For the latest happenings from the Balkara Parish and the St. David’s Oakleigh congregation, check out our online copy of the Parish newsletter.
Parish News – December 2008Â (pdf)
The psalm (126) this week records the delight of being restored to Zion, the Holy City. For those in exile in Babylon it wasn’t always this way – and the hopes and dreams of God restoring them was just as important as hope fulfilled.
We think about our own hopes and dreams and what it means to wait for Christ to come at Christmas.
Sermon December 14th, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
The gospel of Mark begins with John the baptist preparing the way for Jesus. As we consider what it means to make room for the master in our lives, we reflect on a Tibetan story that challenges us along our Advent journey.
Sermon 7th December, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
The 25th chapter of Matthew is apocalyptic in its message, and the writer provides a stark contrast between those who followed the way of Christ and those who do not. Within this message lies a startling kernal of truth – it is within the ordinary and everyday encounters of living in Jesus’ way that we actually encounter the risen Lord.
Sermon November 23rd, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
For the latest happenings from the Balkara Parish and the St. David’s Oakleigh congregation, check out our online copy of the Parish newsletter.
Parish News – Novemember 2008Â (pdf)
The second half of Matthew 25 has a story from Jesus about gifts given in abundance that are entrusted to people not normally considered worthy. It is a story about people growing into God’s trust. It is also a story of God’s abundance spreading through ordinary people trusting God enough to allow the gifts to grow. If we think about lamps and light, it is finding ways to hold the lamp up high so that the gift shines brightly and illuminates widely.
Sermon November 16th, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
Jesus shares a perplexing parable about bridesmaids and oil lamps, where those with oil are called wise, and those without are considered foolish. As we explore this, we go in search of the good oil.
Sermon 9th November, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
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, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
In today’s gospel story, Jesus reminds his antagonists that everything comes under the umbrella of God’s realm. If we are to give to God the things of God it impacts on how we are to live.
The people of the fledgling home-church in Thessalonica are praised by the apostle Paul for their courage and integrity despite living within a hostile culture. How do the things of God impact on you? What are the things you will be remembered for?
Sermon 19th October, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga