Don Dowling's Blog

Don’s Blog

The Easter journey begins today and although the weekend will be busy for some of us, I am glad that I can be part of the story again. The journey begins with a sense of sadness and quietness, but ends with a real sense of joy and hope.

As you realise ‘Stations’ has been in full swing this week and I am pleased to say that from my point of view it has been going extremely well. After being part of a conversation with a couple from Columbia, who related especially to Station 11, Jesus is Crucified; I decided to write record the experience. I then realised it would be good to encourage our volunteers to do the same, so after a quick email inviting them to write, I now notice that we have a number of recorded experiences. I also notice the amazing comments in the ‘Comments Book’. Worth a read if you are in church over the weekend.

Opening Night was a great celebration and I am very grateful for all those who helped. I think it is fair to say that the whole event goes off without any major glitches these days. I really think we do it well.

Part of my week has been spent with Kay attending Uniting Church School functions. On Monday night Kay and I attended the induction of Rev Nalin Perera, who is now the Chaplain at Wesley College.  It was a little strange going back into my old stomping ground and even more interesting being greeted by a staff member, whose marriage I conducted, to find out she now has a 13 year old son. I bit of a reality check! I met other staff who have been there for 17 and 18 years. How time flies.

Last night Kay and I attended the 30^th anniversary of St Stephen’s school. Although Kay was the guest of honour, I had a special connection with St Stephen’s as I was on the very first Council. It was great to see how they have developed and are now, with three campuses, the largest Uniting Church School in the state. As you could imagine, the music, drama and presentations were just magic. It made me long to want to be in an orchestra again. The orchestra and choir especially formed for the occasion, presented everything from classical to jazz. A special honour was paid to Mr Brian Plowman, who has taught there from the beginning, so thirty years of teaching!

We have had some ‘interesting’ visitors to the church over the week, including some of those who suffer mental illness. We have often commented that this is one of the particular ministries of an inner city church. Although we have to be careful with some, I am always humbled and grateful that we are able to provide the space, where people from all walks of life can come and spend time. There are not many places in the city where those who sometimes present as ‘different’ can find a welcome.

In amongst the hurly burly of this week we have had a couple of farewells and this morning I had my last Ministers breakfast. Held at St Johns Lutheran Church in Northbridge, Pastor Greg Preiffer, as the host, said some very warm words about my time with them and my ministry. It was a little sad that it was my last ‘Breakfast’ with them as it has been one of the most enjoyable groups to be part of in the city.

All those present, as you could imagine, are involved in many services over the next few days and it was good to be able to share our journeys together.

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

From your minister

Don

Thursday 28^th March

7.00pm Maundy Thursday and Tenebrae Service – During this service we will conduct the ‘washing of the feet’ ritual, celebrate the ‘last supper’ and have the ‘extinguishing of the candles’ liturgy.

Good Friday 29^th March

10.00am Liturgy of the Stations of the Cross

5.30pm Good Friday Reflection – featuring readings and selected movements from John Stainer’s “The Crucifixion” with the Wesley Chorale.

Sunday 31^st March Dawn service at Sunrise, Roe Gardens, Kings Park Special Guests: the Moderator, Perth Fortress Salvation Army Band and the GKI Indonesian Uniting Church Choir.

10.00am Easter Sunday service. Celebrating Resurrection day with special music from the Brass Quintet.

Sunday 7^th April

8.30am Discussion Group

10.00am Sunday service. Celebrating my last service at Wesley Church.