Cobden Uniting Church
WORSHIP
The Cobden Uniting Church is part of the Corangamite Otway Region's western cluster (Cobden, Terang and Timboon) and lives through the dedication and energy of its members. Services are held every Sunday at either 9am or 11am and are led by our minister Rev Mele Fakahua-Ratcliffe or lay ministry, on a rostered basis. On the fifth Sunday of the month there is a combined service at 10.30am with Cobden, Terang and Timboon Uniting Churches, with each church taking their turn to host the other two congregations.
HISTORY
The Uniting Church in Cobden was formed in 1977, as part of the nation-wide union of three existing churches; Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational. A decision was taken to use the existing Methodist building in Curdie Street as our place of worship, and further extensions were built and officially opened in 1981. The prime hilltop property of the old Presbyterian church was subdivided and sold as residential blocks.
At that time there were three outlying parishes; Stoneyford, Cobrico and South Purrumbete; with changing demographics and increasing ability to travel, over the years these churches have all closed.
CHAPLAINCY
As a means of reaching out to our community, in 2008 Cobden Uniting Church approached the Cobden Technical School to discuss the appointment of a chaplain, and this was duly established, with the church fully funding this position for one day per week.
We were delighted that Rev Malcolm Ward, the pastor at Naringal Baptist Church, accepted this appointment. He is a much respected member of the school’s welfare team and offers support, guidance and care to students. Cobden Uniting is very proud of initiating this chaplaincy, and we are delighted that the school appreciates its value and so in 2012 they successfully applied for the new round of Federal funding for chaplaincies, which enabled the chaplaincy position to be funded for two days a week.
Our Opportunity Shop provides a valuable service to the community, providing low-cost clothing and household items. It also provides food parcels and clothing or goods to people who for any reason find themselves in need.
The shop is open Monday-Thursday 1pm-4pm, Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-12pm. It is managed mainly by the women of the church but also benefits from the generous giving of their time by other local volunteers.
EXPLORERS GROUP
In 2011 the church initiated an after-school program; a “Kids’ Story Workshop” now named "Explorers Group" for primary school children, and it is led by Cobden CRE teacher, Jamie Rothman. This workshop runs on the last five Tuesday afternoons of each school term, and the children have great fun with craft, songs, stories and other activities. During the weeks the group is running a shingle is erected outside the church hall in Adams Street.
UNITING CHURCH ADULT FELLOWSHIP
Our womenfolk meet monthly at Uniting Church Adult Fellowship which is not in fact restricted to “Ladies Only”, but we are still waiting for our first male members!
As well as responsibilities for the Op Shop, they provide catering for functions at the church, funerals, birthdays etc., and also regularly provide lunch at the Senior Citizens'.
There is also a men's tea held on the third Friday of each month, with the men bringing along food to share.
All groups would be delighted to have some new members.
CHURCH COUNCIL
Like all organisations, management is needed in order to function smoothly and we have an elected group of people, who deal with worship and pastoral care concerns, outreach, finances, property maintenance etc.
New faces are always welcome into our friendly Uniting Church family.