South Sydney Uniting Church is ecumenical (e.g. supporting the National and World Council of Churches) and inclusive,
affirming the gifts of people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and identities. We seek peace with justice,
and the integrity of creation. We celebrate a service of Word and Sacrament (Eucharist) each Sunday at 10am.

"We acknowledge the traditional owners of this land: the Gadigal people of the Eora nation."

56a Raglan Street
Waterloo NSW 2017
Phone/Fax: 02 9319 1373

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Rev. Andrew Collis
Mobile: 0438 719 470

Homily by the Rev. Brian Woodhouse
Season of Creation - Storm Sunday, Year C
South Sydney Uniting Church
September 15, 2019

Job 28: 12-28; Psalm 29: 1-11; 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31; Luke 8: 22-25

‘Hope in the storms of life’

From Psalm 29 we learn that storms are a metaphor for the conflicts of life. The voice of God is heard in thunder, wind-storms, earthquake and bushfire. This hymn was used liturgically in the celebration of military victory where the “voice” of Adonai is powerful over the natural elements, and, therefore, the nature deities of the surrounding nations. Baal, the pagan god the Israelites returned to in times of affluence and trouble, was a fertility deity. By invoking the voice of Adonai speaking through the forces of nature, the triumph of Adonai over the nature gods was affirmed.

Job 28 is a hymn celebrating the divine mystery of wisdom. Digging into the depths of the earth, as miners do in search of gold, gemstones and precious metals, will not uncover the depths and foundations of wisdom. It is more precious than gold or gemstones, and its mystery even eludes death and the custodian of the gates of the place of the dead. Its power can be discerned in natural disasters, but it is hidden from the sight of the birds of prey who watch and observe everything on the face of the earth. Wisdom is hidden in the divine and is only granted in tiny part to those humans who acknowledge the rightful place of the divine in their own lives and in the world.

1 Corinthians continues the paradoxical dialogue about the nature of the wisdom of God. In the arrogance and pride of the young believers in Corinth, who inadvertently embraced the pride of their Greek heritage and history of their city and who used that pride to justify their own competitiveness, the deficiency of human wisdom is exposed. Paul ingeniously built an argument by which their pride was revealed and they were brought to their rightful place, the lowest of all peoples. The wisdom of humans is not equated with divine wisdom.

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All Welcome
The church, hall and garden are accessible by way of paths and ramps. The toilets, sinks and shower, located in the hall, are wheelchair accessible. Please ask if further assistance is required.

The Orchard Gallery (artist run space) invites applications for exhibitions

Local healthy food. Subscribe & Pick Up Right Here At The Church
Tuesdays 5:30-6.30pm.

The South Sydney Herald Independent Newspaper

Donations in support
of our ministries are gratefully received
UCA South Sydney
BSB: 634 634
Acc: 100048727

This month – September

Sing for Creation: Saturday, September 28. 12:45pm workshop for singers and musicians on the songs of Taize. 5pm prayer vigil for Creation in the spirit of Taize. At Pitt St Uniting Church. More Details.

Thanksgiving for Creation: Sunday September 29, 10am at the Church. A special service of worship includes Blessing of Animals. Followed by vegetarian lunch, gold coin donation. More Details.

Children's Activities: Sunday, September 1 & 15, 10am. During church services, activities for children.

Gospel Conversation: Sunday, September 1, 12-1pm at the Church.

Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, September 7, 12pm meet at the Church. Bring along a favourite piece of writing and/or something you’ve written. All welcome.

Contemplation/Meditation: Sunday, September 8, 12-1pm in the Church.

Bible Study: Thursday, September 12, 7-9pm at the manse. A light supper will be served, all welcome!

Art Class: Saturday, September 14 & 28, 12-4pm in the Church Hall. Gold coin donation.

Birthday Celebrations and Informal Lunch: Sunday, September 15, following the church service. After church during morning tea enjoy cake and celebrate with everyone having a birthday this month.

Liturgy Resource / Worship Planning: Sunday, September 15, 12pm at the Church.

Music Jam: Friday, September 20, 3-4:30pm in the Church. A time to learn, share and workshop songs. Bring your instrument and ideas.

Pastoral Care: Saturday, September 21 for Elders.

Choir Practice: Sunday, September 22, 12-1:30pm at the Church.

Next month – October

Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, October 5, 12pm meet at the Church. Bring along a favourite piece of writing and/or something you’ve written. All welcome.

Children's Activities: Sunday, October 6 & 20, 10am. During church services, activities for children.

Gospel Conversation: Sunday, October 6, 12-1pm at the Church.

Bible Study: Thursday, October 10, 7-9pm at the manse. A light supper will be served, all welcome!

Art Class: Saturday, October 12 & 26, 12-4pm in the Church Hall. Gold coin donation.

Contemplation/Meditation: Sunday, October 13, 12-1pm in the Church.

Music Jam: Friday, October 18, 3-4:30pm in the Church. A time to learn, share and workshop songs. Bring your instrument and ideas.

Pastoral Care: Saturday, October 19 for Elders.

Birthday Celebrations and Informal Lunch: Sunday, October 20, following the church service. After church during morning tea enjoy cake and celebrate with everyone having a birthday this month.

Liturgy Resource / Worship Planning: Sunday, October 20, 12pm at the Church.

Choir Practice: Sunday, October 27, 12-1:30pm at the Church.

Sing for Creation: Saturday, September 28 at Pitt St Uniting Church.

Thanksgiving for Creation: Sunday September 29, 10am. A special service of worship includes Blessing of Animals.