How should I proceed to unpack this particular doctrine; a doctrine which for thousands of years has underpinned both the mission of the church and the language of Christianity? Well, with a mixture of trepidation and hope. Trepidation, because people have built much of their faith upon this doctrine. Hope, because of all the doctrines…
When it comes to the subject of prayer I always try to tread very gently and thoughtfully because I know I am entering very sacred space. These past few weeks have been no exception. I am acutely aware that behind every person who prays there sits a background story. Stories that emanate from life experience…
This month’s focus on prayer has been rather thought-provoking – especially for me as I spend time preparing for our gatherings on Sunday. It’s been good to concentrate on this dimension of spiritual life which is common to people of all faiths, and some people of no particular faith. Over the past 2 weeks I…
Yesterday, we said goodbye to a dearly loved member of the church. Shirley Lancaster died as she had lived – peacefully. But this was not the end of a passive life but rather the end of a vibrant, creative, strong, caring and thoughtful life. A few months ago, on one Sunday morning, Randall shared with…
Some interesting responses to the question, “Any ideas for themes for the next few months?” All suggestions were about some of the big themes around faith and life – so we will have a go at all of them. The idea of exploring a theme is for that purpose. Some things are just too deep…
Funny how a word that’s not used very often can keep popping up in conversation. That’s what’s been happening with the word resilience. Three times this week: in a plant nursery, in a recovery ward, and after a phone call with a friend who’s husband died suddenly on Monday. First time, I was looking for…
I recently had lunch with a friend who is working on the island of Lesbos – helping to manage the flow of refugees arriving on its shores. She went back last Wednesday. She first went there almost 3 years ago. On arrival she found chaos; beaches strewn with discarded lifejackets, and the formal ‘settlements’ overflowing.…
Well, we’ve moved and slowly adjusting to many experiences of difference. Simple things like remembering where light switches are and which ways cupboard doors open. Oh, and where do we keep the biscuits now? Slowly the brain’s hard-wiring of 17 years will fade and be replaced by new wiring over the months to come. I…
It’s not often that ‘Mabo Day’ falls on a Sunday. It’s worth learning about Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo because in so many ways he warrants the title of National Hero. You probably already know a lot about him but let me just refresh your memory. Eddie was born on 29 June 1936, in the community of…
It’s hard to imagine what the piece of land on which our church building stands, looked like 200, 2,000, or 2 million years ago. But the coastline of what we call Port Philip Bay appears to have remained unchanged for about 6000 years. For the Yallukut Weelam clan the skyline would have looked the same…