“How long has this beacon of faith stood here?” you might ask while gazing at the Mascot Wesley Uniting Church. Let me share its story. Mascot Wesley Uniting Church has a history stretching back over a century. It all began 107 years ago.
Originally Mascot Wesley Uniting Church was a very strong Anglo Celtic congregation. Today it reflects a vibrant multicultural community. Ninety-eight percent of its members have Tongan heritage. You’ll hear English and Tongan spoken here most often. Niuean members sometimes share their language. An Indian Fijian family enriches the mix with Hindi. Young people and children create an active and lively environment every Sunday.
Mascot Wesley Uniting Church is not just a place of worship. It’s a hub of activity and community engagement. The church embraces radical hospitality. It fosters passionate worship and intentional faith development. It also takes risks for mission and service. Extravagant generosity defines its spirit.
Music fills the air at Mascot Wesley Uniting Church. It is a gift from God. The newly formed MWUC Brass Band practices every Friday. They lead worship twice a month in both English and Tongan services. The Youth Band also practices regularly. They lead the English service on Sunday mornings. The Senior Men’s Band plays Tongan music. They share folk songs and gospels every week during Men’s Bible Study and Fellowship. Both bands serve the broader community.
The Tongan Choir practices twice a week. They meet on Saturday afternoons and after the Tongan service on Sundays. Peti Liku and ‘Aisea Paea are the choir conductors. Angahiki Lolo is the Choir Master and Fotolina Kioa is the Assistant Choir Master.
Mascot Wesley’s musical gifts extend beyond its walls. The bands and choirs visit and worship with other congregations. They’ve performed in community festivals. You may have seen them at Carols by Candlelight at Mascot Memorial Park. They also participate in Presbytery functions and annual Synod Gatherings.
Looking ahead Mascot Wesley Uniting Church has big dreams. A Property Control Group is working hard to facilitate future development. They are planning a new multi-purpose hall. This hall will support the church’s mission. Sydney Presbytery has engaged consultants to assess the feasibility of this project. Lisitoa Paea, Siulolo Koula and Toni Kauhiva represent the congregation in this group.
The church actively builds relationships. They connect with neighboring Uniting Church congregations. These include Hope Uniting in Maroubra and Mustard Seed Uniting Church in Ultimo. They hold combined worship services at different times of the year.
Mascot Wesley Uniting Church offers various services. The English service starts at 10:00 am. A short refreshment break follows. Rev Dr Jason Kioa and Rev Brendon Lukin alternate leading the service. The Tongan service begins at 12:00 pm. Forty-five lay preachers lead these services. Inter-generational Worship takes place on the last Sunday of the month. It is proving very popular. All ages share the scriptures. The first Sunday of each month features a Combined Holy Communion Service. It includes Tongan hymns and English prayers. The message is delivered in both languages. Everyone is welcome to fellowship and lunch in the hall afterward.
So as you stand here remember the Mascot Wesley Uniting Church. It is a place where diverse cultures blend. It is a place where music resonates. It is a place where faith thrives.