By Andrew Humphries
In some circumstances, a tap on the shoulder can be the equivalent of the kiss of death. In others, it can be the kiss of life.
For new Victorian Council of Churches executive officer Sandy Boyce, taps on the shoulder have opened new worlds in her ongoing faith journey.
By Rev Jennie Gordon
Christmas, they say, is a ‘family time’. In most families there will be at least one empty chair, an absence amongst those present, for whatever reason. As we get older the table might be filled with new family, partners and children’s children, as the candles of remembrance multiply.
By Andrew Humphries
Fifteen years ago, Kevin Rudd was Leader of the Opposition when he addressed the National Climate Summit at Parliament House and described climate change as the “great moral challenge facing our generation”.
There was no time to waste, he said, as the world faced its greatest crisis.
A child taking flesh is a wonderful and slightly terrifying thing!
I know it as a parent, and we all know it as we reflect on our own births and the journey of growing with all of our vulnerabilities and gifts.
God delights over us in our births and journeys of growth.
By Donald Moss
Having lived in George Town since 1961, Beryl Osborne is very much a part of the heartbeat of the bustling community situated in Tasmania’s north east.
Beryl has been a member of the town’s Uniting Church since its 1977 formation and, before that, was part of the Methodist congregation. She is now its chairperson.
By Andrew Humphries
When Pilgrim Theological College Rev Associate Professor Monica Melanchthon addressed a recent Synod Intercultural Forum event she spoke on a topic very close to her heart.
Monica’s talk on how the Bible can be read among marginal communities explored a theme central to her life and work: a strong commitment to those marginalised in society, particularly women ...
“Advent invites us to see clearly the challenges that are around us, and to pray for God’s response.”
I am expecting a very different Christmas this year, for which it’s very difficult to do too much planning.
Robyn and I can’t commit to particular plans around Christmas gatherings because very close to the date that we celebrate Jesus’s birth, we ...
By Carol Boyce
As I sit to write this, we are halfway through November. The weather is cool, and spring is trying to poke its face through the chill of the morning. By mid afternoon it can feel quite warm and some days humid. Clouds come and go, with people praying the precipitation won’t eventuate this time. And we wait.
...
A stirringly beautiful instrumental and vocal music concert is being held soon to raise funds for a program to support people living with dementia and their carers.
Music to Gladden the Soul features an impressive line-up of classical performers including pianist and composer Sam Hartley, cellist Luke Severn and coloratura soprano Natalie Grimmett, an artist with Melba Opera Trust.
Thirty-two students were honoured yesterday when Pilgrim Theological College held its 2022 Valedictory Service.
The service, held at the Centre for Theology and Mission in Parkville and hosted by Head of College Rev Assoc Prof Sean Winter, saw students recognised for their efforts in attaining a range of honours, from Graduate Certificates in Leadership to a Doctor of Philosophy.
As Victoria and Tasmania have been hit hard by flooding, Moderator David Fotheringham has written a pastoral letter expressing the Synod’s support for those communities affected.
“Uniting facilities have not been directly impacted at this stage, and Uniting will be providing important services in many communities in the recovery phase,” David says.
By Donald Moss
It’s a Sunday night at the end of a very long week and the last thing you feel like doing when you get home is cooking.
A beer or glass of wine perhaps, but definitely not the time spent and hassle needed to prepare something to eat for the whole family.