wonderingpilgrim

Gimlets, Raspberry Jam, Sugar Gums and York Gums

These are the species of tree we planted yesterday at Yaraandoo, a rural property and permaculture farm near Toodyay, about an hour’s drive from Perth. “Not endemic to the area,” we were told. In fact these trees are specific to the the abutting northern region, but changing climate may see them move southward. The exerciseContinue reading “Gimlets, Raspberry Jam, Sugar Gums and York Gums”

Mystery at Wembley Downs

The RAC traytop was off-loading my wife’s disabled Colt last night. It was behind the church, where she usually parks the car. The tray had just lowered the vehicle, when some loud shouts made us look up. Torch lights were bobbing towards us from the road reserve. Behind the lights loomed two characters, running fullContinue reading “Mystery at Wembley Downs”

Thin Places Revisited

Once again some theologs and I met at King’s Park to explore a question that arises from a Celtic perspective of Christian spirituality – “Is King’s Park a Thin Place?” The escarpment’s close proximity to the CBD of Perth combined with the beauty of it’s bushland setting create a popular tourist spot. It is aContinue reading “Thin Places Revisited”

Three local churches join together for Pentecost communion

It’s a tradition in these parts now. Every Pentecost over the last four years we have joined with the Uniting Church at St Paul’s Anglican Church to celebrate Pentecost with an Anglican Eucharist. Everyone wears red and the sharing of communion is a highlight. Here’s the reflection I shared on John 15:27-16:4 As well asContinue reading “Three local churches join together for Pentecost communion”

Breakfast with BJ

Part of the Saturday morning crowd with BJ and Chipo Mpofu (right) Folk from over half a dozen Perth western suburbs churches gathered for an early Saturday morning breakfast with BJ & Chipo Mpofu. Under his role as President of World Convention of Churches of Christ, BJ opened the proceedings with a celebration ofContinue reading “Breakfast with BJ”

200 years

Things are beginning to happen amongst the individual and diverse communities of what began to emerge 200 years ago as the Restoration Movement and ended up under a plethora of monikas covering most of the countries of the world – variously Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ, the Christian Church, churches (small c) of Christ.Continue reading “200 years”

From the ashes

Seems like such a small thing after the devastating bushfires in Victoria, but around our streets it’s quite big. We’re getting our shops back! See here.

Chaotic hotels of radical hospitality

Disasters bring out the worst and the best in us. Have a look at Mark Riessen’s blog for a discussion and an exhortation. There is talk in the back rooms asking how local church communities can best respond to disasters that occur on such a large, gut wrenching and life altering scale. Disaster response strategiesContinue reading “Chaotic hotels of radical hospitality”

Bushfires

Fire is one of the banes of this country. The nature of our landscape and weather patterns provides an ogoing banquet of fuel for this red marauding beast. Nevertheless, we live with it and many, over time, have died with it. It has ever been in the background of my awareness. As a kid IContinue reading “Bushfires”

Missional? Weasel word no longer?

Those who know me well are familiar with my curmudgeonally skepticism about the new fangled “missional” word (what’s wrong with “mission”?). I was rather taken, however, with the vision conjured by this “Missional Tale” and may find myself relenting – only slightly!