WoW "The Authentic Life" 2024

Last weekend Drummoyne Church hosted a wonderful Weekend of Well-being (WoW) where over 20 people gathered for an opportunity to refresh, refocus and rebalance by centring around the theme of "Living an Authentic Life".

After Marshall Leaver shared an acknowledgment of country, Anne Bonnefin and Roxanne Taylor led us on a path of discovery through meditation and art, along with a whimsical journey of imaginative story telling using miniature models of people. This proved to be enormously creative and comical, with echos of laughter reverberating around the church. It lifted our spirits and set the scene for an uplifting and memorable evening. We shared a great meal together whilst being entertained by Daniel Jackson who provided insights into songwriting when I interviewed him. Daniel also entertained us by singing and playing many of his heartfelt compositions. 

Another highlight of the evening was the keynote address from our overseas guest Matt Frizzell who shone his light on the "The Authentic Life". Matt, with his background as a theologian, educator and world church minister, gave profound insights and was both inspiring and motivating.

Sunday was balanced with positive energy from our Tai Chi Master Aaron leading us through an hour of movement. It was followed by Matt who shared Part 2 of his message on Authenticity from a Christian perspective, followed by a lunch together and fellowship.

We are grateful to the many who generously gave of their time to make this event possible. David and Jane Henricks spent many hours in preparing the Drummoyne Church to host our event. David Drake helped decorate the room in which we met. Janine Wood co-ordinated the dinner and lunch catering helped by the many who provided scrumptious food for morning and afternoon teas. The passion and organisation of WoW lies with the WoW team, Marshall Leaver, Anne Bonnefin, Janine Wood and myself. The church is blessed to have the wisdom and enthusiasm of this collective team.

We are grateful to the Australia Mission Centre, too, for its generosity in helping contribute to this event. Its leadership sees the value in investing in the lives of us all, to create communities of Joy, Hope, Love and Peace. WoW is indeed a prized expression of the call to inclusivity in our unique religious movement. 

Robert Thompson 

Exploration Session for the Nonviolence Draft Statement

Exploration Session for the Nonviolence Draft Statement

In preparation for World Conference 2025, join the online Exploration Sessions to discuss the 2024 Draft Statement on Nonviolence! These Zoom gatherings are a chance to share your insights and hear diverse perspectives from the community. You do not need to be registered for World Conference to participate—everyone is welcome!

Session Dates & Times have been converted to AEDT:

Tuesday, Nov 12 — 11:30 am to 1:15 pm

Wednesday, Nov 13 — 12:30 am to 2:15 am

Thursday, Nov 14 — 12:30 pm to 2:15 pm

Friday, Nov 15 — 3:30 am to 5:15 am

Sunday, Nov 17 — 5:30 am to 7:15 am

The First Presidency requests feedback on this statement, with a submission deadline of February 28, 2025.

Register Here: https://cofchrist.org/.../legislation-exploration.../

To read the NonViolence draft statement, click here: https://cofchrist.org/draft-statement/

Ordination of Ruth Walshe to the Office of Elder

Taree congregation was filled with love and joy as congregations from around the Mid-North coast and beyond gathered together to celebrate the ordination of Ruth Walshe to the office of Elder on Sunday, the 20th of October.

Excitement gathered on this special occasion as friends and family caught up with each other and shared in the excitement of this very special day.  As the congregation burst into song, the windows were rattling with beautiful voices ringing through the air.

The service was led by Helen Taylor and Wendy Ballard with special messages of love and support from all of the congregation brightening up the front of the church as red hearts were hung on a tree at the front of the church.  The ordination of Ruth was given by John Rawson and Julie Crittenden.  The holy spirit filled the whole church as love was passed from person to person.

The love present in the church was at times overwhelming as each person was reminded of their role in supporting Ruth in her new calling as the charge was given to Ruth and the congregation by Helen.  As we were reminded that all are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, we left the service feeling uplifted and ready to support Ruth and each other.

We are reminded on days of great celebration of the Hope, Joy, Love and Peace that we all share together and that we have to share with our surrounding community and those who are in need.

Robert Millington

On behalf of the Taree Congregation