“What we see around us today of the “usual” Christian life could easily make us think that spiritual transformation is simply impossible”, writes Dan Willard. This is made worse by the behaviour of prominent Christian leaders. Despite this, Willard believes that Transformation into Christlikeness is Possible.

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A little boy saved his grandmother who was choking on jello by giving her a simple trick he’d learned in school– raising your hands over your head. 

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Jesus’ farewell discourse to his disciples in John’s gospel has an incredible depth of love at its core. The commandment to love one another as I have loved you seems not so much an order, but a natural response to divine love that we experience. 

Sermon April 27th, 2008 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga 

Rising seas and water shortages will displace about 125 million people living along the coasts of India and Bangladesh by the turn of the century, Greenpeace said.

In a study on rapidly warming South Asia, the global environment group said climate change would also trigger erratic monsoons and break down agricultural systems in the vast and densely populated Gangetic delta.

India, whose economy has grown by eight to nine per cent annually in recent years, is one of the world’s top polluters and contributes around four per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions as its consumption of fossil fuels grows.

“We cannot wait for the inevitable to happen and hope to adapt to it,” Vinuta Gopal, the group’s climate and energy campaigner in India said, releasing the report on the ecologically sensitive region, one of the poorest in the world.

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At a time when she really needed a miracle, Annamarie found one at the local Starbucks. Last US autumn she was in dire need of a kidney when the woman who serves her coffee each day reached across the counter with an offer that made them both weep.Read more>> 

Reduce global warming & support NCYC at the same time

One of the ways to help reduce CO₂ emissions is to use our cars less. Following the screening of ‘An Inconvenient Truth’, Rev. Arnie is seeking your support to do his pastoral work on his bicycle.

By sponsoring him a few cents per kilometre between June and December, you will:

• Help Rev. Arnie get fitter!
• Help to reduce carbon emissions
• Raise funds to help our young people get to the National Christian Youth Convention – to be held in Melbourne in January 2009.

If 15 people sponsor 5 cents per km, and Arnie cycles 20km per week in his normal ministry duties, it would mean:

• Each person sponsoring would contribute $1 towards NCYC per week for a maximum of 30 weeks.
• This would total $450 of support and encouragement to those going to NCYC.

For more information or to make a donation, email Rev Arnie.

I have today advised Jon Stanhope, ACT Chief Minister and host of the Australian Olympic Torch Relay, that I am withdrawing from the relay.

This has been a very difficult decision that I have not taken quickly or lightly.

While I remain an enthusiastic supporter of the Olympics, as a leader within the Uniting Church in Australia and the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), the decision not to run is the right one for me.

My decision not to participate reflects the changed symbolism of the Olympic Torch Relay. These issues are complex and multifaceted.

The Uniting Church and ACOSS have proud histories of standing with those who suffer violence and injustice and of working for a world in which the dignity of every person is valued and human rights are upheld.

I have made the decision not to run because my personal commitment to standing with those who are vulnerable and marginalised and the leadership positions I hold in the Uniting Church and ACOSS make it important to ensure that my actions do not leave any doubt about our commitment to human rights.

I support Australia’s continuing engagement in the Olympics and have nothing but admiration for our athletes, and athletes around the world, who have dedicated so much of their lives to reach the pinnacle of their sports. I wish them well.

Lin Hatfield Dodds
National Director, UnitingCare Australia
President, Australian Council of Social Service
ACT Australian of the Year
21 April 2008

“If you’re willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you must really need the money.”

Julio Diaz, a 31-year-old social worker, was held up one night by a teenager wielding a knife. After handing over his wallet, Julio invited the young man to dinner …

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Know Jesus, know the Father.Know the Father, know God’s love.Know God’s love, and share it abundantly.Share God’s love, and great things will be done in God’s name.Sermon April 20th, 2008 (pdf)St. David’s Uniting Church, OakleighRev. Arnie Wierenga 

A total of 686 knitted items were taken to the Salvation Army in Gawler last week, to help AIDs suffering children in Africa.Julie Gibson along with 16 other knitters spent most of their summer knitting jumpers, hats, socks and dolls for young babies in Africa.In 2007, 207 jumpers were given to the Salvation Army in Gawler, but this time 360 jumpers, 284 hats, 25 socks and 17 dolls have been made to send overseas.“Once you start you can’t wait to start the next one,” Betty Beames said.Read more>>