We work hard to be a safe, brave, and gracious community. A safe community is vital. People matter to us, so safety matters. Safe is when children are protected, people are not injured because of our lack of care, our programs are carefully planned, and people are welcomed, honoured, and respected. A trustworthy community is one where everybody’s safety comes … Read More
WHAT TO DO IN ANOTHER WEEK OF WAR?
What a dreadful week. The brutal terrorist strikes in southern Israel, massacring women, men, young and old is grievous. And now, Israel’s retribution crushing a population of Palestinians. Vengeance and more vengeance. Death and more death. I know this cycle is the threat and tragedy of our world, but there are times when what is at stake is frightening. This … Read More
PRAYER FOR OUR FIRST NATIONS
As we approach the Voice referendum, I hope we agree the church should be in prayer. While I will vote ‘yes’ for the Voice, I know thoughtful, considered Australians are voting ‘No’ out of concern for our First Nations and the best way forward. We might vote differently, but we share the same heart. It might help if we had … Read More
Thanking God for our church
I am thankful for our church. People often ask me how our church is going. As I have said before, I find that a complex question. I know our joy and sorrow, our strength and weaknesses. Yet, when I focus on our people, I am thankful. Our church is filled with kind, hopeful, honest, generous, godly people. As we wrap … Read More
“Thankful”
“I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart;I will enter His courts with praise.I will say this is the day that the Lord has made.I will rejoice for He has made me glad.” This chorus, based on Psalm 100:4 was a popular song in the ‘Scripture in Song’ book (in the 1980’s!) and I started unconsciously humming its … Read More
CAN YOU SEE SEEKERS?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all … Read More
HOW CAN WE LOVE OTHERS MORE?
Do you know Jesus’ parable of the ‘Lost sheep’? The Shepherd who has 99 sheep in the fold, but goes and finds the one lost sheep and comes home rejoicing. This parable holds a powerful picture of how one person matters to God. This is the kind of picture Jesus paints for us of God. God doesn’t see a crowd, … Read More
SHOULD PREACHING AND POLITICS BE SEPARATE?
Keep the pulpit and politics separate! That could be a mantra of a baptist church. The principle of separation of church and state was originally a Baptist idea. The early Baptists experienced persecution from state churches. They believed freedom to practice faith helped ensure its authenticity. Political power used for religious purposes distorted faith. Religion used for political purposes, oppressed … Read More
A WORLD WORTH LIVING IN
How can we live well in a world worth living in? This is the question I was left with on hearing renowned Australian journalist, Wiradjuri man, Stan Grant’s recent speech. Grant spoke at St Peter’s College last Wednesday night. It is worth watching. As reported this week, Grant stepped away from the media now moving to an academic role with … Read More
Looking through the eyes of the Spirit…
One of my favourite parts of co-ordinating the UPBC SALA Exhibition is when all the artists begin to arrive at the church office with their artworks. Until then, we really don’t know what we will be showing to the public or how we should put it together! This last week, I’ve been excited to see how different artists have managed … Read More