The gospel story for today seems a painful reminder that we live with persistent grief and loss. Bartimaeus is blind, Jesus stops and restores his sight. What then happens to many of us who cry out by the roadside longing to be healed from our own afflictions?
We look closely at this encounter and realise there is much more than meets the eye. In Bartimaeus we find strength and hope. In Jesus we find a way to move forward and find new meaning and hope amidst the reality of life.
Sermon Sunday October 25th, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
Perhaps James and John would have breathed a sigh of relief in hindsight after Jesus rejected their lobbying to be in places of greatness with him. Their desire to be at Jesus’ right and left at the time of greatness would have had them hanging like common criminals on crosses either side of Jesus. Such is the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God. Such is Jesus’ message that the first shall be last, and the last first.
Jesus invites us to consider a different path – one that cares for others and seeks to build community. Rather than ‘lord it over’ others, he invites us to become the servant of others in the process of building the kingdom of God.
Sermon Sunday October 18th, 2008 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
Today we launch our Mission & Planning book and engage in fresh ways as people of faith in this community. We have tracked a vibrant journey as disciples of Christ over the last year as part of our mission process. We are invited to be ‘light to the world’, to be people who find that the gifts God gives us are for sharing with others.
Sermon Sunday October 4th, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga