James 5:16-18 The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again, he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. Do you have … Read More
Please “Say G’Day”
Ciao, leihuo, Sunnu, ola, Salam, G’Day, Hello! It doesn’t matter where you are from, it is always friendly to greet one another. We might have different phrases, but these brief rituals help us negotiate relationships – I am a friend, I see you, will you be a friend? This is communicated through word and body language. From this momentary interaction, … Read More
THEY DON’T KNOW CAROLS ANYMORE
The children didn’t know the Carols. I was at a public primary school Wednesday singing Christmas songs. They knew songs about Rudolph and jingling bells. They wanted Santa songs. They didn’t know the Silent Night, Gloria in Excelsis Deo. They didn’t know the religious songs about Jesus. Of course, a few did. These were the one who yelled out ‘Jesus’ … Read More
CHRISTMAS – WHO COULD YOU INVITE?
This is a good season to invite friends and family to church. I wonder who you could invite? I appreciate this can be a challenge, but as followers of Jesus, it is our challenge to take. There are those far from God, but close to us. There are seekers who have no idea how to find. It is our privilege … Read More
GIVING WITHOUT CASH
Do you carry cash? I have not had any cash on my person for 2 years. I pay for everything electronically. While I know I am an ‘early adopter’, 90% of our church giving now is now cashless. People give via direct transfer or through our digital systems. This has brought stability to our general offering. It has also negatively … Read More
We Never Hope Alone
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 Are you an optimist? Do you see the glass as half full instead of half empty? When life hands you lemons, do you make lemonade? Does every … Read More
Pray for Iran
Iran has been in our news lately. Sadly, Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman died mid-September while under arrest for not wearing the hijab in accordance with government standards. Witnesses reported Amini was beaten, and died as a result of police brutality. You may have seen how Amini’s death sparked protests in Iran and around the world. As acts … Read More
CALLED BEYOND COMFORT ZONE
“Called Beyond Comfort Zone” by Walter Brueggemann, We are among your called We have heard and answered your summons. You have addressed us in the deep places of our lives. In responsive obedience we testify, as we are able, to your truth as it concerns our common life. We thank you for the call, for the burden of that call, … Read More
REGULAR BIBLE HABITS – THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
What is your favourite bible? As you might expect of a Pastor, I have a few. There is my big bible which I was given by my parents at my 21st birthday. There is the bible I preach from; it was given to me at my ordination. I have a fun bible. It has a printer mistake which means people … Read More
HUMBLE CONTRIBUTORS
Yesterday I attended the Australian of the Year Luncheon on one of the Unley Council tables. I enjoyed connecting with our local Mayor, Councillors, Council staff and local leaders. I also valued hearing from our local South Australians of the Year and Dylan Alcott, the Australian of the Year. Our state recipients passionately spoke their areas of contribution. Professor Helen … Read More