The prophet Isaiah speaks of a world where wild animals live in harmony. His image of utopia is a pointer to the difference that the promised one will make.
If this promised one comes to us at Christmas, it is time to consider those places of hope and promise and the difference that God’s work of Christmas makes.
Sermon 9th December, 2007Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
A priest says plainclothed police kicked their way into a Roman Catholic church in eastern Cuba then beat and used pepper spray on a group of dissidents.
The incident took place on Tuesday (local time) at the parish of Santa Teresita in Santiago as Father Jose Conrado Rodriguez was dressing before saying evening mass.
“I thought the church was on fire when I heard all the shouting,” he said.
Last Sunday churches around the globe began the season of Advent. While most people are focussed on the coming of Christmas (buying gifts, carols in the shops, decorations, community Christmas carols), there is often confusion about what Advent is really about.
For a reflection on what Advent means to the Christian church, read more>>
Climate change is a growing issue for our planet. As the climate change conference is underway in Bali, a group of Dominican Friars in Oxford have considered a Christian approach to the issue and how much responsibility humans can take for it.
This coming Sunday night, the ABC radio program Encounter will air their story. We encourage you to listen live, to the archive on the web site, or download a podcast.
One of the first things the new Rudd Labor government has done was to sign the Kyoto protocol on climate change as promised. The work now begins in earnest with nearly 200 countries gathering in Bali to discuss climate change and negotiate emissions targets, binding or non-binding.
The Vatican has sent a delegation of Roman Catholic experts to Bali due to the international importance of the conference.
With the dust slowly settling after the Australian federal election, many analysts and commentators are trying to make sense of the emphatic win for Rudd and Labor when the Australian economy is in such good shape.
It is interesting to see the results of a recent opinion poll, conducted post election. It showed that more voters were concerned about health, education, workplace relations and climate change than about taxation, interest rates or prices.
While a strong economy has been appreciated, many believe there are other things far more important, typified by a talk-back radio comment, “We live in a society, not an economy.”
An opinion article states: Our happiness depends on such qualities as loving and being loved, security, autonomy, productive work, enjoyable leisure, achievements and harmony.
On Saturday December 15th in Oakleigh we will see the return of Search for an Angel.
This is a special event for younger children and their parents to help spread the good will of Christmas.
In Oakleigh mall (Eaton St.), and the path from there down Drummond St. to the Oakleigh Uniting Church, there will be angels waiting to be found by the children. Not only will our angels be spreading Christmas cheer, they will be giving out clues to the meaning of Christmas which can then be handed in at the church for some Christmas prizes.
One of the prizes of Christmas is waiting for all comers at the church. Our animal farm is a fun re-creation of the stable where Jesus was born. Christmas is a celebration of all the life and hope and love that Jesus brings us.
Prizes for children include an Advent showbag with lots of things to bring Christmas good will. Food, drinks and craft will also be available.
This event is a free gift to our community because we believe it is important to share freely the heart of Christmas.
If you have enquiries, please email us or call Rev. Arnie on (03) 9562 7559.
Our Annual advent program for children returns to Oakleigh from 10am – 2pm.
Featuring:
- A live animal nativity (animal farm)
- Angels with clues about Christmas
- Prizes to collect for angel clues
- Showbags
- The story of God’s love at Christmas
This is the final luncheon of the year.
Cost is $7.50 for a festive Christmas feast.
Bookings are essential.
Note: The community luncheon will return on the first Wednesday of February.
Isaiah shares words of hope for a peaceful future where swords will be beaten into ploughshares. We explore what it means to be people who “walk in the light of the Lord”, and our own call to peace in the name of Christ.
Sermon 2nd December, 2007Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga