Don Dowling's Blog

Don's Blog

Hi all.

It had to come. I can’t hold back any longer. I have to talk again about our 2011 ‘Stations of the Cross’ Artists. Sorry!

Last Tuesday Catherine Czerw, our curator, and I visited the last group of artists who are preparing for the exhibition. Once again, we were amazed by the outstanding quality of the work being presented. This time, I noticed the diversity of cultural backgrounds of the Artists. They are Indigenous, Australians, English, German, Iraqis, Italian, and Dutch. Their religious backgrounds are diverse as well. There are committed Christians from a variety of denominations, including, Catholic, Pentecostal and an Anglican priest. We have those who could be termed as agnostic, as well as a Buddhist and a Muslim.

What struck me in all of this is that it doesn’t matter what the background, religious or otherwise, each artist offers an aspect of the story, of the journey of Jesus to the cross, and relates it to our journey through life. Philip Berry’s work, (Station No 1, Jesus is Condemned) portrays a lonely figure beside the ocean, with foreboding clouds overhead. Philip talked about the loneliness of Jesus, surrounded by powerful forces. He identified that sometimes we stand alone overwhelmed by the powers of a destructive world around us.

Joan Johnson, (Station No 6, Veronica wipes Jesus face) symbolically depicts the fragility of Veronica against the strength of Jesus. She commented that it must have taken enormous courage for Veronica’s act of compassion, offered in the context of a hostile crowd. A poignant message for us, that in a moment of hostility it does take great courage to offer to compassion.

I know you will enjoy seeing the artworks as each one of them not only shares the story of Jesus and his journey to the cross but also has something powerful to say that is very relevant to our 21^st century living.

On Tuesday, evening John Beaverstock and I met five of the seven new Wesley Music Scholars. This year, our instrumentalists are, two viola players, one violinist, one cellist, one bassoonist, an organist, and a soprano. So quite a variety. We are looking forward to introducing some of them to the congregation on 10^th April, and hearing them over the next year.

Some pastoral matters.

Our thoughts and prayers are with a number of people.

Andy Corkill, our Mission Development Officer, this week received the news that his grandmother had died. Andy has flown to Sydney to be with his mother and to arrange the funeral. He was very close to his grandmother and I know he will miss her a great deal. It is also hard to be on the other side of the country when significant family events, such as a death, happen.

We were shocked to hear the disturbing news that Stan White was attacked and ended up in hospital. I understand he is now recuperating at home and will soon return to hospital to undergo an operation. Our prayers are with him.

Thanks go to Rev Lee Edwards who was able to take part in the service last week. As I write Lee is now recovering from an operation to her shoulder and we look forward to seeing her back in church, although for some time she has to manage with one hand.

I also understand we celebrate Harold Coppock’s 70^th birthday. A great milestone to reach.

I look forward to catching up with you on Sunday or in the very near future.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 3^rd April 2011

8.30am Discussion Group. Continuing the series “Embracing an Adult faith” by Marcus Borg.

10.00 Worship – “I am the light of the world” Reflecting on the story of Jesus and the man born blind.