In Japanese culture an important part of conversation is ‘aizuchi’. Aizuchi consists of frequent interjections throughout a conversation to indicate that we’re listening attentively to whatever the speaker is saying. Aizuchi is similar to saying, “uh-huh,” “really,” “I see,” “I get it,” and so on. Without aizuchi, the speaker might think you’re uninterested in what they’re saying. Similarly, if you’re talking … Read More
HOW DO WE BUILD A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS?
How can we make peace between estranged people? Particularly with a long history of conflict? Our speaker last week, Dr Seblewengel Daniel, lives in Ethiopia, a country at war with itself. We discussed her sense of what will bring peace to her nation. The summary of the conversation is bringing peace requires conflicted people working together, to do this they … Read More
Ascension
8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Acts 1:8-9 (NIV) As I write this article (Thursday … Read More
the mother’s day backstory
How did Mother’s Day originate? It is celebrated in nearly 100 countries, where did it all start? Is Mothers’ Day another example of commercialised sentimentality? Or is there more? In the late 19th century, American peace activist, Ann Reeves Jarvis worked hard to support mothers and build peace following the American Civil War. After she died, her daughter Anna Reeves … Read More
WILL YOU BE A MARTYR?
Did you know if you are a follower of Jesus, you will be a martyr? Jesus says to his followers, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (NIV, Acts 1:8) In the original language … Read More
All Things Made New
It’s Easter Sunday and the air is brisk. The morning sun is still waking as 170 young people stumble out of their dorms at first light towards the firepit. Gathered around we sing “Christ Be Magnified” – remembering that Jesus’ body was in the tomb for three days but was there no longer. He is risen. He is risen indeed! … Read More
Fill your cup
For teachers and students, the school holidays bring a welcome change of routine. Many activities also press pause at this time and there is an opportunity to slow the pace a little. It is a time that reminds us that taking a break and finding time to rest, reset and refresh is important. Psalm 23 reminds us that the Lord, … Read More
RESURRECTION IS JUST THE BEGINNNING
Easter Reading: John 20:19-31 When is the next public holiday? The Easter weekend is done, we had our celebration, we move on. Yes, we do, but how? How will we now live given Jesus died for our sins, and overcame the grave? What difference does the Easter story make? Traditionally, Easter is not done yet. Beginning on Resurrection Sunday, Easter … Read More
jesus shows us the humility of god
Would you have let Jesus wash your feet? In John 13 Peter questioned Jesus washing his feet. He may have felt this menial task was not fitting for Jesus. We might have agreed given what John tells us: “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning … Read More
WOULD YOU BETRAY JESUS?
Lent Reading: Matt 26:14-27:66 What would it take to betray Jesus? The story of a follower of Jesus called Judas, prompts me to reflect on this question. Here was a disciple, who saw miracles performed, heard teaching explained and knew the man Jesus personally. Maybe Judas was never a true follower, maybe his convictions changed, or maybe Jesus failed to … Read More