The four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) are all very different when it comes to recording the birth of Jesus. In Matthew there is a long genealogy, in Mark there is nothing at all, in Luke we find most elements of the story we are familiar with, and in John the image presented is beyond time and space.
We reflect on the importance of signs in each of the gospel, and how the point us to deeper mystery and divine truths.
Reflection – Christmas Day 2008Â (pdf)
Mary gets some radical and unexpected news from an angel, and her plans are out the window. We reflect on what it means to make room in our lives for God’s radical in-breaking, and how God still finds ways for radical things to happen in our lives when we are open to the call.
Sermon – 21st December, 2008Â (pdf)
On Saturday December 13th, the hall at St. David’s Oakleigh was transformed into a live Christmas Nativity, with an animal farm creating a live Nativity, as we remember the Christmas story where Jesus is born in a manger amongst the animals.
Each year we have a lucky door prize where the winner gets to take the family to the Rain, Hayne and Shine animal farm at Balnarring. We are pleased to announce that this year’s winner is:
Callum A.. of Huntingdale
Callum and his family were delighted with the news and we are too.
The next major St. David’s event for children and their families will be our Christmas Eve service on December 24th at 4pm. All are welcome.
Val Cormack is retiring as Pastoral Assistant to the Parish of Balkara. We have been richly blessed by her sharing of ministry in the parish for the last 15 years. The attached document is our formal minute of appreciation.
Minute of Appreciation – Val Cormack (pdf)
For the latest happenings from the Balkara Parish and the St. David’s Oakleigh congregation, check out our online copy of the Parish newsletter.
Parish News – December 2008Â (pdf)
The psalm (126) this week records the delight of being restored to Zion, the Holy City. For those in exile in Babylon it wasn’t always this way – and the hopes and dreams of God restoring them was just as important as hope fulfilled.
We think about our own hopes and dreams and what it means to wait for Christ to come at Christmas.
Sermon December 14th, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
The gospel of Mark begins with John the baptist preparing the way for Jesus. As we consider what it means to make room for the master in our lives, we reflect on a Tibetan story that challenges us along our Advent journey.
Sermon 7th December, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga