Don's Blog
Some months ago a rather dishevelled looking young man came into Wesley Church, looking not unlike some of the homeless people that wander down William Street. All he had with him was a rather dusty and ragged looking backpack. I think it was just after it the Tuesday lunchtime service that he approached us and asked for help. What surprised me was that he wasn’t looking for financial help but overnight accommodation as he had travelled from Melbourne and was heading to Carnarvon to start a new life. We brought him to the office and were able to put him in touch with Tranby house, UnitingCare West, who were able to organise accommodation for him and the next day he headed towards Carnarvon. We never expected to hear from him again.
When he walked into our office last week he looked a completely different person. He was clean-shaven well-dressed, and looking very, very healthy. He explained that his return visit to us was to say “thank you”.
Since meeting us in the church he had travelled to Caernarvon and stayed there for a few months but it didn’t work out. However, during this time he had managed to re-establish his relationship with his father and other siblings including uncles and cousins. It was during one of these family occasions that he was asked by a cousin if he would like to work for him and he readily accepted.
Since that time he has never looked back and things have steadily improved but he particularly wanted to come back and thank us for just helping him on the way.
It reminded me of the story where Jesus healed 10 lepers and one of them came back to thank him. We assist, support and encourage many people that float by the church doors in the city and often we never hear from them again but on this occasion one young man came to say “thank you”. That “thank you” made my week, for in amongst all the things that happen at Uniting Church in the City there are many that are draining, hard and not always rewarding. Here was a simple “thank you” where one person acknowledged the blessing he received from our being in the city. I am reminded that from time to time we need just to “be there” so that we can continue being a blessing to whoever God sends our way.
May you receive a blessing this day, and in the days to come, that remind you that as we have been blessed so we can bless others.
Sunday 30th August – 10.00am. Tradition versus the heart. A reflection on what is important when it comes to following the way of Jesus. Rev Don Dowling
Thanks for reading.
Don
Future Events at Wesley – see below for more details regarding some of these events.
Fortnightly Discussion Group. Toby Keva, our theological student, has started a discussion group which will meet fortnightly, beginning 6th September 2009. The group will meet in the “Guild room” from 11.30am and may conclude with a lunch together. A snack will be provided by a member of the group. The group is multi-aged, mulit cultural and so all are welcome to attend.
“The Circle for Dangerous Thinking”
Next meeting Sunday 13th September.
A few rules will apply:
1. Be open minded. Do not come if you're worried about being challenged and even a bit rattled from time to time.
2. Only come when you're interested and wanting to contribute. Please do not come out of loyalty. Skip coming in months that don't interest you.
3. Come prepared. Please do not come if you haven't read the book/done the homework.
4. Be open to others. We don't judge others and don't want to convert others to think as
we each do.
We hope to be of service to the wider church!
Books and dates for our meetings
11th October.
If you are interested could you contact Don at dond@ucic.org.au. <mailto:dond@ucic.org.au?subject=Group%20Discussion/Faith%20Formation>
9th to 11th October 2009
The visit of Rev. Professor Emeritus Robert Gribben.
Friday 9th October. Evening. Meeting with Elders of Uniting Church in the City.
Saturday evening 10th. A Public meeting open to all interested people.
Sunday 11th After Morning Tea. Wesley Congregation meeting with presentation and discussion.
In a series of meetings Dr. Gribben will be helping us re-think the worship space at Wesley. Ever since the ‘Stations of the Cross’ art exhibition people have been asking about whether we need the pews or not. Dr. Gribben is an experienced leader who was formally Professor of Worship and Mission, Unting Church Theological College, Melbourne, Victoria.
Amoung many books and Articles he has written a book called, “Living Stones” Theological Guidelines for Uniting Church Worship Buildings”
Sunday 11th October 2009
The visit of John Bell, the renowned Iona worship leader, We are waiting to hear more from the WA organizers of the Visit to Perth of Rev John Bell. Many would be familiar with his music and song from the Iona community.
Friday 22nd to 31st January 2010. Visit of Professor Emeritus Mary-Jo Meadow
Mary Jo Meadow has been a meditator for over 50 years. She is a skilled presenter and has taught meditation in the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia. She is Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Religious Studies from Minnesota State University. She has written serveral books on Christian Meditation. She will present a number of public talks and conduct a retreat session. More information regarding Mary-Jo Meadow’s visit will be given soon.
Rev. Don Dowling, Minister, Wesley Uniting Church, Uniting Church in the City Perth Western Australia
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Don's Blog
These words, were spoken by Heather Buys as she described her husband, the Reverend Chris Buys.
The Rev Chris Byers, who died suddenly this week, was the minister of the Margaret River/Augusta congregations and it was an enormous shock to the Uniting Church Community to hear of his sudden death. One person described it as brutal. Chris was a wonderful man who served in a number of Uniting Church congregations after emigrating from South Africa.
On Wednesday Kay and I attended the memorial service at Margaret River where we along with a large number of people from the community and the congregations, remembered and celebrated his life. What struck me more than anything was that Chris was a very practical Christian. In the eulogies we heard many stories where he ministered to people in very down to earth ways. He served weekly in the local school canteen, he taught English to overseas students who were working in the vineyards, he worked on farms helping farmers with their daily tasks, and there were many more examples …
In all of these things we heard a very clear message that Chris loved his Lord and wanted to demonstrate his faith to the many people with whom he made contact. It reminded me that in the end all we are called to do is follow the way of Jesus.
We thank God for the life and witness of Rev Chris Buys and I am glad he reminded me to simply follow the way of Jesus.
Don
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Don's Blog
Being in conflict it is hard going. Being involved in a conversation where there is tension and disagreement is not what we would always choose to do. However, as anybody knows when you are in relationship with people there is always the possibility that a difference of opinion will arise.
In the end I always want to go back to the way that Jesus handled conflict and listen to some of the stories from our biblical tradition that help us understand how to live with tension. Jesus occasionally became angry and frustrated in some of his relationships but in the end it seems that peace and love became his predominant message. As I read the stories of his relationships with people I constantly see him treating people with respect, including them in his ministry and offering them a way forward beyond the pain of their tension.
To my mind it is paramount that abuse or disrespect are not part of the process. Consequently it is paramount that we treat each other as equals, listen carefully, and hear not only the pain of the other person who is in tension with us but find a way to move beyond the pain to a place of hope and peace.
It is interesting that conflict can happen at various levels sometimes between two individuals or within a family or at a community level or between nations. It almost doesn’t seem to matter at which level we may observe or experience it because the principles to work through the tension seem to be the same. Listening, compromising, seeing the relationship as significant, working towards a place of harmony and tolerance are our end point.
On our faith journey may we always continue to keep in relationship with each other, because we believe in God of love who keeps in relationship with us, who respects and loves us with the deepest possible love.
Sunday 2nd August.
Thanks to Toby Keva, our theological student, for being the preacher last week. The message was a challenging one and gave us much to reflect on, especially our position and voice as mostly, ‘middle class’ people. Toby appreciated the many people who offered feedback as this is all part of his learning experience and partly why he wanted to be with the Wesley Congregation.
The Joint Congregational meeting after the service where we discussed the proposal from St Andrews congregation was a long and at times difficult conversation. As I indicated above it remind me that sometimes in the life of the church we have to work hard at listening to each other and working out what our relationship to each other really means. I look forward to further conversations. In the end I felt hopeful and would want to continue to pursue the possibility of the St Andrews congregation remaining within the UCIC.
Thanks for reading.
Don
Sunday 9th August – 10.00am A Celebration in 3 parts Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life”. With Rev Bev Fabb, Rev Don Dowling and Toby Keva.
As you enter the church we hope you are able to have your senses awakened by the smell of some freshly baked bread. This will allow us to enter into the theme and reflect on what it means for us to be connected to the Bread of Life.
Being in conflict it is hard going. Being involved in a conversation where there is tension and disagreement is not what we would always choose to do. However, as anybody knows when you are in relationship with people there is always the possibility that a difference of opinion will arise.
In the end I always want to go back to the way that Jesus handled conflict and listen to some of the stories from our biblical tradition that help us understand how to live with tension. Jesus occasionally became angry and frustrated in some of his relationships but in the end it seems that peace and love became his predominant message. As I read the stories of his relationships with people I constantly see him treating people with respect, including them in his ministry and offering them a way forward beyond the pain of their tension.
To my mind it is paramount that abuse or disrespect are not part of the process. Consequently it is paramount that we treat each other as equals, listen carefully, and hear not only the pain of the other person who is in tension with us but find a way to move beyond the pain to a place of hope and peace.
It is interesting that conflict can happen at various levels sometimes between two individuals or within a family or at a community level or between nations. It almost doesn’t seem to matter at which level we may observe or experience it because the principles to work through the tension seem to be the same. Listening, compromising, seeing the relationship as significant, working towards a place of harmony and tolerance are our end point.
On our faith journey may we always continue to keep in relationship with each other, because we believe in God of love who keeps in relationship with us, who respects and loves us with the deepest possible love.
Sunday 2nd August.
Thanks to Toby Keva, our theological student, for being the preacher last week. The message was a challenging one and gave us much to reflect on, especially our position and voice as mostly, ‘middle class’ people. Toby appreciated the many people who offered feedback as this is all part of his learning experience and partly why he wanted to be with the Wesley Congregation.
The Joint Congregational meeting after the service where we discussed the proposal from St Andrews congregation was a long and at times difficult conversation. As I indicated above it remind me that sometimes in the life of the church we have to work hard at listening to each other and working out what our relationship to each other really means. I look forward to further conversations. In the end I felt hopeful and would want to continue to pursue the possibility of the St Andrews congregation remaining within the UCIC.
Thanks for reading.
Don
Sunday 9th August – 10.00am A Celebration in 3 parts Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life”. With Rev Bev Fabb, Rev Don Dowling and Toby Keva.
As you enter the church we hope you are able to have your senses awakened by the smell of some freshly baked bread. This will allow us to enter into the theme and reflect on what it means for us to be connected to the Bread of Life.
Don's Blog Thursday 6th August 2009
Being in conflict it is hard going. Being involved in a conversation where there is tension and disagreement is not what we would always choose to do. However, as anybody knows when you are in relationship with people there is always the possibility that a difference of opinion will arise.
In the end I always want to go back to the way that Jesus handled conflict and listen to some of the stories from our biblical tradition that help us understand how to live with tension. Jesus occasionally became angry and frustrated in some of his relationships but in the end it seems that peace and love became his predominant message. As I read the stories of his relationships with people I constantly see him treating people with respect, including them in his ministry and offering them a way forward beyond the pain of their tension.
To my mind it is paramount that abuse or disrespect are not part of the process. Consequently it is paramount that we treat each other as equals, listen carefully, and hear not only the pain of the other person who is in tension with us but find a way to move beyond the pain to a place of hope and peace.
It is interesting that conflict can happen at various levels sometimes between two individuals or within a family or at a community level or between nations. It almost doesn’t seem to matter at which level we may observe or experience it because the principles to work through the tension seem to be the same. Listening, compromising, seeing the relationship as significant, working towards a place of harmony and tolerance are our end point.
On our faith journey may we always continue to keep in relationship with each other, because we believe in God of love who keeps in relationship with us, who respects and loves us with the deepest possible love.
Sunday 2nd August.
Thanks to Toby Keva, our theological student, for being the preacher last week. The message was a challenging one and gave us much to reflect on, especially our position and voice as mostly, ‘middle class’ people. Toby appreciated the many people who offered feedback as this is all part of his learning experience and partly why he wanted to be with the Wesley Congregation.
The Joint Congregational meeting after the service where we discussed the proposal from St Andrews congregation was a long and at times difficult conversation. As I indicated above it remind me that sometimes in the life of the church we have to work hard at listening to each other and working out what our relationship to each other really means. I look forward to further conversations. In the end I felt hopeful and would want to continue to pursue the possibility of the St Andrews congregation remaining within the UCIC.
Thanks for reading.
Don
Sunday 9th August – 10.00am A Celebration in 3 parts
Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life”.
With Rev Bev Fabb, Rev Don Dowling and Toby Keva.
As you enter the church we hope you are able to have your senses awakened by the smell of some freshly baked bread. This will allow us to enter into the theme and reflect on what it means for us to be connected to the Bread of Life.
Being in conflict it is hard going. Being involved in a conversation where there is tension and disagreement is not what we would always choose to do. However, as anybody knows when you are in relationship with people there is always the possibility that a difference of opinion will arise.
In the end I always want to go back to the way that Jesus handled conflict and listen to some of the stories from our biblical tradition that help us understand how to live with tension. Jesus occasionally became angry and frustrated in some of his relationships but in the end it seems that peace and love became his predominant message. As I read the stories of his relationships with people I constantly see him treating people with respect, including them in his ministry and offering them a way forward beyond the pain of their tension.
To my mind it is paramount that abuse or disrespect are not part of the process. Consequently it is paramount that we treat each other as equals, listen carefully, and hear not only the pain of the other person who is in tension with us but find a way to move beyond the pain to a place of hope and peace.
It is interesting that conflict can happen at various levels sometimes between two individuals or within a family or at a community level or between nations. It almost doesn’t seem to matter at which level we may observe or experience it because the principles to work through the tension seem to be the same. Listening, compromising, seeing the relationship as significant, working towards a place of harmony and tolerance are our end point.
On our faith journey may we always continue to keep in relationship with each other, because we believe in God of love who keeps in relationship with us, who respects and loves us with the deepest possible love.
Sunday 2nd August.
Thanks to Toby Keva, our theological student, for being the preacher last week. The message was a challenging one and gave us much to reflect on, especially our position and voice as mostly, ‘middle class’ people. Toby appreciated the many people who offered feedback as this is all part of his learning experience and partly why he wanted to be with the Wesley Congregation.
The Joint Congregational meeting after the service where we discussed the proposal from St Andrews congregation was a long and at times difficult conversation. As I indicated above it remind me that sometimes in the life of the church we have to work hard at listening to each other and working out what our relationship to each other really means. I look forward to further conversations. In the end I felt hopeful and would want to continue to pursue the possibility of the St Andrews congregation remaining within the UCIC.
Thanks for reading.
Don
Sunday 9th August – 10.00am A Celebration in 3 parts
Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life”.
With Rev Bev Fabb, Rev Don Dowling and Toby Keva.
As you enter the church we hope you are able to have your senses awakened by the smell of some freshly baked bread. This will allow us to enter into the theme and reflect on what it means for us to be connected to the Bread of Life.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Don's Blog
Last week Kay and I spent a few days in Melbourne. One of the exciting parts of our visit was to the Art Gallery to see a Salvador Dali exhibition. In listening to his story I discovered that prior to his birth his older brother had died and his parents told him, as soon as he was able to hear, that he was a reincarnation of his brother and they even gave him same name - Salvador. As I looked at the surrealism of his paintings and heard some more of the story of his life I couldn’t help wondering whether that single event had a great effect on his sense of self.
Towards the latter part of his life he reconnected with the Church and this painting, “Christ in perspective”, is one from that period. “Christ in Perspective’ was also painted after just after the death of his father and I also cannot help wondering if the impact of his father’s death influenced his understanding of Christ on the cross. This painting is simple in its presentation, unlike most of his other paintings and as I stood in front of it I had a sense that he was able through his religious art to gain some sense of self. It seems as though he’d rediscovered himself as a person of faith rather than a person tied to another identity.
Seeing this painting was a highlight for me as it not only helped me understand the faith journey of Salvador Dali but it also reminded me that as Christians our sense of self is tied very closely to the sense of who Jesus is for us. From time to time I feel a great sense of liberation because my sense of self is not lost in the identity of others but connected to the one who constantly offers us life.
Sunday 26th July.
Thanks to Rev Lee Edwards for being the preacher last week. Lee received lots of good feedback and it was good to hear that the theme of our banners, “I Am – We Are” is being proclaimed.
Thanks for reading.
Don
Future Events at Wesley – see below for more details regarding some of these events.
Sunday 2nd August – Holy Communion Our preacher is Toby Keva, theological student.
Sunday 9th August – 10.00am A Celebration in 3 parts
Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life”.
With Rev Bev Fabb and Rev Don Dowling.
Sunday 9th August 2009 6.30pm Induction of Rev. Viv Larkin
Sunday 9th August 2009 - “The Circle for Dangerous Thinking”
Friday 9th to 11th October 2009 Visit of Rev. Professor Emeritus Robert Gribben.
11th October 2009 Not confirmed. Visit of John Bell - Iona worship leader,
22nd to 31st January 2010. Visit of Professor Emeritus Mary-Jo Meadow
DETAILS:
Sunday 9th August 2009 6.30pm
Induction of Rev. Viv Larkin to the placement of Associate General Secretary, Pastoral. The Indonesian and Tongan Choirs will be participating.
Sunday 9th August - “The Circle for Dangerous Thinking”
This is a brand new ministry that will start on Sunday 9th August 2009
On 5th July we want to met in the UCIC Centre and explored what form this new ministry might take. We invited those who might be interested to join us for coffee and dream about the possibilities! We're thinking of a discussion group, meeting over lunch, on the second Sunday of every month, to discuss provocative and challenging publications, films and art! Chris and Irne du Plessis have agreed to help coordinate this group. Please send us an email at the UCIC to let us know if you're interested admin@ucic.org.au
It will be open minded!
The idea will be to create a list of books (and the occasional video) that we all agree to read beforehand and to then discuss.
A few rules will apply:
1. Be open minded. Do not come if you're worried about being challenged and even a bit rattled from time to time.
2. Only come when you're interested and wanting to contribute. Please do not come out of loyalty. Skip coming in months that don't interest you.
3. Come prepared. Please do not come if you haven't read the book/done the homework.
4. Be open to others. We don't judge others and don't want to convert others to think as
we each do.
We hope to be of service to the wider church!
Books and dates for our meetings
9th August. Discuss our first book. A suggestion is to have a book that isn't too "heavy" so we can find our feet and evaluate what we're trying to achieve.
13th September.
11th October.
If you are interested could you contact Don at dond@ucic.org.au.
9th to 11th October 2009
The visit of Rev. Professor Emeritus Robert Gribben.
In a series of meetings Dr. Gribben will be helping us re-think the worship space at Wesley. Ever since the ‘Stations of the Cross’ art exhibition people have been asking about whether we need the pews or not. Dr. Gribben is an experienced leader who was formally Professor of Worship and Mission, Unting Church Theological College, Melbourne, Victoria.
Amoung many books and Articles he has written a book called, “Living Stones” Theological Guidelines for Uniting Church Worship Buildings”
Sunday 11th October 2009
Not confirmed but possible. John Bell, the renowned Iona worship leader, We are waiting to hear more from the WA organizers of the Visit to Perth of Rev John Bell. Many would be familiar with his music and song from the Iona community.
Friday 22nd to 31st January 2010. Visit of Professor Emeritus Mary-Jo Meadow
Mary Jo Meadow has been a meditator for over 50 years. She is a skilled presenter and has taught meditation in the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia. She is Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Religious Studies from Minnesota State University. She has written serveral books on Christian Meditation. She will present a number of public talks and conduct a retreat session. More information regarding Mary-Jo Meadow’s visit will be given soon.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Don's Blog
Music in the Streets,
Last week music students from Immanuel College (A college of the Lutheran Church in Adelaide, South Australia) came to Perth and as part of their tour performed outside Wesley Church. Their music was truly inspirational.
Firstly, because it entertained passers by and gave some profile to Wesley Church,
Secondly, because we raised some money for Tranby House,
Thirdly, because a group of seniors stopped to listen and then began to dance,
Fourthly because a group of young people stopped to listen and later talked with myself and the staff and students and were inspired to go back to their school and encourage their students to take up music.
Fifthly, because an employee of Rio Tinto….well see the comment he wrote…
I have just come back from lunch and happened to pass by the
Wesley church on the corner of hay and William. I was fortunate enough to see the school band from Immanuel College in South Australia performing On the steps of the church. To sum it up in 1 word. AWESOME.
I enjoy the various buskers that perform around our fine city, but this was a cut above the rest ! It brought the church and the city around it to life, dare I say it (smacks of Sister Act ?) It is an idea that should be further explored, who ever is behind it should be congratulated as it was well received by a very large crowd of all denominations and ages. John Rault, Rio Tinto Expansion Projects
When I think about Mission, this is one aspect of it.
Mission is being a blessing to the people around you. By having this activity outside our church, we were a blessing to quite a few people. The 'seniors' who loved the music and began to dance, the 'students' who are going back to their school to inspire others, the 'homeless' who will benefit from the money raised, and to the many passers by whose normal day may have been brightened by the presence of a group of dedicated musicians outside our church.
When I think about Mission I also think of us using our gifts and skills to be a blessing to others around us. The question is, "How might we use our God given skills and gifts to be a blessing to others". I would be interested in your response.
Sunday 12th July.
I loved the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Uniting Church Homes we held last Sunday. There were so many positive aspects.
I loved the liturgy - the way we were able to think about Welcome, Respect, Compassion and Hope.
I loved the way everything from the stories to the music and hymns through to the prayers all dovetailed in to help us celebrate and worship.
I loved working with my colleagues and with UCH people who carry out a significant work of the Uniting Church in WA.
Here too is mission for they demonstrate the blessings they offer in the wonderful work they do.
I hope you loved it too.
Next week's blog:
Just to let you know that next week I may not be able to post my blog as usual This week, Kay is in Sydney for the Assembly of the Uniting Church. Go to http://assembly.uca.org.au/ to see what they are up to. After the Assembly I am meeting Kay in Melbourne to have a few days break. Yes it will be that busy that she will need a break and I am going to help her do that.
Life is hard for me isn't it!!
Thanks for reading.
Don
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