After over 34 years in Parish Ministry it is time for a change. As I indicated I have been suffering the effects of "burn out" and have had some 12 weeks of leave.
I have accepted the appointment as: "General Manager, Parish Partnerships and Community Development" with Anglicare Victoria.
This will be a big change, but I believe a fulfillibng and exciting one. It will allow me to use the experience and gifts I have and it will allow me to follow some of the things I feel passionate about.
I will be able to work in the area of social justice and bring to fruition some of the Gospel precepts about caring for the poor and the outcast. The Anglicare Vic Website will inform you of this area of its work.
I finish in the Parish on Nov 29th and begin with Anglicare on 1/12/09
God Bless you.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Depressed!
As readers will be aware I am currently on sick leave. The diagnoses is Depression. The form I have, I call "burn out".
The effect is that you have a headache 24/7 and lose all energy and enthusiasm for anything and everything.
It's a pity we tend to be so embaressed about such illness, when it so prevelant and so treatable.
It is good to see Andrew Robb M.H.R. "outing himself"
What is the cure? Counselling, rest and medication. Mostly it takes time.
The cause? For me, it is too much work with a high emotional stress.
So, when I return to work, there will need to be some changes, and I am talking to the Church Wardens about that.
We all need to take these illnesses seriously and provide the care that each patient needs.
I am very grateful to the Parish for its patience and care, and to the Diocese for allowing me to take the time that I need to fully recover.
The effect is that you have a headache 24/7 and lose all energy and enthusiasm for anything and everything.
It's a pity we tend to be so embaressed about such illness, when it so prevelant and so treatable.
It is good to see Andrew Robb M.H.R. "outing himself"
What is the cure? Counselling, rest and medication. Mostly it takes time.
The cause? For me, it is too much work with a high emotional stress.
So, when I return to work, there will need to be some changes, and I am talking to the Church Wardens about that.
We all need to take these illnesses seriously and provide the care that each patient needs.
I am very grateful to the Parish for its patience and care, and to the Diocese for allowing me to take the time that I need to fully recover.
Monday, September 14, 2009
a break!
As you are aware In am mnot a GREAT BLOGGER
I have been on sick leave - depression/burnout - will take up the pen again in October
In the meantime - keep the faith!!
I have been on sick leave - depression/burnout - will take up the pen again in October
In the meantime - keep the faith!!
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Age Sat 27-6
I was saddened to read of the gun toting Pastor in this a.m's Age.
It begs the question: do we let The Gospel inform our culture and bring about change, or do we allow culture to inform and change the Gospel?
Jesus was the supreme "non violent" man, even to the point of giving himself up to death on the Cross. His teachings in the Beatitudes [Matt Ch 5-7] and elsewhere in the N.T. speak of non violent responses and active peacemaking.
"Everyone who lives by the sword, dies by the sword".
Whilst there may well be a place for guns for self defence, e.g. WW2 against Fascism, Gospel believing Christians must work tirelessly for peace and non violent responses to all situations.
Jesus: "Blessed are the peacemakers..."
P.S.
I am not a good blogger - but I would be interested in your comments on the above
It begs the question: do we let The Gospel inform our culture and bring about change, or do we allow culture to inform and change the Gospel?
Jesus was the supreme "non violent" man, even to the point of giving himself up to death on the Cross. His teachings in the Beatitudes [Matt Ch 5-7] and elsewhere in the N.T. speak of non violent responses and active peacemaking.
"Everyone who lives by the sword, dies by the sword".
Whilst there may well be a place for guns for self defence, e.g. WW2 against Fascism, Gospel believing Christians must work tirelessly for peace and non violent responses to all situations.
Jesus: "Blessed are the peacemakers..."
P.S.
I am not a good blogger - but I would be interested in your comments on the above
Sunday, April 19, 2009
A new way
The Archbishop of Canterbury challenges us to look back to the monastic traditions as a new way of living.
His challenge comes as the world struggles with the issues of the Global Financial Crisis, climate change and so on.
As Christians we have a rich tradition of "community" which is based on mutual care, seeking the common good, and pursuing goals of peace and justice.
In the early chapters of the Acts of the Apostles we get an insight into how the first Christians lived.
A real challenge lay in how we might embrace these ideals in a very secular suburban world.
But just as the First century Christians turned the then world upside down, perhaps it is time for contemporary Christaians to turn our world upside down.
After all, we are the "resurrection people" - we have the Way, who is also Truth and Life!
Christ is Risen: Alleluia!
His challenge comes as the world struggles with the issues of the Global Financial Crisis, climate change and so on.
As Christians we have a rich tradition of "community" which is based on mutual care, seeking the common good, and pursuing goals of peace and justice.
In the early chapters of the Acts of the Apostles we get an insight into how the first Christians lived.
A real challenge lay in how we might embrace these ideals in a very secular suburban world.
But just as the First century Christians turned the then world upside down, perhaps it is time for contemporary Christaians to turn our world upside down.
After all, we are the "resurrection people" - we have the Way, who is also Truth and Life!
Christ is Risen: Alleluia!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Pause a momnet
The A.F.L. Season has started once again. I used to love the footy. But somehow it is just not the same. Call me old fashioned if you like. I loved the days when club loyalty was paramount. When the players were committed to the team. Now with all the money, the draft and all of that - footy is more about money and business. Too many things are now measured in dollar terms. I guess we cannot turn back the clock. However, it would be nice to think that we could just enjoy things for their own sake.
Perhaps as we come to Holy Week and Easter, you can take time to stop, to reflect on these great moments and see what they might mean in your life.
The first Easter Day changed the world for ever; how will this Easter Day affect your Life?
Will it cause you to pause and think about the timeless values of love, peace, justice, compassion and joy?
Will you stop and think about your relationship with God?
Good Friday might cause us all to pause and think of the destructiveness of human sin, of how it sets one person against another, one nation against another.
Jesus' resurrection might once again tell us all of God's power, of God's healing, restorative love.
Take some time to ponder these things
God Bless you
Perhaps as we come to Holy Week and Easter, you can take time to stop, to reflect on these great moments and see what they might mean in your life.
The first Easter Day changed the world for ever; how will this Easter Day affect your Life?
Will it cause you to pause and think about the timeless values of love, peace, justice, compassion and joy?
Will you stop and think about your relationship with God?
Good Friday might cause us all to pause and think of the destructiveness of human sin, of how it sets one person against another, one nation against another.
Jesus' resurrection might once again tell us all of God's power, of God's healing, restorative love.
Take some time to ponder these things
God Bless you
Saturday, March 14, 2009
A SERMON
THE LEARNED MAN SAID
TO THE ALMOND TREE;
SPEAK TO ME OF GOD.
AND THE ALMOND TREE BLOSSOMED.
ANON.
TO THE ALMOND TREE;
SPEAK TO ME OF GOD.
AND THE ALMOND TREE BLOSSOMED.
ANON.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Let freedom roll!
I have started to grow a beard. So what?
Well, that's would you would think should be people's reaction.
Well no; it is fascinating how people feel that they must express their opinion on beards and tell me what I can or can't do with my face!
O.K.; you might have to look at me, but, I also look at you, and I accept how you present yourself. If you want to make a change - that's your choice.
It is fascinating how people feel that they can tell another person how they should look. Surely we are free individuals who have the right to make simple choices: a beard, a new hair colour, wearing a bright pink shirt!
An important part of being human, is having the freedom to be yourself. Loving our neighbour is about letting them express their individuality in a way that they are happy with.
So, I am growing a beard - please - let me have that freedom!!
Well, that's would you would think should be people's reaction.
Well no; it is fascinating how people feel that they must express their opinion on beards and tell me what I can or can't do with my face!
O.K.; you might have to look at me, but, I also look at you, and I accept how you present yourself. If you want to make a change - that's your choice.
It is fascinating how people feel that they can tell another person how they should look. Surely we are free individuals who have the right to make simple choices: a beard, a new hair colour, wearing a bright pink shirt!
An important part of being human, is having the freedom to be yourself. Loving our neighbour is about letting them express their individuality in a way that they are happy with.
So, I am growing a beard - please - let me have that freedom!!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Fires
It has been a dreadful time in Victoria this past week. You cannot read a paper or use the electronic media without a heavy heart. The tragedy is beyond comprehension.
The responses of people have been amazing. The compassion so many people are showing encourages ones faith in humanity.
The dreadful statement of Danny Nalliah of "Catch the Fire" ministries deserve the strongest condemnation. To say the fires were God's Judgement on Victoria shows a complete ignorance of both the Scriptures and our understanding of God, who is Love.
The Cross of Christ reminds us that God is in the very midst of our suffering, God is in the midst of our pain and despair. There is nothing blacker than Good Friday, but there is nothing more glorious than Easter day.
We don't have all the answers, we see, as St paul says, through a glass, darkly. But we know, that God, in Christ, is present with us.
"Even though I walk through the valley and shadow of death, I fear no evil, you are with me!" [Ps 23]
In these current circumstances we are called to act compassionately, be generous, and pray fervently, trusting in the God who will lead us into the glory of His Kiingdom.
The responses of people have been amazing. The compassion so many people are showing encourages ones faith in humanity.
The dreadful statement of Danny Nalliah of "Catch the Fire" ministries deserve the strongest condemnation. To say the fires were God's Judgement on Victoria shows a complete ignorance of both the Scriptures and our understanding of God, who is Love.
The Cross of Christ reminds us that God is in the very midst of our suffering, God is in the midst of our pain and despair. There is nothing blacker than Good Friday, but there is nothing more glorious than Easter day.
We don't have all the answers, we see, as St paul says, through a glass, darkly. But we know, that God, in Christ, is present with us.
"Even though I walk through the valley and shadow of death, I fear no evil, you are with me!" [Ps 23]
In these current circumstances we are called to act compassionately, be generous, and pray fervently, trusting in the God who will lead us into the glory of His Kiingdom.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A New World?
Well, are we in a new world? We have President Obama in the U.S. and so many hopes are pinned on him.
No one man can do all that is laid on his shoulders.
However, I hope that the optimism and hope that people have will usher in a time when people will work togetjher to fulfill those hopes.
But with the realities of the Middle East and the financial crisis that is a very big ask.
As Christians look to the Gospels we find an agenda by which we can live and find the answers we need. But these are often very different to those of the society about us.
The prophet Micah summed up this agenda when he proclaimed that we should "love mercy, do justice and walk humbly with our God".
Jesus summed it all up in the two fold commandment: Love God and Love your neighbour as yourself.
Read through Matthew chapters 5 - 7 and ponder on Jesus' teaching - it challenges us to a new way of living - a way that gives LIFE, eternal life.
No one man can do all that is laid on his shoulders.
However, I hope that the optimism and hope that people have will usher in a time when people will work togetjher to fulfill those hopes.
But with the realities of the Middle East and the financial crisis that is a very big ask.
As Christians look to the Gospels we find an agenda by which we can live and find the answers we need. But these are often very different to those of the society about us.
The prophet Micah summed up this agenda when he proclaimed that we should "love mercy, do justice and walk humbly with our God".
Jesus summed it all up in the two fold commandment: Love God and Love your neighbour as yourself.
Read through Matthew chapters 5 - 7 and ponder on Jesus' teaching - it challenges us to a new way of living - a way that gives LIFE, eternal life.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Welcome to 2009
The New Year has arrived. I hope that for all my readers it will be a good year - despite the times we are in.
The unresolved mess in the Middle East continues with all its pain and suffering.
I cannot help but ask: why does the international community let this state of affairs continue for so long?
There will be no peace until Palestine is afforded the rights and status of an independant State. No one can expect the Palestinian people to live as prisoners and refugees on the land in which they have dwelt since before the birth of Christ.
There is little point in apportioning blame: a just solution is needed if there is to be an end to the suffering that continues in the Gaza and West Bank.
As Christians celebrate the birth of Christ; "the Prince of Peace", we should all be praying for and doing what ever we can to encourage and support any peace process that seeks justice and security for all.
The unresolved mess in the Middle East continues with all its pain and suffering.
I cannot help but ask: why does the international community let this state of affairs continue for so long?
There will be no peace until Palestine is afforded the rights and status of an independant State. No one can expect the Palestinian people to live as prisoners and refugees on the land in which they have dwelt since before the birth of Christ.
There is little point in apportioning blame: a just solution is needed if there is to be an end to the suffering that continues in the Gaza and West Bank.
As Christians celebrate the birth of Christ; "the Prince of Peace", we should all be praying for and doing what ever we can to encourage and support any peace process that seeks justice and security for all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)