Feb 6

newspaperThe following is text that appeared recently in the religion column of the ‘Advocate’ newspaper, a periodical from Tasmania.  It is re-printed here with permission.

I have been reading a book called “The Spirituality Revolution” by David Tacey,  one of Australia’s leading thinkers on spirituality. David calls on the church to recognise that “if God is alive and active in the world, then God will be creative in the world, beckoning us to new transformations”.

Perhaps God is calling us to befriend the emerging questions of our time, and listen to those who feel disillusioned with the institutional church in its various forms, I believe that we in the church often diminish God in people’s understanding by sounding as though we are the custodians of truth. God is much bigger than any of our institutions and stated beliefs and forms of worship. Words are icons that can encapsulate some of the truth, but not all of it. One day we will see Truth face to face, and there will be no more need for words. As St. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13, “Now we see through a glass dimly; then face to face”.

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Feb 5

Lauren Artress The Rev’d Dr. Lauren Artress, Founder and Creative Director of Veriditas will be in Melbourne next month to run a series of lectures and workshops on the Labyrinth.

She is the author of Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool (Putnam/Riverhead Books, New York), The Sand Labyrinth Kit, (Tuttle Publishers) and The Sacred Path Companion: A Guide to Walking the Labyrinth to Heal and Transform (Riverhead, 2006).

Dr. Artress is a masterful speaker and workshop leader who articulates the spiritual path to those seeking a glimpse of the Divine. Her content inspires and motivates people through stories, poems and life experiences.


Feb 4

The next labyrinth meditation day at Rye will be on:

Saturday 1st  March, titled “Prayers of the Earth”

  • Leaders: Robin & Bronwyn Pryor *
  • Location: 60 Bass Meadows Blvd, St Andrews Beach 3941, Melway map 251 J5
  • 10am to 4pm, lunch and drinks provided
  • Cost: $15, unwaged $12
  • Please book by 8pm the previous Thursday evening [earlier if possible];
  • Phone , 5988-5257, 0412-301-450, or email robron@pryor.org.au

 * Robin and Bronwyn are members of the Uniting Church, and have ministered ecumenically for many years in retreat leadership,  spiritual formation and companioning.  Robin is a member of the Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction, and Bronwyn is National Chairperson for Camps Farthest Out Australia, an inter-denominational retreat movement.  For details of Wilderness Retreats, a Womens’ Silent Retreat, and Camps Farthest Out Retreats,  email as above. For Labyrinth Facilitator Training in Melbourne, March 4-13, contact Robin as above, or Paul Sanders on office@augustine.org.au  and http://www.veriditas.net 
 

Feb 3

The transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain top is a reminder that in Jesus, heaven and earth find their place of meeting. As we anticipate the difficult days of journey towards the cross of Easter, being touched and encouraged by Jesus to “get up and do not be afraid” helps us on this journey.

Sermon, Sunday February 3rd (Transfiguration)  [pdf]
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga


Feb 2

Kofi AnnanFormer UN chief Kofi Annan has opened formal mediation to try to end Kenya’s post-election crisis, pulling together both sides to strike a political deal and stanch violence threatening to spiral out of control.

Mr Annan opened the meeting in the Kenyan capital Nairobi flanked by President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga. Western nations have urged both sides – who appear far apart – to take the talks seriously or risk losing aid.

“There is only one Kenya,” Mr Annan said as he spoke to open the ceremony.

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Feb 1

Pancake dayWith Shrove Tuesday rapidly approaching, the Oakleigh community is gearing up to support the ‘Take a break’ program while eating their share of savoury and sweet pancakes.

‘Take a break’ is an initiative of the Wimmera UnitingCare agency to help out drought affected families to take a holiday from the stresses and distresses of living on drought affected land.

The annual pancake day at the Oakleigh Uniting church serves as a fun community day while also raising awareness of UnitingCare, and in particular this year, the ‘Take a break’ program.

The pancake day is open to everyone, and begins at 5:30pm on Tuesday February 5th at 154 Drummond St., Oakleigh. 


Feb 1

he President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Reverend Gregor Henderson, has today expressed shock at the latest in a series of murders of protestant pastors from the United Church of Christ (UCCP) in the Philippines.

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