Pastor’s Page

"And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. Everyone, therefore, who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven."

- Matthew 10:30-32

This Sunday we mark the 49th anniversary of Union, the formation of the Uniting Church. Many of you will have memories of the occasion and the process of discernment which led to Union, whereas others (like myself) will have joined the church, come to faith or been born at a later date.

As we reflect upon the foundation of our denomination, we recognise the courage of those who believed that God was doing a new thing, and responded through the coming-together of their churches. Often this was at the cost of change to local communities, as they navigated the practical realities of the lofty goal of unity.

While times and fashions have changed since then, our need to bravely follow the calling of the Holy Spirit remains. Whether it is in relation to the structure of our church, our service of others or our advocacy within the society around us, we continue to bear the responsibility to listen to the still, small voice of God – the Holy Spirit which we recently celebrated at Pentecost.

As we reflect upon the history of our church and seek to follow Jesus into whatever future lies ahead of us, may we share in this prayer written by the author Kayla Craig:

"O God, we thank You for making Your home in our hearts. Nourish us with Your goodness. Nurture us in Your lovingkindness. We know that we cannot work our way to Your love – it is already there, in us and among us in Christ. O God of abundant love, help us to abide in You. Holy Spirit, we ask for Your guidance so that all that we do, all we say, and all we are would be an overflow of Your great and gentle love. In You, may we bear the fruit of love and joy, peace and patience, kindness and goodness, faithfulness and gentleness, and self-control. Amen."

Blessings, Pastor Abbey Sim