Tuesday, July 31, 2007

International Day of Prayer for Peace - 2007

WCC member churches worldwide are once more invited to pray for peace on 21 September 2007 or the closest Sunday. The International Day of Prayer for Peace offers an opportunity for church communities in all places to pray and act together to nurture lasting peace in the hearts of people, their families, communities and societies. The idea was proposed in 2004 during a meeting between WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (press release), and coincides with the UN International Day of Peace. The Day of Prayer is one of the initiatives of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence.
Congregations worldwide are invited to pray for peace - possibly using the same prayers - in all participating churches on September 21 or the Sunday preceding it. Click here for worship resources and for further information.

An ever-expanding number of people worldwide, representing a wide variety of religious and spiritual traditions, have committed to the task of working with other like-minded individuals and groups for an International Day of Peace Vigil.

The objective of the International Day of Peace Vigil is "to encourage worldwide, 24-hour spiritual observations for peace and nonviolence on the International Day of Peace, 21 September 2007 in every house of worship and place of spiritual practice, by all religious and spiritually based groups and individuals, and by all men, women and children who seek peace in the world."

CELEBRATION OF SIR DOUGLAS NICHOLLS O.B.E., M.B.E.

The Churches of Christ Theological College Community and the Social Justice Network of the Churches of Christ in Vic-Tas invite you to

An honouring of the story of Sir Douglas Nicholls…

alongside an experience of reflection upon life’s journey

Sir Douglas Nicholls: 101 years!

Preacher & Politician, Activist & Athlete

Sunday, 16 September 2007

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Events of the day will include:

  • Unveiling of an historic portrait of Sir Douglas Nicholls
  • Art Show Official Opening: "Reminiscence: Reflection upon Life's Journey"
  • Speakers: family, colleagues and friends
  • Worship
  • "Family Photo Table" - please bring your photo of Pastor Doug to share for the day!
  • "Table of Memories"
  • Devonshire Tea

Venue: Churches of Christ Theological College, 44-60 Jacksons Road, Mulgrave (Melways 80K3)

Hosted by Churches of Christ Theological College and the Social Justice Network of the Churches of Christ in Vic-Tas.

For more information call 9790-1000 or email admin@cctc.edu.au

Thursday, July 19, 2007

AMAZING GRACE - Preview Screening and Discussion Group


Tuesday July 24, 6.45pm
Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon Street, Carlton

Cinema Nova, together with Liberty Victoria, presents a preview screening of Michael Apted’s historical epic about the life of anti-slavery pioneer William Wilberforce followed by a discussion on modern day slavery with Julian Burnside QC, Mordy Bromberg SC, anti-human trafficking campaigner Kerryn Clarke, and Kon Karapanagiotidis, CEO of the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre.

Amazing Grace is the historic tale of the courageous William Wilberforce and his mission to rid the world of slavery. Acclaimed director Michael Apted (The 7 Up Series , Narnia, The World is Not Enough) brings to life the story of the antislavery pioneer and MP, who fought hard and strong during the late 18th century to put the issue of slave labour on the table, not only in political circles, but also throughout Britain.

THE PANEL DISCUSSION:
Cinema Nova is thrilled to be playing host to Julian Burnside, QC, president of Liberty Victoria and one of the most outspoken people in Australia on human rights, Mordy Bromberg SC, a Senior Counsel at the Victorian Bar with extensive experience of international labour law including on the issue of forced labour, anti-human trafficking campaigner Kerryn Clarke, Social Justice Officer for STOP THE TRAFFIK initiative, and Kon Karapanagiotidis, CEO of the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, Australia’s leading asylum seeker aid, health and advocacy organization.

COST: $18 full / $15 Concession / $12 Liberty Victoria members. Includes wine on arrival.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

RUDD PROMISES TO SAVE MORE LIVES - MPH


On 4 July 2007, Opposition Leader, Kevin Rudd MP, announced a plan to save more lives by promising to increase Australia’s overseas aid to 0.5% of Gross National Income by 2015 (which would increase the aid budget to around $8.8 billion dollars).

If delivered, the extra aid could allow Australia to fund programs to achieve all of the following: reduce child deaths by 140,000 each year, cut maternal deaths by 4,200, lead to at least 29,000 fewer deaths from AIDS and 31,000 fewer deaths from TB each year. It could also provide access to safe drinking water to almost 37 million people.

This announcement sets a new benchmark for commitment to a generous and effective aid program. It also highlights the importance of constant pressure on our politicians – so thank YOU for your energy and support!

"In the last four years the MPH campaign has ensured that global poverty is on the political agenda more than ever before." - Bob McMullan speaking at the MPH Forum 7/7/07


This information is taken directly from the Australian MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY e-newsletter. If you wish to sign up to this resource, click HERE.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? Jesus for the non-religious

Bishop John Shelby Spong will speak on: Who is Jesus Christ? Jesus for the non-religious

WHEN: Wednesday 22 August 2007 at 7.30pm

WHERE: Malvern Town Hall
Corner of Glenferrie Rd and High St, Malvern
Sponsored by the Progressive Christian Network of Victoria http://www.pcnvictoria.org.au

Tickets may now be purchased from Ticketmaster for $25 per person:
By phone 136 100. Internet: www.ticketmaster.com.au and select lecture/seminar
Entry by ticket only. There will be no sale of tickets at the door.