Programs and Activities

The Programs & Activities below offer two opportunities – the opportunity to be served and to serve. These opportunities lie both inside the church, serving its members (ministry), and beyond, serving the community around us (misson).

We are keen to help you discern where God is calling you and how to follow that calling. Whether it’s within the church community, your work environment or the local neighbourhood, God has you there for a purpose.

If you believe you can help in a way which is isn’t listed, make sure you let us know. We are always looking for great new ways to reach the community.

Adults

A range of adult groups and programs help meet the needs of this group:

Children & Families

Community Service

Opportunities for Service

Small Groups

Cell Groups are the heart and soul of the church and operate from member’s homes, usually on a fortnightly basis.

Each group includes opportunities for prayer, study and reflection on Scripture, and time to discuss “the important things in life”. Pastoral care and support of members is also a feature of our Small Groups.

Craft Group

Craft Group meets Monday mornings during school term. Novice or expert, you”ll find plenty of ways to express your creative urges.

Perhaps you just need to get out of the house and get some time away from the usual grind.

The group also raises funds or donates items to support various causes.

Girls Night Out

For women, this group usually meets monthly to escape from the demands of family life, or just to have a good time out with friends. A night out, a meal and plenty of chat are regular features of this low demand group.

Take “time out” to refresh, recharge and reconnect.

SOFA (Stressed Out Fellas Association)

For men, this group meets monthly to escape from the demands of family life, or just to have a good time out with “a few of the guys”. A movie, a cuppa, or game of pool and time to “chew the fat” are regular features of this group.

‘Take a seat’ and stress down with SOFA. Meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

UCAF (Uniting Church Adult Fellowship)

This group is actively involved in fundraising for mission on both the local, national and overseas scenes.

Visiting speakers share their insights on mission and ministry, and there’s no shortage of ways of raising a few dollars for a worthwhile cause.

The social life among members is positive and supportive too. UCAF meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 1:00pm.

Family Fun Days

An opportunity for families or people young and old to enjoy time together. It takes many pairs of hands to host the activities include craft, puzzles, card & board games, music, entertainment, library and our famous free sausage sizzle. Local performing and martial arts groups also provide short performances to display the skills and talents of their members.

These free events happen throughout the year. Watch the home page event calendar for days and times.

Coatesville Community Care

Coatesville Community Care is an informal, neighbourhood drop-in service for people requiring emergency relief, run by volunteers.

It runs every Friday from 10.00am until 12 noon, except public holidays. We also close for several weeks over the Christmas break (see Events listing for exact dates). to the To ensure you are seen, make sure you arrive at 10.00 am.

On the first Friday of each month we provide morning tea for any one who’d like to drop-in for coffee and a chat (10.00 am to 12 noon). All are welcome.

We provide basic advice to empower people to work through times of difficulty. We work together in creating strategies for people to choose from to reduce chances of their situation recurring in the future.

Commonly, we will offer a bag of food and may, on occasion, provide a food voucher to assist clients. We also make referrals to other agencies and connect clients to other community services such as support organizations and social groups.

The entire value of donations goes to clients.

Community Food Pantry

Our Community Food Pantry is located in the front carpark. It is open 24 hours a day and carries a range of non-perishable food and other basic necessities.

While the pantry is restocked regularly, we unfortunately can’t guarantee the availability of any specific items as demand varies and the pantry is often accessed overnight.

Donations of un-opened, non-perishable food items within their use-by date or close to their best-by date are welcomed. While other basic household necessities such as sponges, detergent, shampoo and toilet paper are welcomed, we do not have the facilities to handle clothing or larger household items.

The entire value of any monetary donations goes to purchasing supplies for the pantry.

The pantry is supported by Coatesville Uniting Church, Food Bank Victoria, Glen Eira City Council and generous locals.

Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care team meets monthly. It takes responsibility, with the minister, to ensure a high level of care for those associated directly with Coatesville. Small groups and ministry activities also contribute to the pastoral care of their teams and members.

Worship Leadership

We plan worship on a quarterly basis and offer opportunities to participate in worship leadership as part of this process.

Christmas

On Christmas Eve, we host a carols by candlelight service suitable for young and old at 9pm, followed by a vigil service at 11:30pm. Both events are in the chapel.

The Christmas morning service is at 9am.

Music Team

Music plays a vital role in the worship life at Coatesville.

We recognize the power of music and the role it plays in Christian worship. Our general approach is to colour our worship with both contemporary and traditional pieces. It is important for us to ensure that the music we use is lyrically accessible and has broad relevance. We largely source the works of contemporary writers who through their songs, offer meaningful, considered and mature expressions of faith. We also see the regular use of original music and songs written by members of the Coatesville community.

Music is led by a seven person music team. From time to time recorded music is incorporated into our worship.

The Shuttle

The Coatesville monthly magazine The Shuttle – weaving the congregation together with its message is published monthly in print and online editions. We are always looking for new ideas and material.

Fete

The annual Church Fete offers a great opportunity to work alongside others in the church and meet members of the public. While the church is open most days of the week, hundreds of people come in to the church buildings for the first time on Fete day.