please bring them along with you!

Contact Rev Sandy Brodine for further information.

Thursday 2 February 2023

Join the SPACE Contemplative Community for their first worship service of 2023.

Heidelberg Scots Church was packed to overflowing on the afternoon of Sunday 29 January 2023 for the service inducting Rev Denise Liersch into the position of ‘Discipleship, Christian Education and Small Group Ministry’ with the Banyule Network.
The occasion was a joyful one, with much singing and some laughter and a feeling of warmth and hope.
During the induction service, Denise was reminded of her responsibilities as a Minister of the Word in this new placement. Then a group of people from the congregations and communities came forward with symbols representing the Network. As well as the usual Bible, water, bread and wine, there were other symbols more specific to the Network – a basket of toys representing Messy Church and a computer and mobile phone, representing modern ways of communication.
The Presbytery Chair then declared, to enthusiastic cheering, that Denise Liersch was inducted into the Banyule Network as a Minister of the Word.
Representatives from other local churches were called up to offer Denise their good wishes on behalf of their congregations. These included members of Anglican, Baptist and Catholic congregations, as well the Imam from the local Islamic Mosque. 
Then Denise gave a short heartfelt address. She spoke of being excited but a little nervous, and she thought that probably members of the Network felt much the same! 
It was a fittingly joyous occasion for the beginning of a new ministry in the Network.

Thursday 15 December 2022

Join the SPACE Contemplative Community for an Advent Christian Meditation Service.

Messy Christmas

In addition to all the usual Christmas Crafts and Activities, we’ll be having a Nativity Escape Room, so bring your best puzzle solving skills to team up with your Messy friends and solve some Christmas puzzles over pizza.

It’s going to be an awesome night. If you’ve not made it to Messy Church for a while – this will be one not to miss!

It will be lovely to see you all this Sunday 11 December 2022 from 4:30 – 6:30 at Ivanhoe Uniting Church, Seddon St Ivanhoe. Bring your friends!

Thursday 8 December 2022

This Advent service focuses on the imagery of the Jesse Tree from Isaiah.

We are delighted to announce that Rev Denise Liersch has accepted a call to the position of Christian Education & Small Group Ministry with the Banyule Network.

Denise originally trained as a physiotherapist, later moving into ministry after undertaking theological study in Australia and Germany. She was ordained in 2011 and was minister at The Avenue Uniting Church in Blackburn from 2011 – 2019. She subsequently held the role of Moderator of the VicTas Synod (from 2019 – 2022).

The Joint Nominating Committee (JNC), who undertook a number of conversations with Denise, spoke warmly of her strong and genuine Christian faith, her vibrant, reflective and engaging personality, and her maturity and valuable life-experience. She has prior experience working in team situations, and showed a strong desire to work as part of a team in her ministry.

JNC members also appreciated Denise’s interest in the Banyule Network, and her understanding of the call to work in both a Network-wide role in Christian Education and Small Group Ministry, and also to support congregations at Rosanna, Gresswell and Cross Generation. 

It is likely that Denise will commence in the Banyule Network in mid-late January 2023, with a date for her induction to be determined by the Presbytery.

Thursday 1 December 2022

A Contemplative Service of Advent Taizé Worship, led by Liz White.

Thursday 24 November 2022

Join the SPACE Contemplative Community for an Advent SPACE service.

Thursday 17 November 2022

Join Rev Sandy Brodine as she curates a reflective service based on St Benedict’s encouragement to his followers to live all of life as though it was Advent.

We are encouraged to enter the advent season sharpening our awareness on the presence of God as we wait for the Incarnate one who comes anew at Christmas.

This service includes a lovely “Silent Meditation” sequence taken from our friend Rev Dr Peter Blackwood’s “Icon Diary” as he paints his own icon of St Benedict, set to music by the Cambridge Singers.