Outreach
Trinity congregation stays informed and engages with the local and international community on issues of social justice and practical support in a number of ways. Many of these initiatives are jointly held with St Aidan’s Uniting Church in North Balwyn.
Mind Body Spirit Seminars
During the year, Trinity members participate in the Mind Body Spirit seminars arranged by St Aidan’s on the fourth Sunday evening each month. Public speakers at these seminars often deal with issues of ethics and justice.
The Nellie Watson Lecture
A major annual event supported by both congregations is the Nellie Watson lecture on a topic of ethical significance. For more information click here.
Petitions
There are frequent opportunities for members of the congregation to sign petitions addressed to governments in Australia or overseas. Most of these are sent out by the Justice and International Mission unit of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania and are very well researched. Recent issues include the abolition of land mines, and advocacy by the Australian government abroad against the death penalty.
Asylum Seeker Support
For some years, members of the congregation have been active in support of housing for Asylum Seekers, through the Hotham Mission, and in efforts to change government policies on detention and visas.
Boroondara Community Outreach
The Boroondara Community Outreach is a project especially supported by members at Trinity. This Outreach offers a ministry with people who have faced significant struggles in life, many of whom live in rooming houses and have limited resources. Trinity people participate in the monthly worship service for this community and take a turn in preparing barbeque food for the meal that follows. This service is held at Kew Uniting Church, Highbury Grove, on the second Sunday of each month 5-6 pm.
Sunshine Mission
The other major social project of the Trinity Congregation is the regular support of the Sunshine Mission. Members of the congregation donate food goods and other household items, to be distributed at Sunshine to people who are struggling to survive economically.
Newspaper Recycling
Donated food is augmented by purchases of food each month using funds raised by recycling newspapers. We ask all group members supporters to bring papers to Trinity rather than place them in Council recycling collections. Through the united efforts of the congregation and Network groups, we are increasing our turn over.
This project was begun decades ago by men in the Trinity congregation to raise funds for those in need. We are currently providing $500 each month for food to support struggling families through the Sunshine Mission in West Melbourne, run by the Uniting Church.
The food is bought at discounted bulk prices and managed by the food bank at Sunshine where it is distributed carefully to those who need it.
Recycling Instructions
Please remove all glossy magazines and advertising and tie papers firmly with string across both ways, in bundles up to 15 cm (6 inches) high. Bundles may be left under the rear stairs behind the church at any time.
Balwyn High School Chaplaincy
Trinity Uniting Church congregation contributes each year to the cost of the chaplains at Balwyn High School.
