Dear Friends of the Chapel,
Today we remembered and celebrated the life of a woman who has not just been a user of the services at Norman Andrews House, but also a contributor to it's community life. As people gathered and spoke of her gentleness, laughter, patience, humility and guiding wisdom, it became clear that this had been a life well-lived and a contribution well made. Her mum flew from New Zealand to pack up her daughter's unit, close her life in Australia, have her cremated and take her back across the ditch. While with us her mum also shared warmly and courageously of the daughter who had achieved much in life and had secretly battled depression and 'dark times'. One thing that became clear as people shared was the safe place that Norman Andrews House is for restoration and renewal. Fran Wootten, one of the founders of Norman Andrews House, wrote that the person we were celebrating was the woman remembered for "becoming happier".
Having just returned from a meeting with Waverley Council, it is clear to see that they are keen to see their partnership with Norman Andrews House continue with Chapel By The Sea. Their trust in our work here and belief in the programs and care provided, only help us to say more clearly that the work of Norman Andrews house will be continuing for some time yet, in partnership between Waverley Council and Chapel By The Sea.
As I sat here last night trying to work, my attention was drawn to the kitchen in Ruby's Place. Sneaking out through the doors into the office area was the smell of something which had a name that sounded like it was good and wholesome, being cooked in cumin. That smell will always get my attention!
Every Wednesday night the Transition Towns - Transition Bondi community continue to meet here, cook and share in a meal, and participate in a presentation and discussion on sustainable living. It costs $15 for members to be part of the meal and if you live in the area, you will find the experience good for both body and soul.
Being Refugee week, let me remind you of these lines from the Lord's Prayer:
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
For the life of me I don't think I will ever be convinced that heaven-on-earth looks anything like the cruel, inhumane, steeped-in-fear and misinformation driven approach to refugees and people seeking asylum that has bipartisan and widespread support in Australian politics and the wider community. God forgive us, especially when we know exactly what we are doing.
My understanding is that we have booked over 60 people to come to the Watoto Choir on Friday night, July 4. This promises to be a wonderfully inspiring evening of song, colour and movement. Follow the link below to book your tickets now and come prepared to make a heart-felt donation. We hope to see you there!
http://www.chapelbythesea.org.au/chapel-events/july-watoto-childrens-choir.
Sunday services continue at 10am and 3pm. Sunday night Cafe Church is in recess at present.
Blessings,
Rev. Graham Anson.
[email protected]
Today we remembered and celebrated the life of a woman who has not just been a user of the services at Norman Andrews House, but also a contributor to it's community life. As people gathered and spoke of her gentleness, laughter, patience, humility and guiding wisdom, it became clear that this had been a life well-lived and a contribution well made. Her mum flew from New Zealand to pack up her daughter's unit, close her life in Australia, have her cremated and take her back across the ditch. While with us her mum also shared warmly and courageously of the daughter who had achieved much in life and had secretly battled depression and 'dark times'. One thing that became clear as people shared was the safe place that Norman Andrews House is for restoration and renewal. Fran Wootten, one of the founders of Norman Andrews House, wrote that the person we were celebrating was the woman remembered for "becoming happier".
Having just returned from a meeting with Waverley Council, it is clear to see that they are keen to see their partnership with Norman Andrews House continue with Chapel By The Sea. Their trust in our work here and belief in the programs and care provided, only help us to say more clearly that the work of Norman Andrews house will be continuing for some time yet, in partnership between Waverley Council and Chapel By The Sea.
As I sat here last night trying to work, my attention was drawn to the kitchen in Ruby's Place. Sneaking out through the doors into the office area was the smell of something which had a name that sounded like it was good and wholesome, being cooked in cumin. That smell will always get my attention!
Every Wednesday night the Transition Towns - Transition Bondi community continue to meet here, cook and share in a meal, and participate in a presentation and discussion on sustainable living. It costs $15 for members to be part of the meal and if you live in the area, you will find the experience good for both body and soul.
Being Refugee week, let me remind you of these lines from the Lord's Prayer:
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
For the life of me I don't think I will ever be convinced that heaven-on-earth looks anything like the cruel, inhumane, steeped-in-fear and misinformation driven approach to refugees and people seeking asylum that has bipartisan and widespread support in Australian politics and the wider community. God forgive us, especially when we know exactly what we are doing.
My understanding is that we have booked over 60 people to come to the Watoto Choir on Friday night, July 4. This promises to be a wonderfully inspiring evening of song, colour and movement. Follow the link below to book your tickets now and come prepared to make a heart-felt donation. We hope to see you there!
http://www.chapelbythesea.org.au/chapel-events/july-watoto-childrens-choir.
Sunday services continue at 10am and 3pm. Sunday night Cafe Church is in recess at present.
Blessings,
Rev. Graham Anson.
[email protected]