Don Dowling's Blog

Don's Blog

Hi all

I enjoyed our congregational meeting last Sunday. It was good for me to be able to share some of the things that are happening around Wesley and offer some information about possible future events as well. I was very grateful for the positive and constructive feedback regarding the Strategic Plan and for reaching consensus on our Goal.

The next part of this process is to present our plan to the UCIC Church Council and then start the serious business of planning and organizing events. I was very pleased that acknowledgement and thanks was given to the Elders noting the work they have done over the past few months. They have contributed a great deal to the formation of the Strategic Plan and I a very grateful that this has been recognised.

This week Donald, Edwin, Geoff and I had a meeting with Wendy Yapp who is one of the organizers for the Perth Prayer Initiative for Chogm. This group has approached us about placing a sculpture on the Hay Street side of Wesley which will part of a Children’s Peace Project. The sculpture, which is in the early stags of development, is made of metal, and in the form of a globe or orb. Etched onto the sculpture will be prayers from children all around the world. We are very supportive of this idea and are working through all the necessary protocols in order for it to happen. It should be a great meeting and sharing point for the many visitors who come to the city.

At the General Council of Synod meeting last week a proposal was passed that the Subiaco congregation become amalgamated with Wesley. Over the passed 2 years a number of people have been working through possibilities for Subiaco congregation and the Warehouse Café. In the end it was their request that they become part of UCIC with particular connection with Wesley. There are already a number of connections, people and activities happening at the café, including; Crossroad are currently running significant events at the café, Brother Terry, a ‘Brother’ from the Catholic church has set up spiritual direction office as well as supporting Gay and Lesbian people and their families. There continues to be substantial community groups using the café as a meeting point. In the not to distant future the café will be refurbished and become open to the public, operating as a café again. I am looking forward to this happening. Currently Bert Beltman (Husband of Sue) plays an important part in managing the bookings and finances. Today I am having lunch with one of the members of the Subiaco Congregation as she celebrates her 99^th birthday. Bonnie Chandler was originally a member of Derby Road church and has been a wonderful supporter of the café every since its conception.

On Sunday we celebrate the Anniversary of the Uniting Church and I have 3 small video clips to share with you. It is also the beginning of Refugee Week and Andy Corkill and I are inviting you to write a Welcome message for refugees on a small whiteboard and have your photo taken so we can place it on our UCIC Facebook. I hope many may take up the opportunity.

Judy, my PA has asked me to put out a plea for more volunteers for the Stewards/Welcomers roster. We would love to have more people to call on to help us with this role. If you would like to know more ask Edwin Hadfield, our chief steward. He is usually to be found in the foyer of the church.

I look forward to catching up with you on Sunday.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 19^th June 2011

8.30am Discussion Group.

10.00am Morning Worship – Celebrating the Anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia.