Category Archives: Minister’s Blog

I have just attended the ceremony in River Heart Parklands marking the first anniversary of the devastating floods in Ipswich at this time last year. Along with some of you, I heard again story after story of tragedy and loss, … Continue reading →

In terms of origin, the word ‘carol’ or ‘carole’ is of French and Anglo-Norman origin for a dance song. Carols express ‘religious joy’ and are in general associated with the Christmas season. Authorities say the first carol was written somewhere … Continue reading →

Our texts today encourage us to be ‘full of joy’. Paul’s word to the church at Thessalonica was to ‘Rejoice Always!’ What does it mean to be ‘full of joy’? One authority says joy is ‘the echo of God’s life … Continue reading →

I suspect at this time of the year we get so wrapped up in getting our homes decked out for Christmas that we are inclined to neglect to get our hearts ready for the coming of Jesus Christ. I’ve got … Continue reading →

The Season of Advent is the beginning of the Christian Year for most churches in the western tradition. It’s a short season beginning today – the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day – and ends on Christmas Eve. The word Advent … Continue reading →

Read: Leviticus 19: 9-10 For five weeks now we have focused on a theme of Generosity. Early on I dubbed you the ‘G’ congregation. Rightly understood, ‘generosity’ can become an illuminating model for creative and responsible Christian living. The themes … Continue reading →

Generous in Hope In our Generosity series, we have looked so far at being generous in spirit, in care and in prayer. Today we focus of being generous in hope. A check through the Bible will quickly tell you that … Continue reading →

Read: 1 Samuel 1:1-19; 2:1-11. Psalm 55 We pray in humility, in honesty. in faith, in confidence, in Jesus’ name and according to God’s will. God wants us to be generous and persistent in prayer, but also to accompany our … Continue reading →

Read: The Book of Ruth. You have heard of the Baby Boomers, and you would be aware of Generations X [ born 1966 - 1976] Generation Y [born 1977 - 1994], and Generation Z [born 1995 - 2012], affectionately known … Continue reading →

Today we are embarking on a five-week look at how we can become a Community of Generosity; a community generous in spirit, generous in care, generous in prayer, generous in hope, and generous in giving. I’m excited about this. Sharing … Continue reading →