Reflections from the belly
It is a question of fair balance between your present abundance and their need … (2 Corinthians 8:14)
Lately, I have been thinking about balance. Balance between haves and have-nots. Balance of power. Balancing act. Work-life balance. I’m not sure that balance is always achievable, but as we wonder how or even whether Sanctuary will continue, I become more and more convinced of the importance of striving for balance. Continue reading “Corinthians | A question of balance”
If you enter your place of worship then remember that your brother or sister has something against you, abandon your offering and go, be reconciled to your brother or sister. Make things right. Then and only then, come back and offer your gift to God. (Matthew 5:23-24)
I was absolutely sickened by the brutal, arrogant and downright ugly carving of a Jesus-branded message into an Indigenous sacred site on Mount Beerwah last week. (If you missed it, someone used a power tool to gouge “JESUS SAVES JUST ASK HIM” in letters up to an inch deep across the rockface.) Continue reading “Reconciliation Week | Before reconciliation”
As an ordained minister, I get asked funny questions on forms sometimes. This is one of them, and this is my response.
Homosexuals in the church? A wonderful idea! There should be many more, and there could be if we showed even the basic respect of getting our nomenclature right. I don’t know anybody who calls themselves homosexual. It’s largely considered an offensive term, only used by people outside the community. The people in our congregation call themselves ‘gay’, ‘queer’, ‘bi’, ‘trans’, ‘non-binary’ or ‘allies’; as a group, they are members of the LGBTIQA+ community (and Sanctuary). Continue reading “IDAHOBIT | “Please state your convictions regarding homosexuals in the church””
He walked ahead as if he were going on. (Luke 24:28)
These words seem innocuous, deep in the story of the road to Emmaus. But pay attention, and they rocket off the page. Two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem when a stranger joins them on the road. The storyteller lets us know that it’s the resurrected Jesus, but the disciples don’t realize it yet. It’s only after they have ‘strongly urged him’ to stay with them that he turns back, comes inside and shares bread with them, and they recognize the Risen Christ. Continue reading “Luke | He walked ahead”
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. (Psalm 24:1)
So glad you asked! Answer: Baptist churches are independently funded and financially self-sustaining. At the core of a healthy Baptist church you’ll find a group of committed people who give money and time to ensure that there is a pastor and that the work of the church is done. Continue reading “Church | How are Baptist churches funded?”
A simple infant dedication for a mixed crowd. Suitable for use in a service, or at a gathering of family, friends and faith community in the home – such as we did here at Sanctuary on Saturday.
Some of us here believe that each new child
is a glimpse of the face of God,
and a call to live in peace
and to celebrate living together. Continue reading “A simple rite of infant dedication”
Let the little children come to me … (Mark 10:14)
Just under a year ago, we welcomed a baby to her first service and gave thanks for her safe arrival. Now her parents are ready to dedicate her, which we will do at her birthday this weekend. For those of you from non-Baptist backgrounds, it may look a little different to what you are used to: there is no water, and she will not be christened. So what, then, are we doing? Continue reading “Infant dedication, Baptist style”
If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. (John 13:14)
Given the looks on people’s faces when I announced our foot washing service, it’s clear some of you are revolted by the idea. Fair enough. It was always a challenging practice — so why do it? Continue reading “Foot washing: Are you serious?!”
Being God’s children is never in question. It’s what we do next that counts. (Listen.)
‘Since you’re the son of God,’ says the devilish examiner in Matthew’s story, ‘turn these stones to bread.’ Use your power for your own ends. Whip up a miracle, and feed yourself. ‘Since you’re the son of God,’ says the examiner, ‘jump off The Pinnacle.’ Create a spectacle, sell tickets, hold a circus. Let everyone see God’s angels save you: it’ll be great advertising for your little movement. And anyway, it’s all in scripture. According to Psalm 91, ‘The angels will catch you and raise you up — you won’t even stub your toe!’ (vv. 11-12). Continue reading “Matthew | So you’re God’s child. Now what?”
Christ’s incarnation is often underwhelming. It is up to us to look at the evidence, and decide if it’s the real deal. (Listen.)
We’re nearing the end of a long and somewhat disheartening year. After two years of lockdowns and all the ramifications, many of us kicked off this year with not much in the tank. Then we had sickness aplenty, and too many funerals, and relentless pivoting and change; many of us are fatigued, burned out, or just plain exhausted. Meanwhile, here at Sanctuary, some households have moved away, and church participation has dwindled. We still have a strong, solid core: but there are weeks when those of us who turn up might look around and wonder, Is this all there is? Continue reading “Matthew | Like, are you serious?”
Alison and the whale 