In Jesus’ home town, the people tried to dismiss him because he seemed to be aiming above himself. As the disciples are sent out by Jesus, the could have been targeted with the same criticism. The unlikely band of twelve contained the likes of rough fishermen and tax cheats.

If Jesus could form and send out this band of twelve with the authority of God, then he does the same with us. We commit to growing and maturing our faith so that we are equipped to answer his call.

Sermon 5th July, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga

In our gospel reading today we find that Jairus and an unnamed woman are both desperate enough to fall at the feet of Jesus. They are rewarded for their faith. We explore how we might find the ‘feet of Jesus’ today, and what the role of people with faith might be towards showing the way to Jesus.

As we reflect we find that strong and rich stories of God working in our own lives are vital to making Jesus apparent to seekers.

Sermon 28th June, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga

As we encounter the stranger on the road to Emmaus who teaches the disciples and then breaks bread with them, we realise that the Holy Spirit is present. Their experience is ours as well, as we look to those places where the Holy Spirit leads us in our own lives.

Sermon Sunday June 21st, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga

We are invited into the divine mystery of the gospel as Jesus uses parables to share what God’s way is like. We find that while we may not understand the inner workings of divine mystery, the way of God leads us towards unexpected abundance and growth. Let all who have ears to listen, hear.

Sermon Sunday June 14th, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga

The gospel speaks of how much God loves us. It also invites us to respond to the call to live in the way of Christ. We reflect on an amazing month in our life together and see God with us in the past, during the present, and into God’s future.

Sermon Sunday June 7th, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga

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)