Words for the Way – “They will beat their swords into ploughshares…”

This Message was delivered live to the congregation of St Ninian’s Uniting Church, Lyneham – Canberra on Sunday 28 April 2024 Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 5:1-16 Blamey Barracks better known as ‘Kapooka’ is located about nine and a half kilo meters outside the south-western town of Wagga Wagga, where the Australian Army since 1942 has trained

Benjamin’s Way – A Modern Parable

This long parable set in a suburban street, “Benjamin’s Way,” explores themes of prejudice and community values. The residents initially ostracize a new family, the Benjamins, due to perceived differences. However, their opinions drastically shift as Mr. Benjamin, previously a naval officer, saves a boy from a burning house. This act of courage transforms the community, debunking their prejudices and leading to meaningful introspection about love, charity, and compassion.

Words for the way – On the Journey

Preached at Yarralumla Uniting Church, Canberra, ACT Exodus 14:19-31 Some years ago, my family and I were on a holiday trip in outback Australia.  We were traveling later in the day.  The topography as many of you will know in far western New South Wales is quite flat, so much so that one may in places almost

Words for the Way – Curiosity

Theis Week’s sermon from St Ninian’s Uninting Church, Lyneham, ACT. (Canberra) Luke 19:1-10 Curious people One thing that one learns if they serve in one of our emergency services, is that if there is an incident there will be on lookers who will stand and watch the rescue or event unfold sometimes to the very

Words for the Way – True wealth

Sunday 25th September 2022 Sermon preached live to the Congregation of St Ninian’s Uniting Church, Lyneham, ACT (Canberra) 1 Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31 Grand and Wealthy City I once visited a very beautiful and wealthy city.  I will not name the city for such a city maybe any number of metropolises around the world all renown for

Words for the Way- The Philemon Letter

Sunday 4th September 2022, Pentecost 13 Philemon Why Philemon? – a private Letter The letter to Philemon from the Apostle Paul at a glance is a rather strange piece of writing to have been successfully selected into the Biblical Cannon.  For one may put up the strong argument that this letter is private and deals with

Words for the way- The Place of Honour

Sunday 28th August 2022 Pentecost 12 Luke 14:1,7-14 A strange Army Tradition There is a long-standing tradition in the Australian Army which may surprise some.  The tradition has to do with meals, and who eats when.  The simple tradition is that on the operational battlefield, the officers eat last.  This tradition comes from the ideal that it is the

Words for the way – A Holy Day Sunday 21st August 2022a Pentecost 11 Isaiah 58:9b-14; Luke 13:10-17 Shift Workers There is one group of people that I have much empathy for in our community.  Namely, the shift workers.  My sympathy comes from the fact that for many years I too was a shift worker.  A life bound up

Words for the way – A New World – No more tears Sunday 15th May 2022 Easter V this message was preached live to the Congregation of St Ninian’s Uniting Church, Lyneham ACT (Canberra) Revelation 21:1-9; John 13:31-35 Hope is a Key Hope is one of the three key theological virtues of the Christian faith.  There is

Words for the way, pastoral notes during Pandemic – The Anointing Fifth Sunday in Lent This Message was preached lived to the congregation of St Ninian’s Uniting Church, Lyneham ACT. (Canberra) Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8 Perfume – O the wonderful scent One of the many fascinating aspects for me in the Middle East