Don Dowling's Blog

Don’s Blog

Still bike riding, and no dramas, except everyone keeps passing me!!

Last Friday morning Kay and I attended the ‘Soft’ opening of the Warehouse Café. It was a superb occasion and good to see a ‘dream come true’ for Christine and Donald Nicholas. It was great to see the café in action. Crossroaders, staff and volunteers all taking part. It was good to see a number of people lining up for coffees, either those who were passing by, or those who had come from the community to have a look. The Moderator and his wife were there as were a number of Uniting Church supporters. What a great day!

If you would like to see a small video clip of the café, my first with my new camera, you can go to: https://vimeo.com/59473821.

In the not to distant future there will be a ‘hard’ opening with special invited guests and a bit more formality. It should be fun!

Last Sunday evening, a group of us, mostly from the 8.30am discussion group went to see Cat Commander in, “Before The Spring” Subtitled, “A revolution is brewing. After this, nothing will be the same.” It was held at The Bakery, James St, Northbridge and is part of the Fringe Festival.

Cat Commander is of course Jan Carrick and Philip Commander’s daughter Catherine, and was one of my students when I was Chaplain at Wesley College. Many of you would have known her as a young girl, attending Wesley Church.

Catherine’s performance took the form of a monologue shifting between two characters, a taxi driver and a young girl pursuing love. It was written and performed by Catherine and both Kay and I were very moved by her performance. Her acting was amazing and the script gave a clear understanding of the dilemma of war and violence and the pursuit of love. Catherine is a very clever writer and performer. I hope we get to see a lot more of her work!

This week I began the second run of visiting artists for our Stations of the Cross exhibition (we have now seen six works). Catherine and I managed to visit four artists and with each visit we saw another great artwork. The artworks cover a range of materials, from traditional oil paintings to a ceramic work and a special book presentation. I could not help but notice again that each artist used their particular ‘Station’ to give us special insights and a rendition that adds more to ‘our’ story. I also noticed that in each case the artists drew on childhood memories. An interesting aspect of this year’s exhibition!

A special event is happening at Wesley Church the following week, Wednesday 27 February, 5.30pm - 7.30pm. A Sundowner is being held with special guest author Robin de Crespigny. Robin wrote the book 'The People Smuggler' which tells of one man's epic story of trying to find a safe place in the world. This event is a joint effort of Synod, Social Justice Board and UCIC. If you are free I think you will find it worthwhile to attend.

If you are wanting to attend can you RSVP to eira.claption@wa.uca.org.au

This weekend a number of us are attending ‘Summer Spirit’ at Floreat Uniting Church. I am looking forward to hearing the keynote speakers, including David Tacey, who will be speaking on the topic, ‘Spirituality in the Australian Context’ and ‘Spirituality and Well Being’. My major task on Sunday morning is to interview David.

On Sunday Rev Isobelle Shortreed will be the preacher in my absence and I am sure you will enjoy her style and the words she has to offer.

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

From your minister

Don

Sunday 17^th February 2013

8.30am Cancelled for this week only

10.00am   Morning Worship: Preacher Rev Isobelle Shortreed