Don Dowling's Blog

Hi All,

This morning Jan Carrick and I attended the monthly Ministers’ breakfast.  It was a simple yet good occasion to catch up with those from other denominations who work in the city.  This morning’s breakfast was held at St George’s Cathedral and as they are renovating their hall we actually met in the church.  The meal was made even more special by the ambience of this wonderful building. At this meeting we acknowledged events happening in May where we are working together ecumenically.  The first is ‘Converge’ which begins on Wednesday 23^rd of May.  Converge will bring together people from many different denominations and will follow the style established at CHoGM last year.  This year we have added another dimension by inviting people to “Knit Bomb” the Church.  Blankets will be made cover the church, or at least go around the church and will be donated to Anglicare.  Inside the church will be groups conducting various styles of prayer from Taizé to Dancing Prayer.  The whole event will conclude with a special day, Africa Day, at St George’s Cathedral on Pentecost Sunday.  Once again it is hoped that people in the city will notice activities both in and outside the church.

Pentecost Sunday at Wesley will see a celebration of Crossroads.  As in previous years, Crossroaders will be taking part in the service and offering their talents, gifts and skills as we worship together.

I indicated last week that I spent some time preparing a video clip to be presented at Presbytery this weekend.  The video clip, “Make Ministry Happen”, encourages us to think about those we may see as being called to ordained or lay ministry.  If you would like to have a look at my completed vision you can go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf2mDtLFEZ4

With Anzac Day happening in the middle of the week this year it meant that I had a nice relaxing day yesterday, not only catching up family but also taking the opportunity to watch the Anzac march.  I also managed to watch the service conducted at Villiers Bretonneau.  Villiers Bretonneau holds a special place in Kay and my hearts as we have relatives acknowledged on the wall and buried in their graves there.  I do know that Anzac day is a special day for many members of the congregation as they acknowledge their connection with relatives who have been involved in the Defence Services.  From my point of view, it is good that we pause for a moment on this day and acknowledge the commitment of so many in order that our peace may be maintained.

Tomorrow Kay and I travel down to Bunbury for the weekend to begin the meetings of Presbytery.  It promises to be a very full weekend and on Sunday morning we will join congregations in the region to celebrate worship with them.  I am looking forward to ‘sitting in the pew’.  Presbytery is also an opportunity to catch up with many of my colleagues and share in their journey of ministry.  I know that you will be in the capable hands of the Rev Geoff Blyth.

I look forward to seeing you the following Sunday.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister,

Don

Sunday 29th April

8.30am Discussion Group in the Guild Room

10.00am Worship – The fourth Sunday of Easter.  Preacher Rev Geoff Blyth.

Sunday 6th May

8.30am Discussion Group in the Guild Room

10.00am Worship – The fifth Sunday of Easter. Holy Communion