“Alice is my little sister and now you are my friend too. “ said Uncle K.
Some people might say he shared too much information, but I know all about Uncle K now. I know his ancestry, where he lived in Sydney, where he was born, that he sings and was a break dancer in his youth. That his children go to boarding school and love hockey, that they are very good at sport. I know that his wife’s name is Belinda. I know that his family originally came from Bowraville and that his grandfather, Jack Gardiner married the woman that he ‘just fell in love with’, an indigenous woman, ‘a real church going lady’, her name was Kate. I know his mum played piano and sang – she was a Kelly. I know he is somehow related to Troy Cassar-Daley and calls his mum Aunty Jo. I know he is hooked on music from the 70s and 80s. I know he loves story telling and drama and aboriginal games that everyone can join in. I know he thinks that learning about culture is about sharing and learning tolerance. I know that I feel a part of his world too now.
We started WoW (weekend of wellbeing) many years ago with the inspiration of Anne Sutton, Ken Robinson and the Brisbane congregation. We were keen to create a place where we upheld the long-time emphasis of our church on health and wellbeing. We knew we wanted to do things differently, to include more people, engage in listening, dialogue and sharing in community. Over time we have journeyed with some amazing experts in their field. Marshall Leaver with his respect for indigenous perspectives has led us in deep listening. Lisa Hoelzl with her passion for clay helped us move WoW to a new level of expertise and hospitality together with her husband Scott and her children Mimi and Eliza. Gail Robinson has shared with us about the brain, spirituality and mindfulness. Kari Sutton has shared her extensive knowledge of what it means to engage children in spiritual experiences. Julie Anne Mitchell taught us about heart health, Glenda McDonald shared in mindful creative expression, Lara Jane Stewart has added her ministry of music, Sophie Munns her ministry of art, and Diana Chester her passion for the part sound plays in our lives. In Frankston, Annie Falcke and Jenny Robinson added their own passion for creating wholeness and building relationships. In Sydney, Emma and Anthony Espinosa taught us about self compassion. Robert, a constant support and behind the scenes organiser along with Marshall and a team of helpers have created food extraordinaire with more than a spoonful of love…..
….So many of you have been along for the ride and supported this endeavour. Because of you we have been able to offer this minister to others that haven’t known of our church; with one friend of mine remarking to me this week – “You know your online workshop I couldn’t fault for its professionalism, engagement of participants and content.”
Our upcoming WoW, themed this year Openhearted, is a face to face gathering in Grafton – Uncle K is an integral part as well as other local people passionate about wellbeing including our dear friend Alice Granleese. Kass Unger and Jan Thompson will join our team this year, offering children’s ministry. On the Sunday Tony and Charmaine Chvala Smith will join us on zoom to talk about the language of the heart in the bible and Christian spiritual tradition.….. and so soon, together with Big River Calm, we set off again … on a wing and a prayer and a hope for what is possible…. of course you are all invited!
Anne Bonnefin
Communication Co ordinator
Community of Christ Australia
