Liturgies

This week we join the National Campaign to save our Native Forests. They need protecting because we know it is one of the most effective ways to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises. We know first hand in Australia that the increase in drought and extreme bush fires make it imperative to protect and restore our Native Forests.

This weekend Mark Taylor has agreed to be interviewed by Terry. As we did last year with Ingerid, Marg and Liz in his interviews with them. It is an opportunity to get to know our community members a little more, to find out what inspires and motivates them, and what keeps them up at night.

To mark National Homelessness Week, Terry interviews Karyn Walsh to talk about how Micah Projects has been addressing this crisis.

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.