Humans of the Uniting Church
Merrill Cole
November 30, 2023
This year, we’re excited to be featuring some of the inspirational people who make up the Uniting Church. Check out the growing hub of stories here. If you know of someone with a great story to tell, contact us and nominate them to be featured.
This week we meet Merrill Cole. Merrill is a lay preacher, and chair of the congregation at Eaglehawk Uniting, just north of Bendigo, Victoria. Merrill has been part of the Uniting Church since its inception.
Image: Merrill Cole.
"Within my faith community, I find joy that we can meet those in need and provide support in both practical and emotional ways ."
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What’s your Uniting Church story?
I was in my early teens at Union and had only just begun to explore my faith. So really, even though I was part of the Methodist Church, I have only been Uniting but definitely brought my love of singing. I've participated in many aspects of leadership and responsibility locally, within the presbytery and a few across Synod, and my desire for learning led me to be recognised as a Lay Preacher.
What enlivens your faith in Jesus?
When I read or hear a passage of scripture in a new way. The meaning we gain can be so different depending on our circumstances at the time and within the changing culture of our lives. Yes, they may be the same words, but we hear them through new filters and build them into action in our new context.
What’s one thing happening in your community that’s really exciting for you?
Within my faith community, I find joy that we can meet those in need and provide support in both practical and emotional ways. For many, this has grown to include spiritual support and overall, even though much of what we see in the news or on social media is the 'not so good ' stories, experience shows us that it is the 'goodness' of humanity that shines through.
What’s one thing you love telling people about the Uniting Church?
When I mentioned that I'd been asked to share in 'Humans of the Uniting Church ' I had someone close to me say, 'As opposed to the Aliens?' We are human - and what I like to share is that we still laugh and cry, we experience the good times and the difficult times, but we share all of these with others who are not only interested in us but truly care for each other's wellbeing. That is what it's all about.
What's one thing you'd like to change, or something you hope for?
For many years I have commented that while people are predominantly self-sufficient, God will rarely be their first thought. No, I definitely don't want a recession or GFC, but I find it disheartening that many will go through life believing that being a 'good person' is enough but never know the love and grace of God.
What's one thing you would like the rest of the Uniting Church to pray for?
We must pray the most fervently for those who have not yet known the mercy and compassion of the God we know. Is it impossible to ask that everyone would know and accept Christ? We should continue to pray for the impossible because with God are all things possible.