These articles in the category of “Reflections, 2007-2009″ were written by a former minister at Bacchus Marsh, the Rev. Blair Cameron, currently serving in a placement in Brisbane. They remain here on this website with Blair’s permission.
Reflections, 2007-2009
A note re the category of “Reflections, 2007 -2009″
Published January 23rd, 2011 in Reflections, 2007-2009. 0 CommentsPrayer tree: a chance to respond.
Published February 9th, 2009 in Reflections, 2007-2009. 0 Comments
Times of crisis can leave us feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed and with nowhere to go. The recent bushfires still ravaging our country bring up just those feelings of loss, shock and powerlessness; not only for those who have lost homes or loved-ones, but also for those of us looking on helplessly through the lense of the nightly media.
That’s why St. Andrew’s has raised a public prayer tree at the gate of the church in Gisborne Road; as a chance for anyone to come and make a prayer for those who are struggling with the bushfires. This is not a new idea. After the 9/11 attacks, the then CECM unit of the Uniting church set up a prayer tree outside their offices in Kew, and were amazed at the response.
Along side this simple local action, the Uniting Church in Australia has set up a bushfire appeal fund for anyone to make monetary donations. Every dollar through the fund will be directed straight to the point of greatest need.
Donations can be made to the “Victorian Bushfire Appeal” by free calling 1800 060 543, or donating online at www.shareappeal.org.au, or by sending a cheque or credit card donation to SHARE Community Appeal - Bushfire Appeal, GPO Box 4355, Melbourne, 3001.
Rev. Alistair MacRae’s powerpoint presentation from the May meeting of the Presbytery of Port Philip West can be downloaded with a CLICK HERE (220Kb)
A friend/collegue of mine, who blogs regularly on unconventional worship, wrote a small piece titled ‘god as verb, not noun.’ I’ve noticed her write hints about this before, but not yet had a glass of red with her to discuss it in depth. Anyway, this time it provoked two small repsonses from me which I thought I’d put here for what they’re worth.
1.
when are you, god, not where
when are you, god, not what
when are you,
how are you,
why are you,
god
2.
‘I will be that I will be’ not ‘I am that I am’
A common word between us
Published November 2nd, 2007 in Resources and Reflections, 2007-2009. 0 Comments
It struck me that I must be out of touch a wee bit since I almost accidentally stumbled across this monumental document of our time. Either I’m not reading enough news, or this didn’t rate highly enough in the media’s strange priorities. A group of 138 Muslim leaders from around the world and across the various denominations of Islam have come together to reach out to Christians, and this doesn’t get front page priority?
I’ve been concerned about the consistent sabre rattling and conflict creation climate that has been fuelled over many issues - religion not being the least of them. A Common Word, aimed at finding a common ground for productive engagement between Muslims, Christians and Jews is just superb. Each are called to seek commonality in the command to love God and love others.
A wonderful, and equally well written, reply has also been posted here. If you have any interest in interfaith dialogue, please take the time to read and digest both documents. Then think about how you can spread the news of this initiative for relationship and peace between the world faiths.
(Blair Cameron, 2007)
