Pastor’s Page

Last week I attended the fourth annual Uniting Youth Camp. This event provides an opportunity for high school students to connect with God and connect with others in a fun, safe and inclusive environment. Wesley was fortunate to have Joshua and Sam Toa attend, alongside approximately 140 other young people from across NSW/ACT.

This week in the lectionary, we are reminded of Paul’s encouragement to rejoice, from the book of Philippians. Of course, this teaching comes not from a place of security and abundance, but from the precarity and hardship of prison. This serves as a reminder to seek the goodness of God no matter our circumstances. As this is challenging, it is helpful to remember that we do not seek joy in hard times alone, but rather we have a friend in Jesus who supports us and the strength of community around us to lend a hand when it is difficult to see what God is doing in our lives.

This reminder to rejoice is particularly pertinent in light of the experience of camp. For people of all ages, the worries and hardships of life can raise many questions. We are fortunate in an intergenerational environment such as Wesley, and in a diverse wider church, that we are able to come together in Christ’s name to share in our struggles and shine a light on the hope we have in Christ. This hope anchors us towards the goodness which we experience through God’s love and which we can seek to live out in the lives of others.

Furthermore, the theme for 2027’s Uniting Youth Camp has been announced as ‘Rejoice’, exploring the book of Philippians. Please be praying for our communities as young people prepare to attend camp again next year, especially as youth ministries are growing and expanding - praise God!

Blessings, Pastor Abbey Sim