pÅ svenska NEWS
A new issue of our "Newspaper" - Horisonten. SUMMARY IN ENGLISH
From the pen of Per Axerup: Old traditions: When we start to decorate for Christmas the old traditional stuff is unearthed, the tablecloth that Gran embroidered, the lopsided candlestick from wood work at school or the old Santa that has always stood on the table. In church the old hymns are played and we dream of white landscapes and sleigh rides though in Australia a sleigh would probably look really queer.
It is easy to be sarcastic over these old things, of course they are worn and old but perhaps they still say
something about us. We recognize but are also recognized. When I unpack the old jumping Santa that Grandfather bought for me I remember the child that still exist deep within. A little embarrassed laugh escapes me but at the same time I feel the warmth and love. To recognize and to be recognized is the pattern of life. Traditions are loved not only because they are old and familiar but also because they carry our dreams and hopes.
At the church in Melbourne we are going to celebrate many services with lots of tradition. We will sing ‘Hosianna’, ‘Nu tändas tusen juleljus’ and have Lucia and Christmas parties with lots of people but also quiet times with only a few participants.
The centre of Christmas is of course how God meets us as an infant. A child that we all recognize and in his gaze we can be transformed. In the presence of the Child we can gain the courage to be the person we are meant to be in Christ.
Warmly welcome to all to celebrate old traditions at Toorak House. You will recognize this place, perhaps you will be recognized as well.
Volunteer News:
Åsa Nilsson who once lived here at the church is returning as a volunteer during January and February. We wish you welcome Åsa!
AGM:
The yearly Annual General Meeting will be held after the service on 4th March 2012.
Uppsala visitors:
Anders Bergkvist (Head of Swedish Church Abroad) and Krister Tholin (Head of this region) were in Melbourne to welcome the new staff members in September. Krister was deeply moved by the warmth and generosity that met him in the congregation and prophesied that if continue the way we are going all will be well indeed. Anders talked about a mature congregation, a great love for the Church, volunteers who are dependable and take responsibility for their work, a wonderful building and also a worthy House of Prayer. He encourages us to welcome the new people who come through our door and also care for the long timers.
From one island to another island:
‘To live the unity the world yearns’ is part of Bishop Sven-Bernhard’s motto and is based on John 17:21 ‘that all of them may be one’. This motto binds us together, gives us all a sense of belonging even when we are far away. In our congregation this belonging to something that is very far away is expressed almost daily, the church in Melbourne is a link to Scandinavia. The smell of a bottle of Grönsåpa, the candle that is lit for a deceased grandparent back home is the link of belonging that is offered here in Toorak House. We all welcome Bishop Sven-Bernhard when he arrives in Melbourne to celebrate the inauguration of Per Axerup at a service on Sunday 29th January at 4pm. The Christian unity, the unity of prayer is not hindered by vast distances.
BAZAAR:
This yearly monster event is just a few weeks away! Time flies and it again time to call all wonderful volunteers together for these two days of united effort to fundraise for the survival of the Church and Toorak house. This event is wholly dependent on all helpers who work so hard the whole week-end and your services are needed. Have you put your name down yet? As a thank you the Volunteer Party will be held on Friday 17th February at 6pm.
Working Bees:
On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November as well as Friday 2nd December are pre Bazaar working bees. Post Bazaar working bees are on Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th December. They all start at 9am except Sunday, and lunch as well as coffee is supplied.
Raffle tickets:
Raffle tickets are now available at the church at the cost of $2 and with a first prize of a return flight for two to Scandinavia. Don’t miss out your chances are excellent with only 8,280 tickets for sale!
Membership
As a member of the Swedish Church in Melbourne you support all the important work among permanent residents and temporary visiting Scandinavians.
For 2012 the annual fee is - $ 20 for student /youth, $ 35 for
seniors, $ 45 for individual, $ 60 for couples or families.
Want to become a new member? Print form (print it here) and apply by submitting it.
Want to renew your membership? There are different ways:
- Print and fill out the form and send it to us along with credit card details or a cheque.
- Pay on "Internet Banking" or otherwise to our ANZ bank account:
Swedish Church, BSB 013 445, Account 008 679 345
O B S - very important! Write your name (initials and surname) and year in the recipient field. Example: A P Sandgren 2010
Swedish Consulate
Swedish Consulate has closed its doors from 1st July 2009 as Jan Persson, consul, has retired. Gunilla Lennartsson and Ann Löwdin have given personal and outstanding service over the years to both locals and tourists. You will all three be greatly missed by us all in Melbourne and by all who have used the services of the consulate. Please direct all inquiries to the Swedish Embassy in Canberra ph 02 6270 2700.
New E-mail address
Our new e-mail address is melbourne@churchofsweden.org