Don's Blog
Hi All,
You may remember my excitement in contemplating my meeting
with Sally Morgan, Professor Bill Loader, Rev Geoff Blyth, and Catherine Czerw regarding
our Advent Art Exhibition. Well, the meeting did not diminish my excitement, on
the contrary I felt even more moved as I listened to the discussion around the
group. I could not help but think that this was one of those conversations
where everyone was on the same page, engaging with an idea and imagining the
possibilities. It was for me a very creative time. In the end we imagined a
Christmas Card with all the elements, including, the angels, the shepherds the
manger, the Magi and more… We thought about separating each of those elements
and giving one part of the story to an artist, to reflect on and offer us an
artwork. There is still an ongoing discussion, and so enjoyable. Can’t you tell
that I’m like a pig in the preverbal mud?
The Advent Art exhibition will have the same aim as our
Stations, as it will be an activity inviting people to look at a significant
seasonal event and reflect on its meaning.
As I look out my window this morning I have seen two aspects
of the city which still keep me asking the question about our ministry in the
city.
One was of a very elderly man, walking down William Street.
He would take 3 steps, pause for a minute, and then take 3 more steps. It was
excoriating to watch him and as you can imagine it was a slow process. Going
for a walk must be a real chore but maybe its better than sitting at home.
The other gentleman I saw was walking very briskly, with a
happy smile on his face and talking away, reasonably loudly to himself (no he
was not on a mobile phone). From appearances he was in a world of his own,
oblivious to people around him, but enjoying what he was doing. The city is a
fascinating place and what is noticeable is the people. All shapes and sizes, some
in suits, some casual, some with backpacks, some with children. All going
somewhere, some of them more quickly than others, some pausing to look in shop
windows, some, although I cant see it from my office window, will walk into
Wesley.
These images keep me mindful that our ministry is here and
includes listening to this scene and seeing, as one of my colleagues in
ministry put it, ‘What is God up to in my neighbourhood?’
You will be pleased
to know that I saw the final version of our DVD from the Stations of the Cross
2012. It has been edited and is ready to ‘print’. As soon as I have copies I
will invite people to express an interest in seeing it.
Speaking of DVD’s, (I do ‘bang on about this stuff a lot
don’t I) I am planning to make a short video clip about Wesley to put up on our
website. It will basically say who we are, so that when people visit the Wesley
webpage that get a picture of our congregation. Along with footage of the
building and maybe our worship and activities, I would love to interview a few
people. If you would like to say something about Wesley that that give an image
of who we are, could you let me know. This would mean that I would not have to
tap people on the shoulder and ask!!
Part of my time and energy this week as been spent writing a
paper, which I have titled, ‘Towards a Missional understanding for the Uniting
Church in the City. I am asking a few people to look at a draft and it will eventually
be presented to Church Council. In due course, and hopefully, we will adopt the
principles I am espousing. But more on that later.
This Sunday we will acknowledge the 35th Anniversary
of the Uniting church. The Assembly has produced a small video which tells a
little of who we are and what we look like now. I will show this video in church
on Sunday and follow it with a small litany giving thanks to God for who we
are.
Thanks for
reading and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Don Dowling
Minister
Sunday 24th June 20112
8.30am Discussion Group in the Guild Room
10.00am Worship – “In
the storms of life a place of calm” a reflection on, Mark 4: Mark 4: 35 - 41
Also acknowledging the 35th
Anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia.
Sunday 24th June at 2.30pm. I understand it
is best to book tickets. Go
To : http://www.facebook.com/deepblueseafilm
for more information.
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