Wominjeka. Welcome. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet, the Wurrundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge our gratitude that we share this land, our sorrow for some of the costs of that sharing and our collective hope and belief that we can move to a place of equity, justice and partnership together. We are located in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges in the village of Tecoma. We are a Christian Church devoted to serving our local community. You’re welcome to have a look around our website or come and visit us.

THIS SUNDAY

Matt is back, well hopefully…

The Morning Service will be live-streamed so you can participate through zoom if you are unable or unwilling to join us in person.

Hall Hirer Feature

Introducing new hall hirer, Inga Liljestrom.  Inga will be offering a Sound Immersion, otherwise known as a Sound Bath at the Tecoma Uniting Church ona Friday 12th August. This is a relaxation session, where those who attend are invited to lie down or sit comfortably, with blankets, pillows, eye pillows – so there is deep comfort for the physical body. and sounds such as Tibetan and Crystal bowls, drums, gongs, chimes and voice are played by Inga in relaxing and therapeutic ways.

Benefits
The benefits are vast, from having some ‘me’ time to let go of tension and stress in a holistic way, affecting the body, mind, emotions, soul and spirit. It is reported to have other positive effects such as balancing hormones, treating insomnia, unblocking creativity, treating adrenal fatigue and depression.

Inga  is a sound healer and teacher who has recently moved to Belgrave, Victoria from the UK. She studied with the Sound Healing Academy based in Cornwall, as a 1:1 and as a group sound bath practitioner. She then became a teacher for the academy, teaching workshops for many years in London and Glastonbury, known for its spiritual and grounding energy.

Inga has also trained with Eileen McKusick focusing on tuning forks, gongs with Sheila Whittaker, and voice work with Jill Purse. She has also studied the ceremonial use of cacao with Cacao Amour in the UK, and various Shamanic courses with The Four Winds. (https://www.myriadsounds.com/)

Inga studied contemporary voice at University, completing a BA and an addition Honours year. As a singer and composer, Inga has toured internationally and released many albums commercially under her own name. She has sung with groups such as The Church, Gerling, Lior, d.i.g,, remixed Gotye, collaborated on albums with award winning composer Michael Lira, and her music and voice have appeared on film and TV. (https://ingaliljestrom.bandcamp.com/).

Price for this event is $25 / $20 concession.
Please bring your own yoga mat, pillows, blankets, eye pillow and water,
and arrive 10 minutes before the session begins.
Contact Inga – ingalil2010@gmail.com 0411 939 638

“I love the variety of sounds from the gongs and bowls to the bells and chimes. Also Inga’s voice is beautiful and hypnotic. It’s a real journey!” Sarah, UK.

“Inga is a natural caring soul, she is kind and giving/ generous, her voice is warm and comforting. I feel safe and taken care of completely.” Christine, France.

“The sound experience was the best experience of my life other than giving birth to my daughters.” Sue, UK.

“To me this was a very primordial expe- rience. The sound resonated within me, echoing something from the far distant past on earth. It was deep, grounding and penetrating.”  Cathy, Chrysalis school teacher, NSW.

“Inga creates a beautifully ambient and relaxing atmosphere. A deep relaxation, entwined with ethereal sounds. A truly blissful experience.” Andrea, Musician and music therapist, UK

“Inga is a natural, true, and divine healer. ” Imogen, NSW.

“While bathing in the sounds of the sacred instruments I was completely transported into a state of bliss.” Tanya, Filmmaker and Professor, Virginia, USA.

Winter Wellness – Staying Safe

Thanks to everyone who are continuing to take steps to keeping everyone safe

If anyone would like to give feedback, express concern regarding to feeling safe in Church in relation to how we respond to COVID/Flu season please email Kellie in the office at office@tecomauc.org.au

Help us hear from eachother and work out ways how we can feel safe as we find ourselves in this middle ground where restrictions have been released.  There’s personal responsibility and doing what we can and communal ways to respond that you may like to share your ideas about.

I am learning as I go and am interested how others are trying to stay safe.
I had an experience this week of someone saying how difficult it would be to get a PCR test and how they would need to drive 2 hrs to get one.  When I looked online there seemed to be many options locally available.  Please let me know if you have had difficulties when trying to get a PCR test.

Here’s a link to make it easy.  Click Here

According to information recommended below a PCR test can be a better indication of someones safety even though they recommend people to stay isolated until symptoms resolve which may not be possible for some.

If you test negative 
If you have COVID-19 symptoms but tested negative on a rapid antigen test:

• There is a small possibility of a ‘false negative’ result.
• You should stay isolated and use a rapid antigen test again in 24 hours, or get a PCR test.
• If you return another negative result, we recommend you get a PCR or stay isolated until your symptoms resolve to protect others from whatever illness you may have

If you have COVID-19 symptoms but tested negative on a PCR test:

• There is no need to repeat the test. It is extremely unlikely you have COVID-19.
• We recommend you stay isolated until your symptoms resolve to protect others from whatever illness you may have.

IF YOU ARE FEELING UNWELL WITH COVID LIKE SYMPTOMS PLEASE STAY HOME AND GET TESTED
Please consider the above recommendations when deciding if you want to put others at risk.

If you need support on any level including just wanting to talk with someone, please call the office in regular hours between 9am to 5pm on Tuesdays and Fridays or email office@tecomauc.org.au and let us know how you may need some support.

If you test positive here is the link to a checklist
https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist-cases

If you are a close contact
https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist-contacts

Recycling Station

Check out our recycling station and see what you can contribute to improving our environment. But, we have been informed by Jenny Stevens that folks are still leaving unwanted types of lids in the lid recycling box.
Only Lids with the number 2 and 4 number can be accepted.  The lids also need to washed.
Jenny has been given the additional task to separate the lids into different colours so lets make sure we assist her to get these 1st steps covered to make it easier for her.

1. Number 2 or 4 lids only
2. Lids must be washed and clean

We are currently collecting:

• Used batteries
• Pens and textas
• Any mobile phone (including their batteries, charges, cases & headphones)
• Toothpaste tubes and caps, toothbrushes, electric toothbrush heads & floss containers
• Milk bottle and container bottle caps
• Wine bottle corks
• Plastic bread ties

In recycling through us, not only are you rescuing things from landfill, most of the materials are sorted and reused, up-cycled into new products or recycled. Companies like Terracycle sew juice pouches together into backpacks, chip bags into suit jackets, and even granola wrappers into pencil cases. Other waste collected is us turned into plastic pellets that can be moulded into benches, picnic tables, and even playgrounds. Envision turn the bottle cap lids into prosthetic limbs.