The Acts 2 account of the Holy Spirit coming to the apostles is striking and amazing. But beyond the dramatic imagery and incredible events lies something simple and tangible. They were given a language as the Spirit gave them ability.
We explore what that language might be, and what it is to be ‘drunk’ with the Holy Spirit.
Sermon Sunday May 31st, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
As Jesus prays to the Father on behalf of the disciples, we are reminded of our call to minister in this world but for our values to belong to the way of Christ. We reflect on this aspect of belonging and look at what it is to create community through living in Christ’s ways – community wherever we are.
Sermon May 24th, 2009 (pdf)
Sometimes it is difficult to see or sense divine mysteries. As we reflect on our experiences of being a faith community together, we begin to see the presence of the risen Christ. As Jesus invites us into a deep and abiding relationship with him, we find that as friends we are called to share this risen presence of Christ with others. We do this in tangible and concrete ways by living out our experiences of faith community.
Sermon May 17th, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
We begin a month of reflection on what it is to belong to God’s family. Our gospel reading this week introduces us to the image of vine and branches, and we consider what this teaches us about belonging.
Sermon Sunday May 10th, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
There are times when our personal vision tends to rest within the scope of our own achievements. As hope diminishes, everything seems to be more difficult and vision becomes near-sighted. We hear a story of faith and faithfulness from 120 years ago where a small step of faith has profound affects still today. When we are alert to hope and things possible, vision is much larger and draws us towards God’s future.
As a story of hope, it reminds us that the risen Lord is very much present in the church today.
Sermon May 3rd, 2009 (pdf)