Liturgies

We celebrate National Tree Day this Sunday. As the planet warms up the planting and care of trees will become even more important. Care of trees was very important to the first peoples of this land.

David discusses Pentecostalism and other types of Christianity which depend on belief in Predestination - the doctrine that people who accept the word of God will get to Heaven. Does this contradict the SMX view that right action (orthopraxy) is more important than right belief (orthodoxy)?

Significant communal rituals which celebrate key moments in our lives can inspire each of us to live fuller lives. Today we speak of one such ritual, Baptism. In our liturgies this weekend we will explore how SMX understands the relevance of baptism when experienced in a meaningful contemporary way

As we come to the end of NAIDOC week we recognise that the First Nations people of this country face a difficult three months as the Australian people prepare to vote in a referendum on whether they will have a voice enshrined in our constitution to government and parliament on matters concerning them. It is important that each of us is aware of the significance that this vote is for the well-being of our country and that each of us do all we can to bring about a positive outcome.

This year’s theme for NAIDOC week – FOR OUR ELDERS – acknowledges and highlights the vital role Elders have as cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors and leaders. Aboriginal Elders have struggled since colonisation to maintain their land and to retain autonomy and some voice in the management of their affairs. In today’s liturgy we will witness some of the history of the struggles Aboriginal people have had since colonisation to find a voice and be heard and respected as a people.

In our liturgy this week we will be focusing on one of Jesus’ central invitations, that is from the Greek word, to metanoia. In inviting us to do this he encourages us to transcend the busy judging mind to move into stillness and presence with the spirit and the Beloved.

Our homilist, Penny Wearne talks about what she and a small group of volunteers do as they support and advocate for refugees and people seeking asylum in and around the Brisbane area and beyond. Whilst exploring the theme of Finding Freedom, she shares some facts, perspectives and lived experiences from the journey walking beside refugees and the reality of their lives.

In our liturgy this week as we continue the themes of World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, we hear from Damon Gameau. He begins his talk by stating that clearly ecological collapse is one of the greatest challenges of our times. We've long looked to science, politics and business for solutions, but perhaps we also need to be looking to storytelling. What role do stories play in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss? Can we tell a new, but old, story about humans and nature that will reshape our world for the better?

Homilist Mark Thomson is a SMX member, Micah Projects Board Member, and practising architect who will share some thoughts on linking”our spiritual environment” to ‘the world environment.'“

This weekend Terry will be speaking on the unitive nature of the Holy Spirit so central to this feast of Pentecost. This unitive and reconciling nature of the spirit will be most necessary in the hearts of many Australians as we attempt to achieve a First Nations Voice to Parliament later this year.