Robin and Bronwyn Prior will be hosting a labyrinth meditation day for All Saints on November 3rd at St. Andrews Beach on Mornington Peninsula. For details, click the link below.
All Saints Labyrinth flyer (pdf)
St. Francis of Assissi has given a lasting legacy in many ways. For all those who are animal lovers, a blessing of the animals reminds us of their importance to humanity, and especially the delight of having a pet.
The Lara Uniting Church has continued the tradition of St. Francis with a special service of blessing.
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, 2007Â (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
Art at Advent Seminar at the Centre for Thelogy and Ministry, October 6th:
– resourcing corporate worship and personal reflection this Advent season.
Conversations with Townsville artist Jan Hynes, lecturer in art history and spirituality (Yarra Theological Union, Box Hill) Claire Renkin, and worship curator Mark Pierson, about Jan’s stunning contemporary renderings of the Christmas story and approaches to using them in worship.
This is a rare opportunity to engage with this witty and laconic Australian artist, and to consider how contemporary art can help vitalise our experience of the Incarnation.
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.
Jeremiah begins as a reluctant prophet – reluctant to answer God’s call. Luckily for all of us, our ability to answer does not depend on being big or good enough …
Sermon – August 26th, 2007 – Rev Arnie Wierenga (pdf)