Mar 29

For many people God seems closest when things are most difficult in life. This can be seen in many of the troubled regions around the world, today and throughout history. As we explore the Covenant relationship between God and the people as expressed by the prophet Jeremiah, we find something startling. God keeps reaching out faithfully and visions for us that the ways of God will rest deep within our hearts. This means that deep within we will know of God’s love for us, God’s life, God’s hope, God’s salvation.

Sermon March 29th, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga


Nov 2

On this All Saints Sunday we look at those who have shaped our own lives of faith and the legacy they have left us. From our gospel reading, Jesus urges people to follow those who practice what they preach, and then provides the ultimate focal point – God known through the teachings and actions of the Messiah.

We then reflect on what kind of legacy we will leave, as people who have the capacity to inspire others through our own journey of faith.

Sermon 2nd November, 2008 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga


Aug 3

Adriana Aranha speaks of simple and yet astounding ways to address poverty and hunger in an urban setting in Brazil and concludes that ending hunger is easy. As we reflect on the story of Jesus feeding a large crowd, where his disciples can only see scarcity, we are challenged to think how we might be more like Jesus and allow the abundance of God to guide us.

Sermon 3rd August, 2008 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga


Jul 27

The kingdom of heaven is like …

Weeds, poisonous yeast, rotten fish? Jesus throws up some provocative images to get us to think about the kingdom of heaven, who is included and why.

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


Jul 23

A yachting adventure will see Jordan Garkut deliver goods and offer practical help around the southeastern islands of Papua New Guinea for the next three months.Relief primary school teacher Jordan set out on Sunday, farewelled by his family and friends from Highway Christian Church, on an adventure he has been waiting years to fulfil.Laden with school teaching and learning resources, stationary, fishing gear, clothing, seeds, hats, guitars, supplies for basic first aid, Christian resources and Bibles, Jordan is heading for Kawano Waters on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Read more>>


Jul 22

The latest issue of Christianity 9 to 5 is available online now. Issue 32 focuses on Christian Leadership and discusses a number of issues including putting people first in management, and how to develop leaders.


Jul 13

Van Gogh - The SowerFrom Matthew’s gospel we hear the parable of the Sower, where seed is scattered with reckless abandon onto places that seem wasteful. This sign of God’s abundance is added to when Jesus speaks of the harvest from fertile soil – it is much more than farmers could ever hope for in reality.

Is this a sign of how much God loves us? Is it a story with a simple moral – that we ought to listen?

Sermon – 13th July 2008 – Matthew 13 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga


Jul 8

A covenant is an agreement. The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress walks in covenant with many non-indigenous Australians of the Uniting Church. For the latest news and information including NAIDOC week (this week), check out the latest edition of covenanting news.

Covenanting News – July (pdf)


Jul 6

I have a car sticker that asks provocatively, ‘Who would Jesus bomb?’

It is not anti-terrorist, nor is it anti USA. But it is a protest about those who use violence as to get there own way. The Scriptures speak of the inter-connectedness of relationships:

If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ …

from 1 Corinthians 12

Sermon 6th July, 2008 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga


Jul 4

Bishops marchingOn Thursday, July 24, more than 600 Anglican bishops, their spouses and other faith leaders from around the United Kingdom will march through central London on a Walk of Witness — a symbolic moment of solidarity and coming together for the fulfilment of the
Millennium Development Goals to reflect to the world
God’s desire for justice and concern for the poor.

There are many ways to be involved in promoting the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), and the ‘Episcopaleans for Global Reconciliation’ website offers many resources and ideas to get you started.

Another useful resource is the ‘Make Poverty History’ website.