Don Dowling's Blog

Don's Blog

Hi All,

Opening night of the stations was a wonderful occasion and a huge success. A rather large crowd gathered but very manageable. Thanks again to all those who helped. Doug’s words at the opening were inspiration and many people offered positive comments in response. It was so good to have all the artists present, as it was a special way to thank them individually and as a group. If you would like to see some photos of the event, my daughter Heather, working for the Synod that night, took many, and they can be found at: http://www.wa.uca.org.au/blog/stations-of-the-cross-opening-night-2/

Of course the week has been incredible with an average 100 people per day coming to see the exhibition. On occasions we have had up to 120 people per day. One of the inspirational aspects of the exhibition is looking at the comments book and here are just a few; “inspiring and provoking great thoughts”, “very impressive”, “I really enjoyed this exhibition, very moving”, “beautifully put together”, “amazing”, “a lovely basis for my Holy week reflection”.

They only negative comments came from a young man obviously suffering from a mental illness who took one look at me and said that I drank too much beer. Actually I haven’t had beer for many months! But his comments created one of the lighter moments at the exhibition.

Some have found the symbolism a little hard to understand but this was an opportunity to have a conversation, and that we have enjoyed.

The “Meet the Artist” session on Tuesday was from my point of view very successful. We had five artists participating and each took us to a different level of understanding their work, and their personal journey in the process. I was very grateful.

We have received great publicity which has lifted the profile of Wesley Church just a little. There was an article in the West Australian last Saturday and there have been articles in community newspapers as well. I will be taking part in an interview with ABC Radio, which will be aired from Broome on Good Friday.

One article appeared on the front page of the Cockburn Gazette which one of my grandchildren happened to see. His response was and I quote, “oh my god, oh my god, it’s Grandon, (My nickname from my grandchildren) He then cut it out and took it to school next day to share it as news. I must say I was a little chuffed about this!

From that same article came an email from a work colleague who I last saw in 1964 when we were printers together. He dug out some photographs of me when we went surfing together. I relived a moment where I was strapping my surfboard onto a very old Peugeot, a very much loved car. So it was great to get the photos.

I think I am prepared to for Easter as we begin the Tenebrae service this evening with a foot washing, communion and the extinguishing of candles. I always find it very moving to be able to wash the feet of those who have served me with their love and care. On Friday morning we will conduct the “Stations of the Cross liturgy” which I will be sharing with the Rev Dr. Doug Purnell. On Friday afternoon at 5 PM the Wesley Choir with special guest Josie Fountain, a cellist, will offer us reflective music for Good Friday. I am looking forward to this too.

At 6:30 AM on Sunday morning we will celebrate the risen Christ with a service at Roe Gardens, Kings Park. Joining us will be the Perth Fortress, Salvation Army Band and the GKI Choir (Indonesian Uniting Church). From there we enter into our 10.00am Easter Sunday morning service. At this service I will interview Sally Morgan, artist of Station 15, “The Resurrection”. We will also be joined by a Brass Quintet. So as you can see it is a full program, but I have to say again, I love this Easter journey, I love the way it helps me and us as a community focus on the core of our faith.

At lunchtime today, I a number of people, will be going to Good Samaritan Industries to share in a celebration recognizing the retirement of the Bernice Moorhouse. Bernice was the first person to work at Good Samaritan industries, which was established by our very own Rev Ralph Sutton and the Wesley congregation. Bernice has worked faithfully at GSI for 51 years. What an amazing period of time to work. I have an extra reason for wanting to attend this celebration as Bernice and her family were connected with my family through the work of what was called the ‘People’s Church’ which held services in a basement in Hay Street, just near His Majesty’s Theatre. So I have very many special memories of my connection with Benice.

A little surprise that occurred this week in amongst the exhibition was when I met up with the groom from a wedding I conducted three weeks ago. The bride and groom from the wedding had been away on their honeymoon and wanted to connect with me again, not only to thank me for the wedding, but also to explore their rejuvenation of faith that was occurring as a result of their marriage in the church. So they may appear in church on Easter Sunday and we will continue the conversation. I should not be surprised by the fact that when people begin the journey of commitment to each other they also begin to think about their commitment of faith as well!

Well, I look forward to seeing you during the weekend.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister,

Don

Thursday 5^th April

6.30pm Tenebrae Service

Good Friday 6^th April

10.00am A liturgy of the Stations of the Cross

5pm Music for Reflection on Good Friday. A presentation by the Wesley Choir with special guest, cellist, Josie Fountain

Sunday 8^th April

6.30am A service to celebrate the Risen Christ Roe Gardens, Kings Park

10.00am Worship – A Celebration of Easter Sunday with Holy Communion