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 5th 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 3rd
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.
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