Welcome
Wominjeka. Welcome. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet, the Wurundjeri 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.
Located in the Hills, committed to serving our local community. At our heart is the wisdom and teachings of Jesus which include deep listening, compassion, hospitality, justice and loving one another, especially marginalised people.
Comfortable with all faiths/denominations and gender diversity. Collaborative and intergenerational. Friendly, and understanding, exploring spirituality and contemplation, evolving, and changing. Connected to and conversing with our community, offering marginalised people a place to feel safe. Grounded in Justice, thinking outside the square.
You’re welcome to call us on (03) 9754 2177, contact us via email, follow us on Facebook, have a look around our website or come and visit us at 1566 Burwood Highway, Tecoma.
Sunday Service:
3 week series – The Good Life ?
For these next 3 weeks as a lead in to into Lent, we’ll be taking time to reflect on the stories and promises that shape our lives. Our culture offers us many visions of “the good life” — about who is blessed, how we should live, and which voices deserve our attention. Often these promises are subtle, persuasive, and deeply familiar.
Across three weeks, we’ll gently explore these questions together: Who are blessed? How should we live? Who are we listening to? Using Jesus’ teaching from the Gospel of Matthew, we’ll hold the world’s narratives alongside the way of Jesus — not to rush to easy answers, but to notice where our lives are being formed.
This series will prepare us for Lent, a season that invites us to return to what is most rooted, life-giving, and true. Before we ask what the good news is, we’ll take time to notice what “good” we’ve already been taught to believe in.
Zoom
Hall Hirer & Community Events
Shrive/Pancake Tuesday
This year our traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake fundraiser takes place on:
Please let us know if you are able to contribute – or fill in the following online form, or the hard copy at the back of the church]
Trivia Night
Kit is currently desperately unwell with a number of illnesses including ME/CFS and relies upon assistance from friends who are now conducting a Trivia Fundraiser in Upwey on the 13th February.
More detail is available at https://events.humanitix.com/trivia-fundraiser-for-kit
BEING KIND TO YOURSELF
In a world that constantly pushes us toward self-improvement and high achievement, it’s easy to fall into the trap of harsh self-criticism. When we fail, stumble or simply feel inadequate, the voice in our head can be our harshest judge. However, there is a kinder, more resilient path which is self-compassion, recognising your own suffering and responding to it with the same kindness, care and understanding you would offer a dear friend. self-compassion has three core components:
- Self-Kindness vs. Self-Judgment: Treating yourself warmly and gently, rather than beating yourself up over perceived flaws or mistakes.
- Common Humanity vs. Isolation: Recognising that suffering, failure and imperfection are part of the shared human experience, not something that happens only to you.
- Mindfulness vs. Over-Identification: Being aware of painful thoughts and feelings without suppressing or exaggerating them.
5 Strategies to put Self-Compassion in Place
- The Compassionate Break: When you feel distressed, consciously stop and say three things to yourself: “This is a moment of suffering” (Mindfulness). “Suffering is a part of life” (Common Humanity). “May I be kind to myself in this moment” (Self-Kindness).
- Write a Self-Compassionate Letter: Think of a painful situation or a flaw you often criticise yourself for. Imagine a compassionate friend who loves you unconditionally is writing you a letter about it, offering understanding, wisdom and encouragement.
- Use a Soothing Touch: Physical gestures of warmth can calm the nervous system. Place your hands over your heart, gently cup your face, or give yourself a gentle hug when you are upset.
- Identify the Critical Voice: When self-criticism arises, label it: “That is my Inner Critic talking.” This helps create distance, allowing you to choose a more compassionate response instead of automatically believing the criticism.
- Practice Mindful Gratitude for Imperfection: Spend a few minutes acknowledging something you usually judge harshly about yourself (e.g., procrastination, a physical trait). Instead of fixing it, simply observe it and thank it for the lessons or challenges it presents, recognizing it as part of your unique human package.
Financial Contributions
If you would like to support the work of the church and it’s service to the surrounding community, you 
can do this through our Bendigo Bank account.
BSB: 633 000 & Account: 131789216 To contact us: (03) 9754 2177 or email office@tecomauc.org.au
or go to our Offerings page to use your credit/debit card.
Keep up to date with what is happening in and around the Tecoma Uniting Church and get our latest newsletter, The Tecoma Times here.