Often by the time Christmas Day arrives people are weary and anxious. While many find joy at Christmas, often it is a mixed blessing, and for others it carries with it distress through difficult relationships or reminders of loss.
We hear Mary’s song of joy and hope and look to be refreshed and enthused by what God has done for her, and her response of faithfulness.
Sermon Sunday December 20th, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
Last Saturday the animals returned to the St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh in search of an angel. The portable animal farm is a central feature of our annual ‘live nativity’ scene to celebrate the Christmas story with our local community. Thanks to all who made the day possible, and especially thanks to all the young ones who give us joy through their delight in God’s creation.
Congratulations to Tawanda Wh. of Chadstone, winner of our entry prize. Tawanda receives a complimentary family pass to the ‘Rain, Hayne and Shine’ animal farm at Balnarring.
On Friday 4th December, Warrawee Park in Oakleigh was tranformed into a lively and festive gathering place for over 3000 people from our local community. Featuring school choirs, Christmas carols, cultural items, crowd games, Santa and more, 2009 proved to be the most popular carols to date.
Many thanks go to those who made the carols possible. In particular we thank Rev. Mano Manopavan who will be leaving in the new year for Queensland but has been instrumental in bringing the churches of Oakleigh together to stage four events so far. Major sponsor this year was the Rotary Club of Oakleigh who supported us generously when many businesses were struggling through the GFC. The Monash City Council Community Arts grant has also helped tremendously, alongside sponsors such as Coates hire, Huntingdale and Hughesdale Pharmacies, Lions Club of Oakleigh, Cartridge World Oakleigh, and Woodards Real Estate.
Carols in the Park will return again next year on Friday December 3rd.
John the baptist urges people to live lives with integrity – that is lives that show God’s justice at work. While his instructions for sharing seem sensible and clear, we reflect on how solidarity results in a stronger outcome of God’s justice compared to a simpler act of generosity.
Sermon Sunday December 13th, 2009Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
While it may seem a little early to be making New Year’s resolutions, the church has just begun a new year as the season of Advent signals a time to prepare for God’s love revealed through Jesus. We reflect on John the Baptist’s message of preparation that invites us to consider our own New Year’s resolutions.
Sermon – Sunday 6th December, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga