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
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
When Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai amongst thunder and lightning, the people of Israel feared God’s anger and judgement. We discover that the fear of God has nothing to do with being afraid in this way, and that the commandments themselves have a much greater story of God’s love and liberation at their heart, with an invitation for all to live in the rhythm of God’s ways.
Sermon 5th October, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
About 200 people are expected to attend a Uniting Church forum at Darwin University this week to voice their concerns about the Federal Government’s intervention in remote communities.
The forum is being held on Tuesday, the same day the Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin is expected to be given the results of a review into the intervention.
A spokesman for the church’s Northern Synod, which covers the Northern Territory, the Kimberley region and northern South Australia, says many churchgoers with links to Aboriginal communities believe the emergency response is creating fear and confusion rather than hope for a better future.
The people of Israel struggle again in the wilderness – this time thirsty and in fear of their lives. As the Lord guides Moses to the rock that will spring forth water, we find that God has always been present.
While it is good to remember these stories and celebrate them, if God is always present then God is creating new stories of our own of God with us.
Sermon: September 28th, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
The people of Israel find themselves desperately in need of food in the wilderness. Their plight seems so dire that they have forgotten the stories of God being with them all through this journey towards the promised land. The story of God with us is vital because it is the ultimate story of meaning and purpose. In the case of the people of Israel, God gives them another chapter of meaning as God’s story keeps weaving itself into their own story.
Sermon September 21st, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga