Don Dowling's Blog

Don's Blog

Some months ago a rather dishevelled looking young man came into Wesley Church, looking not unlike some of the homeless people that wander down William Street. All he had with him was a rather dusty and ragged looking backpack. I think it was just after it the Tuesday lunchtime service that he approached us and asked for help. What surprised me was that he wasn’t looking for financial help but overnight accommodation as he had travelled from Melbourne and was heading to Carnarvon to start a new life. We brought him to the office and were able to put him in touch with Tranby house, UnitingCare West, who were able to organise accommodation for him and the next day he headed towards Carnarvon. We never expected to hear from him again.

When he walked into our office last week he looked a completely different person. He was clean-shaven well-dressed, and looking very, very healthy. He explained that his return visit to us was to say “thank you”.

Since meeting us in the church he had travelled to Caernarvon and stayed there for a few months but it didn’t work out. However, during this time he had managed to re-establish his relationship with his father and other siblings including uncles and cousins. It was during one of these family occasions that he was asked by a cousin if he would like to work for him and he readily accepted.

Since that time he has never looked back and things have steadily improved but he particularly wanted to come back and thank us for just helping him on the way.

It reminded me of the story where Jesus healed 10 lepers and one of them came back to thank him. We assist, support and encourage many people that float by the church doors in the city and often we never hear from them again but on this occasion one young man came to say “thank you”. That “thank you” made my week, for in amongst all the things that happen at Uniting Church in the City there are many that are draining, hard and not always rewarding. Here was a simple “thank you” where one person acknowledged the blessing he received from our being in the city. I am reminded that from time to time we need just to “be there” so that we can continue being a blessing to whoever God sends our way.
May you receive a blessing this day, and in the days to come, that remind you that as we have been blessed so we can bless others.

Sunday 30th August – 10.00am. Tradition versus the heart. A reflection on what is important when it comes to following the way of Jesus. Rev Don Dowling

Thanks for reading.
Don

Future Events at Wesley – see below for more details regarding some of these events.

Fortnightly Discussion Group. Toby Keva, our theological student, has started a discussion group which will meet fortnightly, beginning 6th September 2009. The group will meet in the “Guild room” from 11.30am and may conclude with a lunch together. A snack will be provided by a member of the group. The group is multi-aged, mulit cultural and so all are welcome to attend.

“The Circle for Dangerous Thinking”
Next meeting Sunday 13th September.
A few rules will apply:
1. Be open minded. Do not come if you're worried about being challenged and even a bit rattled from time to time.
2. Only come when you're interested and wanting to contribute. Please do not come out of loyalty. Skip coming in months that don't interest you.
3. Come prepared. Please do not come if you haven't read the book/done the homework.
4. Be open to others. We don't judge others and don't want to convert others to think as
we each do.
We hope to be of service to the wider church!
Books and dates for our meetings

11th October.
If you are interested could you contact Don at dond@ucic.org.au. <mailto:dond@ucic.org.au?subject=Group%20Discussion/Faith%20Formation>

9th to 11th October 2009
The visit of Rev. Professor Emeritus Robert Gribben.

Friday 9th October. Evening. Meeting with Elders of Uniting Church in the City.
Saturday evening 10th. A Public meeting open to all interested people.
Sunday 11th After Morning Tea. Wesley Congregation meeting with presentation and discussion.

In a series of meetings Dr. Gribben will be helping us re-think the worship space at Wesley. Ever since the ‘Stations of the Cross’ art exhibition people have been asking about whether we need the pews or not. Dr. Gribben is an experienced leader who was formally Professor of Worship and Mission, Unting Church Theological College, Melbourne, Victoria.
Amoung many books and Articles he has written a book called, “Living Stones” Theological Guidelines for Uniting Church Worship Buildings”

Sunday 11th October 2009
The visit of John Bell, the renowned Iona worship leader, We are waiting to hear more from the WA organizers of the Visit to Perth of Rev John Bell. Many would be familiar with his music and song from the Iona community.

Friday 22nd to 31st January 2010. Visit of Professor Emeritus Mary-Jo Meadow

Mary Jo Meadow has been a meditator for over 50 years. She is a skilled presenter and has taught meditation in the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia. She is Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Religious Studies from Minnesota State University. She has written serveral books on Christian Meditation. She will present a number of public talks and conduct a retreat session. More information regarding Mary-Jo Meadow’s visit will be given soon.