Called to be a Church for all The Transforming Worship Circle has created a liturgy that acknowledges both the experiences of exclusion and embrace for people with disabilities. Titled, Called to be a Church for All, the liturgy is the result of the 15th Assembly’s commitment to justice and inclusion regarding people with disabilities. A task group led […]
Rev. (Deacon) Andy Calder, Disability Inclusion Advocate, VIC/TAS Synod, offers this introduction and background. When preparing worship services, how much consideration is given to who will be there? Will all people find the liturgy accessible? What forms of communication are used? These are some of the questions which have been raised by people with disabilities, […]
Below is the Rationale for the Proposal – Disability Access Guidelines, adopted by the Assembly. In the Gift of Being – Called to be a Church of All and for All, a powerful image is Paul’s message to the Ephesians that Christ has come to tear down the walls that separate us (Eph.2:14). Divisions between “us” and “them” […]
By Rev. Lindsay Cullen, Assembly National Consultant and Sci-Fi aficionado Sci-Fi Church Sydney is a “Fresh Expression” designed to create a community space for people who love Sci-Fi and want to discuss the themes and ideas they find in Sci-Fi books, TV shows and movies, and the ways they intersect with spirituality and the Christian […]
By Rev. Sandy Boyce, Deacon, Pilgrim Uniting Church, SA Break the Silence Sunday (BTSS) is an initiative that began in the United States, with a specific focus on sexual assault and rape. The SA Presbytery and Synod agreed in February 2019 to adopt the global day for BTSS, the fourth Sunday in April. BTSS aims […]
Rev. Radhika Sukumar-White reflects on how a joyful celebration of the resurrection quickly turned to a day of grieving for the hundreds killed in the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka. She helped organised two vigil services in Sydney, which drew large numbers of people from all backgrounds. On Easter Sunday morning, my congregation in […]
One of my favorites all time worship inspirations passed away earlier this year. Her name was Mary Oliver. Of her many, many great works was this little gem, which, in a way, captures the heart of what worship can be…. “Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” As folk involved […]
Circle member Rev. Jon Humphries reflects on the story of Jesus birth as it is in the scriptures, without the cultural and religious filters on. This is what he found. 1. Life is hard for many. They eek out their daily existence following routine and culture. For some, even in the midst of daily struggle, […]
Circle Advocate Rev. Alex Sangster shares a Christmas message. We, the Transforming Worship Circle are journeying together in Advent. Advent is all about, the dark before dawn and the smashing and clashing of stars… and the preparation for the birthing… Advent is the time to go into the deep, where the night has eyes to […]