Don’s Blog
Getting
old Sucks! This week I had four medical appointments, one, a general one, with
my GP, two with a podiatrist re a foot problem and one with a hearing
specialist. At my initial appointment with the hearing specialist he discovered
that I am not hearing well in my right ear. (This is the one that I listen to
Kay with, who has been known to shout at this ear) Anyway he told me that three
things caused my hearing problem. 1. Surfing in my teenage years – spending too
much time in cold water. 2. I was an apprentice and tradesman printer and spent
a lot of time with heavy machinery (no ear muffs in those days) but 3rdly…. And
wait for it……. I am getting old!! So I now have to deal with it. However from
listening, no pun intended, I am told that there are some really good hearing
aids on the market, so that will help me listen better.
The
holiday Kay and I have just come back from was wonderful, relaxing and very
enjoyable. When I relax I start creating, so I made a little video clip, called
‘Dunsborough Dreaming’ which you can see at https://vimeo.com/52450545.
Apart
from spending time relaxing at Dunsborough, we went to Melbourne for a few days
and saw ‘South Pacific’. What an amazing production! I loved the set, the
music, the cast, everything. The baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes especially blew me
away. He is almost as good as our own Bruce Murdoch.
I
had always thought that South Pacific was a gentle entertaining musical with a
bit of romance thrown, in but was very surprised at one point where the writers
make some very powerful statements about the issue of racism in America. This
must have caused a significant stir when it was first produced (1950’s). So
South Pacific became more meaningful for me because of the way the writers, Rodgers & Hammerstein's were bold enough to bring
this to people’s awareness. They were prophets in their time.
Now
I am back at work and this week had it challenges, not the least of which was
ploughing through many emails.
I
do wish to thank those who helped while I was away. My holiday was made all the
more relaxing knowing that there were people looking after ‘the shop’.
I
have come back to the exciting news that we have all our artists for the Advent/Christmas
Art Exhibition, “A Child is Born”. They are: John Teschendorff, Linda van der Merwe, Thomas Heidt,
Christine Atkins, Hans Arkeveld, Ian de Souza, Madeleine Clear, Denise Brown,
Jillian Green, Alan Muller, Sue Cotton, Rebecca Cool, Robert Juniper, Ruth de
Vos, Amanda Shelsher and Sally Morgan
Some of them you will
recognize from previous ‘Stations” events. I am extremely pleased that we have
been able to attract a very high caliber of artist for this inaugural event. So
you can see I am just a little excited!!
This Sunday we will
commission our new Elders and re commission those who were re-elected. We have
now had a couple of Elders meetings with our new group and I am feeling very
grateful to have others on board to help with the spiritual and pastoral
oversight of the Wesley worshipping community.
The
planning for our special
service on Sunday 25th November, for victims of crime and abuse is
well underway. This service is part of our participation in Restorative
Justice Week (19th to 25th November 2012) The service
whilst being held in the church will reflect and give respect to those who come
with no particular religious background as well as those who do. It will be
gentle and reflective in character and providing opportunities for people to
share something of their story and to seek encouragement. People will be
invited to place photos and mementoes and light candles to remember those who
have fallen victim to violence and abuse. For the purposes of this service
a victim is anyone who has suffered as the result of crime (particularly
violent crime) or conflict (including refugees).
Please feel free to attend as it would be good for the Wesley community
to offer support and you can contact me if you would like more information.
Whilst I was on
holidays Heather,
my daughter, her two children and Philip my son travelled to India to take part
in a UntingWorld exposure trip. It is an understatement to say that they were
deeply moved and inspired by the work of the Uniting Church with the Church of
North India. They especially support the work of the church to liberate
children from sex and slave trafficking. If you would like to read one very
moving article and see a picture of one of my grandchildren you can go to: http://unitingworld.org.au/blogs/india-makes-my-face-hurt-sharing-more-saying-less/
Needless
to say I am one very proud father and grandon. I am absolutely sure this has
had a significant impact on their lives and wait to see what comes of it in the
future.
I
am hoping that Heather and Philip may be able to share some of their insights
at Wesley in the not to distant future.
I
am also wondering if we might be able to arrange such a journey for members of
our congregation too. Mmmm, just a thought.
Well
that’s all from me at the moment and I look forward to catching up with you all
very soon.
From
your minister
Don
Sunday 11th
Novmenber
8.30am
Discussion group.
10.00am
Worship, Reflecting on
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