The reading this week from Isaiah has God promising a new heaven and a new earth to those who have just returned from exile. While the promise may have brought joy and hope, our world has not yet fulfilled such a grand vision. We explore the nature of God’s promises and what it means to be weeks away from marking the birth of Christ.

Sermon 18th November, 2007 (pdf)
St. David’s Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga

There are many cases where the persistence of the powerless have dramatically altered unjust power systems. The gospel story of the persistent woman calls us to lobby with a heart for God’s justice.

Sermon 21st October, 2007 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga

The latest update of our parish newsletter is now available, featuring regular news of group life, events, children’s ministry, message from the manse and more.

Balkara Parish News, October 2007 (pdf 221kB)

Luke’s gospel has two provocative stories about outsiders who live out Jesus’ call to discipleship better than the religious establishment. It is a helpful reminder about receiving the blessings of God and living out our own call.

Sermon 14th October, 2007
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
St. David’s UCA, Oakleigh, VIC

It might be argued that Elvis was destined to be a troubled soul. His experience of life on this planet gives us cause to reflect about how we can find those things that truly bring us life.

Sermon 7th October, 2007  (pdf)
St. David’s Oakleigh
Rev Arnie Wierenga

The reading from Timothy this week invites us to reflect on how we live our lives as people of faith. In particular, the challenge today is how we can hope to make any difference when it comes to being agents of peace in the world.

The internet is rapidly becoming an exciting new tool to live out our gospel call.

Sermon, 23rd September, 2007
St. David’s Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga

The parables of the lost sheep and lost coin invite us to consider the best of God’s love – but sometimes our human desire to divide people – those who are in compared to those who are out can transform God’s best into our worst.

Sermon 16th September, 2007 (pdf)
St. David’s Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga

Keep up to date with the latest happenings around the parish of Balkara.

Parish News – September 2007 (pdf)

The gospel is rich with stories that invite us into the love of God. As we come to experience the abundance and depth of God’s love, it becomes easier to let go of inappropriate anxiety and self-interest.

Sermon – 070902 – Rev Arnie Wierenga, St. David’s, Oakleigh (pdf)

Last night the meeting of the Nepean Presbytery heard about the difficulties asylum seekers face. It was encouraging to hear about things people are doing that truly make a difference.

Many people seeking asylum in Australia are put on bridging visa E while they are being processed. This means they have no access to health care, are not allowed concessions on public transport, and in particular are not allowed to work or study.

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