Repeatedly in John’s Gospel (and throughout the New Testament) people misunderstand Jesus in their first encounter with him. The unnamed woman at Jacob’s well and all of Jesus’ disciples find themselves initially among this number. Some never come to know who he is. In her conversation with Jesus, the Samaritan woman slowly moves from unbelief…
If any character from the Bible can be regarded as representative of twenty-first century church members, it might be Nicodemus. He is spiritually open and curious, yet also rational. He is committed and curious enough that he makes an appointment to talk with Jesus face to face. However, Nicodemus is not ready to go public…
Dear sisters and brothers, it is such a joy and privilege to be able to join the family of the Parish of South Darebin. Thank you for the welcome, love and support we have been receiving as a family. I hope to get to know each of you in the coming days and build strong…
This Sunday is my final day with you as your Locum priest and the Incumbency committee is hard at work. In the interim if a clergyperson is needed, please contact the Church wardens. The last 11 months have gone past very quickly as we have travelled together on our journey of faith. This has involved…
Over the next two Sundays, we were to have the privilege of two baptisms at St James. One is of a child who with their family has moved into the area from Glen Iris and I am advised late Monday that this will need to be re-scheduled. The second one is from a family with…
I am writing this in the week before Australians are to go to the polls to elect a new Federal Parliament. I support the view that the Church or churches should not engage directly in the political process by advocating for a political party or an individual as the Australian Christian Lobby has, exceeding the…
The fourth Sunday in the Easter season has been traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The image of Jesus as the Good shepherd provides a model of leadership that all who follow Jesus are encouraged to adopt as their own. Leadership in recent years, at all levels and across many institutions including the Church, has…
Jesus began his ministry walking along the sea of Galilea where he meets Simon and Andrew, fishermen who joined his team of disciples. Then he meets James and John working in the same waters. They also follow him giving up their profession, family, and communities. Jesus inspired them. Today they return along with Peter and…
Christ is Risen. He is Risen Indeed. Alleluia, Alleluia! I want to begin my message this week by expressing my thanks to everyone who assisted in our Easter Worship. I am aware of the efforts many people made to ensure our churches were cleaned, flowers provided, music and welcoming also key ingredients. We have all…
‘Who are you looking for?’ She is standing in the entrance to the tomb. She replies with exasperation, with tears running from her eyes: ‘Where have you taken him?’ I suspect a few minutes of silence followed. Then Jesus, who Mary had recognised as the gardener, says to her ‘Mary’, and according to John’s Gospel,…
