New Church

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

Meet new like-minded ladies & gents and make meaningful connections this New Year! The fast-friending format of our event helps you meet many like-minded ladies & gents in a short amount of time, allowing you to quickly discover who you connect with best! It’s a fun, lively way to build meaningful relationships without the usual challenges of starting from scratch **You will need to buy a ticket for attending -** [https://mel28thfeb.eventbrite.co.uk](https://mel28thfeb.eventbrite.co.uk) \*You can use any debit or credit card to purchase your ticket at PayPal checkout. It will ask you for your email address but that is only to send you a receipt. You do not need a PayPal account. TICKETS:- Early Bird - AUD 10 per person Regular Ticket - AUD 15 per person Cash at Meetup - If you do not purchase tickets in advance then you can pay AUD 20 cash to your host Ivy when you meet her at the event. **What's more?** \- We have happy hours\! \- If you’re feeling a little shy\, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered\! You’re welcome to bring a lady friend along for free\! \- We will meet at 7\.00 pm when you will be welcomed by your host Ivy\. She will manage the evening and also help you make connections\. If you are a bit shy or anxious then please come early. Ivy will help you meet other members in a small group and help you settle down and get comfortable. All attendees are also welcome to bring a lady friend along with them for free. This will make it a lot less stressful for you as you will always have your friend alongside. Our venue for the evening - La Di Da is spacious, has comfortable seating and not very noisy. We have a reserved area where our members can meet each other in a supportive environment. \- From 7\.30 to 8\.30 pm\, we will start 'Fast Friending' where our host Ivy will ask you to speak to a different attendee every 3 minutes\. You will be able to meet lots of ladies and gentlemen and not be limited to only those sitting or standing next you\. \- After 8\.30 pm you will have time to interact with those you have met as well as others\. \- We are not a close knit tight group\. Our evenings are warm and comfortable for members attending for the first time and those coming alone\. You will not feel alone\! \- We have many groups in this city\. Members of our other groups who RSVP are included as guests of the organisers in order to give you an indication of expected people\. \- This evening is for ladies and gents in the 25 to 50 age group\. While some will be at the younger end of this range there will also be others at the other end of the range and lots in\-between\! You will naturally gel with others of your own age range and so you will always find many attendees who fit your range\. \- We are not a 'dating' group\. We are focused on helping ladies and gents meet other like minded ladies and gents\. You will generally find a good gender balance \(maybe not perfect\) at all our events\. Why do we have tickets? 1. Cover our costs - Our host is compensated for their time and work. We also pay meetup and have dedicated staff to manage our events, hosts, venues and communication. 2. Group Safety - By securing your ticket we have a record and you contribute to a well organized evening where everyone is more committed and better behaved. 3. Management - Tickets help us better manage attendee group size, book suitable space and activity. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ABOUT [fastfriends.co.uk ](https://fastfriends.co.uk/)- We have connected members successfully for the past 10 years in over 30 cities (operating as Expatsclub, MeetConnectDevelop and fastfriends.co.uk). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- You can contact our founder Dan on +447715705005 with any questions or ideas. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Here are some videos which will give you some guidance and comfort to make your attendance more productive.** Secrets of socializing at our meetups - [http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing](http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing) How to make new friends - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs) How to make people like you at our socials -[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4guProkKrI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4guProkKrI)

This is a chance to meet some peeps, hang out, chat, eat some snacks and maybe play some poker. Don't worry if you don't know how to play. We are happy to teach you. There's no charge and we don't use real money, but we do have prizes for first at each table. Cool drinks, snacks and chocolate will be provided. This is an alcohol free event.

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S Calling all introverts! Meet other introverts in Melbourne and make new friends in a safe environment with board games to help break the ice! Feel free but not obliged to socialise! ALL WELCOME!

How about we kick off the best day with a jog and coffee together? Trust me, you won't want to miss out! 🏃‍♂️Training menu🏃‍♂️ Every Sunday 8:00~ Fed Square Assembly 【https://maps.app.goo.gl/zmPQ6U533pUDcNSA9?g_st=ic】 If you have luggage, please consider using the lockers at the station. 💥40~60 min Jog+Walk Pace: Easy pace, suitable for beginners. If you got tired, let's walk together. 【schedule】 8:00 Gathering 8:10 Start 9:00 End of training Challengers we are waiting for you 😊

# **Azure Nights – Saturday Bachata Workshop and Social💙✨** 💳 **Rising STAR holders:** Use your STAR for **FREE entry** to the Bachata workshop and social dancing — a great way to make the most of your membership! Join us for **Azure Nights** on **Saturday, 28th of February** — a magical night of Bachata dance, music, and social connection in North Melbourne! Whether you’re completely new or have some dance experience, this night is for you. **No partner needed. Everyone is welcome!** *** ✨ **THE DETAILS** 📅 **Date:** Saturday, 28th of February 📍 **Location:** Sokol Melbourne Inc (497 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne) 👗 **Dress Code:** Dress to impress! **Blue and/or White** or your favourite party outfit *** ⏰ **THE SCHEDULE** **8:00 PM – Bachata Workshop (Open Level)** Learn or brush up on your moves in a relaxed, improver-friendly class **9:00 PM – 1:00 AM – Social Dancing** Dance, meet new people, and have fun with the community *** 🎵 **THE MUSIC & VIBE** Our house DJs will keep the floor alive with: **Main mix:** Bachata, Salsa & a touch of Kizomba **DJs:** DJ Hong Starr, DJ Tabone & **DJ JT (Spain)** *** 💰 **PRICING** Book online to save if you don't have a Rising Star card. 👉 https://www.trybooking.com/DJAVW *** ## **📍 HOW TO FIND US** Sokol Melbourne Inc, 497 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne Come dance, have fun, and connect with friendly people — a night you won’t forget!

Program 10:00 am – Morning chanting and meditation 11:15 am – Alms offering to the monastic community 12:45 pm – Robe and fund offering for Dhamma propagation 1:30 pm - Buddha Puja and meditation 2:30 pm – Merit Dedication Ceremony, blessings, and conclusion White clothes is appreciated

✨ **Do you want to...** * 🫶🏽 Connect with like-minded people in your local community? * 🏋🏽‍♂️ Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others? * 🌈 Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn)? * 🧘🏼‍♂️ Experience a simple yet powerful meditation practice to find calm and clarity? Or maybe you just want to... ☮️💟☯️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet some amazing new people?** *** ### **Join us on Sundays!** Let’s come together, share positive energy, and build a warm, supportive local community. **Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** *** ### **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection *** ### **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need. *** ### **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$10 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue costs, provide resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** *** ### **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** *** ### **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present.

**The Harm and Value of Religion** We are looking at religion and what harm it does or what value it has for society if any. And why the recent increase in interest by intellectuals and atheists despite thinking it's obsolete. **VIDEOS** [We DON'T need RELIGION - Sam Harris vs Jordan Peterson](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fpIUjbWd5k) [Why Religion Does more Harm than Good in the World](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp3pW_2E2BM) [Eric Weinstein - Why Nobody Believes In Anything Anymore](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwylZPb-HWs) **Discussion Outline** 1\. Can we perceive the world without a structure? 2\. Is religion harmful? 3\. Atheist: "Religion is interested in you whether or not you give a shit"

We will meet at the starting point, wak towards the Black Rock Beach and take a round trip back. Parking is available at the train station on site. You can grab a coffee/ snack at the start, as we wait for everyone to arrive in the 15mins. Dress fo outdoor long walk and come join us for an afternoon walk! Take it slow and start from there. **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30 mins in advance. We will wait up to 15 mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start. **\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-** Change of plan or decide not to attend is absolutely okay. Please do update your RSVP to "NO", so others can have the opportunity to attend. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos to Friends….Expand Your Social Circle Meetup group is a community of individuals who prefer to take it slow to get to know each other overtime in Melbourne. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, chilling, cultural exchange, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **\-\-\- WhatsApp Group \-\-\-** We use WhatsApp for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the WhatsApp Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * take advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.

**クロカルギャザリングとは** 海外生活の先輩たちや、日本が大好きなオーストラリア人などが混じり合い、海外生活のスタートをセレブレートしたり、大変だけどもうちょっと頑張ろうかぁと互いに励まし合える空間。 英語を練習したい人は英語で、日本語でくつろぎたい人は日本語で自由に！とにかく、実家に帰ってきたようなリラックスできる雰囲気で、のんびりできる場所。毎回美味しいアフタヌーンティもご用意してお待ちしています🎉 場所：ビクトリア大学シティタワー8F ためになる海外生活の情報をゲットしたいなら、公式LINEアカウントへの登録もお忘れなく！([https://lin.ee/KiWo8Ku](https://lin.ee/KiWo8Ku)) このイベントはメルボルンセントラル駅の隣にある、CrossCulture Churchとのコラボレーションで企画しています。国立図書館前に160年以上も前に建てられた伝統的なプロテスタント教会でキリスト教を匂わせている新興宗教とは全く関係がありません。日本ではタブーな宗教の質問にもお答えすることができますので、お気軽にどうぞ😄

**Sunday Walk** **Middle Brighton Beach – Bayside foreshore** ***Please Note: is a re-post of the earlier Sunday Walk. Confirming it is for THIS Sunday. Those who have already registered, please register again, as the old date is now in the past. Sorry for the date error.*** This next Sunday Walk will head back to the bayside foreshore. This walk takes us to the ever-popular Middle Brighton Beach, with its famous bathing boxes. We'll finish with coffee at the **Royal Brighton Yacht Club** \- on the deck overlooking the marina and the bay\. Come and join us. It'll be a great way to spend your Sunday morning. **Start:** Bay St, Brighton. Assemble at the beach end of Bay St. **Parking:** Park along Bay Street or in St Ninnians Road, off Bay St, just back from the beach. Parking is FREE. **The Walk**: The walk is along the Bayside Trail past the Brighton Baths and onto the picturesque bathing boxes, and then return the same way. **Total distance**: 5.0 km. **Time:** Allow 2.5 hours, including coffee. **Difficulty:** Easy, although we are walking on beach sand for a short distance. **Toilets:** At several places along the way. **Coffee:** At the cafe in **Royal Brighton Yacht Club**. We can have brunch there too if we wish.

Meditation practicing

The Chinese New Year Gathering will be held at Mitcham Community House 19 Brunswick RD Mitcham on Saturday February 28 at 6-7pm AEDT. This event will bring in a joyful and prosperous Year of the Fire Horse. Chinese New Year gives us an opportunity to transform all negative inferences to positive ones and make a new start in our lives. We warmly invite you to join us for this special gathering on Feburary 28 at 6-7pm at the Mitcham Community House. If you are not able to attend in person, please use the link below to register. [https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIocO2rpz8vHtV1SoNGBzqbMKSgoQyAT6QF](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIocO2rpz8vHtV1SoNGBzqbMKSgoQyAT6QF) We wish you a happy and prosperous Year of the Horse.

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Join us every 3rd Sunday of the month right after the Sunday Service for our Potluck Fellowship — a warm and welcoming time to connect, share, and celebrate community together! Bring your favorite dish to share (homemade or store-bought — all are welcome) and enjoy a delicious meal with friends old and new. It’s a wonderful opportunity to relax, laugh, and deepen your connections. Come hungry for good food, uplifting conversation, and heartfelt fellowship!

# **Band and caller TBA** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!