Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation, providing Christians with a time to direct hearts and minds “to Jesus’ ‘first coming’, as the child of Bethlehem, His ‘second coming’ at the end of the age, and His many comings in the events of everyday life,” reflects The Ven. Keith Dean-Jones, Rector of the Anglican Parish of Bundaberg and Archdeacon of Burnett
“In the Queen’s deep, personal, inclusive faith we catch a glimpse of the Spirit at work in the world to reconcile all people, of all faiths and none, to God and to each other,” says Archbishop Phillip Aspinall in this special St John’s Cathedral sermon
Meet Penny Howchin from Resource Church St Andrew’s, Springfield and find out about her kids’ worship ministry, the Christian heroine who inspires her, what book she has given away the most and what she would write on a billboard
Dancer and singers celebrate the 30th anniversary of the landmark High Court Mabo case decision on Friday 3 June 2022 in the church hall of Holy Trinity, Fortitude Valley. The musicians are led by parishioner Uncle Rupert, whose chieftain great-great-great grandfather received the Bible in 1871 from London Missionary Society and Melanesian Christians. The dancers are from the Malu Kiai Mura Buai Dance Company, and include many Torres Strait Islander parishioners. People from across our Diocesan community gathered for the special service and the spirited fellowship time
“I can recall the introduction of the Greeting of the Peace into Eucharists in the 1970s. It met stiff resistance…Clergy had to work hard to introduce the new custom and its emphasis on the corporate nature of worship,” says Bishop Jonathan Holland
Australian Christian Andrew Telfer recently served as an Ecumenical Accompanier with the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel – his personal reflections form the backbone of an inspired free Lenten guide, which blends personal anecdotes, suggested calls to action and prayers
“When we extend an invitation to people, including seasonal workers, to join us, we have both the responsibility and privilege to listen to their story. Sharing narratives is at the heart of Christian community and essential for our own sense of person and place,” says The Rev’d Dr Imelda O’Loughlin, locum priest at St Alban’s in Gatton, in this Season of Creation reflection
“Many of the songs we sing in church look forward ‘one day’ to resurrection and eternal life, but I wonder if there are enough songs which express longing and hope for this life,” reflects Bishop Cam Venables
Clergy, church representatives and parishioners on the ground share their insights into how parishioners out west have been impacted by the drought, and how the broader Diocesan community can assist.
“The Myanmar Council of Churches is calling for the release of the President of Myanmar U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. It also urges a spirit of reconciliation, and for all to be treated equally. It asks people of all faiths to pray for the peace, development, justice and hopes of all the people of Myanmar”