Don Dowling's Blog

Don's Blog

 

Music in the Streets,

 

Last week music students from Immanuel College (A college of the Lutheran Church in Adelaide, South Australia) came to Perth and as part of their tour performed outside Wesley Church. Their music was truly inspirational.

 

Firstly, because it entertained passers by and gave some profile to Wesley Church,

Secondly, because we raised some money for Tranby House,

Thirdly, because a group of seniors stopped to listen and then began to dance,

Fourthly because a group of young people stopped to listen and later talked with myself and the staff and students and were inspired to go back to their school and encourage their students to take up music.

Fifthly, because an employee of Rio Tinto….well see the comment he wrote…

I have just come back from lunch and happened to pass by the

Wesley church on the corner of hay and William. I was fortunate enough to see the school band from Immanuel College in South Australia performing On the steps of the church. To sum it up in 1 word.               AWESOME.

I enjoy the various buskers that perform around our fine city, but this was a cut above the rest ! It brought the church and the city around it to life, dare I say it (smacks of Sister Act ?) It is an idea that should be further explored, who ever is behind it should be congratulated as it was well received by a very large crowd of all denominations and ages. John Rault, Rio Tinto Expansion Projects

 

When I think about Mission, this is one aspect of it.

 

Mission is being a blessing to the people around you. By having this activity outside our church, we were a blessing to quite a few people. The 'seniors' who loved the music and began to dance, the 'students' who are going back to their school to inspire others, the 'homeless' who will benefit from the money raised, and to the many passers by whose normal day may have been brightened by the presence of a group of dedicated musicians outside our church.

 

When I think about Mission I also think of us using our gifts and skills to be a blessing to others around us. The question is, "How might we use our God given skills and gifts to be a blessing to others". I would be interested in your response.

 

Sunday 12th July.

 

I loved the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Uniting Church Homes we held last Sunday. There were so many positive aspects.

I loved the liturgy - the way we were able to think about Welcome, Respect, Compassion and Hope.

I loved the way everything from the stories to the music and hymns through to the prayers all dovetailed in to help us celebrate and worship.

I loved working with my colleagues and with UCH people who carry out a significant work of the Uniting Church in WA.

Here too is mission for they demonstrate the blessings they offer in the wonderful work they do.

 

I hope you loved it too.

 

Next week's blog:

 

Just to let you know that next week I may not be able to post my blog as usual This week, Kay is in Sydney for the Assembly of the Uniting Church. Go to http://assembly.uca.org.au/ to see what they are up to. After the Assembly I am meeting Kay in Melbourne to have a few days break. Yes it will be that busy that she will need a break and I am going to help her do that.

Life is hard for me isn't it!!

 

Thanks for reading.

Don