Don's Blog
Hi All,
This Sunday will be a unique day for Revd Geoff Blyth as he is our guest preacher at Wesley. Whilst Geoff and Esme are regular members of the congregation, this Sunday is special, as he celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the beginning of his ministry. Geoff and Esme’s family and friends will be joining us and there will be a small segment in the service where we will offer our congratulations. As I have been thinking about what could be said I know that any comments will only be a small reminder of the countless moments where Geoff has offered a wonderful and enriching ministry to many, many people here in WA. Included in his ministry is Geoff’s term as Moderator of the Synod of WA and being the Chair of various Councils and Boards. This gives an indication that not only did he offer ministry to congregations but served the wider church as well. On occasions like this we pause to remember, appreciate and give thanks to God for a wonderful ministry. ……. And it is not over yet!
I hope you are able to come and share with us as we celebrate.
Yesterday Edwin Hadfield and I met with staff from the University of WA, School of Music to select the Wesley Scholars who offer us such wonderful music in our services. There were nine applications and it was a little difficult to choose but in the end we were able to select 6. So we now have a vocalist, a guitarist (classical I am told), a violinist, two cellists and pianist, who can also play a saxophone. (I’m wondering if there is some jazz in here somewhere!!) So it promises to be a good year of music assisting us in worship again.
I am continuing my visits to artists today having met Amanda Shelsher, (Station 2 Jesus Carries His Cross) on Tuesday. Today I meet the famous Sally Morgan, of “My Place” fame who is presenting an artwork on Station 15 Jesus Rises from Death. (The Resurrection) I am also meeting with Christophe Canato, (Station 8 Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem). Yes I do have to say again that I am really enjoying these visits. In the course of a conversation with one of the artists they mentioned that as they were preparing their work the issue of our mortality came to the fore, and this was heightened by the fact that a friend was suffering the effects of cancer at the moment. It seems that for whatever reason this seem to happen every year. I am sure that this particular artwork will be very memorable.
KIDS@Wesley – Publicity is all around us at present for Valentine’s Day, and in the spirit of love Mal is looking to teaching the Kids two of Jesus’ greatest commandments on 12th February.
1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.
2. Love your neighbour as yourself.
These teaching will coincide with some very special craft.
A great time for grandparents to bring their grandchildren to Wesley.
Can I invite you to pray for the young people who continue to meet over the road and around our church? Up to now Anglicare, through their step one program, have been connecting with this group. Unfortunately, their funding has been stopped (normally received through the State Government) so they will cease this service at the end of February. Mission Australia, a non-denominational, faith based, organization has been granted funding but not to specifically work in this area. So it is of great concern that we have a significant group of, at risk young people, some of whom are homeless, right on our doorstep and nobody really tasked to meet their needs. I have been having meetings with Anglicare, UnitingCare West and Mission Australia, but nothing of any substance has eventuated as yet.
However, I am hopeful that we will find some solutions.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Thanks for reading.
From your minister,
Don
Sunday 12th February 2012
8.30am Discussion Group.
10.00am. Morning Worship – Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Rev Geoff Blyth’s ordination.
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