As I mentioned on Sunday, the season of Advent offers us a series of invitations, not the usual Christmas invitations, but invitations, that writer Debie Thomas describes as, “hard-edged; [that] don’t look pretty on greeting cards. But…are essential and life-giving, nevertheless.” Advent is an invitation to tell the truth. To Read more…
When I was visiting in the hospital last week, I overheard two nurses speaking to each other outside in the hall. “There’s been a lot happening this morning, hasn’t there!” said one nurse. “I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed” “Yes, I know what you mean,” said the other, “There’s been a Read more…
What a weekend! Let me first say that Des and Janice’s renewal of vows was wonderful! And the pictures I have seen of Marlene’s big birthday (was it 60, Marlene?) celebrations looked absolutely lovely! Saturday’s Baptist Assembly, however, was a very different story! Sunday passed in a bit of a Read more…
A tangible expression…..In my experience, even the most well intentioned plans, if done without a clearly stated purpose, can have unplanned outcomes. Outcomes where many within the congregation can feel estranged from what is going on, and those actually involved can feel overwhelmed and exhausted. In the haste and passion for Read more…
*|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser This week I’m producing the Sunday to Sunday. Belinda is away for a few days for her father’s funeral. Please continue to support and uplift in your prayers, Belinda’s mum, Alison, and Belinda, Aron and the whole family. As the theme for Read more…
I don’t know if you have ever wondered about this! Some of you – like me – have grown up in Baptist churches and regard the unique ways we operate as normal. Some of you are new to the Baptist movement and are attracted to a church structure that is Read more…
We’re driving down a dark and quiet street in the coastal town of Hahei, New Zealand, when Zach suddenly calls out, “What’s that on the road!” It’s a possum and in the split second it takes for the driver to react, rather than slowing down, Aron speeds up! “What are Read more…
While Belinda is away….. I’m sending out this weeks Sunday to Sunday. I thought I might reflect further on a comment I made during last Sundays’ worship service. As part of the service we heard something of the story of Vincent Lingiari. Vincent was an Aboriginal stockman and land rights leader. We also Read more…
“Can you speak my truth to the power in your communities?” This was the request that Mali, who I mentioned in Sunday’s sermon, made to Kirsty Robertson, the CEO of Caritas Australia, when Kirsty visited her village in Ethiopia two months ago. Mali had just returned from a trip to Read more…
We had wonderful weather on Sunday for the Spring High Tea at the manse and there was a wonderful variety of plates brought – from Kenyan maandazi to Aussie sausage sizzle, from delicious home-baked treats to delicious store-bought treats! It was a wonderful expression of the generosity and diversity of Read more…