Don's Blog

PEWS IN THE CHURCH

Last Sunday a member of the congregation approached me after Worship concerned that at a future congregational meeting, which we will hold at 11.30am on Sunday 11th October, we were going to “remove the pews”.

It appears that some may be under the misunderstanding that we have already made a decision to remove the pews from Wesley Church. This is not the case. However, what is true is that over the weekend of the 9th, 10th and 11th of October we will be hosting the visit of the Revd. Dr. Robert Gribben.

The reason for his visit came in response to letters and many comments received, by the Elders after the ‘Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition’ where members expressed delight regarding the more flexible space because the pews had been removed. The Elders decided that we needed to listen and have a discussion so that we could come to a proper and appropriate decision and that Dr Gribben could offer valuable insights for our discussion.

Dr Gribben is a very experienced presenter, formally Professor of liturgy and Mission at the United Faculty of Theology in Melbourne. He was a significant contributor to ‘Uniting in Worship” that is the basis for many Uniting Church worship services. He also has a passion for worship spaces and in his book “Living Stones” Theological Guidelines for Uniting Church Worship Buildings – he writes, “It matters what we do in church architecture and in the furnishings of our churches. Each element, from design to manufacture, from placement to relationship, is capable of being a sacrament of God’s truth, drawing us, through the senses God has given us, closer to the One who has entered creation in Jesus Christ and remade things”

Dr Gribben’s visit will help us have a good discussion about our internal church architecture and furnishings and we are hopeful that his input will inspire and encourage us to think through the question: ‘Are we using our church space so that it is a ‘Sacrament of God’s truth’. It will be interesting to see the directions we choose.

In the end we all want to do is create a space within Wesley Church that will always proclaim and allow people to experience the love of God. Let’s find the best way to do that.

I would be very grateful to receive your responses and, if you are willing, for me to place them as responses to my Blog.

Thanks for reading.
Don

Don's Blog

Preparing for the service this Sunday made me realize that there are many images of Jesus.

In my mind I have always loved the ‘human’, ‘natural’ and ‘willingness to meet with people who are different’ image of Jesus. I notice that a lot of my ministry seems to reflect this understanding as I often want to make the story of Jesus relevant to those whom I meet and work amongst. I am willing to admit that have been influenced by, the ‘hippy’ looking Jesus because I love the whole ‘hippy’ movement – it was part of my journey as a teenager. I resonate with the revolutionary/political Jesus because I was very influenced by politics in the 70’s. I love the compassionate Jesus as people in the church have often shown me compassion as I have had to deal with some of the hard things in life. I am able to see that my many images of Jesus come from the things that I have had to deal with both personally and as a minister of the church.

This Sunday we explore the statement from Jesus, “Who do you say that I am” and I will not be surprised if our picture of Jesus is shown to be influenced by the things that happened to us and how we feel Jesus touches our lives.

Sunday 10^th September – 10.00am. “Who do you say that I am” A three part worship service reflecting on our and others view on who Jesus is and the call to take up our cross and follow. By Rev Don Dowling, Revd, Bev Fabb and Toby Keva (theological student)

Thanks for reading.

Don