Don Dowling's Blog

Don's Blog Thursday 1

Hi all.

Last night Kay and I attended a prize giving ceremony at the University of WA. It was a great occasion with the students from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences receiving prizes and scholarships. Included in the recipients were our Wesley Scholars, hence my reason for being there.

The tradition at this event is to invite a guest, usually a graduate of many years, to speak. On this occasion, they invited Professor Peter Van Onselen who is to become the inaugural Professor in Journalism at UWA. Professor Van Onselen currently works as a journalist with Sky News and The Australian newspaper. He gave a wonderful address flowing between his views on our current political system and his own personal journey of education within the Faculty. Following his address an immediate past student Amy Collins, who finished her honours degree at UWA last year, and is now teaching in Victoria, was invited to speak. Her address was also inspiring. She was full of energy and life and obviously gained so much from her time as a student. Both addresses were a powerful witness to the value of education. Both speakers highlighted the fact that the gaining of a broad arts education allowed them to gain a perspective that helps them think about their place in the world and how they might contribute to it. Needless to say this was impressive as both speakers were reasonably young and are wanting to offer so much because they felt they had been given much.

It was an honour for me to present the prizes to our music scholars on behalf of the Wesley Congregation. We are so grateful for their willingness to offer their time and energy as they assist us in worship. I could not help but think that this is a two way street in that they feel very grateful for the opportunity to share their musical abilities with us. The whole event did confirm to me that our Wesley Scholars program is a great initiative and I wish to thank John Beaverstock for his significant part in it.

Next week Chris Crause and I are attending the President of the Uniting Church (Rev Alastair McCrae) conference in Vanuatu. This is a hard gig but someone had to do it!! I must admit it is difficult to have a conference on a Pacific Island surrounded by surf, sun and ….etc, etc. However, let me reassure you, whilst the conference is being held in a wonderful setting we will have the opportunity to be exposed to the church at work in a developing country and see how they are connecting the gospel to their community. I am hoping to understand and bring back helpful ideas for us. The conference is also a valuable time to have conversations with Ministers from around Australia with the opportunity to share ideas and thoughts about our own ministry. At past conferences I have always found it very helpful and am looking forward to coming back refreshed.

On Sunday, 15^th May, Rev Tom Wilson will be the preacher. Many of you know Tom and I am sure you are going to enjoy his reflection particularly as he spent a significant amount of time with us during the Stations of the Cross and over Easter.

I look forward to catching up with some of you this Sunday.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 8th May 2011

8.30am Discussion Group.

10.00am Morning Worship Reflecting on the Road to Emmaus story.

Sunday 15th May 2011

10.00am Morning Worship Guest preacher, Rev Tom Wilson

Sunday 22^nd May. 5.00pm Evensong at St George’s Cathedral, celebrating the conversion of John Wesley. The Priests and congregation of St George’s have invited us to celebrate this event with them. The preacher for the occasion will be Rev Professor Bill Loader.