One of the things that amazed Jenny and I when we were living in Canberra was the attention paid to status. Many of the people we served worked for the government. One’s status was reflected by the designation and level within the department one served, and the suburb you were expected to live in commensurateContinue reading “Table Manners”
Tag Archives: God
The AFL’s Moral Quandary
I am often struck by how often the lectionary speaks into current events. This week Luke 13 gives a slant to the AFL (Australian Football League) Snoop Dogg Dilemma. In Luke 13:10–17, Jesus heals a woman who has been bent over for eighteen years. He does this on the Sabbath, provoking outrage from the synagogueContinue reading “The AFL’s Moral Quandary”
Gardeners in the Dark
The folk gathering for worship this morning were surprised when the power went out. They were left without lyrics and music or a public address system. Further, the church kitchen was out of order for the much anticipated post service pot luck. Our experienced worship leader (96 years young) handled the situation with ease. SheContinue reading “Gardeners in the Dark”
Thoughts and Prayers – do they work?
Luke 11:1-13 As I read through Luke’s gospel, I try to see in myself how one thought leads to another. I don’t know that this was Luke’s process, for he begins his work by stating his intention to set out an orderly account “of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as theyContinue reading “Thoughts and Prayers – do they work?”
Alain de Botton’s pastoral atheism – Eureka Street
Alain de Botton’s pastoral atheism – Eureka Street. I’ve not read Alain de Botton’s Religion for Atheists, but I find this review fascinating, as I have observed this “pull” for meaningful ritual amongst many of my “post faith” friends. Some are able to articulate along the lines suggested in the review – that community, ritesContinue reading “Alain de Botton’s pastoral atheism – Eureka Street”
Unanswered prayers
Not a terribly good week so far. Two people within our circle of concern have died following debilitating illness, both leaving young families. Another’s grandson has received a long prison sentence. Some are wondering about the effect of long and sustained prayers for these individuals and their families. Where is God in all this andContinue reading “Unanswered prayers”
World Communion Sunday
I used a day of leave to experience communion in a tradition quite different to that which I am accustomed, so I took myself off to the 10 am Choral Eucharist at St Georges Cathedral of the Anglican Arch Diocese of Perth, Western Australia. I have participated in communion services of the higher liturgical traditions before, most notablyContinue reading “World Communion Sunday”
Wondering Pilgrim 