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

Map

Rev. Andrew Collis
Mobile: 0438 719 470

Homily
Easter 5, Year C
South Sydney Uniting Church
May 19, 2019

Psalm 148; John 13:31-35

‘A new commandment amid mayhem’

Our gospel reading features one of the New Testament’s most elegant refrains. Jesus says: “I give you a new commandment: Love one another.” God be with you …

Scholars debate the newness of the command. Isn’t this the ancient commandment to love one’s neighbour as oneself? (Leviticus 19:18). And, certainly, Jesus desires that love of God and love of neighbour remain entwined (Matthew 22:36-40). There is no religious commitment without ethical implication. There is no ethical commitment without religious implication. Faith is the good we do, how we do it, and most deeply, the power by which we enact goodness.

Jesus is a faithful Jew, a faithful Pharisee even. Christian and Jewish scholars concur – the so-called new commandment renews an old command. Rabbi Hillel said something very similar (within a century of Jesus’ teaching). Hillel said: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow: this is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn.” And elsewhere Jesus says: “Treat others as you would have them treat you” (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31).

From the mid-seventeenth century we have ascribed to this ancient commandment the term “ethic of reciprocity” or “golden rule”.

Read More

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

This month – May

Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, May 4, 12pm meet at the Church. Bring along a favourite piece of writing and/or something you’ve written. All welcome.

Children's Activities: Sunday, May 5 & 19, 10am. During church services, activities for children.

Gospel Conversation: Sunday, May 5, 12-1pm at the Church.

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

Art Class: Saturday, May 11 & 25, 12-4pm in the Church Hall. Gold coin donation.

Pastoral Care: Saturday, May 18 for Elders.

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

Birthday Celebrations and Informal Lunch: Sunday, May 19, following the church service. After church during morning tea enjoy cake and celebrate with everyone having a birthday this month and then stay for an informal and affordable lunch. There is a "lunch box" for donations to help facilitate – your contribution is much appreciated.

Church Council: Tuesday, May 21, 6 for 6:30pm at the Church.

Worship Planning: Sunday, May 26, 12pm at the Church.

Next month – June

Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, June 1, 12pm meet at the Church. Bring along a favourite piece of writing and/or something you’ve written. All welcome.

Children's Activities: Sunday, June 2 & 16, 10am. During church services, activities for children.

Gospel Conversation: Sunday, June 2, 12-1pm at the Church.

Art Class: Saturday, June 8 & 22, 12-4pm in the Church Hall. Gold coin donation.

Contemplation/Meditation: Sunday, June 9, 12-1pm in the Church.

Bible Study: Thursday, June 13, 7-9pm at the manse. A light supper will be served, all welcome!

Pastoral Care: Saturday, June 15 for Elders.

Birthday Celebrations and Informal Lunch: Sunday, June 16, following the church service. After church during morning tea enjoy cake and celebrate with everyone having a birthday this month and then stay for an informal and affordable lunch. There is a "lunch box" for donations to help facilitate – your contribution is much appreciated.

Church Council: Tuesday, June 18, 6 for 6:30pm at the Church.

Worship Planning: Sunday, June 23, 12pm at the Church.