One of the things I choose to do in our worship at the Chapel is to follow the lectionary, the cycle of readings set in nearly all churches. One of the texts set for this past week included the words, 'for in Christ all things were created, all things in heaven and earth …all things hold together in Christ… and all things will be reconciled to God through Christ, everything in heaven and on earth.' (Colossians 1:11-20). This far more inclusive and all encompassing understanding of Christ is a long way removed from the belief that home is 'elsewhere' - not on this earth.
This past week's Scriptural text was fortuitous as we had quite an ecological theme with a fundraising film night for Bondi Responsible Runners and a talk at our 10am Sunday Service by Dr Miriam Pepper who is associated with the Uniting Earth Web.
This week also saw the announcement of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change. The Uniting Church has taken a consistent stand regarding the scientific reality of climate change at its Synod (NSW/ACT) held in April 2013 made the decision to disinvest from the carbon producing fossil fuel industry (coal & coal seam gas).
We will only take action of course when we passionately, in a heartfelt manner, develop a deep compassion and love for the earth - understanding it as far more than a resource for our exploitative use. We do need to be a tree hugger from time to time, to live in the mystery and wonder of creation. Only heart and head working together will ensure the planet's health.
In peace
Rev John
For more information:
- Dr Miriam Pepper - www.unitingearthweb.org.au
- Australian Religious Response to Climate Change - [email protected]
- Actual resolution from Synod - http://www.unitingearthweb.org.au/explore/gofossilfree
This past week's Scriptural text was fortuitous as we had quite an ecological theme with a fundraising film night for Bondi Responsible Runners and a talk at our 10am Sunday Service by Dr Miriam Pepper who is associated with the Uniting Earth Web.
This week also saw the announcement of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change. The Uniting Church has taken a consistent stand regarding the scientific reality of climate change at its Synod (NSW/ACT) held in April 2013 made the decision to disinvest from the carbon producing fossil fuel industry (coal & coal seam gas).
We will only take action of course when we passionately, in a heartfelt manner, develop a deep compassion and love for the earth - understanding it as far more than a resource for our exploitative use. We do need to be a tree hugger from time to time, to live in the mystery and wonder of creation. Only heart and head working together will ensure the planet's health.
In peace
Rev John
For more information:
- Dr Miriam Pepper - www.unitingearthweb.org.au
- Australian Religious Response to Climate Change - [email protected]
- Actual resolution from Synod - http://www.unitingearthweb.org.au/explore/gofossilfree