Don's Blog
Hi All,
This is has been an amazing week with the number of
activities happening in and around the church. Most significant has been the
Labyrinth, which was set up early on Wednesday and continues today. It has been
incredible to watch people coming into the church, sitting for while and then
taking part in the prayer walk. The whole set up looks stunning, with the pews
pushed back, the labyrinth laid out and candles burning around the walls and on
the floor. Here are some pictures. If you would like to see a picture, please
go to the website. http://www.perthunitingchurch.com.au/viewStory/Wesley
Scroll down the page and you will see two pictures of the
event.
On Wednesday at Perth Prayer another moving story was shared.
Firstly
by the father of the two children, who were seriously injured, when they were
run over by a car. This event happened exactly one year ago and he came to
thank Perth Prayer for their support at the time and for their continued
support. You may remember me sharing that the driver of the car was a friend of
mine and we prayed for her also. It was very moving and reminded me again of
how continued prayer is so important.
Secondly
Beth Beth Roberton, shared her journey of faith with us. Beth is the Dean of
Studies Dayspring Centre for Christian Spirituality and with Rev Isobelle
Shortreed, from the Council of Churches initiated the Labyrinth project. Beth
story was also very moving as she described a devastating incident that
happened in her family but through prayer and meditation she was able to move
forward with a deepened sense of God’s presence. By the time Perth Prayer was
over I was reeling a bit from the experience of it all. Great stuff though!
Today I am mindful that a number of us will be gathering to
attend the funeral service of Joyce Roberts. We will continue to remember Joyce
and her family at this time. In the very near future it is intended to remember
Joyce during one of our Sunday morning servcies. I will let you know when that
is to happen.
Another interesting, yet sad thing happened this week.
Kay and I received, in the post, an invitation to attend the
birthday party of one of the members of the Subiaco Congregation who was about to
turn 100 years of age on 16 June. Kay
and I were looking forward to attending, as Bonnie was a great supporter of the
Warehouse Café. When I was there Bonnie would turn up every Thursday and spend
4 hours washing the dishes for us. It was a great help. Bonnie also used to
make special cards, which we sold for $2.50 and we were always running out, as
people loved buying them. However, as I was meeting with Rev John Barendrecht,
who took over the café from me, we received a phone call to say that Bonnie had
died quietly in her sleep early that morning.
A sad moment, but Bonnie was a no fuss person and was not really looking
forward to turning 100 years of age. Nevertheless all those who knew her will
miss her.
Sorry for another bit of sad news but we have finally managed
to have the body of Michael Daly released so that we can conduct his funeral. You
may remember me talking about this in previous blogs. His funeral will be held at
2.30pm on Wednesday 6th June, at Karrakatta. If you would like to
join me, I would be very grateful. I am not expecting many people to be there
as Michael was a bit of a loner and as far as we know has no family. I would
like us to be his family at this time.
The Crossroaders service was just amazing last week. I was
nearly reduced to tears right at the beginning as our very own Peter Moir sang
the first verse of Amazing Grace. Just stunning. The rest of the service was
amazing too as the Crossroaders lead us in worship. I am so grateful to
Christine, Donald, the Crossroads staff and all the Crossroaders who gave us
such a wonderful service. It was also made special by the comments from Lillian
Hadley, the Chair of Crossroads Board, who really inspired us with the prayer
and the ‘cracked pot’ story. All in all, a great service.
Kay has been away this week in Alice Springs, meeting with
all the General Secretaries from the other Synods and two from New Zealand. It
has been a good time for her, and I am looking forward to her return. Tonight
we will be attending the Uniting Care West winter appeal launch at Penrhos
College. Should be good.
Thanks for reading. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Sunday 3rd June 20112
8.30am Discussion Group in the Guild Room
10.00am Worship – Trinity Sunday – Holy
Communion
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