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

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

Church and hall bookings
On Sundays, the church, hall and garden are used exclusively for the worship and ministry activities of South Sydney Uniting Church. From Monday to Saturday we offer our church and hall for the use of others. Read More

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, worship services, in-person gatherings, and uses of our church by external groups are suspended. Please be assured of our commitment to maintaining connection across distance, adapting to safety restrictions, providing pastoral care for people experiencing anxiety, danger or fear, and expressing kindness in new ways.  Read More

Homily
Outback Sunday, Season of Creation
South Sydney Uniting Church
September 20, 2020

Matthew 3:13 - 4:11; Mark 1:9-13

‘Dancing in the desert sand’

Coloured Stone is a band from the Koonibba mission, west of Ceduna, South Australia. Their distinctive sound is described as “desert reggae”. Mirning singer-songwriter Bunna Lawrie and band perform using electric guitar, bass, drums, yidaki or didjeridu, bundawuthada (gong stone) and clap sticks.

I’m listening to “Wild Desert Rose”, Bunna’s tribute to the desert flowers, one of the stunning sights that make his home country such a special place. The sparkling lead guitar and joyful backing vocals conjure a stunning image of the outback.

“Don’t grow where no rain or snow / Don’t grow where no river flows / Don’t grow where no waterhole / Only where the north wind blows / Oh, wild desert rose ... Dancing in the desert sand / Swaying from side while you stand / The desert is your paradise / Under the sun and blue skies / Oh, wild desert rose …” God be with you …

The song, and album of the same name (1988), pay tribute to the extraordinary resilience of plants (and animals) that thrive in extreme conditions; Indigenous people and culture too. It is a song of encouragement for any who find themselves close to giving up. Life and beauty survive; light up an entire landscape.

I remember driving across the Nullabor with my family. I must have been about 10. We had a bright yellow Valiant station wagon (soon turned orange by the red dust). It was thrilling to watch for emus and kangaroos, to stop at night and set up camp with a fire for tea and damper.

The song, like all good songs, causes various figures, ideas and times to interact with each other …

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