The hectic pace of Mark’s gospel might have us believe that we are called to do and do and do. We find in our reading today that the needs are so great that Jesus finds the “whole city pressing at his door”. And yet Jesus found a way to escape the madding crowds so that he could find a quiet place to pray.
Without re-charging with our creator we are in danger of burnout. Jesus provides us with a way to both do and be as servants of the gospel.
Sermon 8th February, 2009 (pdf)
When we hear of an unclean man having an evil spirit cast out of him, it is difficult to relate such a story to our daily lives – unless we have experienced directly something similar. We reflect on the importance of imagination when it comes to sharing vibrant experiences of faith, and the integrity of living as though our experiences truly matter.
As a congregation at St. David’s, we then reflect on our own lived experiences and how we grow in faith and live out our faith in community.
Sunday February 1st, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
When Jesus passes by the lakeside at Galilee and calls to Simon and Andrew, James and John, they are faced with a difficult choice – stay with the familiar, the safe, the expected and keep on fishing? Or take a step of faith and find new things that have even greater value and importance?
Sermon January 25th, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
Occasionally our lives open up to the profound presence of God’s love and care. It would seem that an event like this inspired the author of psalm 139, resulting in a beautiful poetic reflection on God’s presence. We reflect on these things and that while we might rattle the doorknob, it is God who opens the door.
Sermon – 18th January, 2008 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
John is baptising in the wilderness to prepare the way for Jesus. Preparation comes in the form of repentance, which literally means “turn around”. When Jesus presents himself for baptism, it signals the start of his ministry, and also a most profound means by which we can align ourselves with our Creator.
Sermon – 11th January, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
The magi followed a star to find the light revealed to the world. As they looked for Jesus, they encountered Herod who was threatened by the light. Both magi and Herod were leaders in their own right, but they are very different in their responses to Jesus. We reflect on our own choice to live in the light or find a home in shadows.
Sermon 4th January, 2009 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
The four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) are all very different when it comes to recording the birth of Jesus. In Matthew there is a long genealogy, in Mark there is nothing at all, in Luke we find most elements of the story we are familiar with, and in John the image presented is beyond time and space.
We reflect on the importance of signs in each of the gospel, and how the point us to deeper mystery and divine truths.
Reflection – Christmas Day 2008Â (pdf)
Mary gets some radical and unexpected news from an angel, and her plans are out the window. We reflect on what it means to make room in our lives for God’s radical in-breaking, and how God still finds ways for radical things to happen in our lives when we are open to the call.
Sermon – 21st December, 2008Â (pdf)
On Saturday December 13th, the hall at St. David’s Oakleigh was transformed into a live Christmas Nativity, with an animal farm creating a live Nativity, as we remember the Christmas story where Jesus is born in a manger amongst the animals.
Each year we have a lucky door prize where the winner gets to take the family to the Rain, Hayne and Shine animal farm at Balnarring. We are pleased to announce that this year’s winner is:
Callum A.. of Huntingdale
Callum and his family were delighted with the news and we are too.
The next major St. David’s event for children and their families will be our Christmas Eve service on December 24th at 4pm. All are welcome.
Val Cormack is retiring as Pastoral Assistant to the Parish of Balkara. We have been richly blessed by her sharing of ministry in the parish for the last 15 years. The attached document is our formal minute of appreciation.
Minute of Appreciation – Val Cormack (pdf)