Don’s Blog

It has been a very exciting week for me. It started on Tuesday, with our first visit to one of the artists, Jane Whitely. Jane has completed a wonderful work on Station No 10 ‘Jesus is stripped’.

It is hard to express in words the pleasing conversation we had as she shared the journey towards creating this work. Jane will share some of this in the catalogue, which I know will help people understand this part of the journey of Jesus and our connection with it.

It was a good way to start our ‘visits to artists’ and Catherine and I reminisced a little as this was the 5^th year we had been involved in this process and every year it seems to get better.

Also on Tuesday I met with Alison McCubbin and Lyn Callahan who have put their energy into the “Lent Event 2013”. Lent Event is an initiative of UntingWorld and invites us to consider supporting the international mission of the church.

In broad terms there will be two major aspects.

Firstly, during each worship service we will show a video clip or there will be an interview with a person who has been involved in international mission.

Secondly we will conduct a ‘Discussion Series’ after church each week, which will include lunch. More information will be in the pew sheets this and in coming weeks, but please don’t hesitate to contact Alison, Lyn or myself to find out more.

The webpage for Lent Event 2013 can be found at; http://www.unitingworld.org.au/category/lent-event

One of the most special events that I was part of this week was the Baptism of Mother and Son. I have talked about this at Church on Sunday and in my previous blog. However, I never realized how special it would be. Some weeks ago the mother came into the church and asked if she could become a Christian. This began a journey leading through to encouragement, explanation and commitment from both her and her son. This alone was an amazing, just an amazing, process. Their depth of understanding and commitment has been immensely joyful and moving to watch.

Last Sunday they met with the Elders and myself and shared their story of the journey into Christian faith. I think it is fair to say that we were in awe of their willingness and bravery as they took this step. Needless to say we humbly and with a little fear for them, affirmed their commitment.

On Wednesday, during the Perth Prayer service we conducted their Baptism. It was for mea a moving experience, one that will remain in my ministry memory always.

It was made a little more special as one of their friends, who I found out later had begun the intial discussion with them about becoming Christians, had flown over especialy fro Sydney. In his words; “ I wouldn’t have missed this for the world”.

Thank you to Jan Carrick, who has given outstanding support to the mother, and to David McAndrew who was ‘just there’ supporting and making sure everything was just right. Thank you too for the Elders meeting with them and for those who were able to be at the service.

I hope to introduce Mother and Son on Sunday morning worship.

They have been welcomed and accepted with open arms and have in turn enjoyed the loving atmosphere both at Perth Prayer on Wednesday and our Sunday morning congregation.

Last Sunday night we celebrated Robbie Burns night. It began with a beautiful Evensong at St George’s Cathedral, in which I shared the Prayers of the People. I was sitting next to the all female Choral ensemble and was able to fully immerse myself in the music. I can honestly say, the music was stunning and transported me to another level of spirituality.

We then processed down St George’s Tce, through London Court and down the Hay Street Mall to our UCIC hall, which was splendidly decorated in themes Scottish.

I said the Selkirk Grace, the haggis was ceremoniously carried in and addressed. We ate it and I actually enjoyed it, although I suffered the next day. Max Kay, one of the special guests, made the comment. "sometimes you want to kick the haggis and not eat it. After eating it and on rising the next day, you wished you had!!"

If you would like to see a picture of the haggis you can go to; http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4901959078596&set=a.2373170020450.2123979.1586536321&type=1&theater

It was a wonderful night, thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Evensong, the food, the entertainment just made it a great celebration. Congratulation to Rev Graeme Napier and the people who helped behind the scenes, especially some of the very hard working Wesley people.

I am looking forward to going out to dinner tonight, celebrating an early Chinese New Year meal with Lily Tan and her Carer group. I am also looking forward to conducting a wedding at Wesley on Saturday, Worship, with communion this Sunday, followed by our Carers Lunch. All busy, but all good community stuff!!

Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing you soon.

From your minister

Don

Sunday 3^rd February 2013

8.30am

Discussion group: We continue to look at and discuss the John Dominic Crossan video ‘The Challenge of Jesus’

10.00am   Communion

Morning Worship: “But the Truth is….” Reflecting on Luke 4:21-30, continuing the theme of Jesus reads from Isaiah in the synagogue.

Don’s Blog

And first the Good News…….. I saw the Doctor yesterday and now I can drive again. I am almost back to normal with just a few twinges here and there. It has been a little inconvenient not to be able to do all the normal things, but I am well and truly on the mend and I am very grateful for all of your tolerance and support.

As this has been one of the quiet weeks of January, I have been able to catch up on quite a few of the little jobs I had not attended to prior to Christmas. So I am now technically up to date, although I am sure there will be other things pop us that may require attention.

I was able to catch up with Angela, our Director or Music and one item we discussed concerned Wesley Choristers. We have placed an advert in the Royal School of Church Music newsletter, but we would like the information shared as widely as possible. Here is what we have said.

Wesley Choristers

As part of their ongoing music ministry Wesley Uniting church in the city would like to offer singers of school age the opportunity to come and be founding members of Wesley Choristers.  This is an exciting new development at Wesley and will be directed by their newly appointed Director of music/organist, Angela Currie.  Rehearsals will be on Thursdays during term time beginning on 7^th February from 6pm-7pm.

An experienced & energetic choral conductor with a passion for enthusing and training young singers Angela is a Scot who has lived in WA for 9 years. She has directed RSCM chorister courses both here and in the UK and is the conductor of Mandurah City Choral Society.  She is also a piano tutor, accompanist and choir director at All Saints College in Bullcreek.

The singers will be trained using the ‘Voice for life’ training scheme as set out by the RSCM and are guaranteed to have a lot of fun along the way!  If you would like to find out more information or register an interest please contact Angela on cooriedoon@bigpond.com  or 0419 850 004.

Maybe some of us will have grandchildren that could be involved!!

On Tuesdays I meet with a couple of my colleagues in ministry. We discuss the readings for the coming Sunday and talk through particular themes and the focus we might take. I always enjoy this coffee time together as it either confirms the direction I may be taking, or challenges me to think further. It has also become a vital part of pastoral care for each other as we share the ministry journey together. I have decided that after retirement this is one group I will continue to be part of even though we will have to find a different café.

This Sunday is one of my favourite readings. John 2: 1-12 – Jesus turns the water into wine. Now before you start accusing me of imbibing to much….. I like this reading because it’s about transforming the old into the new. I love the creativity and joy that this reading brings. Come on Sunday if you would like to hear more.

This afternoon, former members of the Subiaco Uniting Church have been invited to meet at the new look Warehouse Café. As I have indicated before, the Warehouse Café is to be managed by Crossroads and has been totally refurbished with an added ‘training’ kitchen. This will be the first time the Subi people have seen the café since it closed, so I am thinking they will get a bit of a surprise. It has bright new vibrant colours, new furniture and a different layout. Christine Nicholas tells me that the opening day is only a couple of weeks away.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing you soon.

From your minister

Don

Sunday 13^th January 2013

8.30am

Discussion group: We continue to look at and discuss the John Dominic Crossan video ‘The Challenge of Jesus’

10.00am   Morning Worship: Reflecting on John 2: 1-12, the wedding at Cana, Jesus turns water into wine.

Don’s Blog Thursday 10^th January 2013.

By now I hope you have heard the news that I will be entering retirement with my last service at Wesley being Sunday 7^th April. I know some have expressed shock at my decision but be assured that although I am retiring from full time ministry I will still be involved in the Uniting Church, particularly in making video clips. So it will be fun for me!

Also be assured that a number of people, including the Elders, the worshiping community at Wesley, the UCIC Church Council, and the Presbytery, will be responsible for choosing my replacement. As Wesley is a significant ministry placement be assured that the Uniting Church will want to find the right person. I am sure that many prayers will be offered so that we might hear the voice of God in our deliberations.

I have been ordained for just over 33 years and prior to that was studying for another 9 years, so it has been a good 42 years of full time ministry. I commented in my resignation letter. “I enter retirement with the comforting and pleasant feeling that I have loved full time ministry. I have been blessed with many, many experiences that have confirmed the presence of God with me on this journey, particularly as I have endeavoured to continue the ministry and mission of Jesus.”

My time at Wesley has been particularly enjoyable and I could not have wished for a better place to end full time ministry. I guess in the weeks ahead there will be time for reflection and opportunities to say thanks to the many people who have given Kay and I so much support.

Although this week has been dominated by my retirement news, in between I have enjoyed a number of experiences. Yesterday for example, I met with an Iranian woman and her son who are exploring becoming Christians. The reason they gave for wanting to become Christians is that every time they had contact with Christians it was a loving experience. Now I love hearing that.

Another good experience was to meet with Suret Crause (Rev Chris Crause’s daughter) who is going to do some part time work as we lead up to the Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition. It will be wonderful to have another person on board to help us, and particularly because Suret knows UCIC.

I may have mentioned that we have all of our artists booked for this year’s exhibition and Catherine and I will soon begin the process of visiting them. I am wondering about creating my own DVD this year, as it is a wonderful event to record, particularly as we receive comments from the artists. More on that later!

My arm continues to improve although the Doctor (and Kay) wont let me drive and I am hoping after 16^th I will have some good news. I am very grateful that Kay has been able to drive me to most places. In the meantime I am enjoying taking the bus (I now own a smart rider card). Although, nobody talks to you on the bus!

I will keep you informed on the progress of my arm as I am looking forward to being able to shake people’s hand properly again.

This Sunday we remember again the Baptism of Jesus. As I was baptised as a 16 year old, and it was a full emersion, I remember the experience vividly. I also remember that it set me on my Christian journey and for that I am truly grateful. I hope as you read this you may remember yours, or your confirmation of your baptism. As always I you are invited to contact me if you would like to experience baptism if that has not been part of your Christian journey.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing you soon.

From your minister

Don

Sunday 13^th January 2013

8.30am

Discussion group

10.00am   Morning Worship: Reflecting on the Baptism of Jesus