What does the word “faith” mean to you? Unfortunately, in our time it has been trivialised by some to meaning something more like doctrinal or propositional assent. I think those moments in our lives when we have needed the most courage teach us that faith is much more than this kind of ideological adherence. Faith … Read more
Jesus came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near… (Ephesians 2) I wonder how far we are from feeling such peace? With over 12 million Australians in lockdown, and concerns for friends and family overseas, there are many for whom anxiety is an unwelcome travelling companion. Where … Read more
(Sunrise, Queenstown 9 July 2021) How much communication are you aware of happening around you? I read an astonishing story recently in “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben. Umbrella Acacias in Africa produce a toxin when giraffes start to eat them. Scientists noticed that once giraffes got a taste of the toxin, they … Read more
When I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).St Paul loves to capture the way of the spiritual life in paradoxical language, like that we will hear this weekend; “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Richard Rohr notes with others like St Francis that; …you come to God not … Read more
Life is not meant to be dismal. Life is not an endurance test. Life is life if we make it that. How do we know for sure that life is meant to be an excursion into joy? Because there is simply too much to enjoy: fishing in a back bay, the view from the mountaintop, … Read more
In our Parish Council meeting this week we continued reflecting on the Diocesan Mission Action Plan. Our reflections this week looked at the activities that are at the heart of our faith communities. These activities are grouped under the headings of; Proclaiming and serving, worshipping and learning The Marks of Mission (more information in the link) open for … Read more
Jesus said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how.’ Mark 4: 26,27 The Rev’d Dr Samuel Wells talks about the keynote of Christianity in this time of pandemic and social … Read more
As a child I knew Poppa had not been well for a long time. Looking back I think it is likely that my grandfather had suffered the effects of PTSD all his life after his time at the Somme in the first world war. I also think some generational trauma was handed on to my … Read more
During 2020, the Diocesan Council, bishops and senior leadership team spent time considering and answering the following questions: What is our vision for the Anglican Church Southern Queensland over the next 5 to 10 years to advance God’s mission? What are the values that we want to engender within the Anglican Church Southern Queensland to … Read more
She sits like a bird, brooding on the waters,hovering on the chaos of the world’s first day;she sighs and she sings, mothering creation,waiting to give birth to all the Word will say. She dances in fire, startling her spectators,waking tongues of ecstasy where dumbness reigned;she weans and inspires all whose hearts are open,nor can she be … Read more