Ministers Desk 2nd February 2014

From last week’s sermon.  A statement made by the first Assembly in 1977.

 

We, who are members of the first Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia, address the people of Australia in this historic moment.  The path to unity has been long and at times difficult, but we believe this unity is a sign of the reconciliation we seek for the whole human race.

 

We acknowledge with gratitude that the churches from which we have come have contributed in various ways to the life and development of this nation.  A Christian responsibility to society has always been regarded as fundamental to the mission of the Church.  In the Uniting Church our response to the Christian gospel will continue to involve us in social and national affairs.

 

We are conscious of our responsibilities within and beyond this country.  We particularly acknowledge our responsibilities as one branch of the Christian church within the region of South-East Asia and the Pacific.  In these contexts we make certain affirmations at the time of our inauguration. 

 

We affirm our eagerness to uphold basic Christian values and principles, such as the importance of every human being, the need for integrity in public life, the proclamation of truth and justice, the rights for each citizen to participate in decision-making in the community, religious liberty and personal dignity and a concern for the welfare of the whole human race.

 

We pledge ourselves to seek the correction of injustices wherever they occur.  We will work for the eradication of poverty and racism within our society and beyond.  We affirm the rights of all people to equal educational opportunities, adequate health care, freedom of speech, and employment or dignity in unemployment if work is not available.  We will oppose all forms of discrimination which infringe basic rights and freedoms.

 

We will challenge values which emphasise acquisitiveness and greed in disregard of the needs of others and which encourage a higher standard of living for the privileged in the face of the daily widening gap between the rich and poor.

 

We are concerned with the basic human rights of future generations and will urge the wise use of energy, the protection of the environment and the replenishment of the earth’s resources for their use and enjoyment.

 

Finally, we affirm that the first allegiance of Christians is God, under whose judgement the policies and actions of all nations must pass.  We realise that sometimes this allegiance may bring us into conflict with the rulers of our day.  But our Uniting Church, as an institution within the nation, must constantly stress the universal values which must find expression in national policies if humanity is to survive. 

 

We pledge ourselves to hope and work for a nation whose goals are not guided by self-interest alone, but by concern for the welfare of all persons everywhere – the family of the One God – the God made known in Jesus of Nazareth the One who gave his life for others.

 

In the spirit of his self-giving love we seek to go forward.

Ministers Desk 26th January 2014

Hello and welcome to a new year.  Already 2014 is shaping up to be a great year of discipleship and spiritual growth. 

 

At the end of last year many people reflected on the spiritual growth they had experienced during the year.  They named specific ways in which they had deepened their love for God, been stretched in their faith and grown in their understanding of their Christian life.  This growth has set us up well to continue this growth into 2014.

 

During the opening weeks of January youth from our congregation have attended three different camps.  We have heard some reports in our worship services, and will hear more, about the impact these camps have had.  Young people who have been touched by the grace of God, some for the very first time and been overwhelmed by the love that God has for them that is unconditional.  These have not just been mountain top experiences that will wear off now that they’re back to normal life.  These young people have been helped to continue their journey of discipleship and make their commitment to Jesus a priority in their life.  Please pray for all our youth and their leaders and their journeys of faith.

 

We have been blessed to share together in worship during January.  In a very tangible way we have demonstrated the unity of our congregation.  I want to thank Nathan, Barry and Dennis for leading our services during this time.  Thanks also to the musicians and other talented people who contributed in their own ways to our services.  I’m looking forward to the exciting ways that we offer worship throughout the rest of the year.

 

I’m also encouraged by the number of people who are returning from holidays and preparing again to serve God by serving other people.  They are returning with fresh ideas for existing activities and new ideas for new activities.  There are also people who are taking up new roles of service and others who are ceasing to serve after having served for many years.  To all these people I say thank you for hearing the whisper of the Spirit and responding to serve as he calls you.

 

As I say, 2014 is going to be a great year for our congregation.  Please make it great for yourself.  Ensure that this year you commit to growing in your faith.  Make attendance at worship a priority, be active in an Explore Group, have an area of service that stretches you to a God only space and share your faith with a pre-Christian friend.

 

On a more mundane note, you may have noticed that the church décor (pews, carpets, walls) is looking more tired and worn.  The Church Council has started a process of considering what needs to be done, how it will be done and how it will be paid for.  It is intended to start doing something this year.

 

Grace and peace

 

David Fender