Don Dowling's Blog

2012-02-08T16:18:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi All,

This Sunday will be a unique day for Revd Geoff Blyth as he is our guest preacher at Wesley. Whilst Geoff and Esme are regular members of the congregation, this Sunday is special, as he celebrates the 50^th Anniversary of the beginning of his ministry. Geoff and Esme’s family and friends will be joining us and there will be a small segment in the service where we will offer our congratulations. As I have been thinking about what could be said I know that any comments will only be a small reminder of the countless moments where Geoff has offered a wonderful and enriching ministry to many, many people here in WA. Included in his ministry is Geoff’s term as Moderator of the Synod of WA and being the Chair of various Councils and Boards. This gives an indication that not only did he offer ministry to congregations but served the wider church as well. On occasions like this we pause to remember, appreciate and give thanks to God for a wonderful ministry. ……. And it is not over yet!

I hope you are able to come and share with us as we celebrate.

Yesterday Edwin Hadfield and I met with staff from the University of WA, School of Music to select the Wesley Scholars who offer us such wonderful music in our services. There were nine applications and it was a little difficult to choose but in the end we were able to select 6. So we now have a vocalist, a guitarist (classical I am told), a violinist, two cellists and pianist, who can also play a saxophone. (I’m wondering if there is some jazz in here somewhere!!) So it promises to be a good year of music assisting us in worship again.

I am continuing my visits to artists today having met Amanda Shelsher, (Station 2 Jesus Carries His Cross) on Tuesday. Today I meet the famous Sally Morgan, of “My Place” fame who is presenting an artwork on Station 15 Jesus Rises from Death. (The Resurrection) I am also meeting with Christophe Canato, (Station 8 Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem). Yes I do have to say again that I am really enjoying these visits. In the course of a conversation with one of the artists they mentioned that as they were preparing their work the issue of our mortality came to the fore, and this was heightened by the fact that a friend was suffering the effects of cancer at the moment. It seems that for whatever reason this seem to happen every year. I am sure that this particular artwork will be very memorable.

KIDS@Wesley – Publicity is all around us at present for Valentine’s Day, and in the spirit of love Mal is looking to teaching the Kids two of Jesus’ greatest commandments on 12^th February.

1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.

2. Love your neighbour as yourself.

These teaching will coincide with some very special craft.

A great time for grandparents to bring their grandchildren to Wesley.

Can I invite you to pray for the young people who continue to meet over the road and around our church? Up to now Anglicare, through their step one program, have been connecting with this group. Unfortunately, their funding has been stopped (normally received through the State Government) so they will cease this service at the end of February. Mission Australia, a non-denominational, faith based, organization has been granted funding but not to specifically work in this area. So it is of great concern that we have a significant group of, at risk young people, some of whom are homeless, right on our doorstep and nobody really tasked to meet their needs. I have been having meetings with Anglicare, UnitingCare West and Mission Australia, but nothing of any substance has eventuated as yet.

However, I am hopeful that we will find some solutions.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister,

Don

Sunday 12^th February 2012

8.30am Discussion Group.

10.00am. Morning Worship – Celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of Rev Geoff Blyth’s ordination.

2012-02-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog
Hi All,

This week has been a little hard. I have had two funerals and the accompanying visits to the families to arrange them. On top of this Kay and I found out that one of her former Admin Assistants in Sydney had committed suicide and we were both devastated to hear about it. They say bad news comes in threes!!

It was great to celebrate and say farewell to Helen Chapman in church last week. She was very grateful that we were able to send her off in style as she has always considered Wesley her family. For those of you who weren’t able to be with us, Helen is going to Melbourne to be with her daughter and as she is in the last stages of cancer she will die there. In church we gave her the gift of a candle, acknowledge that she was going to die and that as she lit the candle she would know that we were with her in this journey. The Choir, of which Helen was a member, came in especially to sing and as they sang, ‘The lord bless you and keep you’ there was not a dry eye in the house. Thank you to Alison McCubbin, John Beaverstock, Christine Nicholas and the Elders who all played a special part in saying goodbye to Helen. Fiona, her daughter, who was present on Sunday, was immensely grateful for all the love, support and blessings that we gave her mother.

This week I have received many positive comments about the honesty of her farewell and I feel very proud to be part of a community that is able to deal with the hard parts of life. Helen has asked that after her death we hold a memorial service at Wesley.

In amongst our Sunday worship we did acknowledge and celebrate Chinese New Year and as a follow on Kay and I had a rather special diner at a Chinese Restaurant with Lily Tang and her carer group.

This morning I met two artists, firstly Judy Rogers: (Station 6 Veronica Wipes Jesus' Face) and then Amanda Shelsher: (Station 2 Jesus Carries His Cross). My first impression in both cases as we discussed their work; Wow!! Kay and I are escaping for a day to Dunsborough on Friday and on the way back we are meeting Laurie Posa: (Station 9 Jesus Falls the Third Time) who lives in Busselton. I am looking forward to this as he has already completed his work. This of course means that we are now well and truly gearing up for the Stations and I wonder if you might consider being a volunteer again. If you are interested please contact Judy Muskett, my PA on 6103 4222, or email; Judym@ucic.org.au.

Next week promises to be easier for me as Rev Geoff Blyth is conducting our Sunday worship as he celebrates the 50^th Anniversary of his Ordination. Geoff and Esme’s family and friends will join us and we hope to make this a memorable occasion. Well done Geoff on reaching this special milestone.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister,

Don

Sunday 12^th February. 10.00am.

Celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of Rev Geoff Blyth’s ordination.

2012-01-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi All,

Aaah I’m back and rearing to go!!. That’s mostly true as Kay and I had a great break. We managed to catch up with all of our grandchildren (all 16 with one on the way) and spend some time down south. We also managed a trip to Margaret River staying with friends whose house just escaped the fire. (I made a small video clip while I was there which you can see if you go to: (http://youtu.be/D2EuB6d1ilg)

I managed to play 9 holes of golf, ride a bike for 20ks and surf at the mouth of Margaret River. So all in all a great break…..did I also mention that we had morning tea a Yahava Coffee house and lunch at the Swooping Magpie winery. It was all a bit hard really!

So now it’s back to work and there are quite a few things to do. Even though we probably don’t want to think about Easter at the moment, it is not that far away and we are again hosting 15 West Australian Artists. I will be meeting with Catherine Cwerz, our curator, in the next couple of weeks to receive a list of those participating. It promises to be just as exciting again this year.

I have started gentle conversations with a few people regarding holding a week of prayer, much along the lines that happened at Chogm. I was thinking we might be able to do this around the season of Pentecost, but more on this later.

I heard through the wonderful support of Jan Carrick that a number of people were not well while I was away. I am hoping to make contact with all those going through rough times at the moment. Needless to say you are all in out thoughts and prayers.

Tuesday morning at 7.00am this week saw me at St George’s College Chapel in Crawley conducting morning devotions for those attending the Royal School of Church Music Conference. It was meant to be held in Christchurch, New Zealand, but as you would understand this was not possible, so the WA group offered to have it in Perth. I will be present again on Saturday at 7.00am to offer a second time of devotion. Which leads me to the best part of having RSCM here in Perth. On Sunday morning a choir of 90+people will be taking part in our 10.00am worship service. We will be having communion and the choir will be singing Schubert’s Mass in G Major. It should be an amazing morning of music. As they are so large in number they will be singing from the gallery.

Some sad news is that the service of Anglicare’s Step 1 (The Bus outside Wesley) will be concluding at the end of February. The Step 1 people have formed significant relationships with the young people and this means there will be a substantial gap in meeting their needs. We have made representation to the Minister, Robyn McSweeny and we are having conversations with Uniting Care West but the short term it does not look good. Please keep us in your prayers that we might find a way to continue to connect with them.

As I gradually get back into the swing of things my prayer is that this will be a great year of worship, ministry and mission with many opportunity’s to share our journey of faith with those around us.

I look forward to catching up with you all soon.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister,

Don

Sunday 15^th January 2012

10.00am.– Worship at Wesley with Guests from the Royal School of Church Music

Reflecting on ‘a funny conversation’

2011-12-21T19:11:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi All,

Christmas Eve/Day is nearly upon us! I have been very conscious of the build up of energy and excitement for this day and must admit, some of it I look forward to.

Last Friday night, 16^th December, I played with the Balga Salvation Army Community Band outside Wesley. Noticeable this year was the number of people who stayed to hear and occasionally sing carols with us. We all agreed there were more people wanting to listen than in previous years. A sign of the times maybe?

On Monday representatives from the City of Perth, Youth Affairs Council of WA, Anglicare (Step1) and myself met with Robyn McSweeny, the Minister for Child Protection and Community Services; Seniors and Volunteering; Women’s Interests, and Youth. Our group put the case for a continuing conversation regarding the young people who gather near our church. Step1 (Anglicare) have been assisting them a great deal, but their service is without funding from March 2012 and this will leave a huge gap. We are particularly concerned because the young people do not seem to be accessing some of the other services provided by organisations who could help them. The Minister listened carefully and we have agreed to meet again, so I am hoping for some positive outcomes.

This morning I joined the West Perth Rotarians, two of whom attend Wesley Congregation. I was their ‘guest speaker’ for their Christmas Breakfast and they asked me to offer something along the Christmas theme. It was a very enjoyable way to start the day and it was good to connect with a group who do so much valuable work in our community, especially as at the moment they are working hard to eradicate Polio from our world.

This week has seen the final preparation for worship for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and my hope is that you will be able to make one or the other. Joining us again this year is the Brass Quintet, who along with the choir, lift our spirits so that we gain a joyful sense of this season.

After our Sunday Service last week a number of people asked me for a copy of the poem I wrote and read as part of my reflection.

Here it is:

“Who would God choose?”

Who would God choose to reveal that love divine?

In ancient days he chose a shameful girl,

With dubious morals

disconnected from respectable folk.

Her virginity, compromised before her time,

Sniggering tut, tut’s uttered behind closed neighbors doors,

It the parent fault… we hear.

Who would God choose, to disclose the abundance of grace and love

to my world of iPhone, iPad, Facebook and twitter?

Would God choose those who saunter past my office window?

…the least of these.

The homeless, scavenging in rubbish bins for scraps of thrown away food.

The mentally ill, emitting words that make no sense

Lost in their world of paranoia and neglect

Trudging the circuit of the city, their only journey.

Would God choose the struggling family,

on their way to who knows where.

Mum pushing pram, with toddlers clinging close

Dishevelled, unkempt, no money to look composed.

Would I see God in the faces of the indigenous?

Sometimes drunk, at war with invisible enemies

Police on hand to whisk away in padded wagons.

Would I see God in the young of Central Park?

So close to church yet so far away,

No home, no family, no job, no prospects

Shunned by office workers and security alike.

Would God choose an asylum seeker

Destitute, homeless too,

Striped of dignity by political forces, known and unknown.

Does God choose “the least of these”,

to display the enormity of love and grace?

In ancient days God chose Mary.

Mary, the voice of those enclosed in worlds of pain and cruelty

With humility and willingness combined

She gave birth to love divine.

Who does God choose to share that love today

Who will become the voice of those whose need is great.

To give birth again to love divine.

When humility and willingness combine

It could be me!

Just a reminder that Rev Geoff Blyth has agreed to take the service on the 1^st January and Rev Lee Edwards the service on the 8^th January. We will be hiding away at our house at Dunsborough for some of the time and trying to catch up with our 16 grandchildren.

Have a great time as you prepare for Christmas and I look forward to seeing some of you over the next few days.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister,

Don

Saturday 24^th Christmas Eve

11.00pm A service to prepare the cradle and light the candles.

Sunday 25^th December – Christmas Day Worship

10.00am.– Reflecting on ‘the gift’

Sunday 1^st January – New Year Day Worship

10.00am.– Preacher: Revd Geoff Blyth

Sunday 8^th January – Sunday Worship

10.00am.– Preacher: Revd Lee Edwards

2011-12-07T23:34:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi All,

I know I probably wont get a lot of sympathy, but this week has been one of the busiest for quite a while.

Monday was our first new UCIC Church Council meeting. Tuesday I had many appointments and meetings. Wednesday, two appointments in the morning before going to Serpentine Dam Café for lunch with the City Seniors group. Thursday we held the Volunteers morning Tea. In amongst this I have prepared four services, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. I have had 3 wedding interviews and 2 wedding rehearsals. Throw in answering many emails, a couple of counselling sessions and all in all it was a busy week. But I love it.

On Monday our first new Church Council meeting was held and it was great to meet new people and work through some of the things we are hoping to achieve. We will be sending out a form very soon for people to start thinking about the various committees on which they may wish to be involved. More about that over the next few weeks.

The Advent Artwork continues to go well. The story of refugees is now unfolding and I can only be amazed at the work and thoughts of the artist. We are of course receiving many favorable comments.

There was a real sadness this week amongst the young people who gather around the church and at Central Park. One of the group, a young man, committed suicide over the weekend. Step1 from Anglicare (The bus that parks outside Wesley) have been helping them as they grieve the loss of their friend. I have also offered help and we will remember them in our prayers this week.

Wednesday was a great day with a journey up to Serpentine Dam and a wonderful Christmas Roast dinner, including Pudding!! There were 21 of us gathering as the City Seniors Group. Thanks must go to Rev Lee Edwards and Jan Carrick who assisted on the day. It was great to move out of the city for a while and even better to have time to share conversation on the way, during and on the return journey.

The Volunteers “Thank You” morning tea was a great event. We have so many volunteers working for us and they are part of the 6.4 million Australians who do volunteer work each year. As Donna Keher, Chief of the United Nations Volunteers Partnerships and Communications Division told a National Conference on Volunteering, “Volunteerism is a renewable global resource that plays a crucial role in building a sustainable future for the world. Volunteerism is not just a contributor to gross domestic product, but to social wellbeing. The musical entertainment was also a huge success. Many shared their thanks for the enjoyment they had.

So thanks again to all those who offer time, skills and experience to us. You contribute to our well-being.

Will I get an easier week next week?…… I don’t think so. It’s Christmas and its madness, but then again that first Christmas must have been just as chaotic. Can you imagine shepherds, angels, Joseph, Mary, innkeepers, animals of all description and then you throw in the wise men. But the beauty of it all was that in the midst of the chaos, came Emanuel, God with us, and that’s what I sense even now.

Have a great time as you prepare for Christmas.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister,

Don

Sunday 11^th December – 2^nd Sunday of Advent

8.30am Discussion Group

10.00am. Worship

2011-11-30T23:32:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog 1^st December 2011

Hi All,

On Monday the staff celebrated together at the ‘C’ Restaurant, which as some of you may know was formally the Highlite restaurant. It is a revolving restaurant and over lunchtime you enjoy full 360 degree views of Perth. It was very relaxing and great to spend a couple of hours away from the business of preparing for our Christmas Services.

On Tuesday, I met with about 70 Tranby College, year 9 students. They came into the city to buy presents for those in need. So after spending some time with them and showing them the video clip about UnitingCare West they ventured out to buy presents. When they came back we had a little ritual where they placed the gifts on the Communion Table and imagined the person receiving the gift. It was a very special moment and wonderful to share the gift of giving with younger people. They and I went away very happy that day.

On Tuesday afternoon the Advent Artwork was installed. It takes the form of an Advent Calendar, with one box opened each day from now until Christmas. I think it is stunning, but you really have to get up close to receive the full effect of the drawings in the boxes. I opened the first box today and went, ‘Wow, Amazing’. As I shared with you last week the theme is the, ‘Birth of Tolerance for Refugees”. Very relevant for us at the moment. I hope to have a picture on our Website. You can go to http://www.perthunitingchurch.com.au/viewStory/Wesley and have a look.

I am still looking for volunteers to sit outside Wesley during the next 25 days. If you could spare a few hours and are willing to go on a roster, could you let Judy Muskett know. She can be contacted on 6103 4222 or email: judym@ucic.org.au.

On Wednesday, Chris Crause and I met with Rev Graeme Napier, the Precentor from St George’s Cathedral. They are planning a ‘Robbie Burns’ night on the 22^nd of January 2012. After a special evensong at 5pm they will, led by a piper, walk down the Hay street Mall and gather at the UCIC hall for a Robbie Burns dinner. I am told it is a night where a great deal of Haggis is consumed. If you are interested we, along with St George’s, will be selling tickets and I am told there will be limited places!

Today, I go and celebrate an early Christmas lunch with some of the former members of the Subiaco Uniting Church, who have been meeting every Thursday since 2000. It began as an exercise in looking at how to operate a café and then developed into a weekly fellowship where members would catch beyond the Sunday service. As you can see I love the tradition.

Regarding our congregational meeting last week, it is with a good sense of joy that we announce that all nominated were elected and we will begin our first Church Council meeting next Monday night. As well as Christine Nicholas, Alison McCubbin will join us.

Well, I’m off to a meeting with Step 1, (the Anglicare Bus people that park outside our church) our Leasing agent and us from UCIC, to talk about the young people who occasionally cause little disturbances around our church. I invite you to remember them, and us, in your prayers.

I hope to catch up with you at our Second Sunday of Advent service.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister,

Don

Sunday 4^th December – 2^nd Sunday of Advent

8.30am Discussion Group

10.00am. Worship Communion – reflecting on ‘Peace’.

2011-10-05T19:53:00.001-07:00

Don's Blog
Hi All,

If you haven’t seen it already and would like to catch up on the Floral Festival you can go to http://vimeo.com/29769389

Many, many thanks to all those who helped us with the Festival. Margaret and Bruce Murdoch, Louise and Norman Miller, Merylyn and Bill Lucas, Rev Lee Edwards, Jan Carrick and Christine Nicholas, to name but a few. There were so many people, who helped put it together, including our friends from St George’s Cathedral, St John’s Lutheran church, the Catholic church in Highgate and our Crossroaders. With our own volunteers it made for a exhausting, but great few days. Thank you again to all those who helped make it a success.

I can tell you that many significant conversations were had. One of them deeply disturbed me. I had invited one of the young people, who meet outside the church, to come and have a look. He came and enjoyed what he saw. We then sat down and we had a coffee and scone together. In the course of the conversation we talked about making films, (a favourite hobby of mine). He shared with me that he wanted to make a documentary about youth homelessness and then went on to share that one of the young homeless women of the group outside had recently had a miscarriage and had secretly placed the foetus in one of the small lakes over by the narrows. A distressing incident as you could imagine but I realised that because we were there he felt comfortable enough to share his distress.

I also witnessed many other conversations taking place, with some who were lonely, some who were visiting, and some who came from other churches. In the end I have no doubt that we made a difference in those conversations because we were there. May they long continue.

On a personal note, I was privileged to be part of the Council of Churches of Western Australia (CCWA) General Meeting last Saturday where I was awarded a Lund Award for Ecumenical Excellence. It was awarded in recognition of the help he provided to the Perth Prayer Group who use Wesley for their prayer meetings. To Read more, visit http://www.churcheswa.com.au/2011/10/uniting-church-minister-receives-lund-award/.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHoGM) is the next big event to occupy our hearts and minds. Wesley in conjunction with the Commonwealth Prayer Initiative, an ecumenical group, is hosting events 24 hours a day from Monday 24^th to Saturday 29^th October. During the week there will be lots of prayers in different styles, including Taize and ‘Lively Liturgy’. There will be special presentations of choirs, dancers ranging from African to Asian. There will be concerts, organ recitals, Harp recitals and lots, lots more. If you would like to see a programme of events please go to our web page and you will see a link to ‘Converge’ which gives a very detailed plan of what is happening.

The most exciting event will be the unveiling of our ‘Tree of life sculpture by Rod Laws on Monday 24^th. Engraved on the plinth will be prayers of peace from children around the world.

On Thursday 27^th there will be a presentation by the Winthrop Singers. Also of special note will be the Salvation Army Songsters, Band and Timbals offering hymns on Thursday 27^th at 7pm. As you know this is the band that I am part of so I am looking forward to being involved. The whole event concludes with a ‘Celebration of the Nations’ service at 5pm at St George’s Cathedral. What a week it will be!!

In order for me to rest up before CHoGM I am taking a couple of weeks leave and heading down south. During this time our preachers will be Rev. Tom Wilson, Rev Dr Bill Jenkins and Rev Lee Edwards.

See you in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister,

Don

Sunday 9th October

8.30am Discussion Group

10.00am. Worship – “Be Ready” led by Rev Tom Wilson

Sunday 16^th October.

8.30am Discussion Group

10.00am. Worship – “Giving to God” led by Rev Dr Bill Jenkins

Sunday 23^rd October

8.30am Discussion Group

10.00am. Worship – led by Rev Lee Edwards

2011-09-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

For my kitchen see;http://vimeo.com/28966807

2011-08-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

Don's Blog Thursday

Hi all

In my reflection last Sunday, I mentioned that Anglicare, the Step one programme, approached us to look at offering food to the young people who gather around the church. An incident on Monday and Tuesday confirmed that we need to seriously think about how we might do this. On Tuesday a function was held in the UCIC centre and the group had over-catered for their lunch. So in the afternoon they approached staff in the office, with a plate full of still fresh sandwiches. They wondered if we would like to have them. We declined, however Sia, our property officer, suggested that maybe they could be offered to the young people who gather outside the church. With plate and sandwiches in hand, Sia and I approached them. We were overwhelmed by the response as they readily accepted, taking great chunks of the sandwiches. They were obviously very hungry. The next day we went again, and a different group had gathered, and the response was the same. In both cases they were incredibly appreciative that someone was able to offer them food.

It’s almost unthinkable and heartbreaking to think that we have young people, ages ranging from 14 to 17 who are going hungry in our city. After this incident I spoke with both UnitingCare West and Anglicare who will be liaising with us as we investigate the best way to help our young people find food. Keep it in your prayers.

On Sunday, 21^st August we will be accepting into membership ten people. Two are transfers from other Uniting Churches, and eight have expressed a wish to become new members of our congregation. This latest group of people is in response to the reception of new members we held in November last year. So I feel very pleased. You will notice, and I am noticing that we now have people joining us who come from a diversity of cultural backgrounds. It is my intention, in the reception of new members service, to acknowledge this by asking the questions in the language of the people who are becoming members. I am now more and more aware of the cultural diversity of our congregation and am looking for ways that we might give expression to this in our Sunday morning worship either through music, hymns, prayers etc. If you have any suggestions please let me know.

Related to this, at our Elders meeting tonight, we will be discussing a proposal from Rev Emanuel Audisio to establish monthly Arabic speaking worship service at Wesley. His proposal comes with the hope that people from this cultural background will then join with us in our Sunday morning worship.

Also at our Elders meeting we will also be discussing a proposal regarding Artwork in Advent and receiving an update regarding events happening in and around our church during Chogm.

Can I remind you again of the “Gathering of the Congregation, to be held on Sunday 21^st of August at 12 noon in the UCIC Hall on the first floor at 97 William St Perth. It will be a, ‘Bring and Share’ lunch and if you would like to come you can RSVP to Judy Muskett either by phoning 6103 4222 or emailing, judym@ucic.org.au or by popping into the UCIC office. If you are reading this please accept this as an invitation to join us, as we want to take the opportunity to welcome our new members and catch up with each other beyond our Sunday morning worship.

I look forward to catching up with you on Sunday.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 7^th August

8.30am Discussion Group.

10.00am Morning Worship – A Reflection on Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus calms the storm.

Sunday 21^st August 2011. A Gathering of the Congregation.

The Wesley Flower Festival will take place from Thursday 29^th of September to Sunday 2^nd October. If you would like to assist with this venture please see Marg Murdoch. Email: mmurdoch49@hotmail.com. Phone: 9349 2254 Mobile: 0418 940 252

Rev Lee Edwards: Email: leerev@optusnet.com.au: Phone

2011-07-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

Don's Blog Thursday 21^st July 2011

Hi all

Cough, cough, cough. Along with many others I have been suffering a little this week with a cold and cough and so have not been as productive as I would have wished, but nevertheless we have been soldiering on!!

Some have been asking about the scaffolding in the gallery and wondering what is being done and how long it will be there. In answer to these questions I can tell you that it is a temporary arrangement to repair some of the walls and beams. The work should be completed and the scaffolding taken down by the 5th August. I think some of our brides will be pleased!!

As I mentioned last week a number of people have expressed an interest in becoming members at Wesley. By Sunday I will have met all of them, and we have now set aside a time in the 10.00am service on the 21^st August to receive 7 people into membership at Wesley. That will also be the day of our Gathering of the Congregation. See below for more details.

Regarding our Flower Festival, Margaret now tells me we’re up to 71 trays which means it would be good to have that many volunteers to help put the flowers in the trays on Wednesday 28^th September. On Monday I receive the publicity for this event and invitations will be going out to businesses, schools and community groups. Pray that I may have some success in encouraging people and groups to be involved.

By now invitations are circulating inviting you to our “Gathering of the Congregation, to be held on Sunday 21^st of August at 12 noon in the UCIC Hall on the first floor at 97 William St Perth. It will be a, ‘Bring and Share’ lunch and if you would like to come you can RSVP to Judy Muskett either by phoning 6103 4222 or emailing, judym@ucic.org.au or by popping into the UCIC office. If you are reading this please accept this as an invitation to join us, as we want to take the opportunity to welcome our new members and catch up with each other beyond our Sunday morning worship.

An interesting quote I read this week. ‘It is becoming clear that many of the people for whom Christ has died are unlikely to be drawn to our existing churches however spiritually alive, hospitable

and attractive they are.’ Bishop Graham Cray

I look forward to catching up with you on Sunday.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 31st July 2011

8.30am Discussion Group.

10.00am Morning Worship – A Reflection on Matthew 14: 13 – 21 The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes

Sunday 21^st August 2011. A Gathering of the Congregation.

Rev Lee Edwards: Email: leerev@optusnet.com.au: Phone

2011-07-06T18:34:00.001-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all

On Tuesday, Kay and I attended the funeral for the Rev Jock Drysdale. It was one of those funerals that could only be described as inspiration. As we listened to the many stories of how Jock influenced the lives of so many people, his family, young people, families and students of Wesley College, congregations, and many, many more, it became evident that he truly followed the way of Jesus in his ministry. So many stories illustrated his deep faith, which transformed those with whom he came in contact. The story that I remember, was illustrated by a picture of Jock and Mother Teresa on the Photo board at the front of the church. Jock decided to take a group of students from Wesley College on a two-week trip to India. After playing sport in the first week, he then arranged for them to spend the second week working with Mother Theresa in the slums of Calcutta. I heard about this trip when I became the Chaplain at Wesley College and in conversation with one of the students, who went with Jock, he told me it was a life changing experience. That student has gone to work in the life of the church.

As many of you know Jock was involved at Wesley Church, particularly through his work at the Charles Street Youth Centre in North Perth and there are many stories of his work in this area. Mention was made of Jocks suffering from Alzhimers, however he was still able to achieve wonderful things. Reference was made to the creation of the Numero card game which not only helped people understand maths, but the proceeds have helped and will continue to help the Alzheimer’s Association. There was of course the recollection of many amusing incidents as Jock was a fun-loving Minister always wanting the best for people. His family and friends remembered that he always quoted John Wesley saying, the best is yet to come. Jock’s funeral was a great celebration of his life and witness and it could be truly said of him, Well done thou good and faithful servant”. We here at Wesley Church, Perth thank God for his lifelong ministry and will remember the family, especially his wife Joan, and all the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as they will miss him a great deal.

Children@Wesley continues to be a great place for the children of our congregation to enjoy their own special worship. Mal Mohan is assisting us create this atmosphere as the children learn more about the Christian faith. I am hopeful that we will see more of the children in our worship and look forward to seeing some of the things they create.

Can I emphasise again the work of “Open Doors”, or Friends of Wesley as it is also known. We need more volunteers. At the moment we have a great group of faithful people who come every week and are quiet witnesses, but we need more. Reg Lincoln our coordinator would love to hear from you if you were interested or need more information. The time spent can be from a couple of hours through to 4 hours, depending on your availability. If you need contact details, either see me or contact my PA Judy Muskett on 6103 4222 or judym@ucic.org.au.

Dave Male, our visiting Anglican Priest from the UK is still proving to have an influence. In particular I came across one of the quotes he shared with those who attended his conference last week. It comes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer who said, “We should give up the foolish task of trying to be saints and get on with the more important task of being human.”

I like it!!

I look forward to catching up with you on Sunday.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 10^th July 2011

8.30am Discussion Group.

10.00am Morning Worship – A Reflection on “Listen! A sower went out to sow” I will also be conducting an Interview with Alpheus Meage who comes from West Papua.

The Wesley Flower Festival will take place from Thursday 29^th of September to Sunday 2^nd October. If you would like to assist with this venture please see Marg Murdoch.

2011-06-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all

I sat in church on Monday morning for a little while and listened to Graham Oxley, the pianist I told you about last week, play. I have to say, it was very pleasurable. Not only is he an accomplished pianist, but also the acoustics of our church make for a wonderful sound. It was incredibly meditative and a appropriate prayerful way to start the day. If you happen to be in the city at this time of the morning (8.15 – 8.45) I invite you to share the experience.

It is now official! Our Flower Festival will take place from Thursday 29^th of September to Sunday 2^nd October. Margaret Murdoch has agreed to coordinate this event and we will want to have a team of people helping us. For those who have not heard me talk about this before, Floreat Uniting Church put on their “Floral Carpet” last year but felt they could only do it every second year so invited us to have a similar event at Wesley this year. The basic idea is to form a floral display coming down the isle and going up into the raised area at the front of the church. I have pictures of the Floreat display and it looks stunning. So if Margaret taps you on the shoulder to lend a helping hand please oblige, as it will be a wonderful event. It will take on some of the form of our ‘Stations of the Cross’ art exhibition, as we will invite people to come into the church to see the display. More will emerge as time goes by.

Chris Crause and I spend two days this week listening to Rev Dave Male, an Anglican Priest from England, talking about ways the church can connect with those who don’t normally connect with the church. It was noteworthy that in the UK, and I know here as well, that there are now large numbers of people who do not have any religious, Christian or otherwise, understanding or experience, and almost the same number have never been in a church, other than maybe a wedding or a funeral. There is now a huge generation who are completely unaware of what churches do and are for. As he said, “People don’t wake up on a Sunday morning and think, ‘I wonder if I will go to church today?’, Church is not even part of their thinking pattern.” As it was pointed out to us we now have a whole generation whose parents never took their children to Sunday School or any religious event. Dave shared with us some of the ways his particular church, called, ‘The Net’ made significant connections with what he called the ‘unchurched’. You can see more at: http://www.netchurch.org.uk. As you would expect I not only gained some valuable ideas for Wesley, but also felt very affirmed because some of the things we do are exactly those things that help us make those significant connections.

After attending this seminar it did become very obvious to me that one of the significant ministries of our church is our “Open Doors”, or Friends of Wesley as it is also known. This is where members of the congregation come and sit in the church and are ‘available’ to have conversations with those who visit our church, should the need arise. When I spend time in the church I am constantly surprised not only by the number who enter the church but by those who would like a conversation. We desperately need more volunteers in this area. At the moment we have a great group of faithful people who come every week and are quiet witnesses. The coordinator of this ministry is Reg Lincoln and he would be ‘over the moon’ if you were interested. The time spent can be from a couple of hours through to 4 hours, depending on your availability. If you need contact details, either see me or contact my PA Judy Muskett on 6103 4222 or judym@ucic.org.au.

It was great to have a small number of Children@Wesley last week and we will endeavour to continue it every week. I am very appreciative of the for the time and energy of Mal Mohan as she provides a wonderful atmosphere for the children to learn something of God’s love. I loved the picture they produced at the end of last weeks service. I am sure that Mal would appreciate help from time to time and if you are interested please let her know.

I look forward to catching up with you on Sunday.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 3^rd July 2011

8.30am Discussion Group.

10.00am Morning Worship – A Reflection on “Come to me all who are weary” Holy Communion.

2011-06-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all

I enjoyed our congregational meeting last Sunday. It was good for me to be able to share some of the things that are happening around Wesley and offer some information about possible future events as well. I was very grateful for the positive and constructive feedback regarding the Strategic Plan and for reaching consensus on our Goal.

The next part of this process is to present our plan to the UCIC Church Council and then start the serious business of planning and organizing events. I was very pleased that acknowledgement and thanks was given to the Elders noting the work they have done over the past few months. They have contributed a great deal to the formation of the Strategic Plan and I a very grateful that this has been recognised.

This week Donald, Edwin, Geoff and I had a meeting with Wendy Yapp who is one of the organizers for the Perth Prayer Initiative for Chogm. This group has approached us about placing a sculpture on the Hay Street side of Wesley which will part of a Children’s Peace Project. The sculpture, which is in the early stags of development, is made of metal, and in the form of a globe or orb. Etched onto the sculpture will be prayers from children all around the world. We are very supportive of this idea and are working through all the necessary protocols in order for it to happen. It should be a great meeting and sharing point for the many visitors who come to the city.

At the General Council of Synod meeting last week a proposal was passed that the Subiaco congregation become amalgamated with Wesley. Over the passed 2 years a number of people have been working through possibilities for Subiaco congregation and the Warehouse Café. In the end it was their request that they become part of UCIC with particular connection with Wesley. There are already a number of connections, people and activities happening at the café, including; Crossroad are currently running significant events at the café, Brother Terry, a ‘Brother’ from the Catholic church has set up spiritual direction office as well as supporting Gay and Lesbian people and their families. There continues to be substantial community groups using the café as a meeting point. In the not to distant future the café will be refurbished and become open to the public, operating as a café again. I am looking forward to this happening. Currently Bert Beltman (Husband of Sue) plays an important part in managing the bookings and finances. Today I am having lunch with one of the members of the Subiaco Congregation as she celebrates her 99^th birthday. Bonnie Chandler was originally a member of Derby Road church and has been a wonderful supporter of the café every since its conception.

On Sunday we celebrate the Anniversary of the Uniting Church and I have 3 small video clips to share with you. It is also the beginning of Refugee Week and Andy Corkill and I are inviting you to write a Welcome message for refugees on a small whiteboard and have your photo taken so we can place it on our UCIC Facebook. I hope many may take up the opportunity.

Judy, my PA has asked me to put out a plea for more volunteers for the Stewards/Welcomers roster. We would love to have more people to call on to help us with this role. If you would like to know more ask Edwin Hadfield, our chief steward. He is usually to be found in the foyer of the church.

I look forward to catching up with you on Sunday.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 19^th June 2011

8.30am Discussion Group.

10.00am Morning Worship – Celebrating the Anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia.

2011-05-18T21:00:00.001-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

Vanuatu was wonderful. The people, the place, the conference setting, all combined to offer a great experience. We did hear disturbing aspects. 55% of Vanuatu is foreign owned, they have a serious HIV/Aids problem, underdeveloped roads and their political system (28 parties) is still not working effectively. This is without mentioning the tourist boats, (3 a week) who inundate the island. In amongst this, the people were incredibly welcoming and extended amazing hospitality. My visit to Vanuatu was to attend the Presidents Conference, held every 3 years, giving Uniting Church ministers from all over Australian the opportunity to meet together. In this case the conference was held so that we could be exposed to the work of the church beyond Australia. We met at the Vanuatu Presbyterian Church, Mele, the largest village in Vanuatu, about 15 minutes from Port Vila.

Each day began with worship followed by a session dealing with 'change and transition in ministry'. Then local people led sessions giving us insights into the culture and the issues facing the church in Vanuatu. The afternoons were free, which we managed to fill with snorkeling, shopping and sight seeing. In the evenings the Principal of the Theological College led a Bible study. Between the sessions the meals, cooked by the locals were brilliant. No I did not lose any weight!!

The church folk constantly shared their gratefulness for the missionaries sharing the gospel with them as their previous life contained a considerable amount of violence. Now they are peace loving and welcoming. They are still working through how they may integrate various aspects of their culture with their Christian values. On reflection I realized that we at Wesley don't hear much about the Uniting Church's work beyond Australia and I am hoping to provide more opportunity for this later in the year.

Oh by the way...... I became a grandfather for the 16th time on Monday. Sally Robyn Pegrum Dowling was born at King Edward to Marcia and Philip, their third child. Needless to say Kay and I are over the moon and we both have had a wonderful cuddle of the newborn. Only two away from an AFL football team!!

Before I left for Vanuatu the Elders and I did a bit more work on our Strategic Plan and on the 12th June at our congregational meeting I will be presenting a plan for us to discuss. Our Goal in this exercise is: To create a vibrant and missional atmosphere at Wesley Church that happens beyond our Sunday morning worship, creating a connection with the people who visit, work and live in the City.

I look forward to catching up with some of you this Sunday.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 22^nd May 2011

8.30am Discussion Group.

10.00am Morning Worship Reflecting on the “Let not your hearts be troubled” John 14: 1 - 14

Sunday 22^nd May. 5.00pm Evensong at St George’s Cathedral, celebrating the conversion of John Wesley. The Priests and congregation of St George’s have invited us to celebrate this event with them. The preacher for the occasion will be Rev Professor Bill Loader.

Sunday 12^th June Congregational Meeting. Following Worship we will gather to discuss a follow-up presentation regarding the Wesley Congregational Strategic Plan.

2011-05-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

Don's Blog Thursday 1

Hi all.

Last night Kay and I attended a prize giving ceremony at the University of WA. It was a great occasion with the students from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences receiving prizes and scholarships. Included in the recipients were our Wesley Scholars, hence my reason for being there.

The tradition at this event is to invite a guest, usually a graduate of many years, to speak. On this occasion, they invited Professor Peter Van Onselen who is to become the inaugural Professor in Journalism at UWA. Professor Van Onselen currently works as a journalist with Sky News and The Australian newspaper. He gave a wonderful address flowing between his views on our current political system and his own personal journey of education within the Faculty. Following his address an immediate past student Amy Collins, who finished her honours degree at UWA last year, and is now teaching in Victoria, was invited to speak. Her address was also inspiring. She was full of energy and life and obviously gained so much from her time as a student. Both addresses were a powerful witness to the value of education. Both speakers highlighted the fact that the gaining of a broad arts education allowed them to gain a perspective that helps them think about their place in the world and how they might contribute to it. Needless to say this was impressive as both speakers were reasonably young and are wanting to offer so much because they felt they had been given much.

It was an honour for me to present the prizes to our music scholars on behalf of the Wesley Congregation. We are so grateful for their willingness to offer their time and energy as they assist us in worship. I could not help but think that this is a two way street in that they feel very grateful for the opportunity to share their musical abilities with us. The whole event did confirm to me that our Wesley Scholars program is a great initiative and I wish to thank John Beaverstock for his significant part in it.

Next week Chris Crause and I are attending the President of the Uniting Church (Rev Alastair McCrae) conference in Vanuatu. This is a hard gig but someone had to do it!! I must admit it is difficult to have a conference on a Pacific Island surrounded by surf, sun and ….etc, etc. However, let me reassure you, whilst the conference is being held in a wonderful setting we will have the opportunity to be exposed to the church at work in a developing country and see how they are connecting the gospel to their community. I am hoping to understand and bring back helpful ideas for us. The conference is also a valuable time to have conversations with Ministers from around Australia with the opportunity to share ideas and thoughts about our own ministry. At past conferences I have always found it very helpful and am looking forward to coming back refreshed.

On Sunday, 15^th May, Rev Tom Wilson will be the preacher. Many of you know Tom and I am sure you are going to enjoy his reflection particularly as he spent a significant amount of time with us during the Stations of the Cross and over Easter.

I look forward to catching up with some of you this Sunday.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 8th May 2011

8.30am Discussion Group.

10.00am Morning Worship Reflecting on the Road to Emmaus story.

Sunday 15th May 2011

10.00am Morning Worship Guest preacher, Rev Tom Wilson

2011-05-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

“Stations” is over for another year and whilst I feel very tired, it is a ‘good’ tired. We achieved so much. It was a strong exhibition with very good artworks. I have yet to confirm the attendance figures however; I felt we saw more people this year than last. I do know that we had more significant conversations, some of which I will share on Sunday.

My deepest thanks go to all those who took part, especially those who were volunteers in one form or another. Without you, it could not be done and I am so appreciative of the time and energy you gave to the event.

I am also very thankful for the work my PA Judy Muskett and Sia Nasios our Property Officer who put in an enormous amount of work to make the Stations happen. For both of them it was a baptism of fire, as they had not done it before. They came through with flying colours.

Soon we hope to have a gathering of all those who took part so we can compare notes and stories.

My week has been a short week as I took a couple of days as ‘time off in lieu’, however this morning I had a breakfast meeting with other ministers and pastors who come from the other city denominations. It was a great time to catch up with the various things we did over Easter. Each of us noticed that our congregations had a greater attendance than previous years. Interesting!

On Sunday, we listen again to the story of ‘doubting Thomas’. I find it fascinating that this story always comes after our resurrection story. Maybe our human questions come when confronted with such a transformative story as the resurrection. More about this on Sunday.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 1^st May 2011

8.30am Discussion Group. Continuing the series “Embracing an Adult faith” by Marcus Borg.

10.00am Morning Worship Reflecting on the “Doubting Thomas” story.

2011-03-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

It had to come. I can’t hold back any longer. I have to talk again about our 2011 ‘Stations of the Cross’ Artists. Sorry!

Last Tuesday Catherine Czerw, our curator, and I visited the last group of artists who are preparing for the exhibition. Once again, we were amazed by the outstanding quality of the work being presented. This time, I noticed the diversity of cultural backgrounds of the Artists. They are Indigenous, Australians, English, German, Iraqis, Italian, and Dutch. Their religious backgrounds are diverse as well. There are committed Christians from a variety of denominations, including, Catholic, Pentecostal and an Anglican priest. We have those who could be termed as agnostic, as well as a Buddhist and a Muslim.

What struck me in all of this is that it doesn’t matter what the background, religious or otherwise, each artist offers an aspect of the story, of the journey of Jesus to the cross, and relates it to our journey through life. Philip Berry’s work, (Station No 1, Jesus is Condemned) portrays a lonely figure beside the ocean, with foreboding clouds overhead. Philip talked about the loneliness of Jesus, surrounded by powerful forces. He identified that sometimes we stand alone overwhelmed by the powers of a destructive world around us.

Joan Johnson, (Station No 6, Veronica wipes Jesus face) symbolically depicts the fragility of Veronica against the strength of Jesus. She commented that it must have taken enormous courage for Veronica’s act of compassion, offered in the context of a hostile crowd. A poignant message for us, that in a moment of hostility it does take great courage to offer to compassion.

I know you will enjoy seeing the artworks as each one of them not only shares the story of Jesus and his journey to the cross but also has something powerful to say that is very relevant to our 21^st century living.

On Tuesday, evening John Beaverstock and I met five of the seven new Wesley Music Scholars. This year, our instrumentalists are, two viola players, one violinist, one cellist, one bassoonist, an organist, and a soprano. So quite a variety. We are looking forward to introducing some of them to the congregation on 10^th April, and hearing them over the next year.

Some pastoral matters.

Our thoughts and prayers are with a number of people.

Andy Corkill, our Mission Development Officer, this week received the news that his grandmother had died. Andy has flown to Sydney to be with his mother and to arrange the funeral. He was very close to his grandmother and I know he will miss her a great deal. It is also hard to be on the other side of the country when significant family events, such as a death, happen.

We were shocked to hear the disturbing news that Stan White was attacked and ended up in hospital. I understand he is now recuperating at home and will soon return to hospital to undergo an operation. Our prayers are with him.

Thanks go to Rev Lee Edwards who was able to take part in the service last week. As I write Lee is now recovering from an operation to her shoulder and we look forward to seeing her back in church, although for some time she has to manage with one hand.

I also understand we celebrate Harold Coppock’s 70^th birthday. A great milestone to reach.

I look forward to catching up with you on Sunday or in the very near future.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 3^rd April 2011

8.30am Discussion Group. Continuing the series “Embracing an Adult faith” by Marcus Borg.

10.00 Worship – “I am the light of the world” Reflecting on the story of Jesus and the man born blind.

2011-03-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

It was great to hear Denise Zan, my former PA, speak briefly at our Sunday morning worship last week. I particularly heard her say that working for Wesley and UCIC was not just a job but calling. It was wonderful to share with her family and to thank her for all the things she has done for us over the last 10 years.

On Monday morning, the staff at UCIC, and people from Ross Memorial and St Andrews, celebrated Gail Christie’s 20 years of work with the Uniting Churches in the city. Gail initially began work with Ross Memorial and St Andrews congregations and then became part of the staff at UCIC. Most of her work centres on preparing and organising our Weddings and Baptisms. In this work, Gail plays a vital part in our ministry to people who don’t normally have contact with the church. In her speech, Gail said she worked with at least six Ministers and had come to know a myriad of people particularly through Ross Memorial and St Andrews. One memory Gail had was of a morning tea not being held after church because she had forgotten to put it in the announcements. She realised she had significant power!!

Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with Lynda Reavell (Finance and Admin Manager) who is caring for her husband Andy, at home recuperating from major heart surgery. Lynda is hoping to return to work sometime next week.

In the meantime the office is continuing to offer good service to all those who contact us.

My visit to some more artists this week proved to be very successful. On one visit I discovered that the artist had many years before spent some time praying in Wesley after the death of his father. So he was really chuffed to be able to present an artwork at Wesley. It was like he had come full circle. More about that story on Easter Sunday morning!

Another artist I visited, who has Station Number 5, ‘Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus’, talked quite deeply about how Simon was ‘compelled’ to take up Jesus’ cross and how sometimes we are compelled to confront the things that are hard for us.

This week Kay and I are having a weekend off and catching up on time together as both of us have been living rather hectic lives lately. I look forward to being back at worship on Sunday 3rd April.

I look forward to seeing you on in the near future.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 27^th March 2011

8.30am Discussion Group

10.00 Worship – Preacher, Revd Lee Edwards.

2011-03-16T20:26:00.001-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

Our 8.30am Sunday discussion group takes a different direction this week. I will be showing a 10-minute DVD, which is part of a five sessions study written and presented by Marcus Borg. Titled “Embracing an Adult Faith”, and subtitled, “Marcus Borg on what it means to be Christian, the first session looks at the topic of, “God”. The format will be to look at the 10-minute DVD and then enter into discussion. We finish at 9.30am. If you are able to come at 8.30am prior to our normal Sunday morning worship, you are more than welcome. We are currently a group of six.

Last Saturday’s wedding was a wonderful occasion. Jan Carrick’s daughter, Lucy was married at Wesley. The enduring image for me was when I looked at the Groom’s face as Lucy came down the aisle. I don’t think I have ever seen such a beaming and loving face. The wedding was a great event and I think mother and father of the bride were very happy.

Last Sunday as we celebrated the baptism of Samuel and again we experienced a very loving event.

In the last week I have experience a ‘hatch’, a ‘match’, and I hope I don’t have any ‘dispatch’. Suffice to say that it was a wonderful week of being able to do the things I love doing as a minister.

This coming Sunday Denise Zan, my PA, and her family, will be in church. Denise began her life in connection with Wesley after travelling from Burma and was welcomed into Wesley when Rev Geoff Blyth was one of the ministers. She became the Minister’s PA when the Rev Kevin Dilks was the minister. In our service, we will farewell Denise, as she enters retirement, and we will offer a blessing and thanks to God for her wonderful work for the ministers and the congregation. She has faithfully served the Church over many years and I for one will miss her. We will also share some refreshments with her after the service.

Next week I am entering into another round of visiting artists for the Stations of the Cross Art exhibition. Hopefully you would have seen our advertisement for volunteers to help during that time. If you haven’t seen it, can I reiterate the need for volunteers to, ‘be a presence’ or to act as ‘tour guides’. If you feel you would like to be part of this please contact reception on 6103 4222 or e-mail admin@ucic.org.au.

This Saturday the elders and I are meeting to put some further work into our “Strategic Plan” to Wesley. You may remember the congregational meeting we held some time ago, this is a further development from that time. Watch this space!!

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday or in the near future.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 20^th March 2011

8.30am Discussion Group

10.00 Worship – Nicodemus and For God so Loved the World.

2011-03-09T23:21:00.002-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

Returning to work on Wednesday after nine days in Vietnam was a hard call. Kay and I had a wonderful and amazing time. The place, the culture, and especially the people were incredible. For the first time in my life, we joined a tour group led by a young man from Sydney and supported by local guides at the various places we visited. We started at Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), making our way through the centre of Vietnam, eventually ending up at Hanoi in the North. Some of the things we saw were hard as they referred to the war years. Whilst they remember and present some of the difficult times of the war, they hold no resentment towards the Americans or the Australians. They have, in their words, ‘moved on’.

I have some special memories of the last 10 days with the most moving being a visit to a factory where people with disabilities are trained to create and make artworks, some done with silk. On the second occasion we visited this factory I was watching a young man sewing a picture with silk thread. As he sewed, he sang. It was a lovely gentle moving tune and I had to hold back the tears as I watched and listened. Later, I talked to our Vietnamese guide and was able to sing the tune to him. He told me it was a lullaby normally song by a mother to the child as they went to sleep. I imagined this young man being sung to by his mother, and I came away with a very loving image in my mind.

There were many other images and experiences, including sitting in a boat travelling down the Mekong Delta, eating absolutely amazing and beautifully cooked food with wonderful flavours. Having conversations, slightly difficult because I could not speak Vietnamese, with different people as they shared their experiences of the country. We visited significant places both historical and natural where words cannot really describe the scene. I gained an appreciation of Ho Chi Minh who demonstrated a humbleness of spirit that was the driving force behind his desire to see the Vietnamese people free of colonial and imperialistic rule. I hope to more stories of our visit in my reflections.

Coming back to work on Wednesday was like hitting a brick wall. Part of me is still in Vietnam.

On Saturday, I am the officiating minister for Lucy and Craig. Lucy is the daughter of our Jan Carrick, our pastoral care coordinator. It is shaping up to be a wonderful wedding with the mother of the bride very proud and excited, as she should be. One of the good things about being a minister is the opportunity and honour to share significant occasions with families of the congregation so I am looking forward to my part in this wedding. The added bonus for me is that Lucy, and her sisters, and Jan, were a significant part of my Chaplaincy at Wesley College. So as you might understand this will be a special occasion. Also, Chris Crause has been involved in their pre-marriage ‘Prepare’ programme. So truly a UCIC wedding.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday or in the near future.

Thanks for reading.

From your minister, Don

Sunday 13^th March 2011

8.30am Discussion Group

10.00 Worship - The Temptation of Jesus story.

2010-08-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

As usual, my week has been filled with interesting and challenging events. It was so good to hear from Rev Geoff Blyth that Esme had received positive news regarding her recent operation. As I read the e-mail it felt to me that our prayers had been answered.. As I read the e-mail it felt to me that our prayers had been answered.

On Wednesday, I attended the ecumenical prayer group that meets weekly in the UCIC hall. They invite one of the group to share a story of faith and this week it came from a Nigerian man who works for one of the major companies in Perth.

He shared with us the story of the birth of his first child in Nigeria. At 38 weeks, they discovered that the baby had no heartbeat and was pronounced dead. This was a shattering event for himself and his wife, as they not only had to deal with the death of a child that she had carried for so long, but they had to deal with cultural expectations, where as he explained, ‘children are everything’, and especially if it is a male, which this child was.

They turned to their faith and prayed that God would help them move through this devastating situation.

In the middle of this trauma he remembered some Bible verses from his childhood and they helped him know that God was present with them in their journey. He remembered that his faith in was in a Jesus who had moved through a devastating experience to bring the love of God to us all.

Now some years later, he has two children and feels especially blessed as he works and lives in Australia with his family. God has been present with him in a very special way.

In both these events, I heard again the affirmation that God is with us in all aspects of life and always will be.

This week we give thanks again that our faith lifts us to that place of hope and encouragement.

Thanks for reading

Don

2010-07-19T20:20:00.001-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.
Looking out my office window from time to time brings to light the myriad of people who are part of our city life. Some are obviously workers, the black suit brigade, steady gaze, medium pace, ipod and white earphones. Others, slower in their pace, a map in hand, looking up and down checking their bearings, tourists visiting our fair city.
Then, particularly at this time of the year, the families, usually mother and children, sometimes grandparent and children, heading off to the movies, stopping at McDonalds for a treat.

The people I notice the most, and have done so ever since I moved into this office, are those who suffer a mental disability, obvious by their demeanour and clothes. I usually see them three or four times a day. Always alone, heads bowed, focusing on the footpath in front of them. Some shuffle, others just walk up and down, some sit on the bus seats, but don’t catch the bus. Some dishevelled in appearance, sometimes stopping and asking for money, others counting their money to see if they have enough for a coffee or burger.

It’s hard not to worry about these folk. Yes we do have facilities nearby where they can get warmth, a meal, a shower, even company but they seem to choose the street. The people and the activity of the city seem more safe that a conversation or a building.

It seems to me that these are the ‘poor’ of our city and even though we do provide services, particularly through UnitingCare West, there still seems to be a need. As I see them, I offer a prayer and I invite you to pray with me. Somehow, in our asking for a blessing we may find the way to offer it in a real way.

Thanks for reading
Don

2010-07-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

An article, “Fishing Nets for Safety Nets”, subtitled, “Remodelling Church to connect with the Unchurched”, by David Male, an Anglican Priest, has challenged my thinking this week about what we offer as a Church.

He says,

“Are we ….. creating new Christian communities that are connecting with people way out of the churches normal orbit and enabling them to be come fully functioning disciples of Christ’

Male argues that a huge change has created new generations who have very little contact with church. He quotes from research, conducted in England, which I think would have similarities here.

“The Tearfund report comments that,… “66% of the adult population are closed to attending church…. and this… “presents a major challenge to the churches. Most of them(the 66%) are unreceptive and closed to attending church: church-going is simply not on their agenda.”

He goes on to say,

“As leaders we need to understand that people are not sitting in their houses thinking ‘if only our local church would make their services more contemporary/ relevant / with better preaching/child friendly we will go’. We are simply not on their agendas at all.”

I wondered what would make coming to church, connecting with us, a possibility?

David Male offers a positive comment here through a question. ….maybe God is calling us into a new missionary period?

He refers to Alan Roxburgh who writes to help local leaders and their churches find solutions to issues . Roxburgh suggests five steps.

1. Awareness of what is happening in culture and society and its impact on the church.

2. An understanding of why this is happening.

3. An evaluation of what we are already doing in church and how it matches up to what needs to be done.

4. Experimentation at the edges. Don’t change everything overnight, but maybe pick one area you can change now.

5. Commitment. Out of this successful experiment, the church can move forward into a new future.

As we continue to think about Wesley’s place and our connection with the city it seems to me that we are doing some of these things and we are invited to do more.

If you would like to see David Male’s full article, I have placed it on our Web page at: http://www.perthunitingchurch.com.au/viewStory/Wesley

All good food for thought!!

Thanks for reading

Don

2010-06-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

….. and weren’t we impressed with the presence, gifts and abilities of our Penrhos College families last week? Again I received many positive comments after the service, many who are grateful for the connection we have with them. I only had two mothers this year approach me saying that I conducted their weddings!!

On Tuesday morning around 60 people gathered to farewell Mavis Scadden at her funeral service. It had a good feel as we remembered her life, gave thanks and committed her into the hands of God. It is hard to condense 101 years of life into a few minutes but Rev Geoff Blyth gave us a very good picture of her life, loves and faith. We will continue to offer our support and prayers for Laurel and Jill as they readjust to life without their mother. Below are more details regarding a special celebration we will have at Wesley Church.

Every Wednesday a group calling themselves “Perth Prayer” meets in the UCIC Centre. They have been meeting every Wednesday since June last year and on 23^rd June they celebrated their first anniversary. They represent a broad spectrum of Christian denominations having grown slowly to about 30 people with weekly attendance averaging between 10 and 20.

During the 45 minutes they spend together there is a focus on sharing, prayer and a commitment to Christian Love, Unity and Humility. From time to time I am able to attend and I always find warmth and welcome that allows me to feel comfortable to be with them. It is a very gentle group and I always hear the heartfelt compassion and desire from the group that they might be a blessing to other people who work in the city.

This Wednesday a young man shared his story about working in South Africa, where he shared his music with thousands of people listening. He then sang for a song, “Heal this land”. As he sang my mind drifted to the land, the people, the politics, the church and his song became a prayer.

May we always be reminded to offer and participate in healing, as we are able.

Thanks for reading

Don

2010-06-23T00:21:00.001-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

The week started like any other normal week, thinking about next Sunday, some planning for future events, etc, etc…… and then the news came that our wonderful Mavis Scaddan had died.
Mavis has been a very faithful member of the congregation for many, many years and although she found it hard to get around, she still managed a smile and was willing to speak with any one who wanted to talk with her.

Some of you may remember that I did a video interview with her on the occasion of her 100th Birthday. I went to her home and we filmed for quite a while with me asking lots of questions and sometimes receiving some very frank answers. I remember asking what she would like now that she reached 100 years of age and as quick as ever she replied. “I would like to die now”. I was a bit taken aback at first but then came to realise she was struggling with feeling that she couldn’t do anything and several of her friends had died many years before.

We will not forget her and we now have a wonderful photograph of her, taken by the West Australian, at last years Good Friday service. We will find a place for it in the Church.

Our prayers and thoughts are with Laurel and Jill as they re-adjust to their Mother not being with them. I know they will appreciate the support that will be given to them at this time.

As many of you know the Funeral is to be held at 10.30am on Tuesday 22nd at the Purslowe Funeral Chapel, 289 Albany Highway, Victoria Park.

We will in the next week think about what we might like to do as a congregation to remember and celebrate Mavis’s life and I will let you know as soon as possible, what that might be.
Life is fragile sometimes and in the midst of it, we again turn to our loving God to support us and guide us, keeping us on that “Walk in the Way of Love.”

Thanks for reading
Don

2010-04-08T02:40:00.000-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.
The Stations exhibition is over, the pews are back and I guess there is the sense of being ‘normal’ again at Wesley.

Unfortunately, the cold/flu that I managed to keep at bay over Easter finally claimed my attention and I gave into it taking a couple of days off work, visiting the doctor and re-entering the world of antibiotics. I am now on the mend.
When I returned to work, the “Comments Book” was on my desk and I began to read.

So many comments….. “Brilliant”, “Truly an inspiration”, “Excellent”, “Awesome”, “through provoking”, “Moving interpretation”, “Made Easter complete for me” ….. and many many more. What was also interesting that of the huge number of visitors that came to see the exhibition a significant number were those visiting Perth from other states and countries.

Some of the paintings have gone to very good homes including ‘The Crucifixion’ by Norma McDonald, our indigenous artist, whose work was purchased by the Synod.

And now is it back to normal? I don’t think so. We take a deep breath and continue the journey of being a witness to the story of Jesus to the people of Perth in other ways. Those ways will continue to emerge, as we remain faithful.

A huge thanks to all the volunteers and staff who gave so much of their time and energy to the Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition. The Comments Book reflects the quality of the work we presented this year but also acknowledges the generosity of those who helped in the many and varied ways. A special thank you to those who were either a ‘presence’ or a ‘tour guide’. In listening to some of the conversations, we were able to achieve so much. Also my deep appreciation to Rev Lee Edwards for coordinating this group.

So a big thank you from me for all your assistance and support. My hope is that we will all get together soon to reflect and debrief from the exhibition and I look forward to hearing more of the stories.
Thanks for reading
Don

2010-04-06T00:24:00.001-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

What an amazing opening night. So many people, such a good atmosphere and a wonderful opening speech by Rev Tom Wilson. I have had so many great comments from those who attended, in particular the artists.
It has been wonderful going down to the church every day and sitting with the volunteers and from time to time showing people around the artworks. I have enjoyed immensely the sharing with individuals and groups and engaging in conversations around the themes and interpretations of the Stations. The comments book has been used extensively, and I am yet to see a negative comment. “Stunning, moving, a new interpretation”, and many other positive comments have added to the feeling that this is a good exhibition.
One interesting comment from a member of the congregation – ‘why can’t we do something like this all the time?’
This is a good and thoughtful question that makes me wonder how we can continue telling and witnessing to the story in the same powerful, imaginative way. How can we share in conversation and connection with those who flow by and come into our church? We managed to do something at Advent/Christmas and now at Easter, and now we need to wonder how we can do something more continuously. At this point in time, all suggestions greatly received
Another comment I have heard quite strongly during the week is how wonderful the church space looks. “It is a welcoming warm space”, “it lends itself to being flexible for worship and other events” I am finding it hard to ignore these comments.
Let me conclude by sharing the poem I wrote and shared with the congregation on Sunday. Titled “I Sit”

I sit,
A church,
Art all around,
The journey to the Cross
Painful, overwhelming, gutsy
Artist’s souls in these works
Their gift creating a blessing for us.

I sit
Voices, Conversations,
People sharing their journey,
Listening, hearing,
Lives touching lives.

I sit
I wonder at this journey
Struggle, hardship, pain and yet…
In the watching, in the gift, in the conversations
I see life…
And life out of death is good.

Thanks for Reading.
Don

2010-03-30T23:07:00.001-07:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

What a week around Wesley. The pews are out, the chairs are in, and the artworks arrived, their arrivals staggered to let Catherine our curator put them in position. The last one arrived today and as I write, they are nearly all in position. To see them in the flesh, so to speak, reinforces the powerful interpretations they offer on Jesus’ journey to the cross.

A friend of mine said last week. Often in church, we think we hold all the truth about Jesus, sometimes keeping it to ourselves, locking it up in the way we talk about or don’t talk about the bible. But when we give the Jesus story to artists and ask them to share their reflections they offer us a truth that we may have not seen before. They open up the story in a new way for us.

As I have wandered around each of the artworks this week, I listened to the personal stories of some of the artists as they engaged the work, as they let the Jesus story make an impact on them. It has been quite moving to hear these stories. I gained many new insights that I had not thought about before. My hope is that you too will find something new that will make an impact and be and encouragement as we travel this faith journey together. After all, as the song goes, we are all in this together.

Thanks for Reading.

Don

2010-03-11T18:05:00.001-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.
On Monday along with Rev Viv Larkin and Catherine Czerw our curator, I visited two more artists to see their work for the Stations exhibition. Hans Arkwveld who draws body parts for the Biology Department of UWA has produced an amazing drawing around the theme of “Jesus meets his Mother” (Station No 4). I can promise you a very thought provoking piece of art that will stimulate many a conversation. Don’t get me wrong, it is not controversial. It just has so many fine and detail images in it that you may want to visit it several times in order to discover all its intricacies.

The second artist we visited is the indigenous artist, Norma McDonald who has completed a work on Station Number 12, “Jesus is Crucified”. Once again, (will you ever tire of me saying this) I was very moved. Norma has “fused” (her word) Aboriginal culture and Christian Culture. She stated that she is a Christian and her mother was one of the children in Mogumber Mission, so she has a real connection with us. She said that in her work she wants to bring together many of the Aboriginal perceptions of life and death with Christian understandings. You will see from her work that she achieves this rather well. She offers us a very reflective piece that for me brilliantly brings out the central theme of our faith that Christ died for us all.

Can I say once again? I think you will enjoy and be moved by this exhibition.

Thanks for Reading.
Don

Sunday 14th March. Sinners and Outcasts this week. So you are all invited. Just prior to my reflection we will be watching a presentation from “Make Poverty History”

Opening night for the Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition will be 6pm Friday 26th March.
Please let Kerri know on admin@ucic.org.au or 6103 4222 if you would like to attend.

Volunteers for Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition.

We are still interested in receiving expressions of interest from those who would like to act as volunteers, either just to ‘be there’ or to be ‘Tour Guides’. The Exhibition will be open from 9am till 5pm from Saturday 27th March through to Monday 5th April.
Please contact Revd. Lee Edwards at leerev@optusnet.com.au if you are interested.

For the ‘Tour Guides’ there will be an initial briefing at 4pm, Monday 22nd February and then the final briefing in the presence of the 2010 artworks at 5pm, Thursday 25th March.

8.30am Discussion Group.

A reminder for some that the 8.30 service is still happening. A small group gathers, we get a ‘good’ coffee from across the road and then sit together for 45 mins and talk about the Gospel reading for the day. It's really a ‘chat with the minister' or could be seen as 'minister's corner'. It a great time for me, not only because I get a coffee to get me going but we get to think more about the reading and discuss it’s impact on us. Please feel free to join us.

STATION OF THE CROSS Art Exhibition.

Go to http://www.perthunitingchurch.com.au/viewStory/Wesley to see a list of participating artists

2010-03-04T23:52:00.001-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

I shared last week that we were to have a funeral at Wesley. It happened, and was a wonderful occasion. The church looked good, it was a good service, the eulogies were appreciated, the Tuesday Singers where outstanding and we had a wonderful morning tea afterwards. We even had some tourists come into the church while the morning tea was on, and thinking it was a normal part of church life, helped themselves to coffee and cake. It was that sort of gathering.

However, the best for me was seeing members of the family embracing each other, allowing a healing to take place. There had been some tension and there is still more healing to take place but is was so refreshing to see mother and daughters and grandson, who had not had contact for four years, embracing each other, crying together, sharing stories about their mother and grandmother, agreeing on the influence and legacy of her life. I found out after the service that they had come together the previous Friday and began to reconnect.
One of the good things that happens around Wesley.

The journey of Lent has been an interesting one for me full of the normality of church life, with meetings, preparation and pastoral situations. It has also had tension, hardship and the difficult side that life often throws at you. I am looking forward to the season of celebrating resurrection.

Thanks for Reading.
Don

Sunday 7th March.

2010-02-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

The excitement builds as we count down the days leading up to the Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition.
On Monday afternoon the tour guides came together for the first time this year and we received a peek viewing into some of the artists and their work. Catherine Czerw, our Curator, shared some hints and led us through an exciting presentation as we prepared for the exhibition.
On Wednesday, Catherine and I and Rev Viv Larkin, visited three more of the artists. It was refreshing to hear and see how each of the artists is processing the issues surrounding the journey of Jesus to the Cross. The question of how we “deal with our mortality” was there with all three artists. Each one entered that question very subjectively, conscious as one artist quietly said, “We all die”.
The woman I mentioned last week did die and will be sadly missed, particularly by her daughter. We hope to have a funeral either Tuesday or Wednesday morning.

From this and other experiences I realize that we leave behind us a legacy and in the end we choose whether it is a positive one, with deep loving as a consequence or a less helpful one where estrangement, sadness and hurt are the only memories.

Thanks for Reading.
Don

Sunday 28th February. During the Service I will be interviewed by Paul Coates using the questions that were gleaned from members of the congregation last year. It should be fun. I will also be offering a reflection on “Blessing”.

Opening night for the Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition will be 6pm Friday 26th March.
Please let Kerri know on admin@ucic.org.au or 6103 4222 if you would like to attend.

Volunteers for Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition.

We are still interested in receiving expressions of interest from those who would like to act as volunteers, either just to ‘be there’ or to be ‘Tour Guides’. The Exhibition will be open from 9am till 5pm from Saturday 27th March through to Monday 5th April.
Please contact Revd. Lee Edwards at leerev@optusnet.com.au if you are interested.

For the ‘Tour Guides’ there will be an initial briefing at 4pm, Monday 22nd February and then the final briefing in the presence of the 2010 artworks at 5pm, Thursday 25th March.

8.30am Discussion Group.

A reminder for some that the 8.30 service is still happening. A small group gathers, we get a ‘good’ coffee from across the road and then sit together for 45 mins and talk about the Gospel reading for the day. It's really a ‘chat with the minister' or could be seen as 'minister's corner'. It a great time for me, not only because I get a coffee to get me going but we get to think more about the reading and discuss it’s impact on us. Please feel free to join us.

2010-02-21T15:50:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

This week I had the real privilege of sitting with an elderly woman who was dying. Some of you may know her. After walking quietly into her room and noticing that she was drifting in and out of sleep I sat by her bed. After a little while I said who I was and used the word Wesley, hoping she would give some sign of recognition. That was not to be. I noticed a very tattered, well-used old bible next to her bed and on opening there was a message on the inside cover that it was a gift from her mother. I decided to read Psalm 23, always a favourite when death seems not far away. It gave me a sense of calmness. I offered a prayer and a blessing for the journey ahead.

I did not really want to leave and so for a while continued to sit quietly, sometimes touching her hand, letting her know I was there.

I noticed a guest book next to her bed and decided to take a liberty and look through the pages. The entries went back quite a few years. I noticed the many visits from her daughter and each time there was a special comment, either about the dress her mother was wearing or the things they had talked about during the visit. It was moving and touching to read the little notes each one a gentle entry of love.

Then I started to recognize names mentioned in other entries. People from Wesley, Reg and Bev, Dorothy, Evadne, Bruce and Margaret, the Tuesday singers and many others. I felt deeply proud of the love and friendship that Wesley was able to provide. Her and our lives were truly blessed by our connection.

Her daughter arrived and we sat together talking and remembering her mother’s life and I heard more of the connection with Wesley, her marriage ceremony during a Sunday morning service and the many things in which she and her husband had been involved.

As I walked away from the hospital that morning, I felt incredibly peaceful. Death in this sense is peaceful and I wondered and hoped that I might be able to have this kind of death. It's not always the case. A person I was reading about this week said of life. "I view everything from the perspective of my death". It reminded me that, for Jesus, death was on his mind a great deal, particularly as he approached Jerusalem.

As we enter into Lent, we enter again this journey to death and beyond. My prayer is that as we continue to understand this journey it may enrich and bless our lives so that the wisdom we gain can be shared with those who seek it.

Thanks for Reading.

Don

Opening night for the Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition will be 6pm Friday 26^th March.

Please let Kerri know on admin@ucic.org.au or 6103 4222 if you would like to attend.

Volunteers for Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition.

We are still interested in receiving expressions of interest from those who would like to act as volunteers, either just to ‘be there’ or to be ‘Tour Guides’. The Exhibition will be open from 9am till 5pm from Saturday 27th March through to Monday 5th April.

Please contact Revd. Lee Edwards at leerev@optusnet.com.au if you are interested.

For the ‘Tour Guides’ there will be an initial briefing at 4pm, Monday 22nd February and then the final briefing in the presence of the 2010 artworks at 5pm, Thursday 25th March.

8.30am Discussion Group.

A reminder for some that the 8.30 service is still happening. A small group gathers, we get a ‘good’ coffee from across the road and then sit together for 45 mins and talk about the Gospel reading for the day. It's really a ‘chat with the minister' or could be seen as 'minister's corner'. It a great time for me, not only because I get a coffee to get me going but we get to think more about the reading and discuss it’s impact on us. Please feel free to join us.

STATION OF THE CROSS Art Exhibition.

Go to http://www.perthunitingchurch.com.au/viewStory/Wesley to see a list of participating artists

2010-02-10T17:37:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

Update on the Stations

I have now visited 6 of the artists who are participating in our ‘Stations of the Cross’ art exhibition. From the artworks seen so far we are in for a very good exhibition.

Station number one, ‘Jesus is condemned’ By Karin Wallace shows a picture of a raven’s claw, (ravens are a common biblical image) and surrounding this image Karin has painstakingly written, using an old family pen with a nib that you dip in an inkwell, the Luke account of Jesus being condemned by a pilot and the crowd calling for Barabbas. It is vert delicate and took her hours and hours to do, but done with loving affection for the story. In a section of the painting she has gone over the text making it a little darker and subsequently forming the shape of a large cross with the Raven claw image in the middle. I was very moved by the effort and the way she has presented this Station. It is truly a labour of love.

No less stunning was Wendy Lilje’s ‘Station number 10, Jesus is stripped’. She has created a ceramic bust of a Jesus figure from the waist up. What is stunning is that the figure, stripped to the waist and slightly bent over depicts a very vulnerable Jesus. Whilst the figure can be viewed from the front, the most powerful view is from the back. She wanted to say that at that point that Jesus was stripped he became very vulnerable and that in our lives when sometimes we are stripped of the things that are dear to us we become vulnerable. It seems to me that she was also saying that at the point of our vulnerability, we place ourselves in the hands of God as Jesus did.

One of the ‘surprises that keeps happening as I have conversations with the artists, some of whom are not connected to the church, is that they give us a truth about the journey of Jesus that is profound. What I am also finding is that the artists make connections with their ‘Station’ and their own journey in life. It appears, that by taking on this project they have entered into a special place that helps them find meaning.

I guess you could say that we, by offering this opportunity to them, have offered them a great blessing.

Opening night for the Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition will be 6pm Friday 26^th March.

Please let Kerri know on admin@ucic.org.au or 6103 4222 if you would like to attend.

Volunteers for Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition.

Please contact Revd. Lee Edwards at leerev@optusnet.com.au if you are interested.

For the ‘Tour Guides’ there will be an initial briefing at 4pm, Monday 22nd February and then the final briefing in the presence of the 2010 artworks at 5pm, Thursday 25th March.

8.30am Discussion Group.

Thanks for reading.

Don

2010-01-28T00:07:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

Kay and I took the plunge and decided to walk down to the Swan river foreshore on Australia day and watch the sky show.

It was a pleasant evening and as we walked, we found ourselves mingling with a number of people, couples, families, friends who were headed in the same direction. On the way we passed many parties, Australian flags to be seen everywhere, generally a happy atmosphere. We briefly ‘talked’ with an Aboriginal family whose children were excited about seeing the fireworks.

When we finally found a spot, we sat down and with half an hour to wait looked around us. Next to us, a young couple, with their friends close by, ‘snogging’ like there was no tomorrow. In front of us, a large Indian or Sri Lankan family, waving flags, taking photos and generally enjoying the atmosphere. On the other side of us, a group, who seemed to me, to come from Southern American, also taking photo, texting friends and getting ready for the show. Behind us, a very Australian looking couple, quietly waiting.

At precisely 8.00pm the fireworks started and for the next half an hour 1.5 million dollars was blown into the sky. Mind you, it looked spectacular and I enjoyed the creativity of the pyrotechnics and the accompanying music.

On the way back home we, with thousands of others, walked on the road up Barrack street. At one stage, we looked back down the street and saw thousands streaming behind us, they too all heading for home.

On reflection, I was glad to there. Not because of the fireworks, mainly because I felt an incredible closeness to the hotch-potch-ness of this country that we call Australia. So many people, from so many cultures, with so many backgrounds and so many stories. On this night, many of us were together, to enjoy, to celebrate and to see each other. Hopefully others saw me and recognised where I came from and like me felt a oneness with humanity. And some of us give thanks to God for this oneness. I hope you do too.

Mary Jo Meadow will be joining u for worship on Sunday 31^st January. Her theme that day will be “Why Meditate?”She has a great deal of wisdom and is worth a listen.

Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition.

As I know this will be upon me before I can blink an eye, can I invite those who may be interested to be volunteers during this time to let me know? There are generally two types of volunteers for this event.

Firstly, those who can just be there to keep a watchful eye on the artwork and the people who will wander through it. They will open and close the building and generally keep a count on how many people come through the doors.

Secondly, those who would like to be tour guides, that is those who are willing to take people around the exhibition and be involved in conversations that arise from that experience.

As before we will be open from 9am till 5pm from Saturday 27th March through to Monday 5th April. Please let me know via admin@ucic.org.au if you would like to be involved and in which capacity.

Thanks for reading.

Don

2010-01-20T18:33:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

Music that soothes the soul.

I reported last week that a small group of people from the Tongan community, mainly young people from the Beth Shalom church (a Uniting Church Tongan Congregation) would be playing brass and drum instruments outside the Church. It was a small but enjoyable group. They played some Tongan hymns (sang and played) and even a couple of Christmas Carols.

The band had been playing about half an hour and a woman came down and thanked them for the music. She had been in a dentist’s office somewhere in the mall about to have the dentist drill into one of her teeth. She started to hear the music and was so distracted that she forgot about the pain and the dentist. A True Story.

Just a reminder for some that the 8.30 service is still happening. A small group gathers, we get a ‘good’ coffee from across the road and then sit together for 45 mins and talk about the Gospel reading for the day. It's really a ‘chat with the minister' or could be seen as 'minister's corner'. It a great time for me, not only because I get a coffee to get me going but we get to think more about the reading and discuss it’s impact on us. Please feel free to join us.

Last night, Wednesday 20th, We listened to Mary Jo Meadow, Catholic Sister, Teacher of Buddhist Meditation, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, writer and lecturer. I really enjoyed what she had to say and she is now off to leading a 9 day and 3 day retreat.

She talked a lot about “Mindful Meditation” sometimes referred to as ‘Insight Meditation’ which helps people empty themselves of thoughts and concepts that clutter the mind, including perceptions about God. She used a phrase that said. Mindful Meditation helps the ‘best get better’. My thinking is that we can use that phrase in a great many things. Our mission is always to help the best we do get better.

Thanks to those who helped out, David, Jan, Bill and Merylyn.

Mary Jo Meadow will be joining us for worship on Sunday 31^st January. Her theme that day will be “Why Meditate?”She has a great deal of wisdom and is worth a listen.

Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition.

Secondly, those who would like to be tour guides, that is those who are willing to take people around the exhibition and be involved in conversations that arise from that experience.

As before we will be open from 9am till 5pm from Saturday 27th March through to Monday 5th April. Please let me know via admin@ucic.org.au if you would like to be involved and in which capacity.

Thanks for reading.

Don

2010-01-20T01:03:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi all. A happy new year to you all.

This is my first Blog for 2010 so I hope as you receive it you are well and like me wondering what the New Year will bring.

I must admit to feeling a tad tired after Christmas but also feeling quite elated. Our displays and events outside the church went extremely well. We were ‘packed to the gunnels’ for our Christmas Eve service, mainly with young people who didn’t want to leave. I have now made a mental note for next year that we will need to have some Christmas pudding to share with them…… and then there was Christmas Day, again with a wonderful crowd of families, a great service with excellent music from the Choir.

On my return I have hardly had time to think, with the visit of Sister Mary Jo Meadow, (see Whats on at Wesley www.perthunitingchurch.com.au/viewStory/Future+Events+at+Wesley and preparations well underway for the Stations of the Cross it all promises to be a good year.

Aaah but this is life, full of energy and excitement. I don’t think I want it any other way.

Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition.

Secondly, those who would like to be tour guides, that is those who are willing to take people around the exhibition and be involved in conversations that arise from that experience.

As before we will be open from 9am till 5pm from Saturday 27th March through to Monday 5th April. Please let me know via admin@ucic.org.au if you would like to be involved and in which capacity.

And now for something completely different!!!

Last week a small group of people from the Tongan community, mainly young people from the Beth Shalom church (a Uniting Church Tongan Congregation) played brass and drum instruments outside the Uniting Church Centre in Edwards street. As I understand it one of them came from Tonga to visit family and then assisted the church in starting up a brass band. They had only been playing for 5 weeks but they were pretty good. So I invited them to play outside Wesley on Friday 15th January . They were great.

Thanks for reading.

Don

2009-12-22T18:47:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.

For our last display outside the church this advent we have Joseph and Mary, ‘the baby’ …… and the kombi van. As usual we have received many comments and people have written wonderful messages on our ‘Graffiti Board’. These displays have convinced me that we have been able to ‘make a connection’ with many who on a daily basis walk by our church.

I am especially grateful to the ‘volunteers’ who gave of their time and energy to help us. Without you it would not have been as successful as it has been. Your presence has meant that something has happened. If you had not been there it would have just been a ‘display’. My hope is that early in the New Year we will all get together and share some of our experiences.

I have received many Christmas Cards this year and two have been rather special. One is from a Wesley family, addressed to the Wesley Family, and me and shares how through a series of events they were led to worship with us. They share how they have enjoyed worshiping at Wesley mentioning especially the “magnificent music from the talented youngsters at UWA, the melodious and uplifting voice of the choir and the beauty of the church itself, not to mention the friendliness of the congregation”.

I must admit to feeling a little proud to read this…

The second card simply wished me ‘Seasons Greetings’ and came from Mohammad Agherdien the Muslim Imam from the Mirrabooka Mosque. (Mohammad took part in our inter-faith meeting earlier in the year) I felt rather humbled that Mohammed, someone from a different faith tradition, had taken time to pay his respects during our rather special season. It reminds me to remember their special seasons.

May Christmas be a time of blessing to you, your family and friends and to those around you.

Thanks for reading.
Don

2009-12-14T22:31:00.000-08:00

Don's Blog

Hi all.
This week has seen another display outside the church – the shepherds have arrived.
It appears from comments made by those passing by that they are more interested in the dog than any thing else. However we are still receiving many positive comments and many take a serious look as they pass by.

Penny who had been ‘on duty’ with the shepherds display, had an interesting experience when she went across the road to get a newspaper. She was able to offer significant assistance to one of “the big issue gentlemen”. He went away a very happy man. It makes you wonder….. if she hadn’t been a volunteer on that day at that time….. who would have helped? As it turned out she was a real blessing to him.
We are now onto our third ‘Graffiti Board’.

I am off to a meeting with the Elders and Catherine Czerz our ‘Stations of the Cross’ Curator. She will be sharing with us the completed list of artists who are all presenting new works for our Stations of the Cross art exhibition for next year. It promises to be an even more exciting event than this year. As soon as I have the completed information I will pass it on.
Never a dull moment at Wesley!!!
Thanks for reading.
Don

2009-12-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

TheDon's Blog

Hi all.

Highlights this week.

Story 1. As you are aware we have a display outside the church. Part of this event includes an ‘Angel’ handing out postcards about the display and our Christmas services. On Saturday a woman who had just landed in Perth from South Africa approached him looking for a supermarket and he began to give her directions for Woolworths but then decided it would be easier to take her there.

What he didn’t know was that before leaving South Africa she was told by her Minister that there was an Afrikaans service in one of the Perth churches. On arrival she looked around Perth but couldn’t find it however on the way to Woolworths she saw Trinity Church and noticed the sign advertising the Afrikaans’s service. As it happened the service was to be held on the following day. On Sunday when she arrived at the service Rev Chris Crause met her and asked how she found her way to Trinty.

She replied, ‘an Angel sent me!’

Story 2. Also as part of the display we have a ‘Graffiti Board’ and passers by have been encouraged to write a message for the City of Perth. One young woman wrote. ‘Christmas is a time of sharing with family”. After she had finished writing I asked her, ‘Is your family here in Perth’, to which she replied, “My mother lives here in Perth, and my father lives in New Zealand.’ We had a brief conversation about family and how hard it is sometimes when a family is separated. I found out that she spends one Christmas in Perth with her mother and the alternate Christmas with her father. My hope is that our brief conversation was an acknowledgment that for some Christmas is a hard time. My hope is that our brief conversation may have helped. You never know.

My feeling is there are more stories to come……..

Thanks for reading.
Don

2009-11-25T20:53:00.000-08:00

TheDon's Blog

Hi all.

This week has seen a flurry of activity as we carry out the last minute preparations for our Advent Displays.

There has been a sense of excitement and apprehension as we have put the final touches into place. If you are not already involved, I hope you get the chance to come and have a look at what we are attempting to do.

Over the next four weeks in our Sunday morning worship I will be using the same readings that are presented in the displays outside our church. Hopefully this will enhance our understanding of how texts written so many years ago can connect with us and our situation today.

We begin with the passage from Luke’s Gospel Chapter 2 which describes the journey that Joseph and Mary take as they made their way to Bethlehem. It must have been a strange journey for them moving from the familiar to the unfamiliar, from the known to the unknown. We like them are often faced with the uncertainty of life and we like them know that God can and does meet us in these times.

This week a friend of mine, who is a Salvation Army officer, and I were commenting from our particular church situations noting that “the silly season was upon us”. He was noticing that he still had an every increasing number of people seeking Christmas hampers in order to make ends meet.

Kay often tells the story about her grandmother and how exciting it was her to receive an orange on Christmas Day. This was her only present but she was so excited to receive it. I guess we often realise that we have changed the Christmas culture from one of simple giving and receiving to one of elaborate consumerism and materialism. I think God saves us from this.

Thanks for reading.
Don